YSU ignites the semester
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YOUNGSTOWN -- Incoming Youngstown State University freshman Adrianna Holden hopes to major in studio art, and she wasted no time cutting to the colorful chase.
"I hope someday to become a storybook artist," Holden, of Youngstown, said. "I really like the art program here."
She was referring to a primary enticement and incentive that drew her to select YSU as her higher education choice over several other colleges. YSU's art program ultimately was the selling point, she added.
Holden, a 2026 Chaney High School graduate who intends to have an animation studio, also was among the new students who attended the annual IGNITE event Thursday afternoon next to Stambaugh Stadium and elsewhere around campus to welcome and help acclimate new students to university life while building excitement and momentum for the new school year.
IGNITE, one of YSU's largest on-campus events, gives new students an opportunity to connect with one another and find needed resources.
Holden was able to paint a likeness of Kirby on a small rock that was among those the YSU Dental Clinic made available. Kirby is a pink, round and titular Nintendo video game hero that made its debut in 1992.
The rocks were for students to paint messages of kindness and affirmations, then be spread around campus, Dana Jordan, a lecturer in the dental hygiene program, said. Also, some students took their personalized rocks home, she added.
For Ace Kistler of Youngstown, practicality was a key selling point.
"It's close to home and affordable. It's a big, big community here at YSU, and it's not hard to make new friends. I've made quite a few already," said Kistler, who graduated in June from Ohdela Academy, an online school for those in kindergarten through grade 12. He plans to major in forensic science and have forensic toxicology as a career.
A number of campus organizations and offerings greeted the new freshmen during IGNITE's 90-minute First Year Fest in a parking lot adjacent to the football field, which also took on a celebratory tone. They included the Office of Veterans Affairs, YSU's Pre-Veterinary Society, the Rich Center for Autism, the Black Students Union, Student Nurses Association, the Arab American Student Association and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Also readily available were a variety of services for students who are struggling with physical, emotional and mental challenges.
Gina McGranahan, YSU's Accessibility Services' director, noted that accommodations are offered to students with physical, learning and psychological challenges, as well as medical conditions and hearing or visual impairments. New students need to provide documentation to receive services, she said, adding that they are not intended to alter any classroom requirements.
"We can't modify anything; we can only accommodate," McGranahan continued, adding that the services also are available to those attending YSU's Steubenville campus.
"We do free, confidential mental health therapy for YSU students," Emily Scott, a counselor in YSU's student counseling services, said.
Such services are valuable, especially during times of peak stress such as just before and during final exams, she noted.
Around 10% of the student population has taken advantage of the office's offerings, Francine Packard, director, said, adding that she has spoken to all first-year classes to get new students familiar with the resource.
"We're trying to recruit students and their parents to come in for the free program we offer," Jordan said, referring to the dental clinic.
The program takes up to 24 students per cohort, then they begin to see patients during the second week of the semester, she added.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic at 330-941-3342.
YSU seniors and mechanical engineering majors Will Frantz, Emma George and James McGlone also were on hand to talk to incoming freshmen about the opportunities available for those who choose to be in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Such majors provide plenty of hands-on experiences, which makes students more marketable in the workplace and the region's industry, they said.
For their part, McGlone, George and Frantz were among the 12 students who each had a pivotal role in designing a Penguin Baja racing vehicle, which they had on display for Thursday's IGNITE event.
In addition to being an attractive addition, the vehicle opened the door for new students to inquire about design, mechanics, sales and other important applications for those interested in being part of YSU's STEM program and mechanical engineering, they said.
The Baja racing team also has received numerous awards and national recognition.