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SUMMER 2020

Farewell York College A Blessed Memory

Finishing the Course

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Going the Distance

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Celebrating Diversity

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YC Legacies

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A Song for Two Hands

photos by Bob DeHart

On the Cover: 2022 YC graduate, Shiloh Lively from Las Vegas, Nev., says her final goodbyes to York College. (Above) The message on Lively's mortarboard speaks to the significance of the moment.

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Dr. Frank Wheeler: Finishing the Course University News York College - A Blessed Memory Going the Distance Celebrating Diversity YC Legacies A Song for Two Hands Campaign Updates Alumni News and Notes Panther Milestones Panther Athletics The Arch Project President's Council Memorials Homecoming 2022 Calendar of Events

Imagine the scene at the end of one of those great sappy movies when the characters face the impending moment when they know they won’t ever see each other again, yet they don’t want to verbalize their farewells. Often the tangible awkwardness leads the characters to walking away in silence because they simply can't find the right words for the moment.

As we issue this last publication of the Heritage Magazine as York College, we too are somewhat speechless in the moment because we love York College. How can we in a single publication say farewell to York College, and greetings from York University at the same time?

Our alumni, students, donors, and friends of York College can all share stories, which when placed together, creates a beautiful mosaic that best describes why we all love York College. This mosaic, from the very beginning, has been intended to be looked at for its beauty and for what it has the potential to be. We see the potential ahead of us as York University and move forward knowing that the God who blessed York College is the same God we are asking to bless the future of York University.

As an eternal optimist, I want to hear nothing but shouts of joy for what York University represents and all that God has in store for our future. Our faculty, staff, and administration pledge to continue to work diligently to make sure that our school, with its amazingly rich history, will reflect our mission of transforming students through a Christ-centered education.

Heritage — Summer 2022 Vol. 25, No. 2 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

In laying the foundation of the future of York University, we pray God will move in you and many others to step up, to help build a place where we still proudly point our students to Christ. We, like you, are functioning in a very challenging economic environment and we need your help. Our students need your help. Please prayerfully consider ways you might stretch and give either for the last time to York College or for your first time to York University.

Finally, please pray for our ministry here, for our faculty/staff, and that we will boldly follow God in this work.

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 Tim Bruner Bob DeHart ’95 Trent Hinton ’02 Chrystal Houston ’03 Brent Magner ’79

Kendra Mamea ’21 Tim McNeese ’73 Bekah Powell ’24 Jared Stark ’01 Dr. Frank Wheeler ’73

In Him, Sam Smith President

Finishing Course the

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or more than three decades, York College students have been “educated at the feet of Gamaliel.”

He may not be the first-century scholar of Jewish law that Paul lists as part of his pedigree in Acts 22, but Dr. Frank E. Wheeler’s credentials, experience, wisdom, and knowledge have been held in great esteem by colleagues and YC students, "I still love what especially Bible majors, for 34 years. From I’m doing. I love upper level courses such as Archeology and working with the Bible and The Corinthian Letters to students and freshman courses like History of the New Testament: Gospel and Acts, Dr. Wheeler the challenge has imparted his insight and expertise to of helping them thousands of young minds in and out of see the value of the classroom. His wry smile and dry sense scripture..." of humor will be sorely missed as he retired at the end of the semester. But oh, how we DR. FRANK WHEELER will miss his understanding of biblical times Professor of Bible Chair of the Department of Bible and places and the passion with which he can go deep into the Gospel of John and uncover priceless treasures.

An hour-long interview can’t do justice convincing for a road trip. They both fell in love with the to the years Dr. Wheeler has given to this place he loves college, and that was that. so dearly, but one has to start somewhere. Before the Even though young Wheeler didn’t know anyone professor made his indelible mark on our world, before when he arrived as a freshman, he quickly got involved in he was honored twice with the Dale R. Larsen Teacher student activities including going out for the men’s soccer of Achievement Award, a few discoveries of how young team under Coach Paul Touchton ’61. Most of the players, Wheeler found his way to campus, what he did as a including Wheeler, had never played soccer but were used student, and the challenges he faced in his new role as to American football rules. They did well on the season, a member of the Bible faculty proved worthwhile to but Wheeler chuckled as he commented, “the team was document. pretty rough.”

Growing up a preacher’s kid, Frank Wheeler had no That spring, Wheeler was part of a group of athletes connections to YC. His dad, Lloyd, was preaching in who represented the YC Panthers in a unique way. “From Springdale, Ark., when a York College singing group called what I remember,” he began, “early in the spring semester New Folk Trio performed. Later, when living in Wood coaches were counting and calculating… ‘Man, I wish River, Ill., the East Hill Minstrels from York performed at we had a track team. If we got third in conference in track, a nearby youth rally and that prompted Frank to ask his we’d win that All-Sports Trophy.’ So several of us guys put dad if he could visit campus. together an ad hoc track team,” Wheeler continued. “And Lloyd just happened to be friends with a few people the only track meet we went to was the conference meet. at YC including a college buddy of his, Dale Larsen, YC We got third.” president. He was also friends with Dr. Mabrey Miller and Coach Colis Campbell, so it didn’t take too much ...continued next page

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photo courtesy Beasley Allen Law Firm

(above) Aubrey Tate ’18 visits with Dr. Wheeler in his office. (left) Wheeler brushes debris away from a donkey skeleton in Beth-Shemesh. In 2012, Dr. Wheeler took a group of YC students and alumni on a 12-day tour of Turkey and Greece.

One student commented that the best part of the trip was “getting to walk where Paul walked… with Dr. Wheeler.”

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were married in York a year later in what is now Gurganus Hall on the corner of 10th Street and Kiplinger Avenue.

Fast forward 15 years to 1988.

Wheeler has earned his PhD from Baylor University and two master’s degrees from Harding University

"It’s been a good ride; it really has. Thinking back over a lot of students, it’s just been a tremendous experience being a part of their lives."

Graduate School of Religion to accompany his undergraduate degrees. He has preached two years in Glenwood, Minn., and has been directing the Bible Chair at Eastern New Mexico University the last two and a half years. In the spring of that year he received a phone call asking him to consider creating and directing a new baccalaureate Bible program at York College.

Wheeler recalls that during the oncampus interview with YC president

Don Gardner and Dr. Dub Hannel ’63, the academic dean, he was told that York College could not survive as a two-year school, and that the first step towards becoming a fouryear college would be in the Bible department. Wheeler felt confident he could make that happen and took the position, moving his family back to York in the summer of 1988.

Immediately, he began working on curriculum, a proposed degree plan, and made contact with North Central Association to schedule a focus visit in the spring of 1989. That visit went as hoped, and approval was given by the NCA for York College to offer BA degrees in Biblical Studies. Other disciplines quickly followed suit, and the path was paved for success.

Reflecting on that decision 34 years ago, Wheeler made the comment, “Gradually through the years it has been more and more fulfilling to see our graduates preaching and working in the churches in the Midwest. That was one of the specific goals we had in starting not just the four-year Bible degree but four-year curriculum across the board was to help strengthen churches in the North Central States.”

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Although his future bride, Kathleen Baker, was a classmate of his from the very beginning, Wheeler didn’t know her until the last week of his freshman year. He had Elmer Baker for English, and out of a Middlebrook window, he saw Kathleen walking down the sidewalk.

He asked a buddy in class and found out that she was in fact Elmer’s daughter and lived off campus. He made sure they got acquainted the following semester.

His sophomore year was an active one with him serving as president of Sigma Tau social club, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and the Lettermen’s Club. He was in the Student Association, co-chair of the Spiritual Life Committee, and cocaptain of the soccer team—making the All-Conference team… all while maintaining a GPA worthy of the Dean’s Honor Roll and Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. At the spring banquet he was chosen by faculty as Mr. YC runner-up.

And yes, he also happened to find time to date the editor of the school paper. Frank and Kathleen transferred together to Harding University and

(above) The 1972 Student Association stands on what will be the future home of Thomas Hall, with the East Hill Church of Christ (Gurganus Hall) in the background. (l-r) Dan Fraser, Mike Westerfield, Frank Wheeler, Pat Klein, Greg Sims, Rick Hull, Nadine McAllister, Rick Hendricks, Mike O’Rourke — not pictured: Dan Knight and Tim Minnix.

