Commencement

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Dr. Allison D. Garrett, president of Emporia State University, was the featured speaker at spring commencement. Dr. Garrett asked graduates to consider five things that would make a difference in their lifelong pursuits.

• Continue to develop good communication skills. Write well. Be able to speak to others and explain complicated things in easy-tounderstand language.

• Be timely and dependable. Respond quickly and follow through.

• Do hard things. “It’s a great opportunity for you to shine… to grow… to demonstrate that you are a great team player.”

• Be kind. “You never know at what point what kind act or kind word you do or say today may come back in the future.”

• Focus on what’s important. “You are about to become very, very busy with your lives so focus on what’s important—on your faith, on your friends, and on your family.”

Enjoy all of the commencement ceremony on our Youtube channel, www.youtube.com/YorkCollegeNeb.

Making up for lost time

It was two years of celebration rolled into one for many of the YC students, faculty, and staff. Not being able to host last spring's commencement due to Covid, the 2021 graduating class was sprinkled with several of the 2020 seniors who accepted the College's invitation to return and take their time on stage.

After Dr. Allison Garrett’s address, York College Provost Dr. Shane Mountjoy recognized some of the academic achievements of the graduating seniors, calling attention to those who were wearing honor medallions inscribed with the college seal. Asking each group to stand, Mountjoy honored those who graduated summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. He also recognized four students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average: Kellie Fredendall, Amalia (Miller) Magner, Taylor O'Brien, and Cole Satterfield.

A special faculty honor this year was given to retiring professor of biology, Mrs. Gail Miller. “For 36 years Gail Miller has made many contributions to this institution in and out of the classroom and in a lot of different roles,” said Mountjoy. “Over the years she served as an example and a sounding board for many faculty members and administrators. She is a personal friend to many of us employed here and she is a gifted educator who has given much to our students and to activities. She has served as a mentor in matters of education, science, life and faith.”

Mountjoy talked about Miller’s noteworthy teaching, her love for students, and the significant service she has given to the institutional mission. “In recognition of the extensive contributions and sacrifices she has made over the last three and a half decades, York College is conferring the status of Professor Emeritus on our friend and colleague Gail Miller.”

The ceremony continued as graduates lined up to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas from President Sam Smith with a smile, a handshake, and frequently, a hug. Those receiving bachelor’s degrees were then hooded by their escort with the color of academic regalia that represented their field of study.

The York College Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Clark Roush, closed out the ceremony by performing “Go Ye Now in Peace” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” before leading the audience in the singing of the York College Alma Mater.