Russ Younkers – A Giving Spirit

BY TY DEMARTINO ’90

Russ Younkers ’68 isn’t quick to forget those that helped him along his way in life -- the Frostburg State soccer coach who invited him to join the team, his college professors who helped guide his studies or his mother who sacrificed to give him his strong foundation in life.

So, when the opportunity lent itself to honor those who helped him, Younkers, a former coach, educator, police officer and supervisor/project manager for the Prince George's County Department of the Environment, was quick to respond.

In hearing of the new Education and Health Science Center on the FSU campus, Younkers chose to name a simulation lab and debriefing room in honor of his mother, Mary F. Younkers, who spent her career as a registered nurse.

Russ '68 and Penny Younkers

“This is an opportunity to leave a legacy for my mother. She was very gung-ho about nursing,” recalled Younkers whose father was away in the Army Airforce. “My mother raised me. She took me to little league games, helped me do my homework.”

The dedication of the spaces will join a long list of philanthropic endeavors that Younkers has participated in at FSU. These include the renovation of the men’s soccer locker room in honor of Coach Ken Babcock who saw Younkers wandering the campus on his first day at Frostburg and invited him to play. “He gave me socks, jocks, everything,” Younkers said with gratitude.

He has also established several scholarships for students in need of financial support and direction in life. “Me and a 4.0 didn’t go together,” he admitted.

Younkers serves on the FSU Foundation Board of Directors and participates in many campus committees and initiatives. He received the FSU Service to Alma Mater Award in 2017.

Above all, Younkers is grateful for the people who believed in him and the alma mater that didn’t give up on him.

<“The school was good to me, no matter how I tried to screw it up,” he said.

If you are interested in naming a room in the new Education and Health Science Center or another building on campus, contact John Short at 301-687-4068 or jtshort@frostburg.edu<

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