Volume 2, 12/8/08
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A Tribute to President Wayne Baker
By
Meghan Shruck
York College is very blessed to have the firm foundation of God and those that strongly believe in Him. It is York College's stated mission to teach students to lead lives of excellence, purpose, and Christian ideals. Faculty, alumni, and students, representing an array of different backgrounds, come to York College for one common distinction--it is home.
There may not be anyone who understands the unfailing love that dwells in York as much as President Wayne Baker.
"I love York College,” says Baker. “[First Lady] Darlene and I love the college’s sacred mission, her students, staff and faculty. The City of York is the perfect place to provide the home for York College. YC is God’s anointed place both in and out of the classroom and has been for generations. It is often said that ‘York College is a special place’ but no one really understands that until they experience it for themselves. It is a place of transformation: spiritually, intellectually, and socially."
After thirteen long years of service, President Baker will soon resign to serve as Chancellor in his hometown of Montgomery, AL, alongside his wife, Darlene. President Baker has brought extraordinary blessings to the York family while in office. Some changes on campus that have occurred during his presidency have been the addition of the Phyllis Mackey Center and the Holthus Field House. The Prayer Chapel was also moved to campus and reconstructed for the public to use 24 hours a day. In 2006, the men's and women's apartment buildings were constructed as well.
"We want to be sure and show proper honor and respect to him for all his years of service to York College," says Sue Roush, Director of Alumni and Community Relations. On December 1, York College faculty and staff once again donated food for the local food pantry as part of their annual Christmas Party, which has been tradition for six years. This year's donations were given in honor of President Wayne and Darlene Baker.
Roush continues: "Then on December 11, President Baker will speak in Chapel for the last time while president, and there will be a special time for the campus community to show their appreciation. Then in the afternoon of that same day, the community of York will come to campus for a special reception in their honor. Dr. Baker has dedicated his life to Christian education, and the past thirteen years to York College. We want to be sure he and Mrs. Baker do not leave York without knowing how much they are loved and appreciated."
It will be difficult for the York family to say good-bye to Dr. Baker, but his dedication to York College will remain steadfast.
"It is impossible to put into words the emotion that I feel during this time of transition from the Presidency to Chancellor," President Baker affectionately says of York College. "We are surrounded by people who are ‘called by God’ to be here, and they work with their heart as well as their head. This is the most important work in the Kingdom of God we have ever done and look forward to continuing our work in raising funds to support this vital ministry as Chancellor."
Following on the heels of Baker’s tenure is York College's 20th president, 1971 YC alum Steve Eckman from Eau Claire, WI, who currently serves as a vice president at Ohio Valley University.
"My friend and colleague, Steve Eckman, will do a superb job of leading York College as president in the years ahead," says President Baker. "He is bright, dedicated, experienced, and loves his alma mater, York College. He and his good wife, LaRee, are returning home in every sense of the word. I know our campus community will welcome them with open arms."
In tribute to President Wayne Baker, the York College family appreciates his loyalty and dedication throughout the past thirteen years, including his heart and his strong pursuit of the mission of York College.
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Cocoa and Carols
By Randy Lewis
This year’s Cocoa and Carols performance will be a show you won’t want to miss. If you like hot cocoa and Christmas carols, mark your calendars for one on the scheduled performances. The show will be held in Gurganus Hall, December 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m. Admission is free, and cocoa and cookies will be served for $1. The doors will open thirty minutes prior to the start of the show, and reservations are required due to seating. To make reservations you may call the college Ext. 5610, or send an email to the Dr. Clark Roush at croush@york.edu. The event will feature the Celebration Singers performing a repertoire that will include choral music, popular holiday tunes, choreography, costumes, a Christmas set, and solos.
Dr. Roush, head of the choral music department, says: "It is such an honor to be a part of something the campus and community respond to so affirmatively and appreciatively. I am thankful for such a great group of student performers to work with. Their dedication, hard work, and skill continue to amaze me. We are thrilled to contribute to the festive atmosphere during this time of the year. Come enjoy an evening of great entertainment, and share with us the experience that is Cocoa and Carols."
