[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING THE YMCA OF MICHIANA ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I wish to congratulate the YMCA of 
Michiana. On March 19, 2008 the Michiana YMCA will celebrate 125 of 
years of steadfast dedication to building strong individuals, families 
and communities.
   The YMCA was launched in 1882 back when Clement Studebaker was 
president of the Studebaker Company and local resident Schuyler Colfax 
was the Vice-President of the United States. In order to celebrate 
Studebaker's 50 years of success in the community and in business, the 
Studebaker Company established the YMCA, beginning a proud tradition of 
service. Sports programs flourished over the coming decades. Famed 
Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne even taught football during the summer at 
the Michiana YMCA affiliate Camp Eberhart.
   Michiana was blessed with an especially successful YMCA. During the 
1950s it developed the nation's largest Indian Guide program and 
started the Indian Maiden program. An impressive tennis program was 
also developed that rivaled the nation's best. During the 1960s, two 
newer facilities were built, a more family oriented approach was 
pursued to encourage both girls and boys to participate and the Urban 
Youth Services Program was started. Today the YMCA offers physical 
fitness activities, aquatics, youth and adult sports leagues and many 
other programs that improve the lives of people of all ages.
   These are exciting times for the YMCA as a new three-year Strategic 
Plan is being implemented. The Michiana community has benefited from 
the positive influence of the YMCA on the community for over a century. 
Today I salute the Michiana YMCA and wish them continued success.

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