From the Italian Renaissance to modern-day Broadway, the upcoming Spring Works concert from the York College Concert Choir will offer a wide range of composers, time periods, and styles.  The concert theme is Musical Potpourri and will be performed Monday, April 22 at 7:30 P.M. in the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center.  There is no cost for admission and all are welcome to attend this final event of the arts year at York College. ​

​According to Dr. Clark Roush, professor of music and conductor of the choir, the concert will be a pleasure for all kinds of music lovers. The choir will perform classic pieces by established composers including John Rutter and Giovanni Palestrina, as well as modern American composers such as Elaine Hagenberg and Z. Randall Stroope.  

The 42nd annual Songfest production came to an exciting conclusion Saturday night in front of a full Spring Panther Days crowd. The high-energy musical performance featured nearly a quarter of the student body, as well as a handful of talented alumni, and each night gave audiences their money’s worth of entertainment.
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Emcees for the production were freshmen Justus Coppinger and Thad Kinney who entertained with jokes, songs, and a lot of friendly banter. Hosting this year’s show were Josh “Todd” Anderson, Asa Coppinger, Conrad Morris, Olivia Nabb, Emma Seilstad, and Dri Sotolongo. 

Dr. Garrett Baker, who served as president of York College from 1995-1996, passed away on Monday, April 1, at the age of 88. Baker was the brother of longtime YC faculty member Dr. Elmer Baker, who passed away in 2004.

"Dr. Baker was willing to step in during a major transition for York College," said current YC President Steve Eckman. "He had been serving as a trustee for the school and responded when there was a need until a new president could be found.  President Baker remained supportive of the College after his return to Texas and looked for ways to promote York College through connecting us with donors and exploring innovative partnerships and programs to advance our mission. ​We remain grateful for his willingness to serve."

Sophomore soccer player Bre Bembenek says she thought it was “a little bit strange” when in her first week as a student athlete at York College her team was invited to the home of a faculty member for dinner. “I’d never had a family welcome my whole team in like that,” said Bembenek. “But once I got to know them, it’s just been awesome. I love coming to their house. It’s a home and a family I feel welcomed in.”

​Bembenek and teammates were hosted by Sarah Van Gomple, assistant professor of education, who is in her second year as chaplain for the women’s soccer program. The Van Gomple family has surrounded the players to support them in numerous ways, from providing them with frequent meals and a place to do homework and hang out, to relationship advice, to spiritual guidance, to a cheering section at the games.

York College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) participated in the Nebraska State Leadership Conference in Kearney March 29 and 30, sailing past the competition in key events. Several members of the team qualified for the National competition, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, June 24-27.

As a team, York PBL tied for first place for largest chapter involvement at a four-year college, which is a significant achievement for a small college. Chapter president Cole Satterfield was also recognized with the Who’s Who in Nebraska PBL Award, an honor given to an individual who stands out in their local chapter for extraordinary leadership and service.​

The final month of the semester at York College is packed full of events. Mark your calendars for these fun performances and activities so you don’t miss out!

Looking for athletic events? Check out the Master Calendar on YCPanthers.com. 

Songfest, April 3-6
Songfest is a high-energy musical revue, featuring the performances of a quarter of the student body. Songfest will be performed at 7  p.m., April 3-6, in the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at the door starting at 6 p.m. each night or anytime online at www.york.edu/songfest. ​

Writers of all kinds are invited to attend the annual Writer’s Workshop, hosted by the York College English Department on Saturday, April 13. This year’s featured speaker will be Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason and will take place in the Miller Room of the Mackey Center (1125 E 8th St).

The free event will include a lecture and reading from Mason at 2 p.m., followed by a reception and book signing at 3 p.m. The workshop component will run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend, though registration is requested. Participants should be ready for a full range of experiences, including reading, writing, and sharing poetry.​