College of Professional Studies
School of Social Work

Sir George Williams:

George Williams, a 23-year-old drapery clerk, founded the Young Men’s Christian Association in Great Britain . His movement caught on rapidly in England, and in just seven years, twenty-three additional associations had been established. YMCA programs were also established throughout European cities; and by 1854, there were 397 YMCA programs that existed in seven countries. Thomas C. Sullivan, who was a retired sea captain established the first YMCA in the United States in Boston.

The YMCA movement, founded by Sir George Williams (knighted in 1894 for his lifelong service to boys), began a tradition of prevention services designed to provide men (and later women) opportunities for wholesome and healthy living. Recognizing the need for trained staff, the YMCA established two colleges in the United States to train professional leaders. One of these was established in Chicago in the 1800s and was named after Sir George Williams. George Williams College trained professionals from around the world who would carry on the vision of Sir George Williams by providing quality recreational opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and crucial social action programs. In 1985, when the main campus of George Williams College ceased to exist as an institution, the George Williams School of Social Work relocated to Aurora University where the George Williams tradition continues to thrive today.