The Peninsula Family YMCA, serving the Point Loma and surrounding areas for nearly 50 years, was renamed to the T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA (affectionately referred to as the Ryan Family YMCA). The official renaming ceremony took place on Saturday, Dec. 14 with more than 50 donors, community members, volunteers and staff witnessing the historic event.
T. Claude Ryan arrived in San Diego in 1922 and made an immeasurable impact on the aviation industry, as well as in the community. Claude and his wife Gladys Bowen, a school teacher, created the Ryan Family Charitable Foundation, which has supported over 120 charities. Renaming the Y branch in their honor recognizes their values and legacy in the community.
“We are here to celebrate the generous gift on behalf of Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Anne Ryan honoring their family,” said Lisa D’Angelo, area vice president for the YMCA of San Diego County. “We are truly humbled with the gratitude of this generous gift to the Peninsula community.”
During the ceremony, David Ryan, grandson of T. Claude and Gladys B., shared stories and memories of his grandparents and their legacy in San Diego. Jerry Ryan, son of T. Claude and Gladys, was previously asked by Y leaders what they would like to honor about their parents. Jerry’s answer – to recognize strong moral values, the importance of family and commitment to the community, as a model for generations to come.
Jordan Beane, a representative from District 2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell’s office, presented a district proclamation to the family and the Y, officially celebrating Dec. 14 as “Ryan Family YMCA Day” to commemorate the honor.
The Ryan Family’s generosity, along with other gracious donors and volunteers, will help the Y improve this facility to serve more individuals and families for generations to come. More details on the future of the facility can be found at ymcasd.org/spiritofcommunity.
“Our YMCA isn’t just a building – it’s a community of people dedicated to serving others, supporting children and staying healthy in spirit, mind, and body,” added D’Angelo. “We are able to continue making an impact on our community because of the Ryan Family.”