Oscar Elwell YMCA Book Award Application
The Oscar Elwell YMCA Book Award was established in honor of Oscar Elwell, who graduated from Springfield College in 1921. Elwell had a 50-year career with the YMCA, serving all his years at the Cheshire County (NH) YMCA Camp Takodah. Upon retirement, Elwell remained committed to the work of the YMCA movement and served 15 years as a YMCA consultant. In June of 1976, during Mr. Elwell's 55th class reunion at Springfield College, he received the college’s coveted “Tarbell Medallion” in recognition for distinguished service to the Monadnock Region (NH) Community, Camp Takodah, and the Cheshire County YMCA. Oscar Elwell was a proud Springfieldian and a promoter of both Springfield College’s Humanics values and the basic Christian principles of the YMCA Movement.
Two $250 book awards will be given each semester to current Springfield College full-time students who are entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of study. The applicant should provide evidence of financial need and meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Student is committed to a career and/or volunteer opportunities in the YMCA,
- Student has proven involvement in the Office of YMCA Relations and/or YMCA Club, and/or their hometown Y in the areas of youth work, community engagement, and/or camp.