He mentioned a church leadership workshop in Bismarck, N.D., that he attended where three or four of the presenters were former students of his and how he just sat back and soaked it all in. He gave a typical Wheeler pause and said slowly, “It warms your soul to see they’re still participating in ministry and so involved in people’s lives.”

Wheeler hasn’t been one of those tenured professors who rests on his laurels. Far from it. He has always strived to learn more and be engaged in honing his trade. In the summer of 1999, Wheeler took part in an archeological dig in Bethsaida, hometown of the apostles Phillip, Andrew, and Peter and the location of the healing of the blind man of Mark 8:22.

While there, he was bit by a bug—the kind of bug that won’t turn loose and just burrows deeper and deeper under the skin. Before you go Indiana Jones in reading this, it was an archeology bug. For 14 summers he has returned to Israel to join a team of excavators at a dig site in Beth-Shemesh, Israel, a border town between Israel and the Philistines in the area where Samson lived. At the

Beth-Shemesh mound, Wheeler helped dig up the city gates, dated around 1400 B.C., discovered a stone plaque bearing the image of a Canaanite goddess, and unearthed a complete donkey skeleton that was part of a ritual Canaanite burial.

“It added a whole new dimension to my studies, my teaching, my perception of Bible background, stories in the Bible and so forth,” Wheeler said. “It’s just been a wonderful experience.” He added that it was also some of the hardest work he has ever done but he hopes to return in the near future as the pandemic subsides.

“In many respects, Dr. Wheeler is the prototypical professor,” commented YC provost, Dr. Shane Mountjoy. “His unflappable demeanor, tranquil voice, and methodical lectures are rooted in years of study and preparation resulting in rich, impactful presentations. As a colleague, he has often displayed the same composed demeanor, gentle voice, and precise approach to questions of policy and situations common to faculty. His wisdom, perspective, and calming spirit are respected and will be missed.”

In 1991, Jerry Morgan and Eric Tremaine walked across the stage to become the first students in 32 years to graduate from York College with bachelor’s degrees.* This spring, the class of 2022 was celebrated as

the 32nd and final class of students receiving baccalaureate degrees from York College.

But that’s a good thing.

Reverting to a junior college back in 1959 was a crucial, lifesaving moment in the history of York College, as were the insightful decisions to become a four-year institution in 1989 with Wheeler taking a lead in the transition.

Moving to university status this summer is yet another pivotal step forward to becoming the best version of what Christian higher education can be.

“I hope our department continues to grow and strengthen,” said Wheeler.

And when the time is right, he dreams of the day graduate programs in Bible will be offered and thrive at York College.

“I still love what I’m doing. I love working with students and the challenge of helping them see the value of scripture—helping them to see that these stories can give them guidance, find strength and courage for life.

It’s amazing to watch some of these students who learn to take that seriously, and it’s really special and still for me a very meaningful experience to be a part of that process.” Then he added, “But it’s time to hand the baton to someone else.”

“It’s been a good ride; it really has,” Wheeler concluded. “Thinking back over a lot of students, it’s just been a tremendous experience being a part of their lives.” n

by Steddon Sikes

(left) Wayne Baker congratulates Frank and Kathleen with the 2007 YC Alumni of the Year award.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

York University Leadership Changes Provost

VP of Student Life

Dr. Billy Lones, who has served as associate professor of criminal justice and chair of that department at York College, has been named the next provost of York College as of June 1.

In his announcement to the campus, President Sam Smith shared, “I am pleased to announce that Dr. Billy Lones has been selected as the next Provost of York College. In a season of transition from college to university I felt it was important to select a highly qualified individual who also carried the trust of our outstanding faculty.

“Dr. Lones’ educational background, career experience, and time in the classroom all enrich the skills that will launch him towards serving as senior academic officer of our institution. Dr. Lones will focus his attention on the continuing development of our academic programs, valuing our incredible faculty, and challenging them to teach students to be prepared for their career while Lones engaging them with a Christ-centered focus.”

Lones began his service to York College in 2004 and has filled various roles, including planned giving officer and dean of the online college. His most impactful and long-lasting role began in 2008, when the college added the criminal justice major, and he was asked to design the curriculum and head the program. Since its founding, criminal justice has grown into one of largest majors on campus, currently enrolling 37 majors.

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Dr. Lones said, “I am extremely grateful and humbled for the opportunity to serve as the next Provost of York College/University. It is a great honor to be chosen to serve in this role and help build upon the institution's solid foundation of academic excellence.

I look forward to working with the administration, faculty, staff, students, and community as we continue to fulfill the institutional mission of transforming lives through Christ-centered education.”

Lones succeeds Dr. Shane Mountjoy, who stepped down from the role at the end of the spring semester. Lones completed his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at the Jones School of Law, Faulkner University in 2000.

Billy and his wife, Christi, who has served as a faculty member in the history department since 2008, have two children, Cooper (14) and Calleigh (13.)

John Jewell, who has served for many years in ministries in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Brazil, and Africa, will begin serving as York College’s new vice president of student life this summer.

Jewell has most recently served as the pulpit minister of the Westworth Church of Christ in Westworth Village, Texas. He and his wife, Samantha, are the parents of three children, Jonah (20), Andy (17), and Ben (13).

Jewell, who completed his degree in theology at Lipscomb University said, “I’m excited about what God has in store for the York College students and how He might use my family’s ministry and mission experiences to enhance this vital, formative part of their lives. College students are fun and are so full of promise and hope, which is why I feel privileged to have this chance to pour into them.”

Jewell The Jewells launched and continue to direct WellSpring Ministries in Malawi, Africa, an institution that provides education, food, clothing, and medical care for impoverished children.

Jewell’s missionary experience began in 2003 when he served as pulpit minister for Igreja de Cristo do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He later worked with the Comunidade de Cristo in Natal, Brazil. He and Samantha are both bilingual and have consistently demonstrated a heart for healing people in ministry wherever they have served. They both look forward to this new adventure and are quickly impressed with the opportunities in York.

According to President Smith, “John brings a deep knowledge of building community, leading teams, and pointing people to the Lord. His gifts will help him to seamlessly step into this role to provide our students with an incredible experience outside of the classroom, and a safe experience which supports their academic endeavors while attending York University.

“John will focus on developing a Student Life team that is attentive to the needs of college students in 2022 and beyond.

He and his incredible family have literally moved all over the world to serve the Lord through various mission fields including Brazil and Malawi. With the Jewells’ continued mission efforts in Malawi, we hope to build a bridge of academic opportunities through York University for those students in the mission field.

Their work will also create unique mission-trip opportunities for our students in the future.”

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F A C U L T Y / S TUA N F IFV T ERA SN I TSYI TNI O EW N SS

Chair of the Bible Department

Associate Dean of Online Learning

Dr. Garrett Best, former minister for the Oliver Creek Church of Christ in Bartlett, Tenn., will assume chair of the Bible Department faculty of York College this summer. Best has been in ministry since 2010 when he first served as preaching minister for the Oliver Creek congregation. He has also served as minister for the Nicholasville Church of Christ in Kentucky.

He has been in his most recent role at Oliver Creek since 2019.

Best succeeds Dr. Frank Wheeler, who retired this year after 34 years as a York College faculty member, serving as chair of the Bible Department since 1992.

"We are so excited about having Garrett and his family join the York College community beginning this fall," Dr. Smith said. "He brings such a wealth of talent, experience and energy, and his love for the local church is recognized all over the Mid-South. He has a passion for ministry that is contagious, and we can't wait to see his impact on our students, our campus and the York community.

Best Churches where he has ministered have loved him, and his academic credentials are impeccable. He is a perfect fit for this leadership position at York."

