Bruce J. Zoldan has reinstated and redirected a $5 million pledge – originally earmarked for a new student center at Youngstown State University – to the Dana School of Music.
Zoldan, CEO of Phantom Fireworks and a Youngstown State University graduate, made the announcement Wednesday in collaboration with the Youngstown State University Foundation.
Zoldan said that the balance of $4.35 million, plus an additional $625,000, will be directed to the music school. The total gift from the Zoldan family will be $5,625,000.
The gift will kick off a $15 million campaign to build endowment funds for the YSU music school. In addition, a secondary goal of $5 million in planned gifts from benefactors’ estate plans has been established to sustain and increase future endowment support.
Earlier this year, Zoldan withdrew a $5 million pledge for the student center in objection to the selection process of GOP Congressman Bill Johnson as university president.
“My family was dismayed to learn of the significant program cuts imposed on the Dana School, and despite our differences with the board and administration of YSU, we felt the importance of the Dana School to the community and surrounding areas took precedence. We hope this will make a meaningful difference to the Dana School, the university and the community,” said Zoldan.
The Dana Musical Institute was founded in 1869 in Warren by William H. Dana. The Dana School of Music is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
“The impact of the Dana School of Music has had and will continue to have on our region and beyond is significant and we are committed to preserving that for current and future generations,” said YSU President Bill Johnson. “This campaign is specifically designed to provide funding for our various programs within the Dana School of Music. We are grateful to the Zoldan family for their continued generosity and we are really excited about kicking this campaign off!”
The Zoldans are long-time supporters of YSU. Recent gifts include $1 million for student scholarships and a new mentorship program in honor of their parents, Sam and Sylvia Zoldan, and their uncle, Abe Yampolsky.
Youngstown-based Phantom Fireworks traces its origins to the early 1970s and is the nation’s number one consumer-based fireworks retailer. Phantom has retail stores and showrooms in 15 states and more than 1,500 seasonal tents and stands nationwide.
“The community and alumni support has been strong and inspiring,” said Joseph Carucci, director of the Dana School of Music. “It has underscored the need for the arts and arts education in our region and beyond and reflects the deep dedication and love for those who have been touched by the Dana School of Music. We are all very grateful for this support.”
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