York College Heritage Magazine No. 45

YORK UNIVERSITY

Expanding Our Reach

Presidential Inauguration

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Campaign Launch

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Alumni Honors

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York University

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The Power of One

On the Cover: At his presidential inauguration, Dr. Sam Smith announced that York College will transition to York University during the summer of 2022. See pg. 16 6

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Profile in Excellence Campus News New Faculty at YC President Smith's Inauguration Campaign Launch Homecoming and Alumni Awards York University PBL National Champions Mapping Out the Future Academic Partnerships and Programs Alumni News and Notes Panther Athletics The Power of One Plumbing the Depths for Insights Campus Spotlight Memorials Calendar of Events

Heritage — Fall 2021 Vol. 25, No. 1 Heritage is a semi-annual publication for alumni and friends of York College. The magazine is available online at www.york.edu/alumni.

Heritage Staff

Steddon Sikes ’84 Director of Publications 402-363-5668 slsikes@york.edu

Eryn Conyers ’16 Communication Officer 402-363-5607 econyers@york.edu

Heritage Contributors Dr. Steve Eckman ’71 Bob DeHart ’95 Tyler Hinton ’13 Chrystal Houston ’03

Brent Magner ’79 Dr. Shane Mountjoy ’88 Jared Stark ’01 Collin Tucker ’15

As I sat down to compose this letter to our alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and donors, I glanced out my office window. Through the passing traffic up and down 6th Street, I see the same scene that is outside of my office window everyday. There in East Hill park are the same trees, the same swing sets, and the same playground rocking horses that are there everyday that I sit in my office, yet today it isn’t the same.

The vibrant green colors from summer have been painted by the new season into bright yellow, orange, and red. As the wind blows gently on this day, each breeze tugs leaves from branches that now fall softly to the ground. The scene before me begs to ask the question: is this the end of a season or the beginning of a new season?

This question is important to reflect on when interacting with our students. The reality is, that for many of them, they are in an “inbetween” stage of life. They want to have a career, and they want to have a family, but they are in a season where they are building up to those moments while at YC. I deeply believe that God uses our incredible faculty and staff to serve as the wind that blows in to challenge students to be ready for growth in a new season.

While we aspire to provide students with an exceptional education and prepare them to be great leaders for their family, we have a deeper calling. We want our students to embrace each season they experience, so they can grow deeper in a relationship with our mighty God and His son, Jesus. Like the rings inside a tree can tell you a lot about the seasons it weathered throughout its life, we want our students to have those reflective moments that emphasize through the good and bad, God was in the process of building them up in their faith. The writer of Ecclesiastes said it best and repeatedly when he penned these words, “there is a season.”

I invite you to pray that God will boldly and courageously be known in the seasons that our students experience. Pray that God will continue to equip our faculty and staff to be energized by the opportunities He has given us to be the boots on the ground with students. Pray that we will acknowledge Him as the one who provides for us regardless of the season.

In Him, Sam Smith President

Profile Excellence J in

June 9, 2000

oshua and Julie (Stephens) Marcum ’01 traveled more than 11,000 miles to meet each other on the York College campus 23 years ago. Two missionary kids from opposite points on the equator — Kenya and Ecuador — who met and fell in love in Nebraska. They were married in York's Harrison Park the summer before their senior year, each sharing a dream of someday working in a mission field.

Julie was born and raised in Kenya, Africa, where her parents Larry and Diane Stephens made their home as missionaries. Joshua had spent half his life in South America, from the time his folks Kent and Sharla (Sikes ’73) Marcum, along with four other families, had begun a new congregation in the capital city of Quito in 1989.

The newlyweds weren’t sure where they would plant roots, but with Joshua being fluent in Spanish and his experiences in Ecuador, they were committed to doing mission work in Latin America. On January 10, 2006, together with a team of four other families, they embarked on a five-year work in Cochabamba, Bolivia, beginning a congregation of the Lord’s church in the downtown area of the city.

At the end of that commitment, Joshua received an invitation from his dad to be a part of the work in Ecuador, specifically, the Quito School of Biblical Studies (QSOBS) where Kent was the director and to also lead the thriving church planting program. Feeling the Lord’s nudge, Joshua and Julie along with their three beautiful daughters began their work with Operation Ecuador in March of 2011, with their son Enoch being born the following month.

While raising their support, Joshua reached out to one of the congregations in York. During their time as students, Joshua and Julie served as youth interns with the East Hill Church of Christ and invited them to be a part of the exciting ministry opportunity, not only financially, but in a hands-on partnership.

Joshua told the eldership that they were seeking more than a church’s mission funds. They wanted a personal investment of time, resources, and people. They wanted work groups to help with building projects, outreach ministries in the jungle, volunteers assisting with medical missions, youth groups to visit, etc.

The answer was a resounding “Yes,” and a youth mission trip to Ecuador was immediately put into place. In the last ten years, there have been nine sponsored groups from East Hill in Ecuador along with three student groups from York College.

“Nothing can substitute witnessing in person the work you support,” said Joshua. “Being an active participant, touching and being touched by those you are trying to reach with the gospel, makes all the difference in the world when it comes to partnering with a ministry. It not only strengthens the efforts made by those of us living and working on the mission field, but it gives great buy-in to the supporting church.

“We’ve made some incredible strides these last ten years because of those willing to give their time, resources, and hearts to the work here in Ecuador,” Joshua went on to say.

“It’s an invaluable testimony to who the church is and what it means to be the body of Christ.”

Operation Ecuador is an umbrella organization that connects several US-supported mission efforts. It has grown ...continued next page FALL 2021 |

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photo courtesy Beasley Allen Law Firm

(above) Joshua, Michaela, Jana, Enoch, Eliana, and Julie.

(Inset) A family trip to the Galapagos Islands in September was just part of the homeschool curriculum for the day.

to include many facets of ministry across Ecuador by which thousands of people have been baptized.

In 2014, Joshua took over as director of the institute and in 2016 earned his Doctor of Ministry from ACU. His thesis project implemented and evaluated the inclusion of a technical-skills component in the QSOBS’ seminary training and is still being used today.

QSOBS is now noted as the largest Bible institute in South America in the Spanish language, offering courses online, including master's level studies, and a second to none Bible Institute for 35-40 full time students in Quito.

In its 24 years of operation, the school

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has had more than 250 graduates and is making the most remarkably positive influence in Spanish speaking South America in the history of missions among churches of Christ.

In many ways, a mission's maturity is measured by its transition to local leadership. At this year’s graduation

"Nothing can substitute witnessing in person the work you support." ceremony, Joshua, joined by his dad, passed the baton of directing the

QSOBS to Oswaldo Albarracín, an Ecuadorian from Cuenca and a member of the faculty at the institute for the last eighteen years. His remarkable wife Lourdes has been involved with the women's program at the school, coordinating it since 2013.

“Operation Ecuador is blessed to be at this point in history where it can entrust such an important ministry to such a godly couple,” said Joshua.

“I’m so grateful to God for raising up national leaders whose skill and honor make them the ideal partners to carry

Joshua commissions the 2021 Quito School of Biblical Studies graduating class to join the ranks of their fellow brothers and sisters in the Latin American work force of missionaries, preachers, teachers, elders, and as most prefer to be known, “siervos del Señor” (servants of the Lord).

this work and God's dream to greater restrictions in the city of Quito have With the kids getting older and heights.” been confining these days on the visits to colleges and universities already Joshua continues to serve the Marcum household, but with Julie now taking place, one might ask, “Are QSOBS in the capacity of Director of homeschooling the children: Michaela there third generation missionaries in development for operation the Marcum family’s Ecuador. He remains the future?”

"I’m so grateful to God for raising up U.S. liaison for the school Time will tell on national leaders whose skill and honor and teaches part-time with that one. the faculty. It is his hope But if a teenager make them the ideal partners to carry this that this new role will free from Ecuador can find work and God's dream to greater heights" his soulmate from him to focus more on the many other areas within East Africa on a small OE, such as the QSOBS mission teams, (16), Eliana (15), Jana (13), and Enoch Christian college campus in Nebraska the master's program, medical missions, (10), there is more freedom to travel as once upon a time… God only knows if campus ministry, evangelism efforts a family both stateside and with various it just might happen again. n along the Cayapas River, and short-term mission groups that visit. Teaching in

by Steddon Sikes ’84 mission groups from the U.S. the home and on the road is just part of Due to the pandemic, strict travel normalcy these days.

(above left) Kent and Joshua Marcum pass the baton to new QSOBS Director Oswaldo Albarracín during the 2021 graduation ceremony. (far left) Four families along with Joshua, Julie, and their newborn daughter Michaela are ready to begin the work in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2006. (left) As part of the QSOBS faculty, Joshua looks forward to sharing a meal with some of the students. (right) In 2016, the youth group and sponsors from York built swing sets along the Cayapas River where the gospel was being preached.

Seven YC alumni were part of the work crew.

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CAMPUS NEWS

Odom Named Vice Schwarz Agrees to Serve President for Enrollment as YC Athletic Director

David Odom (’93) was named vice president for enrollment at York College at the beginning of the fall semester. Odom, a YC alumnus from the classes of ’93 and ’00, has served as director of admissions since 2012.

"David has an intimate knowledge of the enrollment process.

He is extremely thoughtful, cares deeply about the prospective student experience, and has a wealth of ideas of how we can broaden the York College brand for high school students. You won't find another person more committed to the mission of York College on our campus than David," President Sam Smith said. "He has a reputation as a hard worker and diligent leader in admissions and I am excited to see David step into this expanded role."

