#LoveMusic Dr. Stephen L. Gage Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2023 by Gage family and friends of Dr. Stephen L. Gage. Dr. Gage served as Director of Bands and Orchestra at the Dana School of Music for 28 years from 1993-2021. During those years, he influenced the lives of thousands of students, helping them to develop their passion for music and honing their skills for sharing that passion. He constantly encouraged his students, present as well as former, to “be the music” and “dare to be great.” This scholarship continues that legacy by providing support for students who demonstrate Dr. Gage’s catchphrase “#lovemusic”. An eligible student(s) for this scholarship must be enrolled full-time in the Dana School of Music, majoring in music education or music performance. They must be an undergraduate student in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to student(s) performing in the band or orchestra program. Student(s) must write a 300-500 word essay. What does “love music” mean to you? How will you help others to “love music”? How would this scholarship help you pursue this? This essay and a letter of recommendation must be submitted to the Dean of the Cliffe College of Creative Arts.

88 Hearts for YSU

Professor of music Caroline Oltmanns established this scholarship in 2015 to provide an annual scholarship to a piano student in the Dana School of Music. The student must be majoring or minoring in piano and must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. The FAFSA form must be completed, as financial need is a consideration.

Anne A. Palick Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2022 by the Anne A. Palik Trust. Anne was a graduate of the Farrell High School class of 1946, and she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University. She also did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, Kent State University, and the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Anne taught at the Youngstown, Girard, and Canfield middle school districts, and she was a member of the Mahoning County Retired Teachers Association, the National Retired Teachers Association, and the AARP. She enjoyed gardening outside for her parish, SS Cyril and Methodius, and was named Volunteer of the Year in that parish. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be enrolled in the Dana School of Music and must be a resident of Youngstown, Ohio.

B. Carrol Cubbison Music Scholarship

This scholarship was established in January 1985 by Atty. Theodore R. Cubbison to honor his wife, B. Carrol Cubbison. Recipients of this scholarship must be undergraduates enrolled in the Dana School of Music who are majoring in Music Performance — Voice Track or Music Education — Vocal Track. A completed FAFSA is required, as financial need must be demonstrated.

Barbara A. Krauss Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the friends of Barbara and the many loyal listeners to WYSU FM 88.5 on the campus of Youngstown State University. Barbara was a 1974 graduate of YSU and the longtime host of Classical Music with Barbara Krauss on WYSU, after launching her career there while being a student at the Dana School of Music. All eligible students for this scholarship must be enrolled in the Dana School of Music, majoring in Music Recording and Technology and carrying a minimum 2.8 GPA.

Beverly McKinstry Kay Music Education Scholarship

The Beverly McKinstry Kay Music Education Scholarship is established to provide financial assistance, in perpetuity, to students determined to pursue a career in music. This scholarship has been funded by a gift from the Beverly M. Kay Music Education Fund, as instituted by contributions from organizational donors, and from family and friends of Beverly M. Kay. This scholarship is to provide monetary aid to deserving music majors enrolled in the Dana School of Music who have indicated a propensity to spread the joy of music to others, whether as a performer, conductor, composer, or educator, thus perpetuating the enthusiasm for music disseminated by Beverly M. Kay during her lifetime.

Dana School of Music Appreciation Scholarship

This scholarship was established in appreciation of former faculty members of the Dana School of Music. Recipients of this scholarship must be enrolled full-time in the Dana School of Music with a minimum 3.0 GPA and have a completed FAFSA, as financial need will be considered.

Doris I. Dalrymple Award

Doris I. Dalrymple Award is given to an outstanding ensemble participant.

Dusi Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Dusi Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 with an endowment from Joseph Dusi, Sr. The scholarship provides an award for students in the Dana School of Music who demonstrate musical talent in any area in the study of music.

