Dear Friends,

We are saddened to tell you that Walt McMahon died on February 24, 2025 at home with two of his children at his side. (Arrangements are pending.) Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and with all those whose lives he touched. Their beautiful obituary for Walt is here.

Walt brought a cheerful tenacity to living and to partaking of all he believed in. His church, the symphony, dessert, his teaching and scholarship, the Economist reading group, and most importantly his family.We were incredibly fortunate that the University Y also was among his favorite things. For more than half of his 96 years - nearly all in partnership with his wife Carolyn, Walt helped to shape, support, and animate our mission.Walt's journey to this University Y began in the early 1950s when he was active with the campus Y at the University of Iowa. When he arrived at the University of Illinois as a faculty member in 1957, he began to lead and serve here. Over the next seven decades, Walt shared his time and considerable talents as a board member and trustee. He played key roles in every significant plan, program, and activity - whether that meant chairing strategic planning processes, leading fundraising campaigns, or challenging us to imagine grand possibilities for our Association.

He was most proud to consider himself a Member of the University Y.

Last spring, the Board of Governors established the endowed McMahon Democracy Innovation Fund. Begun with Walt's leadership gift, this fund honors his steadfast generosity and passion for nurturing a more just and equitable society.

Like all who knew him, we feel Walt's absence deeply. His passing leaves a huge emotional hole and a mountain of contributions for all who love the Y. He saw the world with enviable clarity and was unflinching in his support of what is right. He believed in and found goodness in others. He understood and demonstrated that education in and beyond the classroom transforms lives. He called upon us to be stronger together.

We are grateful for his greatest gift to this Association: Hope.

‍

Tom Seals, chair, Board of Trustees

Jim Hinterlong, executive director

‍