With its transition to university status this summer, York College held its final commencement ceremony Saturday morning. Hosted in the Campbell Activity Center, nearly 90 students crossed the stage to receive their degrees—the seats and bleachers filled with proud parents, excited family members, and friends. President Sam Smith welcomed everyone to the historic event and addressed graduates stating, “We’re celebrating the beginning of your new season in life. We celebrate that York College’s commitment to providing you with a Christ-centered education has indeed transformed you from a student to a teacher in your field of expertise. As president of York College it is my honor to welcome you to this amazing celebration.”

Commencement Photos         Commencement Video

The Brian Lemons Athletic Training Center is a desperately needed project. For Chad Karcher, our long-time athletic trainer, it is all about better care for the student-athletes he has served for 23 years. Thanks to the $200,000 Brian Lemons’ Challenge, we are close to making this dream a reality.

​One of the hundreds of YC students touched by Chad Karcher’s dedication and care is Dr. Jennifer (Witt) Martin who finished York College in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology and an Athletic Training minor. She played volleyball and basketball, and after graduating worked in admissions for a year prior to pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Now, back in her hometown of Flagler, Colorado, with her husband, Cody and sons, Coehn and Logan, she is a physical therapist with the local hospital and satellite clinics.

Once again, students have their eyes set on PBL Nationals after competing at the Professional Business Leaders (PBL) State Leadership Conference in Kearney, Neb. Fifteen members of the York College PBL chapter attended the Nebraska state conference on April 10-11. The chapter represented the college well and received several awards for its competitive events and leadership activities. The National Leadership Conference will take place next June in Chicago. ​

Leadership was a theme among the York College PBL Chapter, with four students recognized as “who’s who” recipients in Nebraska PBL: Kitra Cody, a senior from Cody, Neb., Allison Myers, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., Josh Santiago, a senior from Norfolk, Neb., and Moriah Toledo, a senior from Fruitland, N.M. 

It was an evening of celebration as York College held its annual All-College Banquet Tuesday at the Holthus Convention Center in York. The student body gathered with faculty and staff for a night of reflection, recognition, great food, and fellowship. Catered by Kerry's Restaurant, the menu for the evening was sliced beef brisket, chicken Marsala and rice, macaroni & cheese, vegetable medley, tossed salad, dinner rolls, and cake for dessert.

Several awards were presented to students, faculty, and staff including the annual Mr. and Ms. York College honors.

Spring Panther Days showcased the performing arts at York College with nightly Songfest productions, Traveling Children’s Theatre show, and the Concert Choir’s performance. The Bartholomew Performing Arts Center got a good workout as it hosted the performances, and guests were treated to stellar productions on all fronts.
 
The weekend events were kicked off on Thursday evening with the annual production of Songfest that ran for three nights. For nearly 45 years, York College students have experienced the camaraderie and excitement of Songfest, and this was the first time in three years that the show was able to run its normal course, mask-free.