Edward Nestingen Award for University YMCA Alumni

Darrell Hartweg graduated from the University of Illinois in 1964. He first became involved at the Y through Freshman Camp, and remained active as a student. He was a member of the Student Board, and served as Vice-President his Senior year. In 1963 he joined students from collegiate Y’s across the nation in a program called “Buildings for Brotherhood”, where they spent one month doing construction work outside of Hanover, Germany. Following graduation he received an M.A. in Public Administration from Iowa in 1965, then returned to Illinois where he received his J.D. in 1968.

In 1987 Darrell joined the Board of Trustees of the University Y, which is responsible for overseeing and managing the Y’s Endowment and investments. Currently Darrell is the longest serving member of the Trustees, and from 1992-2004 served as its Chair. Under his leadership as Chair the Y first began to practice what today is known as Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), divesting from South Africa in response to apartheid. This was later expanded to additional areas in 2014, and after a recent review of its priorities and methodology was updated to 12 specific issues and topics. Darrell has also served at times on the Nominations and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees, and currently is a member of the Heritage Circle Committee, which helps to steward and grow the Y’s Planned Giving society.

‍Since 1960 Darrell has been a valued member of the Y’s community, and for nearly 40 years Darrell has volunteered his time to the organization. This dedication, as both a student and volunteer, has impacted countless individuals and helped to grow and sustain the Association. His exception service has been in the greatest spirit of Ed Nestingen and the mission of the University YMCA