YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown State University will have the means to become more beautiful.
A couple of YSU alumni have made plans to bequeath $1 million or more to the beautification of the campus.
Funds would be made available upon the deaths of Walter and Mary Healey of California, who said they have great memories of YSU and want to give something back to their alma mater.
"Even though we no longer live in Youngstown, it still has a very special place in our hearts and always will," Mary Healey said.
The Healeys have specified their future gift will be used for things such as installation and maintenance of shrubbery, flowers, benches, gazebos, sidewalks, patios, courtyards, sculptures, fountains and other items to help uplift and maintain the campus' appearance.
"I want to thank Walter and Mary for this very generous gift," said YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson. "This gift will allow us to ensure that we continue to enhance and maintain that (park-like) environment for generations to come."
The Healeys enrolled at YSU in the early 1970s after growing up in Youngstown. Mary Healey earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1976 and master's degree in secondary education in 1982.
Walter Healey earned an associate's degree in applied science in 1974 and bachelor's degree in human resource management at Geneva College in 1994. He also served as an officer with Mill Creek Park Police, retiring as sergeant in 2003.
"We hope their example will inspire other alumni and friends to join them in remembering the university in their financial and estate plans," said Scott Evans, vice president for University Advancement.