During his time as director of admissions, he has led recruiting efforts in an era of declining numbers of college eligible students, especially those affiliated with churches of Christ. Despite the challenging context, enrollment enjoyed notable recent upturns including last year’s record enrollment of 640.

“I have been blessed by York College for more than 3 decades as a student, a parent and now an employee. I believe these experiences give me a better understanding of what our prospective students and their families desire in higher education. I’m honored to be given this opportunity and desire to meet and exceed the challenges of enrollment management. YC has always been about transforming lives and I love being part of what God can do each year on our campus.”

President Smith added, “We know that student recruitment will present a tremendous challenge for the foreseeable future. I am so grateful that David is willing to take on this role and lead our enrollment efforts in the coming years. His ability to manage the detail that goes with enrollment management combined with his unwavering care for other people will be critical for us as we move forward.”

Odom and his wife Rachel have been married for 25 years and have two grown children, Tyler and Dylan (’19). n

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Garrett Schwarz (’07) takes over as York College athletic director and inherits a department that involves nearly 70 percent of YC students participating in 18 sports. During the past decade, Panther athletics has enjoyed success on and off the field. York has obtained 17 conference championships and had 25 athletes earn NAIA All-American status during the 10-year time span. Outside of competition, the Panthers have earned the NAIA Champions of Character plaque every single year. And there have been well over 200 NAIA Scholar-Athletes recognized across all programs.

While announcing the decision, President Smith said, "I was impressed with Garrett's deep passion for the ways that our athletic department should be mission driven, competitive, and continuously developing character among our student athletes.

As a former YC student-athlete, he understands firsthand the key role coaches play in ensuring an outstanding, transformational experience for every student-athlete.”

This position at YC is the next step in his career as an organization manager and a Christian mentor, according to Schwarz. “As athletic director, I’m excited to share my life experiences and genuinely minister to students,” he explained.

Schwarz is a likable, charismatic leader, but he’s also meticulous and hardworking. He says he knows he is accepting a big challenge stepping into this role with Panther athletics, and he’s eager for it.

“I’m excited to help players be great athletes and also become great people,” he said. “I want them to achieve their academic goals. I want them to be successful in athletics but also make good choices for their life and future, to develop great skills, and to leave with a degree and a stronger relationship with God.” Garrett and Jenna (Matkins ’03) have made York their home for the past two decades and have been engaged alumni, regularly attending athletics events with their children, Dawson (17), Makai (15), and Lael (14). They also attend East Hill Church of Christ, where Garrett and Jenna are active in leading youth ministry. n

CAMPUS NEWS

New Faculty at YC York College welcomed five new faculty to campus this fall in the areas of education, psychology, science, and academic IT support.

Dr. Cheryl Couch Dr. Cheryl Couch, Director of the Master of Education Program and E-Learning Specialist, comes to York from Barclay College in Haviland, Kans., where she has chaired the teacher education unit and elementary education program since 2012. She served as the early childhood education Couch coordinator and instructor at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kans., from 2009-2012, and prior to that, she taught elementary and special education for twelve years.

Couch completed her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership with a dual emphasis in Teacher Leadership and Higher Education at Southwestern College in 2020. She received her EdS in educational leadership: Teacher Leadership from Southwestern in 2017, her MSE in early childhood special education from Wichita State University in 2007, and her BSE from Oklahoma Christian University in 1986 with a double major in elementary education and early childhood education.

Couch has three grown faithful daughters and ten grand blessings.

Mr. Jeff Hill Jeff Hill joins YC's department of psychology. He holds two masters degrees: an MS in counseling from Concordia University Wisconsin (2014) and an M.Div. in transformational leadership focus from Bethel Seminary (2008). He earned his bachelor of religious education Hill at Rochester University (2001) and received his ministry and missions certification from Sunset School of Preaching in 1991.

Since 2014, Hill has been a licensed professional counselor at New Life Resources, and for the last fifteen years has been the pulpit minister at Southside Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Wis. Over the past five years he has lead grief support groups for people who have lost loved ones to overdose. Hill is a frequent speaker at retreats and volunteers at Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp each summer.

Dr. Mark Phillips ’78 Dr. Mark Phillips also joins the psychology faculty and is returning to York where he was an enrollment counselor from 1980-82 and an assistant professor of psychology and the associate

dean of students from 1985-87.

Phillips completed his doctorate in ministry with an emphasis in counseling at Ambridge University, in 1999. He also holds two masters degrees: an MAR in biblical studies from Lipscomb University (1993) and an MS in psychology from Pittsburg State University (1984).

For the last nine years he has Phillips served as the pulpit minister for the Groesbeck Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, pastoral counseling, and community mental health centers. He has also been a case manager and coordinator of foster care and adoption for MidWestern Children's Home in Pleasant Plain, Ohio. Mark and Bonnie have two grown children, Seth and Hannah.

Mrs. Meghan (Boyle ’08) Salsbury Meghan Salsbury has been named the information commons director at York College. Salsbury, who worked in financial aid from 2009-13 and was an adjunct instructor for YC during that time, earned a master's of library science from the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University. This led to her employment at the University Salsbury of Nebraska Omaha library as their online learning librarian, and more recently at Montana State University as their instructional technology librarian. Meghan and Marty (’11) have two children Ciaran (4) and Adalynn (2).

Dr. Josephine Schamp Dr. Josephine Schamp joins the division of science and mathematics this fall as an assistant professor of chemistry. She comes to York from the University of Iowa where she has been doing postdoctoral research since 2017 in psychiatry and neurology.

Schamp completed her doctoral Schamp studies in Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry at the University of Iowa in 2017. She also completed a MS at the University in translational biomedicine in 2019. ​Schamp did her undergraduate work at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kans., earning a BS in biology and chemistry in 2011. In addition to graduating summa cum laude, Schamp was a multi-year recipient of the NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete Award in volleyball as well as track and field while at Bethany. n FALL 2021 |

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photos by Bob DeHart '95

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WORTH THE WAIT

t took a little longer than most inaugurations to be realized, but it was worth the wait to celebrate the coronation of Dr. Sam Smith as the 21st president of York College. With minimal travel restrictions, many of Smith's family members, personal friends, and peers were able to attend the September ceremony - something that couldn't have transpired a year ago.

The inauguration took place in the Colis and Dolores Campbell Activity Center and drew an audience of more than 500 guests, including delegates from other academic institutions.

Besides the pomp and circumstance found in such occasions, the ceremony also served as a platform for a surprise reveal to the York College community. During his address, President Smith announced the upcoming transition to university status in 2022 (see page 16). The news was met with much applause and excitement, especially by the students in attendance, and made for an unforgettable, historic moment.

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President Smith recognizes numerous York College friends, family, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community neighbors in his comments.

2 Former York College presidents, Dr. Wayne Baker and Dr. Steve Eckman were among the honored guests.

3 A special inaugural dinner was hosted on Thursday evening by Kristie Holthus Holoch, President and CEO of Cornerstone Bank, at the York Country Club.

4 The processional hymn of "Amazing Grace" was performed by Lincoln Fire and Rescue Pipe & Drum.

5 Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Wayne White '63, conferred upon Dr. Smith the presidency of the College signified by the presidential medallion.

6/7 On Thursday evening the York College Prayer Chapel was filled with praise, scripture, and blessing during the Inaugural Prayer Convocation.

8 Dr. Kent Gallaher, associate dean for strategy and faculty development at Lipscomb University, leads the closing benediction.

9 Harding University dignitaries grab a photo op with President Smith at the inaugural reception.

photos by Bob DeHart '95

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YORK COLLEGE CAMPAIGN

To Honor And To Serve To Honor and To Serve Campaign York College has announced a $15.95 million comprehensive, fundraising campaign named To Honor and To Serve. Gifts and pledges already total nearly $13.3 million, or more than 83% of the goal. The To Honor and To Serve Campaign is slated to last until mid-2023.

“For us, endorsing the To Honor and To Serve Campaign is very personal. We love York College and we want to be part of a campaign and a plan that are future facing.

“More than endorsing a campaign, we are ready to invest in a greater vision for what comes next. We want to get behind new generations who will call York University home, their dreams and their potential. Our support seems only natural in response to a place where so many people selflessly invested in us.

“We hope you will respond with your own investment in this step forward. Dream big. Recognize that To Honor and To Serve is only the first of many steps to build on a good foundation, prepare for the future and transition to York University. We look forward to that future and invite you to be an active participant in it.”

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Richard (’97) and Rachel (Nowlin ’99) James, Campaign Co-Chairs

To Honor and To Serve Campaign EXPANDING OUR REACH

$6.35 million

Endowment Endowment has more than tripled to nearly $21 million since 2010. The focus has been students: scholarship awards and enhanced programs. To become York University, expanding our reach, endowment must more than triple in the next decade.

York Scholarship Fund With gifts now approaching $15 million for student scholarships, this fund has become a game-changer for hundreds of students every year.

RENEWING THE CAMPUS

$6.8 million

Hulitt Hall Slated to reopen in 2022, a revitalized Hulitt Hall will provide superior customer service for every student and every campus guest.

A rededication ceremony is scheduled for Homecoming 2022.

Academic Resource Center at Levitt Complete renovation of Levitt Library combined with expanded academic services creates a full-purpose (full-service) academic hub for York University.

New Living Facility Acquisition and renovation of a local assisted living facility creates a new residence hall that will accommodate up to 80 in a great living space.

