Spring Break
YMCA and GWU sign agreement
Sarah Olimb
Issue date: 2/20/04 Section: Campus News
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The ceremony, beginning at 11 a.m. in the O. Max Gardner Hall, opened with a welcome from GWU President Frank Campbell, followed by a devotion led by Tracy Jessup, minister to the university. Cameron Corder, chief executive officer of the Cleveland County Family YMCA, shared his vision for the partnership between GWU and the YMCA. He emphasized that the program's main focus is building servant leaders. However, he wants all students to get involved.
"I hope students embrace the Student YMCA," said Corder. "Everyone can be involved in the YMCA, even if they don't foresee a career in it."
Following Corder's address, Kenneth Gladish, chief executive officer of the YMCA of USA, spoke of the impact that the program will have, both locally and nationally. He stressed the importance of the growth of character as well as cultivation of the three dimensions of human life that encompass the YMCA mission - the mind, body and spirit.
"This program responds to local and national needs to supply leaders for the future," said Gladish. "It would not have happened without real enthusiasm from the local YMCA and the university."
Frank Bonner, provost and senior vice president, first brought the idea of instituting such a program at GWU to the president. Bonner explained the program as a three-way partnership between the YMCA, the local YMCA and the university with all parties supporting the program financially. The YMCA, according to Bonner, hopes to attract more young people to careers in the YMCA because of the shortage of people pursuing non-profit jobs.
A career within the YMCA holds certain requirements and training. This program works to give potential employees the needed training and a college education before they graduate, said Bonner.
"The program intertwines with so many things that student development already does - service learning, volunteerism and campus ministries," said Bonner. It will also prepare students for a myriad of careers within the YMCA like business, administration and recreation."
While those developing the program are still working on the curriculum, Bonner envisions the university offering courses that are both credit and non-credit in order to prepare students for careers within the YMCA organization.