YSU grad, long-time teacher leaves $2.3M gift to establish scholarship

A woman who taught in the Youngstown Schools for three decades left a $2.3 million gift to her alma mater, YSU.

Bessie Veck, who passed away in January at the age of 96, left Youngstown State University an estate gift to establish a scholarship in her memory to support the students of Youngstown State University.

The endowment, to be held and managed by the YSU Foundation, will provide over $80,000 annually and support several students.

Those eligible for the scholarship can be undergraduate or graduate students enrolled part-time or full-time with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

In honor of Bessie’s career as a teacher, at least one recipient annually will be a student pursuing a career as a professional educator.

“Her legacy will continue to impact future generations, ensuring that they have the support they need to pursue their dreams. We are extremely grateful for her dedication to our community,” said Bill Johnson, YSU President.

Bessie Veck was born October 6, 1927, in Youngstown, Ohio. In her early years, she attended Taft School and later graduated from Youngstown College in 1950. Bessie finished her education at Columbia University in New York City with a master’s degree. Her professional career led her to teach for thirty years at Bennett Elementary School in Youngstown.

Planned giving is the process of a donor making arrangements for a charitable gift to be made after death through their estate plans. The plans can be included in a will, trust, or on account beneficiary forms with the YSU Foundation as the beneficiary.