The Brian Lemons Athletic Training Complex (See story on page 26)

EQUIPPING OUR STUDENTS

$2.8 million

This priority underwrites every aspect of campus, from the arts and sciences to Panther athletics to the Elijah A. Levitt School of Business. Earmarked funding also helps make possible York Campus Ministry (YCM) and the Second Chance Program at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women.

Thank you for considering a gift to York College at this exciting time in our history. Every gift to this campaign is important, as we transition to York University.

For more information contact: Jared Stark (402) 363-5635 Vice President for Advancement Tim Bruner (870) 612-2644 Special Assistant to the President York College Advancement Office (402) 363-5664 develop@york.edu

To Honor and To Serve Campaign Cabinet Richard (’97) & Rachel (Nowlin ’99) James – Campaign Co-chairs Doug (’83) & Danna (Nelson ’84) Townsdin – Trustee Campaign Co-chairs Dr. Shannon (Sukraw ’07) Leinen – Faculty/Staff Campaign Co-chair David Odom (’00) – Faculty/Staff Campaign Co-chair Brian Walth (’03) – Faculty/Staff Campaign Co-chair Kris (Holthus) Holoch – York Community Campaign Chair Charlie Watts (’65) – Alumni Campaign Co-chair Gwen Carver (’80) – Alumni Campaign Co-chair Benjamin Smail (’12) – Alumni Campaign Co-chair H. Jarrell & Cynthia Gibbs – Honorary Campaign Co-chairs C. G. “Kelly” & Virginia Holthus – Honorary Campaign Co-chairs

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2021 HOMECOMING

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Homecoming Celebration

lumni returned to relive their great college memories, while prospective students and their families visited to see all that York College has to offer during the Homecoming and Panther Days weekend, October 22-24. A busy schedule included the theatre department’s 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, women’s basketball game, chapel, choir concert, class reunions, and a lipsync competition. Friday afternoon’s Homecoming Golf Scramble was won by Jared Bady ’06, Zeb Carter ’07, and Joseph Morien 08’ and raised $300 for the golf program. It was followed that evening by the President’s Reception for all alumni. The weekend also recognized a couple of outstanding alumni: Angela Jiang and Dr. Jeffery Hannel and featured the York College Athletic Hall of Fame induction of the 1996 NSCAA Volleyball Championship Team.

During halftime of the women’s basketball game in which they defeated Kansas Christian College 102-49, the York College Homecoming Court was introduced. Congratulations to this year's king and queen: Alexandre Motta and Chailey Bollens.

2021 Homecoming Court: (1st row) Grace Gaer, Alexandre Motta, Chailey Bollens, Sadie Carr, Avery Campbell; (2nd row) Rosa Vallejo Jauregui, Mikayla Brant, Chris Martens, Jamie Watts, Sofia Perez; (3rd row) Sebastian Barreto, Justus Coppinger, Diego Rubio, Bryce Winkler. (above) The 1996 Volleyball Team of Distinction: (1st row) Jen Tyson, Janet Bell, Laura Hastings, Amy Wishard, Lynn Pafford, Lavica Gammill, Dorothy Bumgardner, Coach Trevin Morgan; (2nd row) Chandy Silvey, Maria Esquerra, Terri Bond, Tiffany Sparks, Natalie Heersche, Micah Bonde – not pictured Cindi Zwemer. (right) The team was represented at the Athletic Hall of Fame induction

by Terri (Bond) Dillan, Tiffany (Sparks) Baum, Maria Esquerra, Lynn (Pafford) Smith, and Jen (Tyson) Cassity. (far right)

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Chailey is a biology major from Orange County, Calif. She is a four-year starter on the women’s soccer team, playing the outside back position and was a 2020 KCAC Honorable Mention as well as a KCAC Scholar Athlete. Motta is an accounting/business administration major from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He plays the left back position on the men’s soccer team and was a 2019 KCAC Honorable Mention as well as a KCAC Scholar Athlete. He is also involved with Esports, Residence Life, Kyodai Social Club and PBL. ​Senior candidates for queen were Sadie Carr of Henderson, Neb., Mikayla Brant of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Rosa Vallejo Jauregui of El Paso, Texas. King candidates were Chris Martens of Alden, Minn., Sebastian Barreto of Mount Dora, Fla., and Justus Coppinger of York, Neb. Attendants honored from the freshmen class: Avery Campbell of Abilene, Texas, and Jamie Watts of Midwest City, Okla., sophomores: Sofia Perez of Madera, Calf., and Diego Rubio of Zaragoza, Spain, and juniors: Grace Gaer of Irwin, Iowa, and Bryce Winkler of Lincoln, Neb. n

2021 ALUMNI AWARDS Young Alumna of the Year: Angela Jiang ’04

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ngela Jiang grew up in Beijing, China, and in her first year at York College, made the life-changing decision to become a Christian. Throughout her time at YC, she was part of the Omega Phi social club, served in multiple positions of Student Government, and was active in PBL/SIFE. After graduating with a business administration and accounting degree, Angela went on to complete her master of accountancy (M.Acc.) degree at Abilene Christian University and is a certified public accountant. She began her career with KPMG, one of the Big 4 accounting firms and also worked at TriMas Corporation in Michigan. In 2011, Jiang’s career path led her to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where she serves as a director in PwC’s Cyber, Risk and Regulatory practice advising clients on matters involving internal audit, digital transformation, and risks & compliance.

Jiang works and lives in the Cleveland, Ohio, area with her 3husband Dr. Ren Lai and their 7-year old Kaiden.

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Alumnus of the Year: Dr. Jeffery Hannel ’89

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r. Jeffrey Hannel is a family medicine physician with Grace Health System in Lubbock, Texas. From a young age, his teachers told him he had a natural empathy and desire to help others. He decided young that he wanted to be a doctor and pursued that dream.

Hannel began his undergraduate studies at York College, completed his bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb University, and received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He completed his residency in family medicine at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.

Hannel has served as a trustee for York College since 2008.

While he champions any cause for the college, he has been especially focused on the campus ministry program. Hannel and his wife Lorena have been married 24 years and have two grown children, Dacia and Saidee.​

2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: 1996 National Championship Volleyball Team

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he 1996 Panther Volleyball team was led by co-captains, Terri Bond and Tiffany Sparks, alongside senior Amy Wishard on a team otherwise filled with underclassmen.

In the first day of the National Small College Athletic Association Championships, York won 9 of 10 matches, losing only to Dominican College, the number one seed. Earning a bye in the final phase of the tournament, the Panthers defeated Martin Luther College in four sets, setting up a rematch with Dominican in the final. York won the first set 15-12 before losing the second and third sets. In the end, the Panthers held off the competition by winning the fourth set and the decisive fifth set 15-10, to clinch the 1996 -1997 Small College National Championship. Wishard and Sparks were named to the All-Tournament team, and Sparks was recognized as Tournament MVP and an All-American. n FALL 2021 |

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2021 HOMECOMING

If you were fortunate enough to attend opening night of the hilarious Homecoming musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, you would have seen Contestant #90 (aka President Smith) make his YC theatrical debut.

With alumni and friends having to skip Homecoming last year, we thought a few more pics of what you might have missed would help set the stage for 2022 — October 21-23. And remember, if you are part of our wonderful YC alumni, you don't have to wait for a reunion year! You are welcome back anytime!

The Concert Choir didn't miss a beat as they sang a special selection of hymns to begin their performance on Saturday.

Led by Justus Coppinger ’22, the singing in the East Hill auditorium was a heavenly reminder of alumni's chapel days.

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W H AT YO U M AY H AV E M I S S E D

The classes of ’79–’82 made the most of their reunion, getting together multiple times during the weekend.

Homecoming always seems to take advantage of the beautiful autumn days on campus and this year was no exception.

photo by Bob DeHart '95

Clif Harris ’71 and Fred ’70 and Erika Maxwell have a good visit at the President's Alumni Reception.

For those who could stay awake past 10:30 p.m. you may have caught the entertaining SyncFest concert in Campbell.

The Lady Panthers took care of business, dispatching the Falcons of Kansas Christian 102-49 in their home opener.

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Expanding Our Reach

What's in a Name?

YORK

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ork College will tran the summer of 2022 by the board of truste and announced by inauguration as the

“The very root of my vision for this institution is to unashamedly be the Christian school that we claim to be,” Smith stated during his inaugural address. “Who we are now is much more than a college, and we are ready to lean into a new name.

Next summer, we will officially transition from York College to York University.”

University will more accurately describe York’s profile as a comprehensive institution offering fouryear and graduate degree programs that encompass the liberal arts and professional studies. Recent record enrollments, tripling of the permanent endowment during the past decade, and ongoing fundraising successes provide a context of strength to make the change now.

Board chair, Dr. R. Wayne White ’63 reflects, “Knowing the importance of this step, the trustees moved slowly but with a vision for future academic development and success for student and college alike. When we interviewed Dr. Smith, we shared our vision to become York University. We had yet to make it official, but we knew the direction we needed to go. There was no going back.”

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UNIVERSITY

nsition to York University during 2. The name change was approved ees at their January 2021 meeting Dr. Sam Smith ’95 during his school’s 21st president.

The name change also provides an important enhancement for York’s recruiting efforts.

University status is more widely understood among international, graduate and non-traditional audiences. These groups are increasingly important and represent an opportunity to have a far greater reach than ever before possible in the school’s 131-year history.

For prospective employers, the university name will provide clarity about the nature of the degrees held by York alumni. It also creates new opportunities for expanded academic partnerships benefiting students and faculty.

