YMCA HALL OF FAME

The YMCA Hall of Fame at Springfield College was conceived in 1985 by Dr. Thomas L. Bernard, executive director of YMCA studies and professor of education. The Springfield College Advisory Council, comprised of YMCA professionals ranging from chief executive officers of local associations to members of the national staff, desired to recognize the achievements of individuals who have devoted their lives to the YMCA. With that general concept, they turned to William A. Howes, retired president of the YMCA of Greater New York, to chair a commission that would bring the Hall of Fame into reality. Joining Howes on the committee were Y professionals from throughout the USA and Canada. At a meeting in Worcester, Massachusetts, on January 24, 1985, the committee set in motion a series of events that led to the selection of two internationally known Y professionals as the first inductees into the Hall of Fame.

The YMCA Hall of Fame provides a forum to honor professionals who personify what is best about the YMCA. It honors them because they have devoted their lives to the shared mission of the Y and Springfield College; namely, the building of a community where each individual is encouraged to develop to the fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

To be selected, an individual must be a retired professional from the YMCA of the USA or Canada. The person must have demonstrated exceptional and creative leadership, fostered the development of staff and volunteer participation in the YMCA, and exemplified the ideals of the YMCA and Springfield College in his or her personal and professional life.

In recognition of Springfield College’s historic partnership with the YMCA dating back to 1885, and of its status as the only YMCA-associated college in the USA, the Advisory Council and Hall of Fame Committee chose the College as the site for the YMCA Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame has been endorsed and supported by the YMCA of the USA, the National Council of the YMCA of Canada, and the YMCA Retirement Fund.

The Hall of Fame Committee has reviewed nominations submitted by Y executives throughout the USA and Canada and has unanimously elected John E. Danielson and Samuel A. Edgar for induction into the YMCA Hall of Fame at Springfield College.

This year, the Hall of Fame will again induct prominent people from the YMCA’s history. Our honorees are Laurence Doggett, Paul M. Grist, John A. Ledlie, and Roy Sorenson.