Two former YSU employees recognized with 2025 Heritage Award

Charles Singler, former professor and chair of the Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology, and Environmental Science; assistant/associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Interim Associate Provost; and Barbara Crumpler Orton, the former director of Affirmative Action; assistant to the president for Affirmative Action; and director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, will be recognized as the recipients of the 2025 Youngstown State University Heritage Award during a special presentation at the Board of Trustees meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 24.

The Heritage Award, established in 1981 is given to former faculty and staff members who have made major contributions during their years of service and is one of the most prestigious awards distributed by the University.

Singler, from The Bronx in New York City, received his bachelor's degree from the City College of New York and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

During his 42-year career at YSU, Singler chaired committees on Academic Standards, Academic Affairs and Curriculum, Scholarship Awards and more. He was also vice-chair of the Academic Senate, an advisor for science education majors and a chair for a committee preparing the College of Education’s accreditation report. In addition, he was a member of the YSU chapter of Sigma XI, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and served two terms as president.

Singler has authored and co-authored numerous publications and presentations, served on the editorial staff of Society for Sedimentary Geology and did laboratory research on the presence of radon in homes and schools in northeast Ohio.

Singler has received several awards, including the Faculty Service Award, two Distinguished Professor Awards and the Watson Merit Award for chairpersons. After retiring he continued his association with YSU as a member and 3-year chair of the YSU Academy and as a member of the YSU Retirees Association.

Upon his retirement in 2011, he was honored by the faculty and students of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences with a symposium on “Geology and Human Health” with speakers from Yale University, Ohio State University, University of West Virginia and from the Columbus Ohio Health Department. At that time, he established the Charles R. Singler Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Environmental Science.

For upwards of five decades, Crumpler Orton has had a distinguished public sector career dedicated to advancing affirmative action and equal opportunity for all and ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the workplace. A significant portion of her career in the equality space has been committed to improving the quality of life of the City of Youngstown, her hometown, and YSU, her alma mater.

Crumpler Orton began her career of service in 1967 with the City’s Fair Employment Practice Committee before she moved to Washington, D.C., where she continued her work with the Smithsonian Institution.

Returning to the Mahoning Valley to raise her family, Crumpler Orton joined the YSU administration in 1984 and spent the next 19 years in faithful service to the University. She spent two decades at YSU serving as a driver of sound policy, effective procedure and a standard of excellence that improved the lives of students, employees and visitors of the University, as well as the community at large.

During her tenure at YSU, Crumpler Orton represented the University on numerous community boards, including WYSU and the Western Reserve Transit Authority, where she was elected for two terms. Her board service provided yet another opportunity to serve the community and improve lives. During her tenure on the WRTA Board, Crumpler Orton was instrumental in convincing the WRTA to bring shuttle services to campus. This initiative lives on today as the Penguin Shuttles, serving students and employees daily.