Eleanor Pershing Dana School of Music Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Eleanor Pershing by her family and daughter, Lenore. Eleanor studied piano performance at Westminster College. She then taught piano, but never played professionally. At home she loved to play Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Her husband played percussion in big bands in the area. They enjoyed going to concerts of all kinds during their marriage, including the symphony and opera. This scholarship in memory of Eleanor has been established to help a young aspiring musician on their educational journey in achieving their dream of a career in music. An eligible student for this scholarship must be an undergraduate student attending full-time, majoring in Music or Music Performance — Piano Track. The student must also maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and preference will be given to students from Mahoning County.

Esotto and Vera Pellegrini Brass Scholarship

The Esotto and Vera Pellegrini Brass Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding brass student who is enrolled full-time, maintains a 3.0 GPA, and is a member of a major ensemble.

Fine and Performing Arts Dean's Scholarship

Three awards are given each year to outstanding seniors.

Friends of Music Award

The Friends of Music Award is given annually to two outstanding students in the field of music.

Gary Friedkin Scholarship for the Dana School of Music

This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Gary Friedkin, an accomplished musician, actor, and proud graduate of the Dana School of Music. Gary, also known as “Kishka” to his childhood friends, was born Nov. 23, 1952, in Youngstown, Ohio. Gary, an achondroplasia dwarf, was short of stature, but overcame many obstacles and excelled in his profession. Gary was born to entertain. While in high school, he was a member of multiple school and local bands. Playing piano and percussion by ear, his talent was exceptional. Gary went on to receive his formal training from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. Gary later moved to Los Angeles and began an acting career that would span for four decades. This scholarship has been created in recognition of those with a disability and a passion for the performing arts. To receive this scholarship, you must be an undergraduate student enrolled in the Dana School of Music with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

George A. Gabler Music Scholarship

This scholarship was established through an estate gift from Mr. Gabler to provide scholarships to students attending the Dana School of Music who are pursuing a major in piano. Eligible student(s) must be enrolled in the Dana School of Music and must be majoring in piano by pursuing a B.M. in Music Performance (piano track), a B.M. in Music Education, a B.M. in Composition, or a B.M. in Jazz Studies.

Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship

The Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a sophomore YSU student majoring in fine arts or the humanities. The recipient must demonstrate involvement in extra-curricular activities. A 3.4 minimum GPA is a requirement.

Grossman and Ryerson Jazz Performance Scholarship

Robert and Susan Grossman and Ali Ryerson established this scholarship in 2020 to provide annual scholarships to a student pursuing a Bachelor of Music Performance, Jazz Track in the YSU Jazz Studies program in the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. The purpose of this endowment is to perpetuate the legacy of the YSU Jazz Studies Program and pay tribute to the family’s parents, brother, and sister, Rose Marie (Ryerson) Grossman and Art Ryerson in appreciation for their lifelong support of our musical pursuits. Ali Ryerson is an internationally renowned jazz flutist, recording artist, educator, and composer. Robert and Susan Grossman have performed and taught music in central Ohio for close to fifty years. An eligible student(s) for this scholarship must be a music major enrolled in the Dana School of Music pursuing a Bachelor of Music Performance, Jazz Track degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Herman C. Ritter Scholarship for the Violin

The Herman C. Ritter Scholarship for the Violin is an endowment from the estate of Miss Juliet L. Ritter and was made available in 1957. The annual income provides a scholarship for a needy student who intends to make a career of music and shows particular promise on the violin.

J. Paul Good Family Scholarship

This scholarship fund was first created in 1999 in memory of J. Paul Good's wife, Patricia S. Good. After J. Paul's passing in 2011, the scholarship's name was amended to honor both husband and wife. In 2015 their daughter Charlotte A. Good, a continuous supporter of this endowment, enlisted the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC) to provide two scholarships, equal in amount, to continue in perpetuity. The first scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of South Range High School, including students who attend MCCTC, and who live in the South Range School District. First priority will be given to incoming freshmen majoring in music, theatre, art, and education. Should there be no suitable applicants within those stated majors, an applicant with a differing major could be chosen to receive the award. The second scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman who is a graduate of MCCTC. With the awarding of the second scholarship, there is no major field of study or residential requirement. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.

