Marilyn and Robert O’Leary have been friendly faces and given many generous contributions to YSU Athletics and Youngstown State University for a long time.
Life-long Penguin fans, the O’Leary’s contribute to the athletic department in numerous ways.
The two have shown their support by being basketball season-ticket holders for more than 50 years and have held football season tickets for over 30.
The O’Leary’s also created an Athletic Department Operating Endowment for the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Robert is a member of the Penguin Club Board of Trustees with a term that goes through 2011. The two are also Champions Level members of the Penguin Club - the highest donor level possible within the organization.
The Athletic Department awards a Robert and Marilyn O’Leary Scholarship which was created in 2005.
The scholarship was established by the two, along with their children Denise, Brian, Alan and Carole. As prominent members of the Youngstown business community and long-time Penguin fans, Bob and Marilyn have created this endowment with the hopes a YSU student-athlete with the same drive for success and commitment to Youngstown State University that they have demonstrated through the years. This scholarship will be awarded to student-athletes who compete in an Olympic sport and are majoring in business.
They were also the leading contributors in the remodeling of the Coaches Court in the Beeghly Center, a beautiful room for members of the Courtside Coaches Club to gather before and during basketball games.
On campus, they contributed $100,000 to the Andrew Recreation and Wellness Center which opened in September 2005. The walking bridge in the facility has been named in their honor.
Robert and Marilyn credit three individuals for helping their passion for YSU grow. Joe Malmisur introduced them to YSU athletics, Marty Dorris introduced them to the Penguin Club and Dr. Robert Morrison introduced them to the class for Seniors.
One of their fondest memories was being at the 1991 National Championship Game in Statesboro, Ga., when Youngstown State beat Marshall 25-17 for the school’s first title.
Robert’s heart has always been part of the school. He attended YSU earning a degree in business and economics.
Robert currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for Patterson Buckeye Inc. He is the retried chairman of the board for Miller Buckeye Biscuit Co. At Miller, his business grew from 50 to more than 300 employees.
Robert and Marilyn, who are both graduates of South High School, reside in Canfield. They have four children Denise, Brian, Alan and Carole along with four grandsons and two granddaughters.
