YOUNGSTOWN — Two Youngstown State University graduates have donated a total of $500,000 to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign.

George Young, co-founder of Kalypso, has pledged a gift of $400,000. In recognition of Young’s commitment, the Student Activities Suites will be named the Dr. George Young Student Activities Suites.

“This pledge is just the latest example of how YSU is transforming into a modern, forward-thinking institution,” said YSU President Bill Johnson. “As we continue to lead the way in providing innovative and collaborative spaces for students, Dr. Young’s gift will make a significant contribution to the future of this university.”

Scott Schulick, chair of the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign, praised Young’s generosity.

“Dr. Young’s remarkable gift and support for YSU will have a lasting impact on students,” Schulick said. “The naming of the Dr. George Young Student Activities Suites will serve as a reminder of his dedication to both education and the YSU community.”

Young’s connection to YSU runs deep. He is the son of Dr. Warren Young, founder of YSU’s Ward Beecher Planetarium and a retired professor of physics and astronomy. Previously, George Young established the Dr. Warren M. Young Chair in Physics and Astronomy at the YSU Foundation with a $1.5 million endowment.

Young’s professional journey includes earning a BS in chemistry from YSU, a PhD in Organic Chemistry from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Rice University. In 2004, he co-founded Kalypso, a management consulting firm focused on digital transformation, and served as CEO until its acquisition by Rockwell Automation. He now serves as Vice President of Global Digital and Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation.

SECOND DONATION

Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim CEO of Lake to River and former president of Sweeney Chevrolet and Sweeney Buick GMC in Youngstown, along with her husband, Josh Blackann, have made a gift of $100,000 to the Kilcawley campaign.

In recognition of their commitment to YSU, the West Spring Street Entrance to the Kilcawley Center will be named the Sweeney Blackann Family Entrance.

Scott Schulick, Chair of the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign, expressed his gratitude for the Blackanns’ support. “Alexa and Josh’s generous gift and commitment to YSU are invaluable,” said Schulick. “Alexa’s leadership as a member of the Kilcawley Center Campaign Cabinet and her family’s dedication to both the YSU community and the Mahoning Valley will leave a lasting impact, and the naming of the Sweeney Blackann Family Entrance will serve as a lasting tribute to their contributions.”

Sweeney Blackann’s involvement in the community and leadership extends beyond her professional career. A current YSU Foundation Board Member, Sweeney Blackann is deeply connected to Youngstown State University through her family’s legacy. Her grandfather, Robert Sweeney, served as a YSU Foundation Trustee from 1992 to 2001, and her father, Doug Sweeney, served as a YSU Foundation Trustee from 2014 to 2023.

“Josh and Alexa Sweeney Blackann’s generous donation to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future campaign underscores their clear understanding of the importance of addressing student needs at Youngstown State University. This contribution will help sustain Kilcawley Center as a hub of innovation and collaboration, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for future generations of students to learn, grow and connect,” said YSU President Bill Johnson. “The naming of the Sweeney Blackann Family Entrance is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to and her lasting impact on the YSU community.”

In addition to her philanthropic work, Sweeney Blackann serves on numerous boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland advisory council, Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, Board of Trustees for The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and more. The Sweeney family has contributed over $1 million to YSU, establishing the Patricia McGovern Sweeney Professorship in Nursing.

Blackann holds a BSBA in marketing management from Youngstown State University and is a graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy. Josh holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from YSU. The couple resides in Poland with their four children.