Distinguished Service Award

Since 2021 Nathan Alexander has served as a member of the Board of Governors of the University YMCA, including in leadership positions as Chair of the Personnel Committee, Treasurer and Vice Chair. In that time he has enabled the Y to make great strides in ensuring an outstanding place to work. Nathan helped to lead an 18 month process of developing and revising handbooks for our staff, board and volunteers to reflect the values and principles of the Y. Following this, Nathan also took on the lead role in developing a formal statement of Compensation Philosophy, and to complete a thorough internal review of salary and wage guidelines, to insure equity for all positions. 

As a community member he is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, especially those experiencing significant life challenges such as lack of or unstable housing. He has helped to create and strengthen networks of community-based organizations and governmental entities focused on the particular needs of these underserved members of our communities. Nathan is personally involved in helping to identify and then deliver programming that addresses these needs, and works tirelessly to find and secure resources to offer and sustain these supports.

Nathan has regularly gone above and beyond to support our staff and the Board itself in staying true to our mission in the face of complex situations, and helped to build connections between the Y and our community. He truly understands the balance we endeavor to strike between being student-centered and community-focused. His contributions are exactly what the Distinguished Service Award seeks to recognize.

‍

_________

Benny Benavides is a Senior at the University of Illinois studying Social Work. She has been involved in and committed to the YMCA's pillars of social justice and global engagement through her involvement and leadership in Y affiliated student organizations La Colectiva and Amnesty International UIUC, as well as in Registered Student Organizations outside of the YMCA.

As a member of Amnesty she has been a key member of the Right to Protest small group, and presented on the 1992 UIUC Latine Rights movement at one of Amnesty’s most successful events of the semester. She has also taken a significant leadership role in La Colectiva, where she serves as a Mentorship Chair and has been a key member of the leadership team. Benny also helped found the Latine Social Work Organization, and currently serves as President of that organization. Through her work in La Colectiva and the Latine Social Work Organization, she has helped to bring a significant number of students to the YMCA to engage in community action together. 

Benny has been a leader for social justice on campus and at the Y. Her dedication in supporting Latine communities has mobilized students towards action, and expanded the community of those served by the University YMCA. We are proud to recognize her with the Distinguished Service Award for her commitment to social justice and the mission of the Y.

‍

_________

Jacklyn Vargas is a Senior at the University of Illinois studying History and Latino/Latina Studies. A leader who consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her community and a passion for creating spaces where everyone feels supported and empowered, her work reflects the values of the University YMCA, showing a dedication to service, advocacy, and fostering meaningful connections among her peers.

As President of La Colectiva, Jacklyn has shown exceptional leadership by fostering a supportive and united community for Latine students. Her ability to address challenges head-on and facilitate difficult conversations demonstrates a blend of courage and empathy, traits essential for impactful leadership. In addition, her involvement in I-CAUSE and her work at La Casa Cultural Latina further highlight her dedication to our community. She is deeply committed to ensuring that others feel safe, valued, and supported, consistently stepping up to offer a helping hand wherever needed. Her willingness to engage with challenging issues and her unwavering resolve to give back to her community are testaments to her character and drive.

Jacklyn’s leadership, commitment to service, and vision for a stronger, more connected community exemplify the values of the University YMCA and leave a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to work alongside her.