A native of Gardendale, Ala., Best graduated from FreedHardeman University in 2010 with a double major in Spanish and Bible. He then began ministry work with the Oliver Creek church while also beginning his studies toward the Master of Divinity degree at Harding School of Theology in Memphis, which he completed in 2014. He and his family then moved to Kentucky where Best spent four years studying for and completing a Ph.D. program with Asbury Theological Seminary while also working with the aforementioned Kentucky congregation.

"I am humbled by this opportunity to serve at York College as it begins a new phase of history as York University," Best noted. "I look forward to investing time inside and outside the classroom in order to foster a Christ-centered community at York while also helping students cultivate a love for the local church as a vital part of faith in Christ. Further, I hope to help position the institution as a resource for churches regionally and globally.”

"This is such an exciting time for this college as it transitions to university status," he added, "and I look forward to celebrating and honoring the rich heritage of faith and scholarship which has characterized the institution in the past while participating in the mission-propelled future of York University."

Best has been married for 12 years to Robin, his "high school/youth group sweetheart," and their family includes son Jackson (6) and daughter Anna (3).

Dr. Ben Griffin, currently president of the board for Suncoast Christian Academy and minister for the Suncoast Church of Christ in Lake Worth (Palm Beach County), Fla., will take on a newly created position as York College's associate dean and director of the master's degree program in organizational and global leadership, according to an announcement from Dr. Shannon Leinen, dean of online learning and academic initiatives at the College.

"This is an exciting time for York College as we begin our transition to York University, and Dr. Griffin fits perfectly into that transition," Dr. Leinen explained.

"York's online market is exploding with interest among various student groups, especially those who want to be fully prepared for job opportunities in organizational leadership. The corporate Griffin world is looking for those who have the educational background, the training and the experience to fill such roles. Dr. Griffin has the academic credentials and the corporate experience to facilitate this online training."

Griffin, a native of Pensacola, Fla., holds the doctorate in education from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, in organizational leadership and conflict resolution. He earned the master of arts degree in management from Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania and his bachelor's degree in ministry from Theological University of America in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He is currently completing a master of divinity program in Bible exposition at Lancaster Bible College.

"I am excited about the opportunities to serve an online market of York College that is growing and deserving," Griffin said when accepting the position. "Providing leadership training that will enhance skills in both job, community and church settings is a role I feel that God has blessed me to fill. This is a pivotal time of my life to let God lead me in helping others to learn how to lead. I'm so grateful to become part of the York College...and eventually...the York University...family."

After high school, Griffin joined the U.S. Army and served for nine years. After that he entered into a preacher training program and then began full-time preaching at age 26 at a church in Pensacola and then later at a church in Sarasota. He has authored and published six books since then, mostly related to Christian living, leadership, evangelism, and ministry service.

The father of five adult children and seven grandchildren, Griffin met his wife, Alanna, a 1983 graduate of Rochester University, in the early 1990s and were married in 1994. The Griffin family will begin to move to York in early to mid-June so that he can begin his new role on campus on July 1. n SUMMER 2022 2016 | 2017

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LAST YC HOORAH

T photo by Bob DeHart

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he last couple of months have certainly pulled at the heart strings as the campus has been reminded over and over again that York College's days are numbered, especially with the final: • YC Songfest production, • All-College Banquet, • YC Chapel, • York College graduating class.

We're excited to be a university, but nostalgia certainly has its place as we say farewell to our longtime friend and companion... and as we will continue to sing in our alma mater, York College will always be a "blessed memory!" *Mr. and Ms. YC candidates: (l-r) Chris Martens, Kitra Cody, Sebastian Rolon Barreto, Mikayla Brant, Justus Coppinger, Sadie Carr, Hosea Kiptoo, and Rosa Maria Vallejo Jauregui

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What was it like to commit your education prospects to a small fledgling college in Nebraska reopening its doors in 1956?

For most, it was an adventure! Even on a 66-year-old campus, everything was new: buildings, teachers, administration, classmates... even traditions!

One such tradition that was renewed from the past was honoring the most representative students on campus. In the spring of that first academic year, John Townsdin and Elaine Huddle were the first to be named Mr. and Miss York College; although, John's title according to the 1957 Crusader was "Bachelor of Ugliness." The two would later be married and their son Doug Townsdin ’83 currently serves on the Board of Trustees.

And speaking of marriages, Tom and Dottie Schulz were the first to be wed on campus after its reopening.

The couple gave decades of service together at York College and on the mission field. And hats off to any sleuth who can deduce the number of wedding ceremonies that have taken place at YC since that legendary duo.

The first students to graduate with their associates degree on May 24, 1957, were the five transfer students pictured below (l-r) Echo McGuire – Abilene Christian College (ACC), Elaine Huddle – ACC, John Townsdin – Harding College, Wanda Clements – ACC, and Lucile Swenson – Freed-Hardeman College. And like the classic Statler Brothers' song, The Class of ’57 Had its Dreams.

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Dr. Mike Case and Dr. Tim McNeese (’73) were honored in April for 30 years of service to the College.

Mr. and Ms. York College candidates* were celebrated at the year-end banquet. Mikayla Brant, a biology major from Clear Lake, Iowa, and Justus Coppinger, a vocal performance and Biblical studies major from York were chosen for the award by YC faculty and staff.

2022 Songfest "Freedom" was a wonderful return to normalcy.

President Smith congratulates Staff Member of the Year Roni (Arellano ’01) Miller and Faculty Member of the Year Dr. Aleshia (Showen ’85) O'Neal.

Students were reminded on April 26 that they were participating in an historic moment — the last YC chapel. Using as an illustration a commemorative brick from Hulitt Hall given to him by the trustees, President Smith charged students to build something lasting with their bricks.

Kitra Cody and Alexandria Diosdado smile as they receive their graduation hoods from their escorts.

Dr. Shane Mountjoy (’88) and Dr. Frank Wheeler (’72) were recognized for their three-plus decades of service to York College and each conferred upon with the status of Professor Emeritus.

photo courtesy Elaine (Huddle) Townsdin

WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Herschel Dyer, a YC trustee and preacher from Lincoln, Neb., gave the commencement address: "Am I My Brother's Keeper?" It was fitting for Dyer to speak as it was he and Dale Larsen who conducted the first inquiry on May 18, 1954, into the possibility that York College would be closing. The ten-cent telephone call which eventually led to the reopening of York College was placed from an outdoor telephone booth at the junction of Highways 81 and 34.

Excerpts from A History of York College, by Dale Larsen, 1966 SUMMER 2022 |

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photos courtesy 1957 Crusader

York College Firsts

GOING THE going to be in his final semester of his senior year, the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching from legends in ministry was too good to pass up. After all, what’s new? His plate has always been full. Along with carrying a double major, he has served two years as president of his social club Sigma Tau, hosted Songfest twice and emceed one year, took the stage multiple times in the YC One Acts, played soccer his freshman year, ran cross country and track the last two, served as a junior representative in student government, and is a four-year member of Concert Choir and Celebration Singers… and all while consistently making the Dean’s List with a cumulative GPA of 3.96.

Hearing the Call

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hird generation Yorkie Justus Coppinger graduated at the end of April with a couple of degrees behind his name, a bachelor’s in vocal performance and another in biblical studies. His plate was full in his final semester with voice and piano lessons, classes in Old Testament and Greek, running indoor and outdoor track, a church internship in Lincoln, preparing for his senior recital, and… or maybe it really should be AND—planning his summer wedding! Coppinger’s plate has always been insanely full, but we’ll get to that a little later.

On one particular Thursday this spring, he hit pause on all his YC responsibilities and boarded a plane to the west coast for an all-expenses paid stay on world renowned Malibu beach. Well, almost. Before you get too jealous, he actually was on the campus of Pepperdine University that overlooks the beach. And instead of soaking in the sun and enjoying the scenic landscape, Justus went through an intense two-day coaching/training workshop to enhance future sermons he might give. Sound fun?

Next Gen Preacher Search (NGPS) is a unique outreach to young Christian students in high schools and colleges across the country who have an interest in preaching and teaching. Designed to encourage and inspire young people towards the ministry of God's word, it is an open invitation for students to submit a 5-minute video of their speaking for review and critique.

