The highlight of the Upper Midwest Chapter officer's meeting of 2022 was the recognition of James G. Stooke posthumously as YMCA Alumni’s prestigious F. William Stahl Award recipient for 2022 presented to his wife Sandy Kern Stooke. 

The award is given in recognition of Stahl’s dedication and commitment to the YMCA, the YMCA profession and the art of written communications. Jim is perhaps best remembered for his 20-years service as Executive Director of APD, the Associaton of Professional YMCA Directors. He served in that role from 1981 through 2000. 

Jim’s writing was continuous in Perspective, the Journal of YMCA Professionals, over many years. He wrote a column called AP/Directions each issue and numerous thoughtful feature articles in the journal. He turned many of the articles into some of the 350 YMCA chapter workshops he conducted. 

Jim's YMCA professional career took him to Atlanta, Memphis, Orlando, and Kansas City prior to becoming the CEO of APD. Jim served as Membership Officer of the Upper Midwest Chapter of YMCAA Alumni for 18 years after his retirement, several doubling as newsletter editor for the chapter. 

"It was my pleasure to submit an application for Jim’s consideration for the Stahl Award on behalf of our chapter," said chapter president Don Kerr. "Jim was a visionary YMCA leader who encourage us as YMCA executives, program and support staff to develop esprit de corps within our YMCA careers. 

The Award is signed by Jean Carmichael - President of YMCA Alumni and John Coduri Chair of the 2022 F. William Stahl Award committee.