The YMCA is first listed as a student organization in the 1878-1879 catalog. A decade later, a fund-raising campaign was underway to construct a YMCA building and gymnasium. The YMCA held freshman receptions in the late 1880s and gradually assumed responsbility for orientation activities including the publication of a student handbook in 1896. Regular publication of the Davidson Handbook, renamed the Wildcat Handbook in 1926, began in 1902 and continued until 1961, when the Publications Board assumed responsibility. The office of College Chaplain also grew out of the YMCA secretary position. The major activities of the YMCA included deputations, assisting with Boy Scout Troops, working with local boy's clubs and sports teams, and community work.
Initially, all students were automatically members of the YMCA, in 1955 membership became voluntary. With the advent of co-education, the YMCA was renamed the YW/YMCA in 1975. It was renamed again in 1980 to become the Y Student Service Corps and in 1993 to become Reach Out. Reach Out helps coordinate student volunteer programs including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Davidson Day Care, CROP lunch for world hunger relief, and tutoring programs.
From the description of Records, 1928-1991. (American Museum of Natural History). WorldCat record id: 722097027
