Eight students have been honored as finalists for the distinguished Mr. and Ms. York University awards. The winners will be announced during the all-school banquet on Monday, April 20, 2026. This annual award is presented to students nominated by faculty and staff for exemplifying the following qualities:
- They embody a commitment to the mission, purpose, and core values of York University.
- They are recognized by students, faculty, and staff as servant leaders who make positive contributions in all they do.
- They are well-rounded individuals who pursue spiritual integrity and academic excellence while making contributions to the campus and community, forming healthy personal relationships, and living godly lives.
Mr. YU Candidates:
Landen Baum
Awards & Honors: Two-time FBLA National Qualifier, Dean's List
Activities: FBLA, Greek Life
After graduation, Landen plans to become a garbage man and start his own garbage company.
While at YU, Landen says, "My life has been transformed through seeing other people living their lives in a godly
manner and it makes me want to do the same. York University has made me a better person
and made my faith stronger."
Jaden Beske
Awards & Honors: Two-time 1st team All-Conference - Track & Field (4x400), Two-time NCCAA All-American - Track & Field (Decathlon), Three-time Champion of Character - Track & Field, Three-time Homecoming Court
Activities: Cross Country, Track & Field, Sig Tau Vice President (x2)
After graduation, Jaden plans to become a P.E. teacher in the York area.
Reflecting on his time at YU, Jaden says, “I have found lifelong friends, bolstered my faith in Jesus, and married the love of my life. The ways that I am better are that I am a better person because of the faculty and staff, by leading be example, showing the students what Christian people should be like."
Devin Carroll
Awards & Honors: Winter Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes Award, Dean's List, York Sertoma Award
Activities: Basketball Team, Athletic Training, Bible Studies
After graduation, Devin will be attending physical therapy school at Missouri State University.
Devin reflects, “I have been truly transformed by the family I have found here. I now have friends all across the nation and have been blessed with a second family made up of professors, teammates, classmates, and fellow training room workers. These people have had a profound impact on my outlook on life, the way I approach friendships and relationships, and most importantly, my faith. York is a place where service is at the heart of its community, and that spirit has shaped who I am today. I would not be the person I am today without York and the incredible people who make up this community. I am forever thankful for this place and hope to share the same love that it has shown me."
Drew Lugafet
Awards & Honors: Three-time Champion of Character - Track & Field/Cross Country
Activities: University Singers, Celebration Singers, Wrestling, Cross Country, Track & Field, Student Government Association, Greek Life
After graduation, Drew plans to get his master's and potentially a doctorate, in physical
therapy or athletic training.
Reflecting on his time at YU, Drew says, "York has helped me to grow into a better man of God. It has given me multiple opportunities
to serve God and the campus. York has helped me to become a great man of God."
Ms. YU Candidates:
Cierra Dringman
Hometown: Beaver City, Nebraska
Major: Biology
Awards & Honors: Two-time NCCAA Qualifier - Track & Field, 2026 Indoor Track & Field Champion of Character, 2026 Homecoming Queen Candidate,
Activities: Track & Field, Resident Assistant (x3), Beta Beta Sigma President (x2), Student Government Association Treasurer (x2), Student Government Association Vice President
After graduation, Cierra plans to gain experience and employment in marine life conservation and coral restoration on the East Coast.
Reflecting on her time at YU, Cierra says, "I have experienced so much personal growth because of the people here. These last four years surrounded by Jesus loving peers, professors and staff, is something I will never take for granted. I was blessed in many ways by the staff and faculty here by how they listened to a gift or a nudge from the Lord, and if I have learned anything from their actions is to do the same for others. I am excited to be taking my turn by trusting in the Lord to guide me to the people who may be silently struggling, and reach out a loving hand. I think a lot of who I grew to be was shaped by my experience here, I am very thankful for the life long relationships I have made through this university."
Rebekah (Baker) Marks
Awards & Honors: KCAC Champion of Character Award- Cheer, Dean's List
Activities: Student Activities Board, Residence Life, Cheerleading, Student Athlete Leadership Team
After graduation, Rebekah plans to move to sunny Florida and begin a new chapter focused on career growth and new opportunities, trusting God to lead her every step of the way.
She also shares, “My time at York University has truly been a season of growth and transformation. I’ve met so many new people who have influenced and encouraged me, and one of the biggest blessings was meeting my now husband. Throughout my experience, I have grown not only academically but also in my understanding of myself and my future goals. I have deepened my faith and learned to rely on God more fully in every season. York University has shaped me into a stronger, more confident, and more grounded person, and I am ready to step forward into my future with purpose and faith.”
Eliza Rohda
Awards & Honors: Stone-Campbell Journal Student Paper Competition finalist, Dean's List (x8), Alpha Chi National College Honor Society member, Distinguished Faith and Learning Scholar, 2022--2023 Best Supporting Actress Award, Syncfest 2022 winning team member
Activities: Ignite Excellence/Student Government Association, Theatre, Resident Assistant, Study Abroad, Omega Phi officer, Chi Rho officer, Genesis Week leader, SoulQuest counselor, founder of the YU Squirrels Instagram page
After graduation, Eliza plans to move to Searcy, Arkansas, and attend Harding School of Theology to earn her Master of Divinity. She was honored to receive the Lewis Scholarship, which will cover 100% of her tuition. She hopes to continue developing her skills in biblical research and, hopefully, pursue a doctorate in the future.
Eliza reflects on her time at YU, saying, “When I first came to York as an unconfident, scared freshman, my goal was just to get A's in my classes and make some friends. Over the last four years, I've been given so many opportunities to try new things, take on leadership roles, and develop skills both in and outside the classroom. I've been challenged and encouraged by staff, faculty, and friends who often saw things in me that I was unaware of. I've met incredible friends who have loved me so well and have inspired me to be a better person. I've been able to make my faith my own, and now have the skills and resources to look for answers in the midst of doubt. Because of my time at York University, I've become a better friend, student, leader, and follower of Jesus; and I feel ready to go to the next step in my future."
Mallory (Myers) Tremaine
Awards & Honors: Alpha Chi Honor Society, Outstanding Newcomer- University Singers, Best Actress, Best Actress in a One-Act, Distinguished Faith and Learning Scholarship, Dean's List
Activities: Theatre, University Singers, Celebration Singers, Beta Beta Sigma
After graduation, Mallory plans to stay and work in York for the next year, with her eyes open for a music teacher job. She plans to keep on enjoying life and pursuing the Kingdom of God with her husband, Simeon, and the amazing York community.
Mallory shares, “When I arrived on campus as a freshman, I was a perfectionist who was afraid to fail
at anything. Through the influence of YU friends, professors, and spiritual community,
I have learned to embrace imperfection and difficulty as avenues for growth. College
can be hard, but it’s also full of amazing memories. Through hardships and joy, God
has shown me that He is with me in every season of life, and His is the only opinion
that matters. Finally, YU has brought me so many wonderful, kind friends who have
helped me grow in open-mindedness, love, and a spirit of adventure. I hope to stay
connected to York’s incredible people for decades to come!"