York University came together April 20 in the Holthus Convention Center for the annual All-School Banquet to celebrate the achievements of students, staff and faculty in the 2025–2026 school year. Dr. Darrel Sears opened up the night with a prayer before attendees gathered to fellowship over a dinner courtesy of JW’s Catering.
President Timothy Westbrook welcomed everyone before Coach Brian Walth kicked off the awards ceremony. Walth named Jadin Johnson and Destiny Shepherd as the Male and Female Athletes of the Year, both members of York University basketball. These two athletes are recognized not only for their skills in their sport, but for their character and leadership on and off the court.
SGA’s Greek life liaison, Sammi Burch, presented the Greek Club Awards, naming Beta Beta Sigma and AXE as the winners of the Service Award for obtaining the most service hours of all the clubs. Never shying away from a little competition, Beta and AXE were also awarded the All-Sports Award for their wins in club intramurals. Theta Psi and Sigma Tau walked away with the Academic Award, boasting the highest average GPA of all the clubs. Finally, Burch presented the Big Heart Award to Beta and AXE for donating the most units of blood in this year’s blood drives.
Todd Sheldon, vice president for finance, read the names of staff and faculty being recognized for their years of service, with President Westbrook presenting the awards to recipients. Recognized for five years of service were Logan Kaliff, Kenny Miller, Dr. Josephine Schamp, Jared Wiley, Ken Yunevich and Jeff Hill, while ten years of service from Jeff Albers, Eryn Conyers, Bailey Davis and Corinna Minjarez were honored. Having served York for 15 years each, Jared Leinen, Dr. Shannon Leinen, Kay Magner and Roni Miller were recognized. After 40 years of faithful service, Dr. Clark Roush and Steddon Sikes were honored for the decades of impact they have made on York University.
President Westbrook presented the David and Nellie Reppart Service Award to Janet Rush for her work in and outside of the bookstore. For over two decades, Rush has managed an ever-increasing influx of packages and letters, while always offering a smile and candy to every student who stops by the bookstore. Her impact isn’t just felt when students come to pick up their mail, as she has opened her home to many students, offering consistent support and a place to stay when needed.
Dr. Clark Roush presented this year’s Performing Artist of the Year Award to Mallory Tremaine, a performer who has brought her singing and acting talents not only to the YU stage, but to her student-teaching classroom as a vocal music education major.
David and Nellie Reppart Service Award - Janet Rush
Jordan Herring, president of the Student Government Association, presented the staff and faculty of the year awards. These awards are given to staff and faculty members who receive the most votes from the student body. This year, Paulo Carvalho was honored with the award for Staff of the Year. A member of the maintenance crew, he can be found locking up the campus buildings each night, offering candy to any students who haven’t returned to their dorms yet—if students are lucky, they might even get a demonstration of Carvalho’s latest magic tricks. The Faculty of the Year Award went to Dr. Bryan Kretz, assistant professor of biology and chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics. Teaching classes that can often be intimidating, Kretz guides YU’s many STEM students through the details of microbiology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and more.
Finally, Dean Katie Miles presented the awards for Mr. and Ms. YU. Voted upon by faculty and staff, the nominees for these awards must be senior students who embody the values of York University. Successful not only in their academics and extracurriculars, these students must also be actively involved in the campus and the community. They are to be well-rounded individuals who display York University’s mission in their lives, being transformed through Christ-centered education and equipped for “lifelong service to God, family, and society.”
This year, Drew Lugafet of Hutchinson, Kan., was named as Mr. YU. Lugafet, an exercise science major, is a three-time Champion of Character award winner for YU’s track and field/cross country team and a member of the 2022 winning Syncfest team. Besides track and field and cross country, he has been involved in University Singers, Celebration Singers, wrestling, Student Government Association, study abroad and Greek Life. After graduation, he plans to get married and pursue a master’s and potentially a doctorate in physical therapy or athletic training.
Reflecting on his time at YU, Lugafet said, “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.”
The title of Ms. YU was given to Eliza Rohda, an English and vocational ministry major from Waverly, Neb. While at YU, she has been involved in the Student Government Association as the Ignite Excellence Chairperson, has served as an officer in Chi Rho and Omega Phi, has been involved in theatre and study abroad, has worked as a resident assistant and is the founder of the YU Squirrels Instagram page. She is a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and the Distinguished Faith and Learning Scholars and has been a member of the dean’s list each semester. She was given the 2022–23 Best Supporting Actress Award, competed as a finalist in the 2026 Stone-Campbell Journal Undergraduate Paper Competition, and like Lugafet, was a member of the 2022 winning Syncfest team.
After graduation, Eliza plans to move to Searcy, Ark., and attend Harding School of Theology to earn her Master of Divinity. With 100% of her tuition covered by the Lewis Scholarship, she hopes to continue developing her skills in biblical research and pursue a doctorate in the future.
“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,” Rohda said. “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."
After all the awards had been given, Dr. Jared Pack closed by leading everyone in the singing of the Alma Mater.