Joseph Edwards Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor Joseph Edwards by his friends and family. Joseph received a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Youngstown State University, where he started as a faculty member at the Dana School of Music in 1969 and ultimately became Dean of the College of Creative Arts and Communication, retiring in 2009. Students applying for this scholarship must be enrolled in the Dana School of Music, attending full-time with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The FAFSA form must be completed, as financial need will be a consideration.

Katherine McDowell Wilson Music Scholarship

The Katherine McDowell Wilson Music Scholarship is supported through the income from an endowment from the estate of Katharine Wilson in memory of her sister, Miss Bessie Wilson. This award is used for scholarships for music students. Applications may be sent to Dr. Joe Carucci, Director of the Dana School of Music, who makes student recommendations to the Scholarship Committee.

Larue R. Boals Scholarship

The Larue R. Boals Scholarship was established in 1961 and is awarded to a student in the Dana School of Music.

Mary Carroll Hartwig Scholarship

The Mary Carroll Hartwig Scholarship is awarded to a full-time female student in the Dana School of Music who is studying piano. The student must exhibit exceptional talent, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. First preference will be given to an individual of Irish descent who lives in Mahoning County.

Mary P. Rigo Memorial Scholarship

The Mary P. Rigo Memorial Scholarship was established in 1986. This endowment will be awarded to students in the Dana School of Music who have completed 95 hours. Students must be music majors with emphasis in keyboard instruments. Selection is made on the basis of talent and will be determined by the Dana School of Music faculty. Students must be residents of Mahoning County.

Michael Abrams Memorial Scholarship

The Michael Abrams Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student majoring in Vocal Performance at the Dana School of Music to commemorate his lifelong love of the opera.

Miriam S. Ullman Scholarship

The Miriam S. Ullman Scholarship is provided annually by the Monday Musical Club of Youngstown. It is intended primarily for students who attend the Dana School of Music.

Nellie P. Nick Music Scholarship

The Nellie P. Nick Music Scholarship was established in 1971 by Mildred N. Graebing in memory of her mother, Nellie P. Nick, in recognition of her 100th birthday anniversary. The income from an endowment makes possible annual awards to deserving female students in the Dana School of Music.

Palguta - Eicher Dana School of Music Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2021 by Edward Palguta and his wife, Mary Lou Eicher. Born in Youngstown, Edward graduated from Woodrow Wilson and then attended YSU for two years before enlisting in the U.S Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He later attended Ohio University and earned a degree in Communications, which led to a career in Television and Communications spanning over 40 years. Mary Lou also attended YSU, where she earned a B.S.A. and B.S.E. in Education. She spent 42 years serving the Youngstown Diocesan School system as both a teacher and a guidance counselor. Mary Lou and Edward both value the importance of education and music in the lives of all young people. Their hope is that this scholarship will help YSU students in the Dana School of Music for years to come. To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be enrolled full-time in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, majoring in Music, Music Composition, Music Education, or Music Performance. The student must also carry a 3.0 GPA and have a completed FAFSA. Preference will be given to a student from the Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana counties.

Raridon - King Choral Art Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Holly King-Swartz in 2023 in honor of Dr. Wade “Doc” Raridon, who taught at the Dana School of Music for over 40 years. He founded the Dana Chorale and the Dana Madrigal Singers during his tenure. In addition to building a choral program of excellence, he taught music theory, choral literature, diction, and vocal performance. Holly King-Swartz received a generous scholarship to the Dana School of Music in 1986 and studied with Dr. Raridon to pursue music education and broaden her vocal gift. She saw him as a passionate instructor and a generous mentor who significantly impacted her, and over the past 50 years, musicians, students, and community members have been grateful recipients of Dr. Wade Raridon’s persistent passion for excellence in the choral arts. Holly desires to “pay it forward” to ensure it continues by providing opportunities for incoming students to find the same passion and joy for music as she experienced through Doc Raridon. To receive this scholarship, you must be an undergraduate student majoring in Music Education — Vocal Track or Music Performance — Voice Track with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Richard A. Martin and Aurora Ragaini-Martin Piano Scholarship