Discussions about changing our name to York University began years ago culminating in the board’s decision earlier this year. The name will change. The heart of the institution will not. Our mission, identity, values, and vision will remain focused on transforming lives through Christcentered education.

To learn more about the transition, visit www.york.edu/university. n

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PBL National Champions!

YC never left our side. They challenged us to stay focused and come out on top, and that is exactly what we did.”

Being a Nebraska high school graduate, and the 2021-22 president elect of Nebraska PBL, Santiago took the success of both his state and team personally.

“Nebraska had the most Top 10 finishes amongst all states,” he said. “It doesn’t matter that some call us a ‘flyover state’. It doesn’t matter that other students tell us our network is smaller because we live in Nebraska. What does matter — is that we never gave up and we gave it our all. I will miss our seniors greatly!”

Dye, who served this past year as the chapter president said, “Joining PBL has been life changing for me. I am honored to have been a part of this club for the past few years and I am super excited to see what’s next for YC PBL. The advisor and business professors are amazing, the members are now lifelong friends, and competing has been a blast! I highly encourage everyone, no matter what your major or possible career path is, to join PBL.” n

photos by Bob DeHart '95

fter an impressive seventeen 1st place awards at the Nebraska state competition in the spring, YC's Professional Business Leaders set their sights high for the National Leadership Conference, June 24-27, and did their PBL chapter proud. Sixteen Top 10 finishes were awarded that included one individual national champion, one team champion, two team runners-up, and seven additional students placing fifth or better in their events.

"I am extremely proud of all of our members. A virtual national conference and a tough Covid year were not enough to slow down our students,” said Dr. Stacie Turnbull, chapter advisor.

“They worked hard to prepare for state and the national events, competing against the best of the best! In addition, they were actively involved in chapter events throughout the year. I can't wait to see these students continued success and am grateful to be a part of their journey. We are grateful to the many in the York business community who continue to mentor our members."

Logan Dye, a 2021 business administration graduate from Wylie, Texas, and three-time national qualifier, saved her best for last as she came away with first place in Client Services. 2019 national champion Kitra Cody, a junior from Cody, Neb., and Moriah Toledo, a junior from Fruitland, N.M., won first in Human Resource Management. Cody was also a national runner-up at this year’s competition along with teammate Josh Santiago, a junior from Norfolk, Neb., in Accounting Analysis and Decision Making.

Santiago and Diego Korol, another 2019 national champion, teamed up for a second place finish in Forensic Analysis.

Korol, who graduated in May with dual degrees in accounting and business administration, is from Santiago, Chile, and is currently pursuing his masters at York College and serving as a graduate assistant with the men’s soccer program. He attributed the chapter’s achievements to the YC business faculty that he tagged with this comment posted on York’s PBL Facebook page: “The success of our chapter wouldn't be possible without the education we've received in each of your classes. You are all amazing educators that have made an impact not only in the lives of our PBL members, but also every student of the Levitt School of Business.”

Santiago also had high praise for those who helped in a difficult year. “It was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel throughout the school year, and it was especially hard on us students with the constantly changing learning environment we endured due to Covid,” said Santiago. “Our strong PBL advisor and professors at

2021 National PBL Leadership Conference Results: Client Services – Logan Dye, 1st Human Resource Management – Kitra Cody & Moriah Toledo, 1st Forensic Analysis – Diego Korol & Josh Santiago, 2nd Accounting Analysis & Dec. Making – Kitra Cody & Josh Santiago, 2nd Small Business Management Plan – Felipe Venegas & Diego Korol, 3rd Acc. Analysis & Dec. Making – Adriana Fajardo & Ella Montoya, 4th Community Service Project – Isaac Barnes & Ella Montoya, 4th Business Communications – Timberly Carr, 5th Global Analysis and Decision Making – Moriah Toledo, 5th Client Services – Caden Morris, 6th Business Ethics – Chris Martens, 6th Integrated Marketing Campaign – Isaac Barnes & Victoria Miller, 6th Business Presentation – Timberly Carr & Allison Myers, 7th Local Chapter Annual Bus. Report – Allison Myers & Moriah Toledo, 9th Cost Accounting – Adriana Fajardo, 10th Local Chapter Annual Business Report - Taylor O'Brien, 10th

Mapping out the Future

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photo by Steddon Sikes '84

aden Morris is a third generation Yorkie. His grandparents James and Dixie (Sanner) Busch met at YC in the early 60s; his parents Chuck and Laura (Busch) Morris were students in the 80s. And he has a plethora of great uncles, great aunts, regular aunts and uncles, first cousins, second cousins, a brother, and sister-in-law who all claim York College as their alma mater.

So it was an easy choice for Caden his freshman year to make the ritual pilgrimage from Savannah, Missouri, and stake his own claim to the family tradition.

Not in the least.

“I actually didn’t want to go to York because everyone else in my family did,” Morris said with a smile. He wanted to make his own path and go somewhere that he could be his own person.

“But when I got a call from Dr. Turnbull about the agribusiness program,” he went on to say, “as well as the opportunities to be involved through the theatre tech program, running lights and sound for them, and through the business club (PBL) — those three things hit me all at once and I thought, ‘This is where I need to be.’”

Fast forward a couple of years and Morris is now a junior agribusiness major at York College and an active leader on campus.

Recruited as a PBL Scholar, he was runner-up at the 2021 Nebraska Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Conference in Client Services, qualifying for Nationals where he placed sixth this summer, and he serves this year as vice president of the York PBL Chapter. He runs either lights or sound at most of the theatre productions, and if that’s not enough, he was elected to serve as the male junior rep for student government this year.

All the aforementioned would be in and of themselves good reasons to do a story on the very busy and talented Caden Morris.

But wait… there’s more! Let’s throw into the mix numerous fastspinning propeller blades, geographic mapping, multispectral imaging sensors, and intense high-flying situations just for fun.

Now that’s a story!

“I’ve been working at Midwest Research since my freshman year doing basic research data collection,” said Morris. “Then last winter I eased myself into talking about drones at work as well as bought one of my own. The owner knew of my interest and gave me the opportunity to go to Iowa City last winter for training on the Agras drone. And I thought, this would be a cool summer job.”

Morris put in about 40-50 hours/week during the summer

and a fourth of that time with the imposing Agras MG-1P RTK drone that boasts 8 propellers, spans more than 5’ in diameter, and weighs roughly 20 pounds. Asked if it had a nickname, Morris said they just call it, ‘Big Drone,’… all at the jaw dropping price tag of roughly $25,000-$30,000.

“I had to get my pilot’s license because it’s a commercial application,” he said without hesitation. “You just have to yield to pilots’ right-of-way, which this time of year is fine. But when crop dusters are going, it’s a little bit of a handful.”

Morris scooped about 20 pounds of a winter wheat seed blend into the bin mounted at the base of the drone, shut the lid, and stepped to a safe distance holding an impressive looking remote control. The drone lifted to a height of about 10 feet in the air, made straight for the edge of a field and started broadcasting the cover crop seed into standing soybeans. He looked to be a seasoned pro, piloting a very expensive piece of hardware up and down the trial plot, never varying in his mission. In reality, he just pushed a button to make it go. The complexities of the drone flying the systematic route lie in the programming, software applications, and GPS technology.

Morris explained, “We have a smaller Phantom drone that connects to the RTK base station and its GPS accuracy is within 1-2 cm. I take the drone up about 200 feet in the air and it takes thousands of pictures of the area and then stitches it together kind of like google maps does. And on top of that we can draw the map that we want the drone to fly, upload it to the Cloud and then send it to Big Drone.”

When Morris was asked how he got into this field of work, he replied, “I’ve always been interested in agriculture so this job was a pretty easy transition. I’ve learned a lot. Drones fascinate me at what they can do and their versatile applications."

Morris jumped in with both feet and learned on the fly, so to speak. He made a 10-page user manual for Big Drone to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next operator.

Morris was specific about his aspirations when questioned about what the future holds.

“I’m liking this drone stuff so I’m looking at companies that do plant health analysis with drones. They use multispectral imaging cameras mounted to the drones and get the different spectrals of colors to manage crops, diagnose problems, and help farmers be more efficient.”

After hearing the recent inaugural announcement concerning the college’s future brand, Morris is looking forward to graduating in December 2022 as one of the first with a York University degree.

So you might be able to say that he didn’t just follow a family tradition after all. n FALL 2021 |

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ACADEMIC NEWS

(above) Julie Tremaine, Josh Santiago, and Emma Peters find good spaces to study in the ARC at Levitt.

New Format for Engineering Majors York College has announced a partnership with the University of North Dakota (UND), among other possible institutions in the future, to offer a dual degree program in engineering that will allow students to complete both degrees from the York campus. While an engineering major isn’t new to York College, what is new is the educational format.​ "This agreement will provide a pathway for our students to receive training in the engineering field, opening up a wider range of professional career choices for them," YC Provost Dr. Shane Mountjoy said. "Our pre-engineering students have continually expressed a desire to stay engaged on our campus, and we are excited that this partnership will allow them to remain in York while they complete their studies."

Through the Dual-Degree Natural Science Program, students will be able to earn a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science from York College while also earning a Bachelor of Science from an engineering program at another university that has been approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). UND is fully accredited via ABET. To earn the B.S. in Natural Science from York College, students must fulfill all the requirements listed in the natural science degree plan and then complete an additional 24 hours, approved by York College, of the 120 required hours through the partner institution.

Most students will complete the upper-division coursework from the partner institution, UND at present, which offers coursework through distance education. This allows students to complete both degrees from the York campus. Students will travel to North Dakota during one summer to complete required labs.