At the encouragement of Dr. Terry Seufferlein, professor of Bible and Tom N. Schultz chair for mission studies at York College, Coppinger submitted a sermon clip.

“Justus has a gift for communicating the biblical text in a way that impacts lives,” said Dr. Seufferlein. “He had just completed an assignment for one of my classes in which he gave a quality sermon on the ten lepers cleansed by Jesus and the gratefulness of the one who was a Samaritan. It would be a challenge to condense it down to five minutes, but I told him he should enter it into the Preacher Search competition.”

Coppinger reflected, “My initial thought was, that’s really cool!

There’s no way I’ll get it, but I’ll try. It was empowering to me that he thought I had the talent to make it.” The added gesture of the Bible department and York Campus Ministries offering to pay for his flight if he was chosen sealed the deal.

Someway, somehow Coppinger knew that as busy as he was

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Coppinger decided to add biblical studies as a major after interning a summer with Ricky Pruitt ’93, Youth and Family Minister at the Kerrville Church of Christ in Texas. Through Pruitt’s friendship, how he mentored his role to Justus, and the appeal of working with kids, Coppinger decided, “I think I want to pursue doing something like this.”

His junior year went as he hoped, splitting his time between the music and Bible departments, and he signed up with Pruitt for a second summer internship in 2021.

“Serving alongside Justus for two summers was an incredible privilege,” commented Pruitt. “His willingness to learn from any situation or conversation magnified his credibility in the eyes of those he served as well as those on staff. He grew immensely in his ability to lead a class through experiences, discussion, Bible exploration, and application. His interpersonal skills allowed him to connect with teens and adults, relating to different generations naturally. He was excellent at forming relationships and using that connection to encourage those around him.”

When asked about the takeaways he gleaned from his internships, Coppinger said, “Ministry takes a lot of patience, particularly with youth ministry and getting to know these kids.

It takes a lot of smaller conversations that lead up to some bigger things. I had some really awesome experiences and conversations, but that’s at the end of two summers of getting to know these kids.

It wasn’t like come in and change everybody’s lives real quick and head out.”

One of Coppinger’s recognizable gifts is of course singing, whether he’s leading worship on campus, church services, or being part of a praise team. His time at Kerrville was life-changing in that regard.

“I think for the first time I experienced “church” in general on a different level,” he said. “Because I had a role and tried to be as intentional as possible in that role, I remember every Sunday coming away from a church service being so filled myself. Not because I was there to fill myself necessarily, but I think it was because my mindset changed from what is this service going to do for me—to how can I invest, what can I bring this morning.”

Equipped to Answer To his surprise, of the hundred-plus video entries, Coppinger’s made the cut. He was invited to the weekend workshop, February (above) Justus presented his NGPS lesson Clickbait at Pepperdine's Harbor 2022 Bible Lectures.

E DISTANCE

by Steddon Sikes ’84

photo by Bob DeHart

photo by Bob DeHart

11-12, training alongside a team of experienced preachers including Jeff Walling, Dan Rodriguez, and Greg Daum.

Walling, who hosts NGPS, wrote, “Congratulations! You have been selected as one of the semi-finalists for the 2022 Next Gen Preacher Search! The choices were tough but our team felt you have a special talent that we want to help you develop.”

A few of the critique comments on his video submission were, “Justus I loved your passion. This theme is clearly important to you. Thanks for showing that passion, it really came through in your presentation.”

Another comment said, “Well done! 5 minute messages are hard to preach. You honored the text well and applied it.”

When Coppinger was asked how he hoped to benefit from the NGPS experience he said that being young, he doesn’t receive a lot of feedback aside from “Good job,” or “Thank you so much for speaking.” He’s very appreciative of that encouragement but was looking forward to growing his gift. “I would like to be able to refine what I do and receive constructive criticism from people who are experts in that field,” he said.

In addition to the overall training, each participant was asked to prepare a 5 minute message in advance that the preaching team could critique and give tips for improvement in both content and presentation. At the conclusion of the workshop, Justus and his fellow students applied what they learned and were filmed giving that same lesson before a panel of ministers.

Walling, who was on the panel said, “Justus, I reflect back on hearing you speak

(from the top) Justus interned two summers with Ricky Pruitt, YC class of ’93.

Family Tradition

Justus, Ethan Leinen, and Hosea Kiptoo run the indoor 800 meters at a track meet.

After Coppinger's senior recital, Dr. Clark Roush posted, "He made himself and the music department proud!"

Justus and his fiance Kelsey Beck are planning a summer 2022 wedding.

courtesy 1967 Crusader

(above) Joe K. and Bettye Alley with children Claudia, Bettye Jo, Ken, Karen, and Sheryl.

in our class, and I thought, you know this is a nice lesson. Which tells me that you have grabbed a hold of this, owned it, embodied it — and all of a sudden I’m sitting here at the table going, ‘This is not just a Next Gen Preacher Search guy.’ You stepped up and you were a prophet! Prophets make people uncomfortable. They tell the truth, the hard truth. You did it passionately. But we didn’t get mad at you. You’re a sneaky passionate prophet. You came at us with this sweet little "clickbait" idea, and we’re all ahaha. And then before you know it, we’re seeing ourself in those people. You kept smiling, but you kept sharing. I am praying for teenagers who need to hear that message. And they will hear it from you so differently than they will from any of us old guys. So please, please keep preaching!”

Justus returned to York and jumped right into preparing for midterms, running track, and finishing his graduation requirements.

He gleaned all he could from the workshop and reported that the whole experience was, “insanely intense but so rewarding.” Two weeks later, he gave his Next Gen talk in chapel before the YC student body… and wouldn’t you know it, the same week as his senior recital. Now that's a bit insane.

About that time he was also notified that ministers who watched his NGPS video had selected him as one of five finalists and asked that he once more return to Malibu.

This time he would present his lesson at Pepperdine's Harbor 2022 Bible Lectures as a Next Generation Preacher Ambassador.

After the event, his fiancé posted on social media that Justus did an incredible job and that she had the wonderful opportunity to practice being a minister’s wife. n Justus’ great grandfather Joe K. Alley had a 14-year tenure at York College (1963-76) serving as a Bible professor, vice president, and interim president at YC. His grandparents John and *Bettye Jo (Alley) Hamm (’69) were at York when it was just a two-year school, and his parents Matthew (’96) and Laura (Hamm ’95) Coppinger were students during the transition to a four-year college. Now he and his fiancé Kelsey Beck (whose parents John ’98 and Nicole (Roitsch ’94) Beck were at YC with Matt and Laura) are students during the transition to York University. Justus said, "Yeah, I know. It's crazy!"

*deceased

photo by Kendra Mamea

photo by Kinzie Norton

by Bekah Powell, Class of 2024

Y

ork College has always had transformation at the heart of its purpose; its mission is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society. While transformation of the heart and mind is not an easy task, York College has created a culture that continually strives to transform its entire community. One of the many ways this has taken place is through the Diversity Club.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Erin DeHart, associate professor of education and chair of the department, and Tree Burks, head men’s basketball coach and physical education instructor, the Club encourages transformation through speakers, events, book studies, and movie nights held throughout the year for the whole campus.

The Diversity Club’s events highlight a culture through food, music, literature, and introductions of influential individuals. For example, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, authentic Mexican dishes including tamales, empanadas, pupusa, pozole, and churros were prepared and served in the Caf ’ by fellow classmates, family members, and some of the coaching staff. Following dinner, the celebration was moved outside to Larsen Commons where an elusive piñata full of Mexican candy kept everyone in suspense until Daniel Polo, a freshman baseball player from Panama City, Panama, connected with a full swing. In February, the Club hosted an African-American Culture Night that was ’90s

themed. McGehee Hall was decorated with posters and information about historical figures, celebrities, and civil rights activists.

They also had a table filled with various literature that included children's stories, poetry, and books about the experiences of African-Americans throughout history and how that affects AfricanAmericans in society today.

