the ls FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ls FOR HEALTHY LIVING = FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY We put Christian principles into practice through programs that help build healthy spirit, mind and body for all Dear YMCA Family: ‘The NCAA recently issued a report that imposed penalties against Syracuse University for issues dating back more than a decade. ‘The report references the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley and makes allegations against ‘our CEO, Hank Leo, and a former part-time employee. On behalf of the YMCA Board, I write to assure you that we do not agree with the allegations against Mr. Leo and that the YMCA remains committed to serving our ‘community with honesty and integrity. In early 2007, the YMCA leamed from the New York State Office of Inspector General that a bank account had been opened, operated and closed by a then part-time employee using the YMCA’s Federal Employer Identification Number, which is easily accessible because the Y is a public charity. It was later discovered that the employee had written checks from the account to Syracuse student-athletes who volunteered or interned with the YMCA—a violation of NCAA rules. ‘The account was not authorized by the YMCA. Once the YMCA learned of the account, we took immediate action by contacting additional state and federal authorities, conducting an independent audit, questioning the employee and eventually filing a lawsuit against the employee (who resigned shortly after the account was discovered). As a result, it was concluded that no YMCA money was lost, stolen or otherwise diverted or deposited into this account. ‘Though not required to do so, the YMCA cooperated over many years with the NCAA during its investigation of Syracuse University. Such cooperation included Mr. Leo’s voluntary participation in a hearing in Chicago and was part of the YMCA’s efforts to resolve the matter and clear our good name. The NCAA raised concerns regarding internships performed at the YMCA by four Syracuse football players during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 academic years. The NCAA determined that Mr. Leo wrongly verified three of the players’ internship hours. We strongly disagree with this finding and believe it is important to note that, during this same time frame, Mr, Leo reported to the Syracuse University course instructor that the fourth football player was not working as required. As a consequence, that player failed the course. We find this fact, which is undisputed yet absent from the NCAA’s report, to be compelling evidence of Mr. Leo’s honest intent relative to the internships. Rome Family YMCA Branch 301 West Bloomfield Street, PO Box 510-Rome, New York 13440+315-336-3500 (F) 315-339-4076 ‘Oneida Family YMCA Branch 701 Seneca Street-Onelda, New York 13421-315-363-7788 (F) 315-363-7352 New Hartford School Age Child Care Program 25 Oxford Road»New Hartford, New York 13413+(P&F)315-797-4787 www. ymcatrivalley.orgo the FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY We put Christian principles into practice through programs that help build healthy spicit, mind and body for all FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ie Also, you may have seen media reports alleging that the YMCA “conspired” with Syracuse University to develop these alleged “fraudulent internships.” This is entirely inaccurate. The YMCA accepted the football players as interns with the expectation that they would do the work necessary to earn credit, as numerous students and student-athletes from Syracuse and other academic institutions have done at the YMCA for more than a decade. We never intended for the players to receive academic credit which they did not earn. ‘While the YMCA respectfully disagrees with the NCAA’s conclusions regarding the internships, we do not intend to appeal the decision on Mr. Leo’s behalf. The YMCA wants to move on. Our programs are imbedded with core values designed to have a positive, meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. We regularly teach youth the importance of being respectful in everything one does in life. We must practice what we preach and, therefore, respect the NCAA’s decision. Also, we believe the YMCA and our members are best served by focusing our resources on delivering the YMCA’s mission, We appreciate your ongoing support of our programs and services, which for generations have served as a catalyst to promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in the communities we serve. Our YMCA is one of the oldest charitable organizations in Oneida County, serving families since 1871. Itis our intention to put this matter behind us and move forward, building on the YMCA’s proud heritage of service. Sincerely, Zi GS Craig T. Bailey President, YMCA Board of Directors Rome Family YMCA Branch 301 West Bloomfield Street, PO Box 510+Rome, New York 13440+315-336-3500 (F) 315-339-4076 Oneida Family YMCA Branch 701 Seneca Street-Oneida, New York 13421+315-363-7788 (F) 315-363-7352 New Hartford School Age Child Care Program 25 Oxford Road:New Hartford, New York 13413+(P&F)315-797-4787 www.ymcatrivalley.org