SIUE Hall of Fame Inducts Charles “Charlie” Myer
Each year, the School of Business, in partnership with the SIUE Alumni Association, honors an alumnus who exemplifies leadership, character, and dedication to their field and community by inducting them into the SIUE Alumni and Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2024, Charles “Charlie” Myer, BS Business Administration ’90, received this honor.
As a business student at SIUE, Myer took a part-time job as a strength training instructor at the Edwardsville YMCA, a role that launched his nearly 37-year professional career with the nonprofit organization.
“Before I knew it, I went from weight room instruction to being the chief operating officer of the Edwardsville Y,” said Myer.
His YMCA career spanned roles including chief executive officer at the Middletown Area YMCA in Ohio, vice president of advancement at the YMCA of Greater Houston, chief development officer for the Orange County, Calif. YMCA, and chief development officer and foundation president for the YMCA Metropolitan Dallas.
After transitioning to financial development, Myer helped raise millions of dollars for YMCA initiatives and co-founded the YMCA Day of Giving. Now retired, he remains committed to serving his community and actively volunteers at his local YMCA in New England.
“I’m very honored to be recognized and inducted into the SIUE Hall of Fame,” said Myer. “The beauty of the YMCA is that it serves each community and meets that community’s unique needs, whether it’s after-school childcare, health and wellness, and more. It’s so much more than ‘gym and swim.’”
Myer’s connection to SIUE runs deep. His father, Donal Myer, was a biologist and dean of the former SIUE School of Sciences, now the College of Arts and Sciences.
Among his many accomplishments, Myer is especially proud of launching Interaction, a program for children and young adults with special needs, at the Edwardsville YMCA more than 30 years ago. The program continues to serve the community today.
Throughout his career, Myer has held leadership roles in service clubs, served on volunteer boards, and received recognition from organizations such as the Jaycees, Rotary, local school districts, and municipal governments. Since retiring, he continues to support YMCAs nationwide through consulting while enjoying travel with his wife, children, and grandchildren in New England.
