YMCA awards inaugural Dick Floyd scholarship

Shown in the photo are the scholarship recipients that were presented checks at a recent YMCA board meeting. Pictured from left are Katie Kaiser, Jason Fields, Parkview Huntington Family YMCA board members; Todd Latta, CEO, Parkview Huntington Family YMCA; scholarship winners, Kent Yoder and Bethany Collett; Laura Roth, Robyn Smith, Mary Burke, Parkview Huntington Family YMCA board members and Rick Sereno, Parkview Huntington Family YMCA board chair.

Two employees of the Parkview Huntington YMCA have been awarded the inaugural Dick Floyd Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of Richard (Dick) L. Floyd, formerly of Huntington.

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 Dick Floyd 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 at (260) 359-9622.

Parkview Huntington Family YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.