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2009 Songfest Hosts & Hostesses
By Jeremy Bjelland
This past Thursday night, Gurganus Hall was the setting for auditions for three hosts and three hostesses for Songfest ’09. A total of 20 York College students, 10 men and 10 women sang popular songs during the auditions, hoping they would get the roles of hosts or hostesses. Popular songs such as “I’ll Stand By You” by the Pretenders, “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor, “Real World” by Matchbox 20, “Only Hope” by Mandy Moore, and many more were performed by those who tried out.
The three males chosen as hosts for Songfest, 2009, are Erich Loper, Zach Rush, and Dave Young. Erich Loper showed off his R & B voice by singing “Back At One” by Brian McKnight. Zach Rush showed his sexy voice by singing “Superstar” by the Carpenters. After trying to convince Michelle Peck to like him, Dave Young was finally successful with his song “Grace Kelly” by Mika.
The three females selected as hostesses of Songfest are Kaylee Danielson, Amasa Maine, and Ellie Sams. Kaylee Danielson showed that you don’t need to be a beauty queen to be great with her song “Girl Next Door” by Saving Jane. The lights were not the only thing warming up Gurganus when Amasa Maine got up to sing “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. Ellie Sams told how everything means nothing to her without her man in the song “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.
Songfest will be held April 2-4 at the York High School Auditorium. The six students chosen as hosts and hostesses, as well as all the social clubs, will be working hard to put on a good show for the campus, the community, and those visiting for High School Days.
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2009 Choir Tour
By Nathana Faddis
The York College Concert Choir will soon be hitting the road for their 2009 tour. They have been preparing all semester and are taking their talent on the road. There were 48 members selected to go on tour. They will be singing all the songs from their repertoire this year.
Dr. Roush is very excited for the Concert Choir’s tour and the opportunities for growth and memories that it provides the students. As he puts it: “It does them a lot of good to have to consistently be ready to perform. They learn not to let life interfere with their performances. They also build lifelong stories. It is also good for them to travel around and see the different flavors of God’s people.”
Over the span of a week, they will be traveling around to various places. Starting it off on January 4, they will be performing at the Littleton Church of Christ in Littleton, CO; then on the 5th at the East Point Church of Christ in Wichita, KS; the 6th at the Sunset Church of Christ in Springfield, MO; the 7th at the Central Church of Christ in Davenport, IA; the 8th at the North Park Church of Christ in Machesney Park, IL; the 9th at the Northern Light Church of Christ in Brooklyn Park, MN; and finally, on the 10th they will be concluding their travels abroad at the Liberty Church of Christ in Liberty, MO.
It will be a time that will not only provide a musical and spiritual treat for their audiences, but also a memorable time for the whole group. When asked what he enjoyed most about choir tour, Dr. Roush said: “I love being able to get away. The responsibility is broken up, I just have to conduct. There is also the group dynamic--watching them play cards and seeing what they like to read. It is one of my favorite parts of the year.”
Choir member Dave Young notes, “I really enjoy the time of interaction between the rest of the group, whether on the bus or at the church before we sing. It is just a good time of fellowship and fun.”
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Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society holds
Knowledge Bowl
By Mindy Witt
If you were ever asked who the first president born as an American citizen was, and you answered “Martin Van Buren, of course,” plus you knew that the gravitation of the moon has a stronger effect on the ocean’s tide than that of the sun, then you are in the company of members of the winning teams of the Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society’s annual YC Knowledge Bowl held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. in the Spiritual Life Center.
The team representing the men’s club, Sigma Tau, was crowned the Knowledge Bowl champs after an intense round with girls representing Beta Beta Sigma, who wound up with second place. Beta beat Kingsmen to advance to the final round, where Sig Tau only needed to beat Beta in one round in order to secure their first place cash prize, and Beta, coming back from losing to Sig Tau earlier in the day, needed to beat Sig Tau twice. Beta won the first round of questions, but couldn’t hold the men of Sig Tau off as they emerged victorious by a close five point lead.
