While 1908 is viewed as the year of Youngstown State University's birth, its heritage extends further back in time. In 1884, a chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in the steel-producing city of Youngstown, Ohio. While noted today for addressing the physical fitness needs of young men, the YMCA was once also very concerned about their mental fitness. As such, the Y provided classes where instruction was provided in practical subjects, such as English, mathematics, and law. The Youngstown branch was quite active in promoting these educational opportunities. In 1908 it offered a bachelors-level course in law, now considered the foundation of YSU.
Youngstown State University began as a series of courses offered by the Youngstown YMCA. Beginning in 1908, bachelor-level courses (in law) were taught for the first time. As the institution evolved, it went through a number of name changes (Youngstown Institute of Technology, then Youngstown College), but maintained its formal connection to the YMCA. In 1944, however, Youngstown College became an independent private institution of higher learning. In 1955, it was renamed The Youngstown University, then, it became known as Youngstown State University in 1967, when it became a tax supported institution.
This collection contains documents covering the foundation of Youngstown State University, from the inception of the Youngstown YMCA in 1884 to changes in its corporate character in 1963. Documents include articles of incorporation, bylaws, correspondence, and meeting minutes.
Series Description Series I: Constitutions Series II: Correspondence Series III: Minutes Series IV: Subject Files
Youngstown State University, Founding Documents, 1 884- 1963, RG 0 1, Archives & Special Collections, William F. Maag, Jr. Library, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
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