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Each student will receive personalized advising at York College regarding the requirements of a specific engineering field. The expected time to complete a dual degree program is five years.

In previous and ongoing engineering degree partnerships, York College students have been able to complete three years in preengineering courses at York, but they would have to transfer for two final years of engineering courses at such places as Washington University in Missouri. Those agreements continue, as those engineering programs continue to be highly regarded.

YC Joins the Lower Cost Models Consortium York College has signed an agreement with the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) to offer academic programs that create new pathways to employment for students in high-demand areas. By partnering with over 100 institutions that share the mission to create lower-cost, career-ready experiences for students, York College plans to begin offering students new degree programs within high-demand fields by Fall 2022.

“This opens the door for specialized partnerships in the future, something student feedback has identified as a need," commented Dr. Shane Mountjoy, provost at York College. "Joining the LCMC helps us find other pathways that will allow our students to pursue specialized majors while remaining on our campus.”

“We are excited to welcome York College into the LCMC,” said President Docking of the LCMC Steering Committee.

“Collaboration allows us to provide greater academic diversity and employer relationships on behalf of our students while retaining the institutional autonomy that makes each of our campuses unique.”

The LCMC is a national consortium of over 100 fully accredited, non-profit colleges and universities formed in 2017.

Leveraging an innovative, online coursesharing model, LCMC institutions collaborate to start academic programs that provide new pathways to employment for students.

New Accelerated Bachelor to Master Program offered to Education Majors Undergraduate education students can now save time and money by pursuing a Master of Arts in Education.

Upperclassmen students who meet the entrance criteria can enroll in graduatelevel education courses beginning in spring 2022. These courses will count towards both the graduate and undergraduate program requirements. The master's level courses are offered through York College's online platform in eight-week sessions.

For more information, contact Dr. Erin DeHart or Dr. Cheryl Couch or fill out a free application at online.york.edu/apply.

in leadership and in life while preparing educators for not only their position as a building leader but more importantly, their calling in education.” ​ For more information or to apply for free, visit online.york.edu.

Open Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions are open at York College in Agriculture Business and in our newest BS degree program Computer Science and Cybersecurity. For details go to www.york.edu/employment.

Students Enrolled in Inaugural Graduate Hybrid Program Twenty-one York College students have the best of both worlds starting this fall 2021 term. These "hybrid" students are enrolled in the Master of Arts in Organizational and Global Leadership program and are enjoying the benefits of taking classes that are in-person as well as online. They complete most assignments and readings in a structured but self-paced virtual setting. Then they meet face-to-face, twice a week, with Dr. Shane Mountjoy

in a classroom format to engage in the traditional on-campus setting.

This two-year, 36 credit hour degree program prepares graduate students for leadership positions in diverse settings, whether in hospitals, non-profits, churches, banks, schools, agriculture, and more while obtaining a master's degree. The hybrid program has four concentrations that each student can choose from while completing the degree in two years; business information leadership, organizational and global leadership, social and emotional leadership, and sports administration.

Students participating in the program consist of area residents, York College employees, graduate assistants, and students with continued eligibility in campus athletics or performing arts. Most of the students also have full or part-time jobs apart from the college experience and welcome this unique educational opportunity from York College.

The hybrid program launched this fall in large part due to the efforts of the Dean of Online Learning, Dr. Shannon Leinen, who is also the program director for the Master of Arts in Organizational and Global Leadership. For more information on the online programs available at York College, go to online.york.edu. n photo by Emily Hoskin '21

Principal Endorsement Now Available Graduate students in the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program at York College will have the option to earn credit and apply for their Principal Endorsement in Nebraska in January 2022. The program currently has around 200 students and has four concentrations to choose from while completing a degree: • Curriculum and Assessment • Educational Leadership • Social and Emotional Leadership • Sports Administration According to Dr. Cheryl Couch, master of arts education program director, “The new EDL pathway that leads to a principal endorsement will expand a student’s role

(above) Dr. Shane Mountjoy teaches the first hybrid, in-person class in the Master of Arts in Organizational and Global Leadership program.

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Patsy (Hiner) Hoefer passed away on July 25, 2021, at the age of 70 in Albion, Neb. She is survived by her husband Fred.

1972 Michael and Neva (Beasley ’73) Russell have just retired and are living in Allen, Texas. mrusretired@outlook.com

1953 Lester Hazen passed away June 10, 2021, at the age of 94 in Portland, OR. He is survived by his children, Becky, Fred (Karen) and Jeff (Ronda); five grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren.

1961 David and Carylon (Eddy ’62) Dallas celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary, September 1, 2021. Their daughters hosted a reception and the couple attended the outdoor production of Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, Mo. davidcardallas@gmail.com 1963 Gary Kingsley passed away on August 30, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Leann (Hanke), 3 children, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gary had a deep relationship with God and was a faithful member of the Columbus Avenue CofC in Newton, Kan.

1964 Marcia (Key) Jacobson passed away on August 19, 2021. She is survived by her three children and nine grandchildren. She would have proudly shared that all three of her children and two of her grandchildren attended York College, her two grandchildren are now YC employees and one of her grandsons is currently a freshman.

1967 Sue Ann (Bixley) Yarbrough has moved to Rowlett, Texas. sueyarbrough99@tx.rr.com 1971 Marcia (Black) Dilbeck shared “My children, Joel and Jennifer, have given me six grandchildren: Ashlyn, Joella, Brady, and Cody Dilbeck, and Ethan and Shelby Schindele. Jim, my husband of 45 years, passed away Nov. 30, 2017, from a brain tumor. He was a godly man who served as a deacon and treasurer for 40 years. I was a legal secretary for 25 years. I continue to bake and decorate cakes in my semiretirement. I worship at St. Augustine Church of Christ.” dilbeckmarcia@ gmail.com

1974 Donna (Fox) Haverstock recently moved from Washington to Tennessee. dhaverstock54@gmail.com 1975 Molly B Endsley recently retired from teaching after 28 years and is now embracing the country life at their new place in Oklahoma. mollyendsley@gmail.com Mike and Ginger (McGuire) Fondren welcomed their second granddaughter, Claire Leann, on April 11, 2021. Claire joins her big sister, Catherine Emily (3). ginger.fondren@yahoo.com 1976 Randy Ervin, York College’s renowned hedge trimmer during our annual Work Days, completed his Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology with Capella University and degree conferred on July 31, 2021.

He is also completing his PostDoc at Larned State Hospital in Larned, Kan., in order to obtain licensure in Kansas and Nebraska. randyervin72@live.com 1978 Scott and Jody (Magnenat) Schrage retired in 2019 and have enjoyed traveling and camping.

They welcomed their first grandchild, Andrew Scott Truka, on July 13, 2020. jschrage@neb.rr.com

York College Mini-Reunion For several years a few couples, who all shared time as students at York College in the mid-'60s, have gathered annually at different locations, for three or four days of catching up and reminiscing. This year's event was at a remote lodge in the foothills of the Ozarks outside of Mountain View, Arkansas. Tim and Kathy Bruner were invited to provide an update on all the latest news coming from the YC campus. The couples and individuals at this year's event included (l-r) Keith Straughn (’64) of Little Rock, AR, Rob (’64) and Nancy Stevenson of Alcoa, TN, Jake (’64) and Marilyn Vincent of Harlingen, TX, Sherry (Hottle ’65) Sparks of Omaha, NE, Don and Roberta “Bertie” (Christison ’64) Simmons of Searcy, AR, and the Bruners. Not pictured were J. Ray (’65) and Ruth Anne (Brown ’65) Toland of Searcy, AR.

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1980 John and Banessa (Hale) Rampton shared that in January they celebrated 40 years of marriage and have 6 precious grandchildren.

Jnbrampton@hotmail.com 1981 Juan Jr and Pamela (Manley) Martinez celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 15, 2021. juannpamm@comcast.net 1982 Timothy Charlton retired from the USPS after 35 years of service.

Tim shared, “I have never had any better experience than my time at York. After 40 years, it is still my ’happy place.’” tim-beau@att.net

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1983 Taunya (Bos) Yaeger passed away peacefully Oct. 12, 2021, after a battle with cancer. She is survived by her three children Elisa, Ben, and Margo and her six grandchildren.

1984 Marquisette Bickford, along with Ryan and Valene (Kite) Roseke (’88), were part of a mission team this fall that cared for abandoned babies and a whole lot more with Neema Village in Arusha, Tanzania. Neemavillage.org mabickford64@gmail.com 1985 Lynnette (Shields) Gonzalez is YC’s resident director of Kiplinger Apartments and the student life administrative assistant. lagonzalez@york.edu 1989 Theresa Long has opened a new business: Waves Counseling at 315 Main St, Chadron, NE 69337. waves.tlong@gmail.com (w) or friendoftheLamb@gmail.com (p) 1997 Cameron and Andrae (Schoessler) Clifford celebrated their wedding on October 2, 2021, at East Hill Church of Christ in York, Neb. Congratulations to both! schoesslera@yahoo.com Mason Marshall updated his address: 3167 Connell Ave, Medford, OR 97501. Marshall is the principal at Eagle Point M.S. mason.marshall@charter.net 1999 Joshua Gray recently graduated from Iowa State with a Master of Engineering in Cyber Security. joshua@graysnet.net

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1999 Adam Norton has joined the staff of Texas Bank and Trust as vice president and mortgage loan originator in its Longview mortgage division. acknorton@yahoo.com Cliff and Shannon (Riech) Williams have pulled up roots and replanted in Tennessee. Cliff retired from LA County Sheriff’s Department in June of this year and joined the Franklin Police Department. They are enjoying the slower pace and the southern hospitality and are so grateful for all God has provided. c_s_williams1978@msn.com 2001 Ben and Erica (Towell ’06) Berry will be moving to Sint Maarten in the Caribbean this December.