Representing Sig Tau in the final round were Caleb Rush, Logan Siddall, Mark Smesrud, and Brent Stahl. The members walked away with their $120 first place cash prize. When asked his feeling on his victory, Mark Smesrud commented; “It’s a very exhilarating feeling knowing that my education at York College has been well rounded, as well as a sheer joy to apply.”
Bevin Carroll, Cailin Carroll, Janae Parsons, and Michelle Peck represented Beta and received $80 for their second-place win. Kingsmen Nathan Anderson, Isaiah Davis, Brian Keller, and AJ Wharton took home the third place prize of $40.
According to co-sponsor and English Department Chair Bev McNeese, Sigma Tau Delta has conducted the Knowledge Bowl since 1996.
“The members go out and get various prizes from businesses that are handed out during informal audience sessions between rounds. Then, Mr. McNeese and the History department underwrite the expense of the cash prizes for the winning teams,” says McNeese.
Sigma Tau Delta President Bevin Carroll states that the Knowledge Bowl is a “fun tradition that promotes academia.”
As emcee, History Department Chair Tim McNeese read the contestant questions, while Professor Mark Miller and Adjunct Instructor Joe Mann were the contest judges. Between rounds, audience members were given their opportunity to win small prizes, from supporters that included Wal-Mart, The Well, and McDonalds.
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Sports Week in Review
By Chelsea Mullinix
The men and women’s basketball teams have been hard at work once again. The Lady Panthers traveled to Yankton, SD, to play against Mount Marty College on Friday, November 21, but fell to the Lancers 59-71. Then Saturday, November 22, the team traveled to Lindsborg, KS, to play Bethany College in a close game that resulted in a 79-85 loss.
The following weekend, November 28-29, the Ladies participated in the Hastings Tournament in Hastings, NE. On Saturday, the ladies competed against Doane College, but fell 53-83 to the Tigers. On Sunday, the women played their final game in the tournament against Hastings College and lost 46-87. On the following Saturday, December 6, the Ladies played in an away game against University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD, but fell 45-97. The Ladies next game will be Tuesday, December 9, in Omaha against University of Nebraska at 5:30. Their next home game will be on Saturday, December 13 at 3 p.m. against Iowa Wesleyan.
On Friday November 21, the men traveled to Seward to compete against Concordia University at 7 p.m. and fell 59-88 to the Bulldogs. The following Wednesday on November 26, the Men played in an evening, away game against University of Nebraska in Kearney. The men lost 48-84. Saturday, December 6, the men traveled to South Dakota and played the University of Sioux Falls, which resulted in a 59-89 loss. The men’s next game is Tuesday, December 9 against University of Nebraska in Omaha at 7:30 p.m.
In other YC sports news, the Men’s wrestling team will participate in the Kearney Open in Kearney, NE, on Saturday, December 13, with the competition commencing at 9 a.m.
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What will be under your Christmas tree?
By Randy Lewis
Many of us celebrate Christmas by wrapping presents and putting them under a Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas day. As well, we put lots of thought into material gifts that we will buy for others. Some even put some time into their own wish list hoping they will get everything they want.
Shoppers hunt for the best deals, sometimes months in advance, and the whole ordeal is planned out, to the very moment the recipient will open the gift. We even have a nation-wide shopping day called Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. On this day, shoppers can get up in the early morning hours to go shop at stores that are putting on great deals. I had the opportunity to experience Black Friday this year, and, yes, I found some great deals. The trip may have been worth it, but seeing all of the mad people fighting for the same items or others cutting in line didn't seem to display to me the Christmas meaning I thought they should be going for.
I admit, opening gifts is fun especially when your mom buys you really awesome wool sweaters. This year, however, I am going to make it my goal, and I want York college students to help me, to look past the presents, the shopping for the best gift, and instead put lots of thought into the many blessings God has given to us this Christmas season.
We could be thankful for being in the company of our families, or the simple fact that we are alive and well during this Christmas season. I promise you there is much more meaning to the Christmas season than presents under a Christmas tree.