It was truly a wonderful evening Powell with students dressed in ’90s outfits as we packed into McGehee to grab catered food from Mary Ellen’s: Food for the Soul. While waiting in line, we listened to music from famous African-American artists and enjoyed the different displays around the building. The evening concluded with a raffle that included a variety of literature and content from AfricanAmerican creators.

Along with the themed events, there are many amazing opportunities to learn about the diversity that exists on campus and in other cultures. DeHart and Burks lead book studies on subjects of racism, diversity, and equality in society today.

We also watched and discussed different movies and specials that addressed cultural injustices and misconceptions and documentaries that depicted cultural identity struggles.

Engaging in one another’s stories is a powerful and integral way to truly understand and internalize truth. Jesus

photo by Kinzie Norton

(left) Churros make the perfect dessert for Jasmine Scarbrough, Danielle Armendariz, Bruce Johnson, Finau Fakahua, and Elisa Cardona. (above left) Dr. Erin DeHart, front right, enjoys the after-dinner festivities with students. (above) Daniel Castaneda works alongside his mom and fellow soccer teammate Jose Herdandez in making delicious pupusas for the National Hispanic Heritage meal.

A Letter to Freshman Me Dear Freshman Mo,

photo by Kendra Mamea

(above) Bri Slaughter, Candice Jones, and Diamond Harrington approve of the amazing food catered by Mary Ellen's: Food for the Soul during African-American Culture Night.

demonstrated the importance of stories time and time again within his ministry. He utilized parables as a tool to help people to not only understand God’s logic but also to understand His heart. Transformation of a community is a daunting task; however, when people learn to cherish the stories of each other’s lives, transformation is nearly inevitable.

While the Diversity Club has created fun new events, book studies, and watch parties, it has also created a space on campus for people to come together and share in life’s infinitely unique beauty. It is through community and relationship that God’s character is revealed, and the Diversity Club understands and conducts itself with that understanding. Students, faculty, and staff can share their stories of life and learn how to cherish the distinct intricacies of God’s creation. The Club’s impact on York College has shown that God’s unfathomable love is reflected in the depth of purpose within all of humanity, despite the many cultural differences and life experiences. In fact, it is in the beautiful variation of God’s creation that one is able to possibly glimpse the infinite divinity of the Creator as well. n

A special thanks to Kendra Mamea, a graduate assistant from Garden Grove, Calif., who helped plan, promote, and carry out the Diversity Club's events. (right) Moriah Toledo, a senior from Farmington, N.M., graduated this spring Cum Laude in administration. During her four years as a student, she was involved in Delta Chi Alpha social club, a member of the softball team, and Professional Business Leaders chapter serving in 2021-22 as the state vice president of communication.

Moriah is a national champion in Human Resource Management for PBL and will be competing at nationals again in June 2022.

​ s you are about to graduate college within the next few weeks A you are probably wondering about what lies ahead of you. It’s crazy to think that my four years spent at York College are gone just like that. As I am writing this I am also reflecting on all the lessons I learned throughout my college experience. However, knowing what I know now, there are a lot of things I wish I were able to tell you back then, especially after first stepping foot on campus. College was an experience of many ups and downs, a lot of happiness and sadness, a lot of friends coming and going, and you can finish the rest.

For me I saw it as a learning experience, I am honored to say that I was able to find my true self here at YC, a competent and courageous leader, a mentor, a sympathetic friend, and overall adhering to my ethics. I also saw it as a place to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of my mentors, Nick DiToro, once said, “I provide for you the opportunity to learn.

What you do with that opportunity is not my fault.” He allowed me to grow as a person, as a student, and professionally. And I would have to say, looking back from freshman year to now, I've seen a lot of growth and change within myself. Freshman me was quiet and stayed in her room all the time, now senior me is taking on leadership roles and inspiring others.

Just remember this: • Surround yourself with good people, those who want to see you succeed.

• They say to be involved within the campus but make sure to handle what only you can don’t overwork yourself.

• Make sure to put in the time and effort needed for classes and sports (if involved) all the hard work will pay off.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are people out there that are willing to help and be there for you.

• Put God first in everything you do.

And lastly, don’t be afraid of change, change is good. Be willing and open to change because you will never know how a small change can lead to a huge change in perspective. In the end, you will find your purpose in life, why God opened up this amazing opportunity for you at YC. Thank you York College, Softball, and PBL for everything you have done to transform me into the person I am today. ​Yours Sincerely, Moriah Toledo '22

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Heritage | 13

Middlebrook chapel photo courtesy 1957 Crusader

Legacy. Family. Faith. Mission. Memories.

by Jared Stark ’01

Those words are just a start when describing Bob and Martha Lewis. Sitting in their living room, you can feel the depth of York College history all around you. Both have fascinating York stories, and at some point those stories became one. As we look forward to becoming York University, we simultaneously look back on York College stories. Bob and Martha have a great one.

Martha is truly unique, for many reasons, but specifically, because she fits a category of York College graduates not commonly considered. If you’re a graduate from the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, you most likely remember York as a two-year college. For ’90s graduates and beyond, like myself, York has always been a four-year experience.

Many don’t know the story of the four-year graduating class of 1959: Lavora (Ballard) Gates, John Townsdin, Tom Schulz, and Martha Followill.

Martha is the last living member of that class of 1959. Each member made a significant contribution to York’s history and would in turn, pass that legacy on to their children and even Followill grandchildren. The class itself is one of a kind, as the board voted that beginning in fall of 1959 York College would only offer Associate degrees.

Martha came to York from Lubbock, Texas, in the fall of 1957 alongside friend Echo McGuire catching a ride with Joe Humphrey in his 1953 brown two-tone Plymouth. It was a chance she took to blaze her own trail. Her dad told her, “You’ll go up there and marry some preacher!” And that’s what she did, but Martha also found a deep sense of camaraderie. She became part of a group of students who were all friends, who supported one another’s activities, organized picnics, and encouraged each other in the faith.

So many things were different back then. Coming from a big congregation in the south, Martha witnessed a firm commitment to mission for both the northern states and abroad. The students voted to do without a meal once a week so those funds could be sent out into the mission field, and on Sundays the cafeteria only offered one meal - a sack lunch. Martha, an English major, found a way to

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become involved in many activities and was voted Panther Sweetheart as well as being a member of the chorus and vice president of the senior class. She took note of Bob Lewis, a Bible major, and the two became an item on campus – just like her dad predicted.

Bob was part of the first student body in 1956, transferring in from Radville Christian College in Canada (later known as Western Christian), having learned about York College through a letter he thought to be from a Mrs. Mabrey Miller, registrar and assistant professor of education.

When Bob arrived and realized Mabrey was Mr. and not Mrs., he jokingly wrote to his dad, “You should see this woman Mabrey. She’s the tallest, ugliest woman I have ever seen.”

Upon Bob’s arrival to campus, he joined other early classmates in doing yard work on the campus and dusting off skeletons in the science labs. Bob’s passion then was preaching, and it still is today. The big attraction for him to attend York was the opportunity to preach in small towns like Fall City, Stratton, and Benkelman, and sometimes two congregations in one day. He would preach in Stratton while one of his friends would teach Bible class in Hamlett, and then the Lewis two would swap churches. His fondest memories are ministering to those churches and joining a recreational bowling team which later became competitive.

How did Bob and Martha meet? Well, it's safe to say that times have changed. Martha was dating Bob’s roommate. Bob decided he liked Martha and bet his roommate a milkshake that she would go on a date with him. Martha learned of the bet and decided to give Bob a chance. One day after Greek class, which everybody took, a classmate mentioned she would be willing to drive some distance to listen to Bob preach. That comment helped her decide Bob was not “a goof ” but a man of strong character.

Bob was a member of the cheer squad, quartet, chorus, and was named Mr. York College in 1958. He served as president of the student council in 1959 but was unable to finish his education at YC because of the college’s decision to scale back. He’s not bitter. He wouldn’t have wanted to stay anyway, because Martha was done and would be leaving. The two were married on August 25, three months

photo by Jenny (Meyer '00) Myers

after Martha graduated, and their marriage has produced many years of ministry in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska.

