[Y Stories] Anthony Santarelli: "A Place of Service, Reflection, & Action"

Director of Program Development at IIllinois Green Business Association, Anthony Santarelli reflects on his Y days and what makes the Y more than just a meeting place, but a place of service, reflection, and action.

This video is a part of the YMCA's celebration of 140 years of accomplishment in its mission to "challenge and nurture the mind and spirit of individuals and communities to develop and practice ethical principles and responsible leadership for social justice and the integrity of our natural world."

As part of this celebration, we are privileged to gather and archive your stories as an important part of our history.  We would love to hear your Y story, because we believe that the power of storytelling is when people say "me too."  

Watch other videos from our friends and Y alumni:

• Diane Marlin: "The Battle to Save the Park"
• Ellen Dahlke: "A Place Where I Could"
• Miss V: "Home Away From Home"
• Mara Eisenstein & Cassie Carroll: "Greening Green Street"
• Lauren Haynes: "Never Stop Serving"
• Tom Seals: "For A Better Tradition"

[Y Stories] Tom Seals: "For A Better Tradition"

A graduate student and Y alumni of the 1970s, Tom Seals now serves as a University Y trustee. In this edition of Y Stories, Tom recounts the anti-racist push to remove Chief Illiniwek from campus, and how the demand for a better tradition was an important step in University Y's commitment to social justice.

This video is a part of the YMCA's celebration of 140 years of accomplishment in its mission to "challenge and nurture the mind and spirit of individuals and communities to develop and practice ethical principles and responsible leadership for social justice and the integrity of our natural world."

As part of this celebration, we would like to acknowledge stories of University YMCA alumni in order to commemorate our lasting legacy. We would love to hear your Y story, because we believe that the power of storytelling is when people say "me too."  

Watch other videos from our friends and Y alumni:

• Diane Marlin: "The Battle to Save the Park"
• Ellen Dahlke: "A Place Where I Could"
• Miss V: "Home Away From Home"
• Mara Eisenstein & Cassie Carroll: "Greening Green Street"
• Lauren Haynes: "Never Stop Serving"

PRESS RELEASE:CHICANA ARTIST AND URBANA HIGH STUDENTS EXHIBIT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

The University YMCA announces the Art @ the Y opening reception of "Identity, Activism, and Youth" by Humanitarian Designer and Chicana Artist Nancy Guevara and the students of Urbana High School participating in Art, Media, and Design, a 21st Century Learning Center course.   Various student-led projects include creating a response to gun violence through poster making, collage, and drawing, complicating Latino stereotypes through skits and video, and conducting interviews with students about their experience in public school and is presenting findings through photography, installation, and sculpture. Website:   www.universityymca.org/art/upcoming When: Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 5pm-7pm, Artist Talk at 6:30pm   Where:  Murphy Gallery, University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820 Details: A viewing with light refreshments will begin at 5:00pm, followed by an artist talk at 6:30pm.  Nancy Guevara will be available for interviews in advance as well as at the opening reception.  To arrange an interview in advance with Nancy Guevara or with the participating students of Urbana High School, please contact Ann Rasmus, University YMCA Program Director. Background:  This exhibition, like the Art, Media, and Design course at Urbana High School, is about engaging people in a survey of social and cultural issues to facilitate discussion and to encourage them to be active members and agents of change.  Nancy Guevara has introduced students of this program to the use of design, media, and art techniques that are used to educate, create awareness, and inspire initiative as well as to foster interest through research, analysis, and observation.   Artist Bio:Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Nancy Guevara earned her design degree at the University of Texas. Interested in the intersection of humanitarian design and public art, social justice and education, Nancy is a Fulbright Scholar for her work in "Humanitarian Design in Mexico City."   Learn more about Nancy Guevara's work at http://nancyedithguevara.org/  Artist Statement: "I am a social designer, activist, and educator whose borderland background and upbringing continue to direct my life and work.  I strive to create learning environments that respect and appreciate students' cultural and economic background and identity.  I am a supporter of diversity and multilingualism, and I value different forms of communications and learning.  I focus on painting, writing, and designing public, didactic and culturally relevant art, educational materials, and projects. I explore ways in which social awareness and learning can be cultivated through play, visual expression, interaction, and reflection."  Additional Information: Art @ the Y is an initiative of the University YMCA.  "Identity, Activism, & Youth" will be on view in Murphy Gallery at the University Y from 9am to 4pm weekdays through August 20th, 2013. For Immediate Release Contact: Ann Rasmus 217-337-1514 University YMCA University YMCA-UIUC, Engaging People In Service, Reflection, and Action Since 1873.