York College Graduation

Family and friends filled the seats of the York City Auditorium as the York College class of 2008, some 81 in all, walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from college president Dr. Wayne Baker.

With Pomp and Circumstance, the trustees, administrators, and faculty led graduates, attired in black gown and mortarboard, into the auditorium.

Addressing this year's graduates was Mr. Smith Kite of Gothenburg, Nebraska. Kite served York College for 40 years as a member of the Advisory Board and then as a Trustee. He has been a fulltime minister for the past sixty years, preaching in Texas, Kansas, Wyoming and Nebraska.

"Remember who you are," Kite advised the graduating class. "Live in such a manner that when you look into the eyes of Jesus, you will not be either ashamed or afraid."     commencement address

Kite was never able to finish his bachelor's degree because of his enlistment into World War II. However, at the end of his commencement address, President Baker had him return to the podium along with many members of his family that were in the audience and made a special presentation. 

"By vote of the faculty at York College, today we bestow on you the bachelor's degree and all the honors pertaining thereto," said Baker.   At this, three of his four sons as well as his twin brother, Haun, helped Smith put on a graduation robe, cap, and hooded him with the blue and white colors of the college.

Dr. L. Ray Miller, Vice President for Academic Affairs, then presented the Dale R. Larsen Teacher of Achievement Award to his wife and colleague in the science department, Mrs. Gail Miller. Recipients of the award are nominated by other faculty members and are considered on the basis of teaching, service, spiritual commitment, attitude, and dedication to York College as demonstrated in activities outside the classroom. Gail is an Associate Professor of Biology and is in her 23rd year at YC.

The Dean's Award was then announced, honoring an outstanding senior graduate, whose involvement and leadership are matched by their high academic success. The award is the highest academic honor given by the faculty. This year's recipient was Megan Munsell who graduated Summa Cum Laude in accounting. Munsell is from Hastings, Nebraska and was instrumental in the success of York's PBL-SIFE program at the state, regional, and national level her four years in the business department.

At the conclusion of these honors, President Baker shook each graduate's hand as he presented them with their earned diploma. For those receiving bachelor degrees, they were then hooded by a relative or close friend. The color of the hoods represents the institution conferring the degrees as well as signifies the area of study to which the degree pertains.