February 2026

In Memoriam: Carolyn Kent (1933-2026)

Former YMCA Aquatic Director Carolyn Kent was a tireless champion for teaching water safety and expanding access to swimming for all. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Carolyn Kent, a beloved member of the YMCA family. Carolyn served in the YMCA movement for 30 years as Aquatic Director at the McGaw YMCA (then the Evanston YMCA), followed by the Northbrook YMCA, teaching much of the Northshore area how to swim. Carolyn began her Y journey in 1960 as a volunteer at the Evanston Y. A physical education teacher and former state champion swimmer, she brought her skill, passion, and heart to the pool deck. In a 2010 video interview, she reflected on how her love of swimming led her to the McGaw Y, where she met Zenol Moore, Director of Girls and Women. Seeing the need to increase opportunities for women and girls, Zenol invited […]

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McGaw YMCA Celebrates Katie Tucker Trippi as Legend of Camping

Camp Echo staff and supporters stand with Katie Trippi (center) as she holds her award.

Pictured from left: Amiee Woodrow, Susie Shaker, Katie Tucker Trippi, Lindy Tracey, Billy Grossett, Bernard Rocca EVANSTON, IL – McGaw YMCA proudly celebrates Katie Tucker Trippi — or “KTT,” as generations of campers and staff know her — on receiving the prestigious Legend of Camping “Skippy” Award from the YMCA Mid America Camping Conference (MACC). Katie began her YMCA camping journey in 1969, and 57 years later, she’s still going strong. From camper to counselor to director and beyond, Katie has done “whatever it takes” to strengthen Camp Echo and the YMCA camping movement. She helped lead Camp Echo’s first co-ed session in 1981, built an alumni database from scratch to more than 10,000 records, and became an industry leader in alumni engagement, generously sharing her expertise across the camping community. Throughout her career at McGaw YMCA, Katie’s passion for camping, youth development, alumni relations and fundraising helped shape meaningful experiences for countless campers, staff, and families. In her retirement, Katie continues to work summers

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McGaw YMCA Celebrates 140 Years with Y140 Party

President & CEO Monique Parsons is standing at a podium addressing the attendees of the Y140 Party.

Monique Parsons, McGaw YMCA President/CEO, welcomed guests at the Y140 Party on January 24.   EVANSTON, IL. – The McGaw YMCA celebrated 140 years of service, connection, and community on Saturday, January 24, with the Y140 Party, presented by Northwestern University. The event offered the ultimate “night in the Town” experience, blending the elegance of past Y Galas with the energy of the iconic Y Parties of years past. Over 300 guests filled the Sebring-Lewis Center, enjoying music from DJ Corey Bless, a photo booth, and a popular yearbook viewing station hosted by Evanston Township High School Alumni Relations. Local favorite Gigio’s Pizza, a staple of Y Party culture, made a special appearance, and attendees showed off red carpet-glam and retro-inspired Y Party looks while reconnecting with familiar faces for an unforgettable celebration. During the event, Monique Parsons, President and CEO of the McGaw YMCA, reflected on the Y’s enduring

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