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Finals
By Logan Siddall
Finals are coming up, and we all know what that means. The library will be more crowded than ever before, and everyone will be studying hard. There will be those of us who pull all-nighters before tests to cram in as much as we can, and those who only study a small amount each day leading up to them. But no matter how you approach it, there's no denying how stressful finals week is.
There is the occasional class where the test is either very easy or in the form of a large paper or project, so that students won't have to study, but, even then, the mindset of knowing so much of our grade rides on one assignment can affect us. We turn out papers much better than anything we had previously done, and most likely, with speeds we had never before done, too. That's because of the one thing we all do--procrastinate!
There may be some who jump on their work right away and get it done immediately, but for many of us, waiting as long as we can to do it, is usually the only way it gets done. Of course, that's almost part of being a college student, though, and most of us manage to do it and still turn out good grades.
Then there are those who do have actual finals to take. For them, finals week is like an inevitable countdown to the worst day in the class. Even if one is good in a particular class we all still have doubt about how we will do, and how the big test grade will effect our overall grade. Of course for some, that’s very good; for others, not so much.
Everyone will study though, at least a little bit. No one goes to college to flunk out, of course, and without at least some studying for finals, getting an F may be exactly what you do. So, whether you're in the library looking up books that will help you out, on your computer going over online notes, or just sitting in your dorm room going through your book, best of luck; you'll need it.
Of course, after them, we all get that big reward called Christmas break, a whole month of no homework or schoolwork of any kind. We'll all be able to breathe easier once that time is here, but until then, let’s just settle for thinking of all we'll get to do over our break. Not everyone is coming back either, so say bye to those you might not see again, and just have fun!
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“Change?”
By Mitchell Roush
I love York College. I don’t know how many of you know my story about how I came here. To make a long story short, I came here against my will. No matter how hard I wanted to ignore YC, I couldn’t. God told me that this is where I needed to be. I couldn’t be happier with that decision. God has never ceased showing me over and over again that YC is not only a great place, but the place that I needed to be a part of.
Have you ever prayed for change? Have you ever wanted something to be so different that all you could think of to do was to get down on your knees and give it to God? Change is something that is hard to come by. It never happens as fast as we’d like it to. And of course, God will be God by telling us the change we’re seeking isn’t all we thought it would be. Regardless of how many times you’ve prayed for change or haven’t; nothing changes the fact that there are moments in our lives where we want something to be different than it is already.
I live in a bubble here at York College. Actually, no matter where you go to college you will live in a bubble there. That’s the college life. It’s not negative, it’s not positive, it’s truth. At college your priorities aren’t typically found in all the things that are outside of the campus, your school work, your relationships, and getting to where you want to go in life. Even in the “bubble life” there are still things that we’d like to see changed.
Have you ever found yourself yearning for change and then find yourself getting frustrated because you don’t know how to go about it? Have you ever prayed to God to change things and then it doesn’t happen? Questions like these haunted my mind for a long time. Then I came across a quote by Rob Bell:
“Don’t ask God to feed the hungry if you have plenty of food.”
How easy is it for us to ignore the obvious? How easy is it for us to not know all of what’s going on around us? How easy is it for us to make excuses? How easy is it for us to not know the answer but not go searching for it? How easy is it to send up one prayer of concern and then leave it for God to take care of the rest? VERY EASY.
God wants us to use Him as our lifeline, because that’s exactly what He is. But He’s not Santa Clause. God is our Father; a Mentor; a confident supporter; a friend; and a Spirit that makes us capable of great things.
I love York College. No school is perfect. We all have a list 9 miles long of complaints. What are you doing to make the positive changes? How is God challenging you? Can you accept God’s challenges to make global changes? I know that’s unheard of anymore. But it starts with little things. It starts with a little awareness of recognizing that you’ve been blessed. How can you use that to bless others? Think about Rob Bell’s words. How can that bring the change you need in your prayer life and in your acting out of your faith?