They are calling it a "Semester Abroad", as they go to learn about their culture, as well as grow in their knowledge of nutrition and healing in that part of the world. bencberry@gmail.com DeVoderick Ridley is the Dean of Students at East Natchitoches Elementary and moved recently to Saline, La. dridley@npsb.la Charles M. and Rebecca Roemer have recently moved from Wyoming to Arkansas to be closer to Becky’s siblings and nieces and nephews. mroemer0@gmail.com 2002 Teia Marie (Criger) Salcido started a new job as a pharmacy technician at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, Kan., on August 31, 2020. tmcriger@yahoo.com 2003 Rachel (Byrd) Mayfield, the technical services and acquisitions coordinator at Kilgore Memorial Library in York, Neb., was awarded the Sandra Herzinger Award by the Technical Services Round Table (TSRT) of the Nebraska Library Association (NLA).

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2008 Mary Reynolds just stepped into a new leadership role as Dean of Academics at Benton Hall Academy, a school for students who learn differently, in Nashville, Tenn.

2010 Dr. Langston Frison was recently appointed as Principal of Norris Middle School located in Omaha, Neb. Norris is currently the second-largest middle school in the state of Nebraska as it serves nearly 1400 students. langston.frison@doane.edu 2012 “Tree” and Jordeyn Burks welcomed a daughter into the family in June 2021.

Khyrie joins her sister and brother Lakeyn (5) and Asa (3). Tree is the head men’s basketball coach for the Panthers and has been on staff for 9 seasons overall. tburks@york.edu 2013 Richard “Ricky” and Jackie Creek welcomed a son into the family in April 2021. Isaac joins his sisters Nora (7) and Clara (4). Ricky is a special education teacher at Sabetha High School in Marysville, Kan. creekr@usd113.org

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Laura (Tesnohlidek) Johnson was named West Region VicePresident of Cornerstone Bank.

Laura, Andrew, and their son returned to York in summer 2021.

2014 Rebecca (Agler) and Michael Lee Bland married in January 2021 and are living in Omaha where Rebecca is a Youth Services Librarian. rebeccaaagler@gmail.com Luis Pulido has returned to Central Community College in Columbus, Neb., as the head coach of the men’s soccer team.

Megan (Eberle) and Brett Teel have moved to her family’s farm in Sumner, Neb. Brett has accepted a job at the co-op and Megan is helping out at her parents’ restaurant while preparing to homeschool their 2-year-old daughter, Addie. mraeteel@gmail.com 2015 Warren Lannon was recognized as the 202021 Teacher of the Year, pre-K through fifth grade, presented by the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. Lannon is a fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in North Platte, Neb. Matthew Miller has accepted a faculty position at Ibaraki Christian Junior High and High School.

He is currently in his fifth year of English education in Ibaraki, Japan. mjmillergreen@gmail.com

2017 Corey and Taylor (Abraham ’18) Holmes have moved to Omaha, Neb. maynetay96@gmail.com 2018 Tyler and Bailey (Carr '18) Brown had a sweet baby girl, Zada James, Oct. 27, 2021.

Everyone is doing great! bbcarr3@gmail.com 2020 Hannah Anderson is the assistant to the registrar at York College. hranderson@york.edu Ben and Erin (Wallgren ’19) Gramm celebrated their first wedding anniversary on August 1st. Happy Anniversary! erin.wallgren@gmail.com, bgramm9@live.com.

2021 Kyla Gilstrap is the resident director for Thomas Hall at York College and the Greek Life sponsor. kmgilstrap@york.edu Graham Marks is the resident director for McCloud Hall and Thomas North and director of student activities at York College. gamarks@york.edu

2004 Diana (Kruger) Nuthak passed away on August 18, 2021, in Coon Rapids, Minn., at the age of 42, after a long cancer battle. She is survived by her two children.

2007 Jared Wiley began work at York College this fall as the Digital Solutions Manager. He and Brittany (Saylor ’08) have four children: Braxton (11), Axah (8), Lennox (3), and Brixlynn (2). jwiley@york.edu

Classes of 1970-72 Homecoming 50th Reunion (1st row) Carla (Foster ’71) McDonald, Pat Black, Tony Black ’72, Cynthia (Scharr ’71) Newcomb, Bill Lambert (’70), Fred Maxwell (’70), Patti (Klein ’72) Sikes; (2nd row) Marilyn (Murphy ’71) Keller, LaRee (Scroggin ’71) Eckman, Elaine (Black ’71) Dilbeck, Linda Egle (’70), Ramona (Miller ’69) Ratliff, Roxanne (Cowan ’71) Kelley, Birgie (Collins ’71) Niemann, Sherilyn (Hogins ’72) Eldred, Allen Keller (’71); (3rd row) Everett Hinton (’70), Clif Harris (’71), Steve Eckman (’71), John Ratliff (’70), Ken Alley (’71), Rick Eldred (’71), Scott Niemann (’70), Jim Foltz (’70) FALL 2021 |

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photo by Bob DeHart ’95

York College

Athletics Let the Games Begin Esports begins competitive gaming season

photo by Steddon Sikes ’84

Esports, York College’s newest addition to Panther Athletics, began their inaugural season this fall competing in Overwatch, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros Ultimate through the National Association for Collegiate Esports. Rocket League competed in a 9-week season, Overwatch in a 6-week season, and Smash Bros competed through two different qualifying tournaments for Midwest schools.

“The competition wasn’t easy, and we regularly faced Division I schools, the likes of San Diego State University, Colorado Tucker State University and University of Hawaii,” said esports head coach Collin Tucker (’15). “But I always tell the players that just like in life, it’s not always about winning, but it is always about learning. You can always learn something from those better than you, whether we win or lose. Growth should always be a priority.”

This spring, the esports program will be competing in League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Overwatch, and Hearthstone.

“The nice thing about esports is that we can always add and adjust the games we compete in.” Coach Tucker said he had plans to add more games in the future, along the lines of Madden, FIFA, and Chess. Chess was one game with incredible

Esports' new facility springs to life as the team goes up against Western Michigan in the early evening matchup.

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York College takes on the University of Hawaii at Manoa in a mid-season Overwatch match.

involvement at the high school level in the 2020-21 school year. During the pandemic, the free chess platform chess.com had a record number of new users. Chess champions started streaming and teaching the game on Twitch and YouTube, and the Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit really generated new excitement about one of the world’s oldest games.

“It’s a great opportunity to grow our program with a classic game that is now played online every day. Plus games like chess make it easier for my parents to explain what I do for a living,” joked Tucker.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES The majority of the games the students compete in are team based games that rely heavily on communication, strategy, trust, and incredible focus and reaction time. There are timing windows, objectives to be taken, and setups to be made in order for a team to succeed.

“Most of the players know the game way better than I do, and I try to always create opportunities for them to learn from each other,” said Tucker. “In some ways, students have learned that they have the capability to teach, while others have realized that they don’t know how to learn or react to criticism. Again, it’s always about growth.”

Tucker explained that video games are almost always under constant development, meaning that when an update comes out, the team has to change the strategies they just built the week before. Characters in-game have different skills, roles and positions in the game, and are on “tier lists.” He added, “A character you love to play may not be good anymore after an update, so you have to quickly learn a new character in order to stay on top of your game.”

“As a coach I actually am sometimes restricted to coaching during a match, meaning the players typically have to step up to make calls and strategy changes,” Coach Tucker reflected.

“That responsibility can be daunting, but students gain a lot of confidence when they know it’s up to them to step up, and they have people they trust backing them.”

If you are interested in knowing more about the program and possible scholarship opportunities, Coach Tucker can be reached at ctucker@york.edu. n

photo by Bob DeHart ’95

Cross Country saved their best times

Hosea Kiptoo's dream of qualifying for Nationals came true at the KCAC Championships when the senior from Rift Valley, Kenya ran his career-best time of 26:26.1.

for November and had two runners qualify for the NAIA Cross Country Championships in Vancouver, Washington. Hosea Kiptoo (SR/Rift Valley, Kenya) finished with a career-best time of 26:26 at the KCAC Championships. His pace in the 8K was almost a minute faster than his previous best and was good enough to give the team 13 points in the conference Kiptoo standings.

Maria Geesaman (SR/ Greeley, CO) also qualified for Nationals with her 5K time of 19:27 and helped the team to a 5th place finish at the KCAC Championships. The following week, the women's team had four athletes compete at the NCCAA Cross Country Championships in Joplin, Mo., and each runner turned in a career-best time: Geesaman – 18:43, Lizzy Logan (JR/ Hallsvillle, TX) – 19:57, Hannah DeHart (JR/York, NE) – 20:26, and Cecilia Castillo (SO/Plant City, FL) – 21:03. Geesaman broke her own York College record by 10 seconds en route to a 6th place finish, becoming a four-time NCCAA Cross Geesaman Country/Track and Field All-American. (see pg. 29) n

photo by Bob DeHart ’95

Men's Wrestling hosted its second

photo by Bob DeHart ’95

(l-r) Cecilia Castillo, Maria Geesaman, Hannah DeHart, and Lizzy Logan all ran their career-best times at the NCCAA Cross Country Championships, November 6.

