YSU students capture 60 years of campus memories in Kilcawley Center farewell mural project

As Youngstown State University prepares for the closure and renovation of Kilcawley Center, two interdisciplinary studio art students ensured its legacy lives on by leading the creation of a commemorative mural that blends the YSU community’s nostalgia with their vibrant creativity.

Lauren Barrett, a junior, and Emma Strope-Downs, a senior, were selected to design the mural by YSU faculty member Dragana Crnjak. All members of the campus community were invited to contribute to the painting process, turning the farewell into a shared celebration of the many fond memories the Center holds.

“Kilcawley is a source of passion...this farewell isn’t supposed to be sad, but rather a bright reflection,” said Barrett. “It's an honor to be trusted by this huge group of people that have walked through these halls to bring this mural to life.”

Before painting began, the mural was designed collaboratively and projected onto the wall for tracing. Strope-Downs, who describes her own work as focused on repetition and unusual materials, emphasized the value of community input in shaping the initial design.

“We talked to alumni who remember the student pub, beach week with Pete and countless other traditions, and merged them with lots of current student experiences,” she said. “It became a visual timeline of those shared moments.”

The project drew participation from hundreds of YSU community members, despite the cold weather. “People walk by and say, ‘I remember that!’” Barrett added. “It’s been a beautiful surprise to see how many people want to contribute.”

Crnjak, professor of Art at YSU, provided technical guidance and logistical support throughout the project. Barrett and Strope-Downs credit her with making the ambitious vision possible.

Both students are currently preparing for their portfolio reviews, a key milestone in the art program, and are active across campus. Strope-Downs serves as president of the Student Art Association, while Barrett is a part of the Sokolov Honors College and soon beginning an internship with the Youngstown Business Incubator.

When asked what advice they’d give future students, both emphasized one word: involvement.

“Get involved for just one day,” Barrett said. “Talk to some people, even if you don’t expect anything to come out of it. You never know what kind of impact you’ll make or who you’ll meet.”

The mural, located on the southwest-facing wall outside Kilcawley Center, will remain on display as the University finalizes plans for the building’s transition. The project serves not only as a tribute to a beloved campus landmark but as a vibrant reminder of the role students play in shaping YSU’s legacy.