Students at the University of North Carolina established a chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in 1860. Although the association initially was run entirely by the students, the university encouraged it and eventually provided it with a building. The YMCA disbanded in 1870 but was reestablished in 1876 and has operated continuously since then. In addition to providing a center for religious life on the campus, the YMCA took the lead in organizing an orientation program for new students, published the student handbook for many years, ran the book exchange, and played an important role in early athletics at the university. From 1926 to 1943, the YMCA sponsored the Institute of Human Relations, which brought speakers of many religious and political persuasions to the university. The institute was disbanded during World War II but was reestablished as the Carolina Symposium in 1956. The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) was established on campus in 1936 and began to sponsor programs and events of a similar nature. In 1954, the paid staffs and advisory boards of the YMCA and YWCA were merged; however, the two associations maintained separate student cabinets until 1973. The merged organization was known as the YMCA-YWCA until 1976, when its name changed to Campus Y. The Campus Y has focused increasingly on community service and issues related to social justice and race relations. The director of the Campus Y reports to the vice chancellor for student affairs.
From the description of Records of the Campus Y, 1860-2005 (bulk 1950-2005). WorldCat record id: 27122211
Students at the University of North Carolina established a chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in 1860. Although the association initially was run entirely by the students, the university encouraged it and eventually provided it with a building. The YMCA disbanded in 1870 but was reestablished in 1876 and has operated continuously since then.
In addition to providing a center for religious life on the campus, the YMCA took the lead in organizing an orientation program for new students, published the student handbook for many years, ran the book exchange, and played an important role in early athletics at the university. From 1926 to 1943 the YMCA sponsored the Institute of Human Relations, which brought speakers of many religious and political persuasions to the university. The institute was disbanded during World War II but was reestablished as the Carolina Symposium in 1956.
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) was established on campus in 1936 and began sponsoring programs and events of a similar nature. Both associations participated in outreach programs in local hospitals and schools, provided assistance to foreign students before the opening of the International Student Center, and led the way in bringing distinguished visitors to the campus. In the spring of 1954, the paid staffs and advisory boards of the YMCA and YWCA were merged; however, the two associations maintained separate student cabinets until 1973. The merged organization was known as the YMCA-YWCA until 1976, when its named changed to Campus Y. Since then, the Campus Y has focused increasingly on community service and issues related to social justice and race relations.
1921
1947
Harry F. Comer, Secretary, YMCA
1947
1964
Claude Shotts, Secretary, YMCA
1964
1976
Norman Gustaveson, Secretary, YMCA
1948
1953
Gay Currie, Executive Director, YWCA
1954
1956
Kirsten Milbraith, Executive Director, YWCA
1956
1957
Anne Queen, Associate Director, YWCA
1966
1972
Jean Luker, Director, YWCA
1972
1976
Edith Elliott, Director, YWCA
1954
1964
Claude Shotts, Chairman, YMCA-YWCA
1958
1964
Anne Queen, YMCA-YWCA Staff
1964
1975
Anne Queen, Chairman, YMCA-YWCA
1975
1976
Edith Elliott, Acting Chairman, YMCA-YWCA
1976
1981
Edith Elliott, Director, Campus Y
1982
1985
Carol J. Holcomb, Director, Campus Y
1985
1999
Zenobia Hatcher-Wilson, Director, Campus Y
2000
2009
Virginia Carson, Director, Campus Y
2009
Richard Harrill, Director, Campus Y
From the guide to the Campus Y of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Records, 1860-2005, (bulk 1950-2005), (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. University Archives.)