What really makes this story special is that Bob and Martha returned to York in 1970 so Bob could fill the pulpit at East Hill Church of Christ. He described it as “a dream come true,” and they stayed until 1987. Their legacy extends beyond those years, as all four of their children, Kirby, Kerry, Kristi, and Kevin, attended YC. In addition to receiving her English degree from York College, Martha went on to complete another bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and would eventually become a teacher in Benedict, Neb., and later for Larsen Academy in York.

In 1987 they left for Longmont, Colo., where they retired from ministry in 2008 and later un-retired when Estes Park Church of Christ needed a minister.

They are there to this day, living in the shadow of the Rockies and still blessing everyone around them. In the early days they were told about this college on the plains of Nebraska, were drawn to the mission, and gathered up the courage to go. Earlier this year, Martha “paid it forward” by encouraging a young lady from their congregation, Ruth Walker, to give York a chance, just as she had done. Ruth is a freshman majoring in business. In this way, they are still doing their part to contribute to and grow …soon to be York University. n

photo courtesy 1957 Crusader

(above) Bob and Martha visited campus during spring Panther Days, traveling with Cody and Kathy Walker from Estes Park, Colo. Through Martha's encouragement, Ruth Walker is a freshman at YC.

First Steps

A total of 84 students entered the first semester that began on September 10, 1956. The opening assembly was held in the "Panther's Lair" in the basement of Middlebrook Hall, with the audience overflowing into the dining hall. Two days later, the first chapel service marked the "formal" opening of the College. Music instructor, Sam F. Hayes, led the assembly in the singing of Stand Up for Jesus as the opening hymn.

York Mayor, Lloyd O. Livingston, welcomed the faculty and students. E. A. Levitt was the guest speaker on this occasion, recalling various incidents and transactions which led to the reopening of the College. He said, "Christianity is responsible for the growth and development of the finest schools in the world." The chapel hour closed with the singing of America and the York College song. An open house, primarily for the community, was held one month after school opened.

Visitors totaled 325, including Fred Stilson, a member of the first York College class of 1890.

photo courtesy 1957 Crusader

(Ballard) Gates

(above) Bob was part of the first cheer team on campus when it reopened in 1956. Other members pictured above are Echo (McGuire) Griffith, Charlotte Linder, and Diana (Fiscus) Danielson.

Followill

Schulz

Townsdin

Before transitioning to a four-year college in the 1990s, York College had its one and only senior class in 1959 under the oversight of the churches of Christ. That year four students graduated with bachelor degrees — Lavora (Ballard) Gates, Martha Followill, Tom Schulz, and John Townsdin.

Due to financial difficulties and limited facilities, "the decision was reached to revert to a junior college program, effective September 1, 1959, with no plans as to when, or if, a four-year program would be resumed."

Excerpts from A History of York College, by Dale Larsen, 1966

Dr. Tim McNeese, Professor of History

D

uring its 132-year existence, nothing altered the history of York College more than an aberrant spark in the attic of Old Main, YC’s first building of size. It was the centerpiece of the original campus, a grand old pile of bricks, towering up on East Hill, rising 110 feet from its foundations to the tip of its flagpole, a 45-star national emblem waving in a stiff Nebraska breeze above the grassy plains of the early 1890s. It stood as a monument to the possible, a symbol for humans whose reach exceeds their grasp.

In 1870, York was little more than one lone house. Less than a decade had passed since the passage of the Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad had just been completed the previous year. The railroad reached York in 1878, and the town sprang to life. Over the intervening dozen years, progress was planted on the plains. Beyond a bank, a post office, dry goods stores, and a newspaper, a school was envisioned. In 1880, the Methodists opened theirs—the Nebraska Conference Seminary—with their literature describing their school as located in a “thrifty section of the state, in a town where there never had been a saloon.” They set up shop in January in the original Congregational Academy building located on the west end of Seventh Street. (While the building is gone today, Academy Avenue remains.)

The school did well for a time, moving to a new brick facility located close to the site of today’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

(The building—now gone—would later house the Ursuline Sisters, an order of nuns, and even later still would become St. Joseph’s Academy.) The seminary became a college in 1883 and was officially renamed Methodist Episcopal College of Nebraska, but often the locals just simply referred to the school as if it were theirs—as York College. The college boasted a dozen instructors and had an enrollment of 313 by 1885. Tuition ran between $6 and $7 per term. Many of the college’s students focused their studies on teacher education and business courses. But even as enrollment climbed, so did debts, and by 1888, the Methodists closed the doors, with the Catholic Church taking over and reopening the facility the following year as Ursuline Academy.

Meanwhile, the Methodists moved to Lincoln and opened a new school—Nebraska Wesleyan University.

With its first “college” having come and gone within a single decade, the people of York sought out another religious group to establish a college in their prairie community. Land was selected

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for a college by local citizens on York’s East Hill. Then, enter the United Brethren. In 1886, the UB Church had purchased, from a group of Baptists, Gibbon Collegiate Institute, located in Gibbon, NE, about 70 miles east of York. The academy there ran from 1886 until 1890, “under the auspices of Western College, in Toledo, IA.” But Gibbon proved an awkward place for a college.

The town was too small, and local citizens never fully bought in.

Financial problems were exaggerated by a severe drought that hit the region. Church officials decided to close the Gibbon school and move their operations to York, once the Methodists had packed up and left. When the UB opened their new school, they named it York College. Ironically, the UB Congregation in York had been established just three years earlier.

It is from this time-distant place—York, Nebraska, 1890— that our story begins to take on a life of its own, one, ultimately, of endurance; one that has seen fitful starts and stops; financial crises and historical drama; problems and praises. Over the next 132 years, York College would not only endure but would thrive, progress, spread out, even as those offering its classes, raising its buildings, and guiding six generations of young men and women would themselves change, with each new generation of instructors, administrators, staff, students, alumni and various and sundry well-wishers. The story of York College is, in some respects, two stories linked in purpose and place. The United Brethren laid the groundwork for the college on the hill with 11 presidents steering the ship for more than 60 years. Those stalwart men of faith,

(left) Classes in 1890-91 were held on the second floor of the structure where three men in white shirts are standing, the site of Cobbs Dry Goods, in the Wirt Building located on the west side of the town square.

courtesy Kilgore Library

(right) A 1902 newspaper ad showcasing Old Main concludes: "Send for full information and be convinced that the advantages are the best, the rates the lowest, the results the most satisfactory, at York College, the People's School." (below) As the 1920s opened, three buildings comprised nearly the entire campus of York College, including Hulitt Conservatory of Music, the YC Gymnasium (later to become McGeHee Hall), and the Administration Building (Old Main).

relying on push and enterprise, built a school from scratch, and their efforts continue to bear fruit. To leave its leaders anonymous and unnamed would be amiss: United Brethren Presidents of York College, 1890-1956: 1890-1894 Rev. J. George 1894-1897 W. S. Reese 1897-1913 Rev. W. E. Schell 1913-1919 Rev. M. O. McLaughlin 1919-1921 Dr. H. U. Roop 1921-1924 Dr. W. O. Jones 1924-1928 Rev. E. W. Emery 1928-1938 Rev. J. R. Overmiller 1938-1947 Dr. D. E. Weidler 1947-1953 Dr. Walter E. Bachman 1953-1956 Dr. A. V. Howland Those early decades brought new buildings, a wide variety of courses and academic programs, and sports teams. There were dramatic productions and literary societies and music. And traditions, some of which have remained a part of campus to today. The college’s first song, a theme written by C. W. Gwinn in 1905 (and later tweaked by Miss Ethel Clarke) opens with confident lyrics: “Come, let us sing together / A glad Triumphant song / To our own Alma Mater / With praises loud and long / The pansy is her emblem / Of every tint and hue / Her banner floating o’er us / Is the royal White and Blue.” Today, both the pansy continued next page

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Heritage | 17

courtesy 1951 Marathon

and the song are no longer a part of York College, but another song, one penned by Ruby Carol Rickard, remains as the college anthem, ever extolling loyalty for the same blue and white of York College’s first theme’s earlier lyrics: “In our hearts will ever ever be / Blue and White, a blessed memory / Through the years our voices raised / In praise to thee, / All hail, York, hail.”

