Youngstown State University has announced that two women with a history of community advocacy will address the university’s next graduating class during the Spring Commencement ceremony, at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6, in Stambaugh Stadium on campus.

Ellen J. Tressel, philanthropist and community leader, and Elizabeth Brassell, a Social Work major from Wickliffe, Ohio will address the nearly 1,600 graduates.

Brassell who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair for her mobility, recently become first runner-up in the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio competition which has afforded her new platforms to continue her advocacy.

Driven by a passion for helping others and taking pride in serving her community, Basswell has a fondness for writing and would someday like to become a published author.

She plans to continue her studies in social work to earn her master’s degree from YSU with an emphasis of becoming an advocate for social change.

Born in Youngstown and raised in Canfield, Tressel has been an active advocate and leader for the state of Ohio throughout her adult career.

A graduate of YSU with a degree in Business Education, Tressel has been involved in the region’s economic activities and community causes.

Landing her first job working for the Youngstown Welding and Engineering Company she worked her way up to director of purchasing.

Returning to the workforce after a break to raise a family, Tressel worked for Jostens Printing and Publishing, and Butler Wick and Co. earning the role of Vice President of Trading.

She obtained several licenses in the securities business while managing marketing, sales, product promotion, OTC equities and new product introduction.

Since her “retirement” in July 2001, Tressel has served on several boards and service organizations ranging from the James Cancer Hospital Foundation board, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation board, the Home Savings and Loan Board and COSI in Columbus, Ohio.

Tressel is co-chairing, with her husband Jim Tressel, the campaign for the Zoldan Family Student Center, and remains a member of the Beatitude House board and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society board.

Commencement ceremonies will be held rain or shine, and attendees should come dressed for the weather.

If the weather is extreme, the ceremony will be switched to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 8.

Tickets are not required. The ceremony will also be live streamed on the YSU YouTube channel. For more information, visit ysu.edu/commencement.