Wheeling University alumnus establishes new scholarship for math and science students

Wheeling University math and science students now have access to a new scholarship thanks to alumnus John Yasinsky, Ph.D. The Alumni Science and Math Scholarship will support students who are majoring in science or math subjects. Yasinski hopes more alumni will join him in contributing to the scholarship fund so it can help students achieve their education goals for generations to come.

According to an article on Wheeling University’s website, Yasinsky spoke about his time at Wheeling University and how he relied on a basketball scholarship and working a job on campus to pay for his tuition. He explained his desire to help future students, saying, “That experience, a strong foundation in science and math, coupled with a unique liberal arts base, provided the support for my future success. It is my intent that the Scholarship will help students with a fervent interest and proven aptitude in science or math, who also desire a broadening foundation in liberal arts.”

Yasinsky graduated from Wheeling University in 1961 with a physics degree. From there, he received his master’s degree in physics from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1967, he earned a doctorate in nuclear science from Carnegie Tech (Mellon). His career has seen him working at Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Lab, as a White House Fellow, as Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce, and as Chairman and CEO of GenCorp. He also served on boards for charitable organizations, community organizations, and at education institutions. He was a member of Wheeling University’s Board of Directors for almost two decades and received an Ignatian Medal of Achievement and an Honorary Doctorate from the university.

Speaking of his generosity in establishing the Alumni Science and Math Scholarship, Dianna M. Vargo, university president, said, “Generous support from alumni like Dr. Yasinsky, enables Wheeling University to provide much needed scholarships to deserving students who major in our science and math programs. We thank Dr. Yasinsky for this wonderful gift and his commitment to the students of Wheeling University.”

Yasinsky shared his hopes that other alumni will contribute to the scholarship fund. He said, “The Alumni Science and Math Scholarship can become a living and lasting vehicle for alumni to thank the University in a unique way that also helps provide selected students with the foundation they need for future success. It is important, and my hope, that our alumni will feel as I do, and contribute now to increase the initial impact the scholarship will have, and that alumni will continue to support the fund for years into the future, allowing the scholarship to become a living means to support qualifying students.”

For more information about Wheeling University, visit the school’s website.