Parkview Huntington Family YMCA awards inaugural Dick Floyd Memorial Scholarship
Two employees of the YMCA have been awarded the inaugural Dick Floyd Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of Richard (Dick) L. Floyd, formerly of Huntington.
The scholarship winners are Bethany Collett and Kent Yoder. They each received a $1000 scholarship. Bethany has worked as a Summer Day Camp Counselor and a Member Services Specialist. She is currently in school at Ivy Tech working on her Associates of Health Science degree with the career goal of a Physical Therapy assistant. Kent completed an internship with us as part of his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and has worked as an After School Supervisor, Running Club Coach, Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer. Kent has completed his bachelor’s degree at Huntington University in Exercise Science and History and is currently enrolled at Huntington University completing a Masters in Business Administration.YMCA employees must work for the Y for at least 2 years and complete a minimum number of work hours to be eligible to complete the application for the scholarship.
Additional information about the scholarship can be found on our website here: https://huntingtony.org/about-us/dick-floyd-memorial-scholarship/
Mr. Floyd was a lifetime member of the YMCA, often bragging that he “learned to swim for $.10″ at the Y in downtown Huntington. Born in Rockford, Indiana, Floyd moved to Huntington during his childhood. Upon graduation from Huntington High School in 1946, he joined the Merchant Marines U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for two years. This is where he developed a love of being on the water. Upon returning home, he worked on the Erie Railroad before eventually joining his father’s insurance agency, where he settled into his lifetime career. He enjoyed shooting baskets in the upstairs gym and swimming laps at the downtown Y, but sailing was his passion. He owned four sailboats during his lifetime, learning to sail on Lake Wawasee and frequently navigating the waters of Lake Michigan. Upon retiring from sailing, he donated his sailboat to the Huntington YMCA, and the proceeds from its sale helped to fund the construction of the new Parkview Huntington YMCA as it exists today. Upon his passing in January 2021, he bequeathed a significant gift to the YMCA. The proceeds have been invested in several projects including the creation of the Dick Floyd Memorial Scholarship.
Todd Latta, CEO at the YMCA replied that “Mr. Floyd believed in the YMCA and there is no doubt that the Y had a significant impact on the man that he strived to be during his lifetime. Although I did not personally know him, I do know that he believed in us because he has entrusted us with his life’s work. The DickFloyd Memorial Scholarship has been created with a gift from Mr. Floyd’s estate as an effort to support our employees’ continuing education and personal development. My goal is to honor him and ensure his legacy lives on by continuing to develop people that believe in our work.”
“About our work” Latta continued; “Nothing of significance ‘just happens’ at the Y. The facility is simply walls and equipment. It’s the people that are dedicated to our cause that create a lasting impact on others. As YMCA staff and volunteers, it is our responsibility to make sure that impact is positive, brings out the best in people, and helps them reach their full potential. We have dedicated our time here to creating positive experiences that help people thrive, as conveyed in our strategic operating plan”.
Annually there are opportunities for Parkview Huntington Family YMCA employees to apply for scholarship funds through the Dick Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, please contact the YMCA.