McPherson College student Traven Lewis-Johnson works with the afterschool-age program Y-Kids. Traven also works at the front desk.
New partnership provides opportunities for students and local organization.
A new community partnership with the McPherson YMCA will provide memberships to all full-time McPherson College students beginning in August 2025. The college and YMCA leadership teams recently announced the partnership.
“McPherson is fortunate to have a thriving and active local YMCA, and we are fortunate to be able to provide McPherson College students access to all it has to offer,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to engage in a great community resource.”
In addition to memberships, the YMCA will begin coordinating the college’s intramural activities during the spring semester, providing on-campus programming, hosting college events at its facility, and offering increased student internship opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to partner with McPherson College to provide access to McPherson Family YMCA for all full-time students,” said Quinlan Rageth, YMCA Interim CEO. “The partnership will create many educational and employment opportunities for the students and staff of McPherson College.”
In addition to providing annual financial support and covering the cost of student intramural activities, the college will conduct a yearly facilities and maintenance audit, consult on maintenance projects, and coordinate mowing and snow removal. As gym space permits, the college will also host the annual McPherson Gymnastics Club meet.
“By working together, our members, McPherson College, and the community of McPherson will all benefit,” said Dawn Loving, YMCA Community Outreach Coordinator.