KCAC Wrestler of the Week, Marce Vasquez, won all five of his matches during the York Open by pinning each of his opponents in the first round.

annual York College Open on the opening weekend of NAIA wrestling. It was a busy day in the Freeman Center as head coach Chad Mattox designed the tournament to have a round-robin type set up with multiple brackets in each weight class to allow all wrestlers five matches.

The Panthers had four wrestlers win their bracket Vasquez and go a perfect 5-0 on the day. Marce Vasquez (SR/ Bridgeport, NE) highlighted the event with all five wins via pin in the first round in the 285A bracket. His incredible feat earned him KCAC Wrestler of the Week honors as well. Brayden Smith (SO/ Kearney, NE) wrestling in the 149A bracket, had a very successful day on the mat as well with three firstperiod pins, followed by a tech Smith fall and a major decision in his championship bout.

John Fox (JR/ Gilroy, CA) picked up three pins, a tech fall, and a decision on his way to a firstplace finish in the 157B bracket. Tommy Wentz (FR/ Fox Fremont, NE) had a tougher day in the 165 bracket as he won his first two matches via fall and then two decisions and a sudden victory in overtime.

Harley Williamson and Edwin Youngdell each placed second for the Panthers going 4-1 on the day. Dezmond McSellers, Corey Parsons, and Terrence Smith all went 3-2 and earned a third place finish for the Panthers. n Wentz FALL 2021 |

Heritage | 25

The Power of One

The hospital at Nhowe Mission is named for Brian Lemons, son of Dr. Stephen (’74) and Loretta Lemons of Andover, Kansas. Brian went to the site in 1996 and fell in love with the country and the people. He planned to return to Zimbabwe as a missionary upon his college graduation.

— The Power of One —

Announcing the Brian Lemons Athletic Training Center A tree just north of Hulitt Hall is dedicated to the memory of Brian Lemons. It's a tree that YC students and employees have walked by hundreds of times. The plaque reads “In loving memory of Brian A Lemons, Jan 3, 1978 - Feb 23, 1997, The Power of One, From all those whose lives you touched.” The tree stands in remembrance but also to share the story with future generations. Brian’s life was cut short by a tragic car accident during his freshman year at York College.

A second-generation Yorkie, Brian Lemons was following the same path as his dad, Steve (’74). Brian was an inspirational student. The starting goalie on the men’s soccer team, he was a student leader who touched the lives of many in his day. His legacy continues to touch many who are still at York today. Current education department professor Sarah Van Gomple and head softball coach Roni Miller were among his contemporaries.

His youth minister in Wichita and current YC business professor, Tim Lewis remembers Brian, “In your lifetime you may be fortunate enough to encounter a person, no matter how briefly, who makes everyone and everything around them brighter and more hopeful. Have you ever seen a photograph of a lightning bolt that hits the earth on a cloudy, dark night? As it strikes, it brings an indescribable brilliance, beauty and strength.

Then it’s gone. For me, and many others, Brian Lemons was that bolt of lightning. He filled our lives with hope and the joy of life. Almost daily, when I walk by his campus tree or glance at the photo of him in my office, two things about Brian come to my mind. First, how deeply those that loved him, miss him. And, how much influence he still has in our lives. In his memory and in his honor, people are being healed, fed, educated, loved and taught the Word of Life.

His family and extended church family have worked tirelessly to take up the work that Brian was unable to complete himself. He was and always will be to all of us...the Power of One." Brian’s influence was keenly felt by his peers and friends but his legacy extends far beyond York and his hometown of Wichita.

Nhowe Mission, an outreach of Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe, is home to a hospital named in Brian’s memory. It is part of a complex that includes an orphanage, school and more. It is a place that gives hope to those who have none - especially for children who need refuge in the

photo by Bob DeHart ’95

(below) Archford Manduvi is congratulated on his goal in the 90th minute against Ottawa University by Johan Rodriguez and Jose Calderon.

orphanage and attend the school. Archford Manduvi was one of those children who found hope and a home in this place where Brian’s memory is felt everywhere.

A beneficiary of Brian Lemon’s legacy, Archford graduated from the school at Nhowe, made his way from Zimbabwe to York and began his studies in Bible at York College during the fall 2021 semester. Manduvi is also a part of the soccer program. Before the season was over, he had proven to be a great player, starting seven games and emerging as a leading scorer for the team.

In a new effort to remember Brian Lemons, his influence, and the impact of his family over the course of more than twenty years, Richard and Rachel James have stepped forward with a $200,000 challenge gift designated to fully renovate the athletic training room. Due to a growing number of student-athletes it is a badly needed project. When the overhaul is complete the fully renewed space will be named the Brian Lemons Athletic Training Center. One more honor in memory of a young man whose life touched and changed so many others.

Commenting about the challenge, Richard James said, “After we moved to Wichita in 2000 we got to know the Lemons family and saw the tremendous influence Brian had during his short life. We think the training room is the perfect way to ensure that his memory is not forgotten at York College. Brian loved playing soccer and was planning on being a medical doctor and doing mission work in Africa. He was characterized by caring for others - what better place for him to be remembered than one focused on

(above) York College's certified athletic trainer Chad Karcher has seen YC athletics grow from around 150 student-athletes in 1999 to more than 350 in 2021.

the needs of others?”

Richard continued, “I want to appeal to every former athlete to consider honoring a fellow Panther with your own support for this project. Especially for those who knew and loved Brian, I hope you will give generously. The Brian Lemons Athletic Training Center will help kids today and in the future while it honors the high calling of service to others exemplified by Brian.”

The Lemons family was moved by the efforts to remember Brian and the naming tribute. "Our family is deeply encouraged and honored that you all have chosen to have the new athletic training center named after our Brian. York College has a special place in our hearts for so many reasons and to have a facility carry his name means a great deal. Brian's legacy goes far beyond soccer and truly revolves around his love for Christ and the unity found through His sacrifice. York played an edifying role in Brian's spiritual development and also provided countless opportunities to evangelize and grow in relationship with believers and nonbelievers alike. He absolutely loved getting to play collegiate soccer at York but his greatest desire was to continue growing in his walk with Christ and unifying the Body. Although his life was tragically cut short, his desire to see others come to Christ lives on into eternity."

Located on the south end of the Freeman Center, the renovation will triple the capacity of the athletic training room and add several desperately needed features. The change will mean relocating the men’s basketball locker room to the north end of the facility creating a new second floor where the stage has been located. This new space will provide capacity for additional offices, a conference room and a VIP box. Total renovations will cost $450,000.

Fundraising for the Brian Lemons Athletic Training Center will launch in early 2022. Be looking for details about how you can honor Brian and bless YC students for years to come.

If you would like more details now, contact Jared Stark at jastark@york.edu. n FALL 2021 |

Heritage | 27

Plumbing the Depths for Insights

See original article at www.upperbigblue.org/plumbing-depths-insights

B

layne Winkler might have looked like just another recreationist as he paddled a kayak across Recharge Lake throughout the summer months of 2021; however, it wasn’t a fishing line he cast over the side of his boat.

Instead, he lowered collection jars to the bottom of the lake on a cord then gently pulled them back up, capped and labeled them, then paddled to the bridge at the northwest side of the lake to trade research partner Emily Eggar full jars for more empty ones. Eggar traveled the perimeter of the lake to gather additional samples from designated locations.

Winkler and Eggar completed a water quality analysis looking for nutrient pollution in the lake at Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area in York over the summer months. The pair of young researchers collaborated with the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District staff, who manage the recreation area as well as water quality throughout the district, to design the project.

In September, they presented findings to the board of directors of the NRD. "I was very impressed with not only the initiative Emily and Blayne took but also their findings," said NRD Director John Miller, chairperson of the water and regulations committee. "The presentation they brought to the committee was very professional. My hope is that they or other York College students continue to expand this project."

"We at the NRD are happy to have research conducted by students from our schools in the district," added NRD Director Ronda Rich. "Many times they can see things in a different way than it has been looked at before. There is always room for more ideas. I hope this type of collaboration can continue."

The experiment consisted of collecting deep and shallow water samples from seven locations across the lake, testing the same spots regularly over the span of eight weeks. The project required meticulous data management, as Eggar and Winkler charted not only the readings of chemical concentrations at these locations, but other field observations, like weather conditions and water clarity.

They brought their samples to the York College lab to evaluate with probes and a colorimeter tool purchased for this

28 | Heritage | FALL 2021

experiment. The data sets collected averaged three readings for each sample to increase accuracy.

Using LabQuest software for data collection and Excel for graph building, the researchers were able to see some trends in the numbers.

Their results indicated that phosphate levels in the lake were high. The EPA recommended amount for lakes and streams is 0.05 mg/L. The levels Winkler and Eggar recorded were 2-4 mg/L. According to the EPA’s website on nutrient pollution, “Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water causes algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle. Significant increases in algae harm water quality, food resources and habitats, and decrease the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive.”

A sustained quantity of phosphorus in a waterbody can lead to harmful algal blooms, which are becoming more common as the climate warms.

Winkler and Eggar would like to expand the project to include testing for additional nutrient pollutants and testing throughout the year to see how weather and crop cycles impact water quality. At the moment, they are not planning to continue this study, however they are encouraging other York College students to pursue the research further.

The pair says they learned a lot through the process, from applying for funding, to conducting and analyzing the research, to communicating findings to relevant audiences.

They also learned more about water quality issues in Nebraska, and the unique way natural resources are managed in the state through the NRD system.