Then, at the mid-point of the 20th century, a redirection for York College. Venerable Old Main burned, leaving among its ashes the dreams of the United Brethren. The fire began in an upper portion of the building’s west side, perhaps due to some faulty wiring. The January 3rd fire occurred on a freezing night, and firefighters were plagued by low water pressure. After the fire, residents of York gave assistance, including York Public Schools and St. Joseph’s School. The president of Hastings College offered the loan of a number of classroom chairs. The York Daily NewsTimes reported the story with the following lead on January 4: “The fire charred skeleton of the York College Administration Building today stood in evidence of a scorching conflagration which last night destroyed the nerve center of the Evangelical United Brethren school.”

School administrators decided to continue classes, despite the loss of classrooms and the chemistry lab, within one day of the fire.

As one administrator said, “We are only collecting our bearings and preparing to make a bigger and better than ever before York College.” But for all the brave faces, the loss of Old Main proved fatal for the Evangelical United Brethren’s college in York. The college remained open through the academic year and continued for three more years before the EUB finally closed its doors in York and moved everything to its Westmar, Iowa, campus.

Between 1954 and 1956, the York College campus stood, but with college classes no longer being offered. The buildings were still there, but the heart of York College was gone. The weedinfested foundations of Old Main remained a mocking reminder of what had been.

The closing of YC in 1954 was headline news in Nebraska.

Early that year, three Nebraska Church of Christ ministers— Hershel Dyer, Donald Michael, and Dale Larsen—began dreaming, discussing the possibilities of the church taking over the abandoned campus. In May, during a car ride together on Highway 81, Larsen and Dyer stopped at the York Co-Op Oil Company, dropped a dime to the local Chamber of Commerce

18 | Heritage | SUMMER 2022

and asked a stranger with whom they should speak about the former United Brethren college. They were told to talk with York banker E. A. Levitt. In June, 14 Church of Christ members met with town officials around park tables north of the York Post Office. Many meetings later, a new board of trustees was selected and, by May 1956, YC was revived as a Church of Christ-affiliated college. Harvey Childress became president. A second faith-based school reopened the old doors of buildings on East Hill and, with a second wind, began offering classes, playing sports, building new facilities, and recreating a new Christian institution of higher learning, one that has endured, built on the legacy of the past, standing on the shoulders of those who had come before them.

Ten men have led this resuscitated version of YC: Church of Christ Presidents of York College, 1955-2022: 1955-1957* Harvey A. Childress 1957-1960 Gene Hancock, Jr. 1960-1978 Dr. Dale R. Larsen 1978-1987 Dr. Gary R. Bartholomew 1987-1991 Dr. Don E. Gardner 1991-1995 Dr. C. Larry Roberts 1995-1996 Dr. Garrett E. Baker 1996-2009 Dr. R. Wayne Baker 2009-2020 Dr. Steve W. Eckman 2020Dr. Samuel A. Smith

When I came to York College as a student in 1971—my father was friends with Dale Larsen who had become president in 1960, so dad thought YC was the place for me—the campus was still ever so small, a tidy academic world consisting of Hulitt Hall, (top) The charred remains of the Administration Building gives pause to students as they consider the College's future. (above) Ten years after closing its doors, on May 5, 1964, the College celebrated with the York community a $50,000 bequest from Charles McCloud to build a new dormitory. Pictured from left to right are Walter Kupke, Robert Johns, Larry Lane, and R.A. Freeman watching President Larsen receiving the check from E. A. Levitt.

Ground breaking had occured the year before, and McCloud Hall was dedicated on October 9, 1964. In light of this ongoing support, the 1965 Crusader was dedicated to the City of York.

photo by Tim McNeese — 1999 Heritage magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1

Middlebrook, McGehee, McCloud, Gurganus, the newly-opened Levitt Library, a scattering of Quonset huts, and some creaky old houses that featured bedrooms-turned-into-office-space. Two rock throws in any direction pretty much spanned the campus. I came to the college along with Beverly Doty, a girl I would marry the following year. When we left in 1973, we had no concept of returning 20 years later to teach as professors of English and history. We’ve been here 30 years now. Bev has retired, and I will sooner than later.

Thirty years have slipped by quickly, and the campus has changed dramatically. During our time here, YC has gained Sack Hall, the Holthus Field House, the Campbell Center, the Bartholomew Center for Performing Arts, the apartments, buildings that have expanded our campus and extended our mission. We were here on a cold day in December 1999 when the old St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church building was moved the seven miles from campus along snowy rural roads to take its place, after extensive renovations, as the Prayer Chapel, its doors finally opening in 2004. We were here the day the Mackey Center’s clock tower, its bright copper shining in the sun, was craned into place, capping a new campus icon. For years our offices were in the venerable, old Hulitt Hall, which has now experienced such a dramatic facelift it would hardly be recognizable to its closest friend. But our story is only part of that larger YC story, with its cast of tens of thousands.

Now, the book is closing on York College, and a new chapter opening on York University. What does the future hold for YU? Your guess is as good as mine. But if it’s anything like the past, there will be high points and struggles.

As we move into that new future, let’s make sure we don’t lose sight of our past. Those days of the United Brethren followed by those of the Churches of Christ have worked hand in hand to get us where we are today.

Each of those stories, when played with both hands on the keys, have provided both a melody and a rhythm, a song that keeps rewriting itself. n

McNeese Publishes New Book Dr. Tim McNeese’s new book includes something old and something new. Titled Time in the Wilderness: The Formative Years of John “Black Jack” Pershing in the American West, the biography was released in December through the University of Nebraska Press’s Potomac Books imprint.

The book covers the first full-length biography of General Pershing’s life published in more than forty years, but with one purposeful limitation. McNeese focuses on Pershing’s military service, not in the European theater during the Great War, but rather on the thirty years he spent as a cavalry officer prior to the war, years the history professor considers crucial in forming Pershing into the commander he would one day need to become to lead two million men in European combat, the largest number of U.S. servicemen in uniform to that date.

“I cut off my study short of Pershing’s World War I experiences for a reason,” says McNeese. “There are dozens of books that focus on Pershing during the war. That is a base completely covered. But there are few books that deal with the years he spent as a young cavalry officer in the American West, and I believe those years represent a crucial cauldron of preparation for Pershing.”

“Publishing something of this length and level can take a long time to turn around” says McNeese. “If you’re an impatient person, writing and publishing may not be for you.”

The result is a 400+ page book, the longest McNeese has written, one spanning Pershing’s life from his birth through his leadership of the Punitive Expedition against the Mexican pistolero Pancho Villa in 1916.

McNeese’s new book can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites as well as through the Potomac Books website. He has written more than 130 books over the years and appeared on television programs on the History Channel, the American Heroes Channel, and Discovery’s CuriosityStream.

The YC professor has already completed his next book which is now in process of publication. This work is being published by Two Dot Books, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield and focuses on another American figure whose story is largely unknown. Titled William Henry Jackson’s Lens: How Yellowstone’s Famous Photographer Captured the American West, the book is a biography of the nineteenth century photographer who took the first photos of several places in the American West, including Yellowstone, the Tetons, Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, and Colorado’s Mount of the Holy Cross. The book is slated for publication in late 2022 or early 2023.

(above) Dr. Tim McNeese ’73 led two different classes of HST 397 students in unearthing the 110 year-old site of Old Main in 1999 and 2000. McNeese commented, "It gives you a different kind of feeling to stand on a floor where no one has walked in nearly 50 years." (right) McNeese is one of the longest tenured faculty at York College, teaching history since 1992. He chairs the department of history and serves as an elder at the East Hill Church of Christ. He and Bev will celebrate their 49th anniversary this summer and have 2 grown children and 6 grandchildren. *Legal transfer of the college took place at the EUB annual corporation meeting in York on March 20, 1956, causing an overlap of presidents.

