Y.O.U. mourns the loss of long-time board member and former board president Dan Phillips, 94. Dan was an extraordinary person who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of Evanston youth. He was known for many “firsts” in Evanston. He was the first black Evanston school board member, the first black president of the Evanston Recreation Board, and the first black president of the Evanston Rotary club.

Dan’s relentless devotion is perhaps best described by his 25 years of service on the ETHS school board (including 10 years as president) and his more than two decades of service to Y.O.U. Dan served as an active Y.O.U. Board member from 1990 to 2001, as President of the Y.O.U. Board from 1993-1996, as an associate member from 2001 to 2006, and as a Life Member of the Board until his recent passing.  For over 20 years, Dan was also a key member of Y.O.U.’s Personnel Committee, always as an advocate for our dedicated staff. Evanston and Y.O.U. will forever be changed by Dan’s inspired leadership.

As Don Baker, Y.O.U.’s founder remembers, “Dan Phillips was ‘Mr. Youth Services’ in Evanston for more than 50 years.  No one knew Evanston better.  He was a pillar at Y.O.U. Dan and I had lunch together nearly every week for nearly 25 years.  He was my mentor and my friend.  Dan loved the youth of Evanston, and all of Evanston loved him back."