Eggar is a junior from Wolf Point, Mont., double majoring in biology with an emphasis in chemistry as well as pre-professional biology, with a minor in mathematics. She is interested in microbiology and genetics, with the goal of one day working on Alzheimer’s Disease research.

Winkler is looking for competitive internship opportunities in biotechnology for summer ’22 and ’23. His primary interest is in pharmaceutical research and vaccine development. He is a junior pre-professional biology major from Lincoln, Neb. n

by Chrystal Houston ’03, Public Relations Manager, NRD (left) Emily and Blayne analyze surface water samples as part of their summer research project funded by the Nebraska EPSCoR grant.

Campus Spotlight – Maria Geesaman

by Eryn Conyers ’16

(inset) At the 2021 NCCAA Track and Field Championships, Maria crushed the field in the 3000-meter steeplechase, winning the event by more than 20 seconds. (right) Maria grabs a photo op with PBL state officers Kitra Cody and Moriah Toledo.

"I am grateful to both of them for showing me my worth isn’t from a time on the clock but knowing I’m a child of God." “You hear the word “transform” here a lot, but it’s completely different when you realize you're experiencing the transformation taking place. York College has provided me with so many faculty and staff who truly care and want the best for me, and for that I will be forever grateful. This is the reason why York College will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Who knew that when Geesaman started running in high school that it would lead her to so much more, the race of a lifetime? God did. He knew exactly what He was doing in her story. n And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2

’95

(above) Maria has led York's cross country team the last four years and broke her own YC record in the 5K at the 2021 NCCAA National Championships by 10 seconds with a time of 18:43.

time on the clock but knowing I’m a child of God. “This place has not only allowed me to grow in running and leadership, but it has also allowed me to grow spiritually. I started my journey with God last May and since then have been baptized.

I’m trying to reflect Christ in all I do. Nick and Deb Ditoro have had a profound impact in helping me come to Christ, and have not only walked alongside me, but have given constant love throughout my journey.

photos by Bob DeHart

T

he love of running and an athletic scholarship may have brought senior Maria Geesaman to York College, but fast forward through her time as a student-athlete and she’s found a lot more to be running for. You might remember reading a feature on freshman Geesaman back in 2018. She talked about how she once thought school seemed impossible and that she never expected to be a college athlete.

But in her first year at YC, she broke the school record in the 5K. Four years later, Geesaman, now sporting the name “Jett,” is a two-time national qualifier in the NAIA Cross Country Championships, a four-time NCCAA Cross Country/Track and Field All-American, and holds the YC record in more than 10 events.

In addition to her commitment to the cross country and track and field programs, Geesaman is pursuing degrees in accounting, business administration, and sports management and hopes to earn her CPA and become a forensic accountant or auditor. She also serves as the co-chair president of the Professional Business Leaders (PBL) chapter.

There is no doubt that there’s been a transformational journey here, and when there’s transformation taking place in one area, oftentimes we can find it occurring in other parts of life.

“Coming to York I would have never imagined that it would transform me into the person I am today,” said Geesaman. “I would have never dreamed of the friendships and relationships I’ve gained.

“Coach Carver and Coach Nething have not only helped me on the track, but they have instilled in me lessons I will never forget. I am grateful to both of them for showing me my worth isn’t from a

In Memory of ...

Ryan Abrams Ryan Roseke Rita Albright Elton Albright Joe Alley Del & Rita Watson William Wayne Anderson* Kaylen Fry Elmer and Wylene Baker* Kaylen Fry Kenneth & Bernice Mason Cessna Brestel Darrel & Kimberly Hoyt Jack Case Larry & Gayle Good Susanne Keller James (Jim) Brock Jr.* Steve & Pamela Wilderson Hobart and Evelyn Brown* Michael & Beverly Kuskie Dr. Roger Collins Matt & Brenna Bomar Steve Dickerson* Timothy Charlton Cynthia Gibbs Jerry & Bonnie Calvert Germantown Church of Christ Great Oaks Church of Christ Larry & Judy Holt Kelly & Virginia Holthus Chester & Sharon James Christopher Jones Jeri Lynn Jones Patricia King Ronald & Loyce Ray Todd & Denise Sheldon Brig. Gen. Edmond & Ellen Solymosy

Alex and Ruth Humphrey Del & Rita Watson Gary Kingsley Susanne Keller Ruth Lawrence Del & Rita Watson Kirk Miller John & Ramona Ratliff Mike Myers David Ault T. Gayle Napier Daniel & Joneen Copeland Susanne Keller Hilton Merritt* West University C of C* Dr. R. Wayne White Kathy Neal David & Debbie Carriger Susanne Keller Sue Morris Roush Sherman & Gloria Moore John Townsdin, Lisa & Jayden Bowen Elaine Schackmann Meredith Thom Anonymous Myrtle Thompson Stanley Murray *Hulitt Hall Memorial Gifts

HONORARY GIFTS The following were honored with donations in their name: Elton Albright* Timothy Charlton Bettye Alley Del & Rita Watson Faculty & Staff 1977-79* Terri Ross Amy Fraser* Robin & Shawn Starck Dr. Robert Lawrence Del & Rita Watson Kaylen Fry* Kenneth & Bernice Mason* Prof. Christi Lones* Emily Lutz Chelli Cummings Morris Ann Cummings

Grace Napier* West University C of C Hilton Merritt Dale Neal Daniel & Lillian Lewis Todd Sheldon* Timothy Charlton Steve Small* Nathan Shotts Bruce & Sheila Tandy* Michael & Beverly Kuskie Alice Thayer* Kaylen Fry Dean Weems* Nathan Shotts Dr. R. Wayne White Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Stinson

June 2021 - October 2021 Cynthia Gibbs, wife of York College's longtime chairman of the board Jarrell Gibbs, passed away October 3 in Collierville, Tenn.

The Gibbs shared a strong interest in YC and made numerous generous contributions to the college over the years. The couple, who previously lived in the Dallas, Texas area before retiring to Hot Springs Village, Ark. and then more recently to the Memphis, Tenn. area, visited campus several times each year for board meetings and other special events.

Cynthia, a native of St. Louis, Mo., spent her life as a fulltime homemaker, raising son Tim and daughter Karen, while Jarrell pursued his two careers in the military and in the energy industry. The Gibbs were married for 61 years, and they have four granddaughters and six great grandchildren.

When the Gibbs lived in Dallas and attended the Webb Chapel Church of Christ, some York College alumni encouraged the couple to learn more about YC and to possibly visit the campus in Nebraska. Eventually their curiosity got the best of them, and Jarrell and Cynthia scheduled the trip and the visit.

Their research resulted in a remainder-of-life commitment to support York College and to encourage others to do the same.

Jarrell has noted several times since then that the two of them were in total agreement to help the college in whatever ways they were able.

Dr. R. Wayne White (’63), a YC alumnus who served as the Webb Chapel minister at that time, remembered the noticeable difference in Cynthia and Jarrell when they returned from campus: "They just simply fell in love with York College, and it was obvious in their communication, their volunteer time and their generous donations."

Cynthia was always active in whatever congregation they attended in their various moves. YC alumnus Steve Belden (’76) recalled that she was a standout Sunday school teacher at Webb Chapel: "Cynthia served with me on the education committee back then. She absolutely loved working in the children’s wing, and she sure never needed my help."

The Gibbs have requested that YC friends and loved ones make memorial contributions to York College, 1125 E 8th St, York, NE 68467.

*Hulitt Hall Honor Gifts

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The H. Jarrell and Cynthia Gibbs Residence Hall, an apartment building accommodating more than 80 upperclassmen, stands as a visual testimony of the Gibbs family's support.

What Gayle Napier Meant to Me T. Gayle Napier was many things to many people. He was a scholar who was known for teaching history at York College, a family therapist for many throughout the years, a well-known speaker and lecturer throughout the churches of Christ.

For me, and many others at York College, the relationship was much more personal. When I arrived at York College, my family was imploding. I was new to campus and knew no one. I quickly found, as others did, that it was a welcoming and embracing place. During my freshman year, I began to build a relationship with Gayle. Without knowing it, he became a mentor and a father figure. He was knowledgeable, but easy to talk to. He was always interested in what I (and many others) had to say. He didn’t insert himself into my life, but was willing to give advice when asked.

Looking back, I am impressed with his humility and genuine care for an inexperienced freshman, even while his national reputation and notoriety were growing.

Gayle taught me that you can be spiritual and have a close relationship with God without being overly emotional or expressive. I learned the value of a sense of humor to carry you through even the most difficult of times. I learned that you can continue to learn throughout your life. I was blessed to visit with Gayle on occasion in recent years and he always wanted to know more. He was always asking about the College, about my life and about my projects. His genuine interest reminded me how much I owed to this man who became my model for how a God-fearing adult should act and face the world.

Gayle pushed me to become a better student. Later, he became my boss and pushed me to expand my ability to lead and solve problems. We worked together both at York and Lubbock and worked on several remodeling projects outside of work. There are many projects I would never have tackled without his insistence that I do the job or try something new. I owe much of whatever success I had in my career to Gayle’s influence, mentoring and guidance.

I feel as if I have lost my father.

God bless you Gayle as you live with Him. Steve Eckman ’71 Dr. Napier passed away Oct. 17, 2021 at the age of 87. His career included serving 15 years on the faculty and administration of York College (1959-1973). He is survived by his wife Grace of 68 years, four daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters and spouses, five siblings, two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

1125 E 8th Street York, NE 68467

Looking for a new direction? YC offers online master’s degrees. Learn more at online.york.edu.

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