HPU and the Congdon Family Foundation Give $2.5 million to the YMCA of High Point
High Point University President Nido Qubein (right) and David Congdon (left), president of the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, announced today a combined $2.5 million gift to support the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 30, 2020 – Today, High Point University leaders were joined with members of the Congdon Family Foundation to present the YMCA of High Point with a $2.5 million donation to support the renovations of the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA.
“Through the years, I’ve seen the good work the YMCA of High Point does every single day,” said HPU President Nido Qubein. “At HPU, we are so proud to have partnered with the Congdon family on this endeavor. This is a longstanding partnership that benefits our students with volunteer opportunities and the community with the services the YMCA provides.”
Qubein has a lifetime history of involvement with the YMCA, from counselor at High Point YMCA Camp Cheerio to leadership on national YMCA boards. Qubein was the co-chair of the Chavis YMCA’s capital campaign in 1996, and as president of HPU, led the institution to build a splash pad at the branch in 2016. In 2019, Qubein was inducted into the YMCA of High Point Hall of Honor in recognition of his service, dedication and support.
“Thank you to Dr. Qubein and High Point University, not just for today, but for the ongoing partnership,” said Lynn Lomax, CEO of the High Point YMCA. “And thank you to the Congdon family for your many years of commitment, as well. This is about making a difference for our community.”
“Today’s announcement means stability and continuation of high quality services for the many families who depend on the Carl Chavis YMCA,” said Carlvena Foster, executive director of the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA. “Today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude because the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA will have a permanent home that the Y owns. Thank you to Dr. Qubein and the Congdon family because these gifts will be changing lives and help create many more success stories.”
Named for the first African American from High Point killed in World War II, the Chavis YMCA has been a connecting point for the community despite having been moved five times in its 75-year history. The YMCA will immediately begin developing construction plans for the Chavis YMCA project with anticipated construction to begin within the next two years.