YOUNGSTOWN  AVI Foodsystems and the Payiavlas family have donated $1 million to Youngstown State University's "Kilcawley: Centered on the Future" campaign. The donation supports the renovation of Kilcawley Center, a main student building on campus.

In recognition of the gift, the primary dining area in Kilcawley Center will be named "The Payiavlas Family Dining Commons."

YSU President Bill Johnson expressed thanks to the Payiavlas family for their ongoing support of the Mahoning Valley and the university's students. He noted that the gift will benefit many students by improving their dining experience.

The donation follows AVI Foodsystems' recent agreement to manage campus dining and hospitality services at YSU.

Anthony Payiavlas, president and CEO of AVI Foodsystems, said supporting YSU is important to his family as part of their community involvement. He described the Kilcawley campaign and YSU as causes that "will significantly impact the quality of life in our community."

Scott Schulick, who chairs the Kilcawley campaign, commented that dining services are a key part of student life, allowing students to connect and get healthy food options. He added that the gift from the Payiavlas family and AVI will "continue to feed the student experience."

AVI Foodsystems is a privately owned and family-operated food service company. It provides hospitality and food services in 49 states and Canada to various organizations, including colleges and universities. The company started in 1960 when John Payiavlas, Anthony's father, bought a small vending company.