The Youngstown State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is pleased to announce the creation of the John F. McCarthy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship to enhance the YSU Athletics Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The John F. McCarthy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established in the fall 2015 by his wife, Mary Lou McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy was an avid sports fan and collector of sports related books. He often attended the weekly football press conference luncheons and was a member of the Curbstone Coaches.
This scholarship will be awarded annually to recognize and applaud the efforts of a YSU football or basketball student-athlete. The student-athlete must maintain a GPA of 2.7 or above and be a native of the tri-county area which includes Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties.
The first recipient of the award is freshman tailback Joe Alessi, a native of North Lima, Ohio, and graduate of South Range High School.
Mary Lou McCarthy said endowing a scholarship to a Youngstown State student-athlete is something that John would be proud of.
“John was a big sports fan and enjoyed meeting athletes and personalities as a member of the Curbstone Coaches and being a YSU fan,” Mary Lou said. “This endowment will have an impact on a student-athlete. We always wished to play a role in someone’s athletic and academic career and this is the perfect way to do so.”
Paul McFadden, President of the YSU Foundation, said the McCarthy’s were fans of Youngstown State athletics as well as all the sports teams and personalities who make the Mahoning Valley great.
“John and Mary Lou enjoyed the Youngstown sports scene and this is a great way for them to have an impact on their community,” McFadden said. “We are thankful for their generous gift and this endowment will make an impact on the life of a student-athlete.”
For more information, or to endow an athletic scholarship at Youngstown State University, contact the YSU Foundation at (330) 941-3211 or pmcfadden@ysufoundation.org
