Alumni Honored

York College announces alumni awards for 2010

Young Alumnus of the Year

Jason Lee Rice, Class of 2000, of San Antonio, Texas will be honored as Young Alumnus of the Year. Jason is a native of Nickerson, Kansas. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Business Management from York, he moved to Irving, Texas to begin his career in the financial services industry. He has attained his Certified Funds Specialist, Certified Financial Planner, and Chartered Financial Consultant designations. He became one of the youngest Registered Principals for H.D. Vest Financial Services and was part of Who’s Who for Financial Planning in 2002.

While living in Irving, Jason met and married Sara Mersiovsky in 2003. In 2006, he joined Wells Fargo’s Private Bank as a Financial Planner and Assistant Vice President. In 2008, he and Sara moved to San Antonio when Jason accepted a position as Wealth Specialist for the bank. On March 12, 2010, Jacob Christian Rice was welcomed to their family.

Jason has been very active as a volunteer with the Irving YMCA, sitting on their Board of Management and was bestowed the honor of Volunteer of the Year for 2006. Other activities include the San Antonio Red Cross Donor Advisory Council, the San Antonio Estate Planners Council and the Dallas Financial Planning Association.

While attending York College, Jason was active with Kingsmen Social Club serving as President, was involved in Student Association, Campus Ministries and a member of Soul Concern.

Jason and Sara are active in their church as small group leaders. Jason serves on the York College President’s Council.

Alumnus of the Year

Charlie Watts, Class of 1965 , of Eudora, Kansas will be honored as Alumnus of the Year. Charlie is a native of Eudora and after receiving his Associate’s degree in Physical Education from York College in 1965, went on to finish a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Harding College. He also holds a Master’s degree of Teaching from Harding and a Master’s degree of Secondary School Administration from Kansas University.

Charlie spent over 30 years in Education as a teacher and later as Principal for Eudora Junior High and High School. After retirement from the school system, Charlie was able to turn his hobby into a second career as a carpenter/builder. He and his wife Mary Ann have built and sold several homes and also rent houses and duplexes.

Charlie and Mary Ann have four children and 10 grandchildren – one of which is currently a student at York College.

While attending York College, Charlie was active in Kyodai social club and played on the Panther men’s basketball team that tied for first place in the conference.

Charlie and Mary Ann are active volunteers and have done work for Habitat for Humanity. They also spent time helping with clean up in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. They are involved in their church where Charlie has served as Treasurer and they both have served as bible school teachers. Charlie currently serves on the York College Board of Trustees.

Awards will be given during Alumni Chapel on Saturday, October 9, as part of Homecoming. For a complete list of activities, click here.