The Richard A. Martin and Aurora Ragaini-Martin Piano Scholarship was given by a YSU graduate who, with her husband's support, dedicated her life to teaching and playing the piano professionally. The recipient will be the outstanding graduate who has demonstrated excellence in the field of piano and intends to continue in this field. This is an undergraduate graduation award. Students cannot apply for this.

Robert E. Michael Dana School of Music Piano Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Robert E. Michael and his love for music. Robert passed away in 2013 at the age of 95. Mr. Michael was from Lowellville and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. He served in WWII before being honorably discharged in 1945. He then earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio State University before attending graduate school at Westminster College. Robert went on to have a successful career as a high school teacher. He always had a passion for classical music and chose to study Music Theory at YSU in his retirement. An eligible student for this scholarship must be enrolled in the Dana School of Music. Preference will be given to a student whose instrument of study is the piano.

Robert W. Michael Dana School of Music Guitar Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Robert W. Michael and his love for music. Robert was born in Lowellville, Ohio, and graduated from Ursuline High School before attending Youngstown State University. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1983. He was employed at Roth Brothers and Winkle Electric for many years, and also was a member of the Mahoning County Farm Bureau. An eligible student for this scholarship must be enrolled in the Dana School of Music; preference will be given to a student whose instrument of study is the guitar.

Rose and Joseph Dusi, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Rose and Joseph Dusi, Sr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the Dana School of Music.

Rudy and Wealthie Prince Scholarship

Rudy and Wealthie Prince Scholarship is a renewable scholarship to assist a worthy and needy student studying music at the Dana School of Music at YSU. The selection is made by the scholarship committee of the Dana School of Music.

SAI Honor Certificate

SAI Honor Certificate is a music award given to the graduating Sigma Alpha Iota women's fraternity member with the highest grade point average.

Senator Harry Meshel Scholarship in Jazz

The Senator Harry Meshel Scholarship is awarded to a jazz major with a minimum 2.7 GPA. The student must reside in the tri-county area of Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties in Ohio and matriculate to YSU.

Szymanski-Pisegna Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2022 to honor two Dana School of Music alumni for their 50th wedding anniversary. The intent of the scholarship is to help students in the Dana School of Music based on performance. An eligible student for this scholarship must be pursuing a degree in Piano Performance, Piano Education, Trumpet Performance, or Trumpet Education. One scholarship per year will be awarded to a piano student, and one scholarship per year will be awarded to a trumpet student, based on performance. Students must be a US Citizen, a junior or senior in class standing, enrolled full-time, with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Thomas N. Kilmko Scholarship

The Thomas N. Klimko scholarship is awarded to students majoring in Music Performance at the Dana School of Music in the Cliffe College of Creative Arts. The recipient must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students from Mahoning County. If no Mahoning County student is eligible, then students from the state of Ohio will be considered. Financial need is a consideration and a FAFSA must be completed. Students are required to submit a letter on their plans for the future with the application.

Vincent James Obnibene Memorial Clarinet Scholarship

This scholarship was created by the family and friends of James “Jim” Ognibene. Jim received his Master of Music from YSU’s Dana School of Music in 1978 and went on to spend 33 years as principal bass clarinetist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York City. His playing can be heard on many Grammy Award-winning Metropolitan Opera recordings, and could also be heard on many Emmy Award-winning TV broadcasts. Jim served four years in the military as a member of the U.S. Marine Band and the White House Orchestra, in addition to instructing at the Juilliard School of Music. To be eligible for this scholarship a student must be a Clarinet major who is enrolled in the Dana School of Music with a minimum of 2.5 GPA.