SUMMER 2011


YMCA STUDENTS TRAVEL TO LONDON TO STUDY THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE YMCA MOVEMENT


Students David Burckhard, Garrett Brolsma, Katie Ward, Michael Healey, Caitlin Semmelrock, Bethany D’Amico, Jessica Otolo, Kristina Dupuis, and Catherine Clark, along with Assistant Director of YMCA Relations Erin Friedman and Director of YMCA Relations Harry Rock traveled to London for nine days in March as part of the YMCA international studies program. Te group studied the birthplace of the YMCA movement, which was founded in 1844 by the then-22-year-


old George Williams. Tey also visited Saint Paul’s Cathedral, where Williams worked and is buried; Westminster Abbey, where the YMCA is honored with two stained glass windows; YMCA George Williams College; Stonehenge; the London Museum; and local London YMCAs. Te students were all in awe of the significance and impact of the YMCA movement on the world throughout the past 167 years and agreed that this was the experience of a lifetime.


SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTEND YMCA CAREER DAY


YMCA CLUB PARTICPATES IN CAMPUS CLUB FAIR


On April 6, 29 Springfield College students traveled to New York City for a YMCA Career Day sponsored by the YMCA Retirement Fund. Hosted by John Preis, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA Retirement Fund, students were introduced to the YMCA as a career path by speakers including Jack Lund G’82, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater New York, the largest YMCA in the world. Lund and other speakers reflected on their life journey, including when they discovered the YMCA and how it has impacted their lives. Students listened to Springfield College alumni


Sonel Normil ’10 and Chad Nico Hiu ’04 talk about their transition from college to professional work and the decisions they faced as they started their careers. Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut President and Chief Executive Officer Marie Miszewski ’79 discussed the steps she took in her career that led to her current position. Te group was accompanied by Director of YMCA Relations Harry Rock and Assistant Director of YMCA Relations Erin Friedman. Te students noted that the experience was fun, informative, and enlightening about choosing the YMCA as a career path.


Te YMCA Club participated in the Springfield College Club Fair, held in the bistro of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union Feb. 10. Many YMCA Club members were in attendance to promote the club to prospective participants. All students are welcome to attend YMCA Club meetings on Tuesdays at noon, regardless of their affiliation with the YMCA, and may contact the office of YMCA relations at ext. 3407 for location details.


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