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YORK COLLEGE To Honor and To Serve Campaign York College launched To Honor and To Serve, a $15.9 million fundraising campaign in September 2021. Campaign priorities are directly tied to the transition to York University, representing a first, critical step in this major move forward.

Campaign progress is visible everywhere on campus as work continues on Hulitt Hall, Levitt Library (newly re-christened the Academic Resource Center at Levitt), and Thomas Hall. Work is just beginning for the Lemons Athletic Training Room along with other major renovations in the Freeman Center. Progress of another sort is apparent with creation of several new endowments, adding $2.5 million to the college’s permanent funds. These recent gifts are in addition to endowed funds already in place that had more than tripled during the last decade.

After a recent campaign review, vice president for advancement, Jared Stark, informed the board that the college is within easy striking distance of the original $15.9 million monetary goal. Stark emphasized, “this campaign is not about hitting a dollar amount. We are working to truly expand our reach, renew the campus, and build new programs – all to better serve our students. There are a few vital priorities remaining before we can call the campaign a success.

We will focus our energies on those goals until June 30, next year.”

Remaining campaign priorities include funding the newly acquired Twelfth Street Suites. The suites will provide much needed, new housing for students. The other high profile

initiative is the York University Scholarship Fund. As the name changes, the fund will continue to underwrite financial aid awards for hundreds of students every year. n

photos by Elias Dallmann '23

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(above) Extensive campus renovations will near completion as the fall semester gets underway.

We are working to truly expand our reach, renew the campus, and build new programs — all to better serve our students.”

Hulitt Hall September 10, 1956

Byars to be Honored in Hulitt Hall The executive board room in newly renovated Hulitt Hall will be named in honor of the late Glen and Mary Byars.

The couple was deeply involved in efforts to reopen York College, and Glen served as a trustee of the college from 1954 until 1982, with many of those years under his leadership as either chair or vice-chair.

The Byars were longtime members of the Kearney Church of Christ.

Glen, along with 17 others, stepped forward to create a board for the “new” school in the mid-1950s. “It is hard to conceive the obstacles faced by the men and women involved in reopening the college,” observed Dr. Steve Eckman, YC chancellor and Hulitt Hall renovation project manager. “Glen and his peers were risk-takers to whom we owe a real debt. It was anything but certain that the plan to reopen would succeed. The faith and determination of this small group changed a lot of lives, including mine.”

To remember their service, the oldest original structure on campus will now include a space honoring Byars and his wife, Mary. The Glen and Mary Byars Executive Board Room will encompass the entire third floor of Hulitt Hall. Originally divided into 10 dormitory rooms, the newly opened space will provide a great meeting room for gatherings of every kind.

The Byars' children, Bill and Trudy, were among the students at York during the early years. Bill moved into Hulitt Hall when the school reopened for the fall 1956 semester. His third-floor room will now be part of the newly configured meeting room named for his parents.

Hulitt Hall will be rededicated during this year’s Homecoming, October 21-23. (top) On the day York College reopened, September 10, 1956, its first board of trustees affiliated with the Churches of Christ met in Hulitt Hall.

The 11 men present in this photograph include, from left to right, (1st row) Harvey Childress, Lt. Col. Robert M Silvey, Gene Hancock, Glen Byars, and Glenn Bettenhasuen; (2nd row) L.O. McKinzie, Hershel Dyer, Barney Bedford, Joe A. McPherson, K.C. Thomas, and A. Link Knight.

(above) Purchased in 2021, the Twelfth Street Suites will provide much needed housing for upperclassmen.

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1951 Robert A. Embree passed away on Feb. 9, 2022. Robert was an emeritus professor of psychology at Westmar College where he taught for 35 years.

1953 Donnie (Don) Moomey passed away April 21, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Judie, of 62 years. Don was a retired major of the Colorado State Patrol and a member of the York College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Martin Smith passed away on April 15, 2022, in Wichita, Kan. Martin served the Wichita School District for 32 years as well as working part-time for Wichita State, Newman, and Baker Universities.

1964 RaJean (Thayer) Vawter published her third book, Prayer Foundations. Find it on Amazon. vrv@vawtermark.com 1966 Joelle (Cloyd) Cannon was awarded the Chaplaincy Department Award during the Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards. The award was presented

by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Patrick O’Daniel and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier at a ceremony in Austin. kcjcannon@yahoo.com Daniel and Suzanne (Healy’ 65) New celebrated 56 years of marriage this year and are now painting, writing, and puttering on the family farm in Texas. They’ve been blessed with 7 children, 18 grandchildren, and 9 greatgrandchildren. ddnew@danielew.com 1967 Cynthia (Corlew) Laffoon shared that she lost her husband, Harold, of 55 years on Aug. 18, 2021. mimilaffoon@att.net Bruce Tandy passed away on Nov.18, 2021. See Memorials, pg 29.

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1969 Terry Knapp passed away on Sept. 27, 2021 in Billings, Mont.

Joyce Moore moved to Mustang, Okla. jmoore73099@gmail.com 1971 Rosalie L (Dahlof) Carlson keeps busy managing two Farm Service Agency county offices (Worth and Winnebago, Iowa). Weekends are her special time with family, especially granddaughter Mikaela (born Feb. 18, 2019). Rosalie’s husband, James, was killed in a car accident in September 2019. Mikaela has been a blessing for Rosalie when home on the weekends and apparently has inherited the love of horses from her grandma and mom; Rosalie looks forward to trail riding with her soon. howdqh@fmctc.com Rodger D. Hannel passed away on Dec. 10, 2021. See Memorials, pg 29.

1975 Gayle Savage Davidson, who is currently providing health care, including housing and clean water to the poor in Honduras, would love to invite any YC students or alumni to spend a week or two in the mission field. gayledavidson@hotmail.com 1976 Terrell “Terry” Bonnett passed away Jan. 21, 2022. See Memorials, pg 29.

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1979 John Rhea retired after several careers to work his own business, Spring Lake Solutions, Inc. John and his wife, Kitna, live in Texas with their dogs. They have two grown children living in Oregon and Texas. John shared “Blessings to York students and alumni!” jrhea1@hotmail.com

1987 Candy (Hart) Nading moved to Virginia, Minn. After retiring, Candy went back to school and is currently attending St Cloud State University. candy.nading67@gmail.com Bill Pink has been named president of Ferris State University.

See Milestones, pg. 23.

1980 Mary K. (Dean) Horton recently moved from Washington to Montrose, Colo. hortonhome@live.com Dan Lewis made it to retirement (in one piece) after 31 years of police service. dabbylew@hotmail.com

1995 Anita Adams-Ledbetter shares that her oldest daughter, Kara Paulk, was married to Darian Aker on March 21. anita75-93@hotmail.com

1981 Mary J. (Hoover) Allison would like to reconnect with classmates, specifically with Mary Williamson from Duluth, Minn. mallison2011@outlook.com Robbie S. Hill retired from Heaton Eye Associates after 25 1/2 years as a Certified Ophthalmic Technologist. She worked in ophthalmology for 36 years. Robbie recently moved from Tyler, Texas, to Venus, Texas, to be closer to family. robbiehill417@gmail.com Terry Quigley passed away on Nov. 4, 2021. See Memorials, pg 29.

1984 Nancy Ann Denton retired in January from Pueblo Community College after 30 years. Nancy started her career there and taught English part-time for 65 semesters and served as the Instructional Designer in eLearning for the past 8 years. NancyDentonCO@gmail.com Ron Eppes shares that he and his wife, Peggy, recently moved from Edmond, Okla., to Albuquerque, N.M. He is now the Program Director of the New Mexico Alzheimer’s Association.

Peggy is a registered nurse at the University of New Mexico Hospital. roneppes@msn.com

1999 Grace (Statz) Evans accepted a new position at Rangel’s Construction as the office manager/ bookkeeper. kansasgal9@gmail.com 2000 Diana Jarvais shared that her husband, John, passed away 10 years ago from cancer. She currently resides in Crandon, Wis., and has two teenage girls, Chloe and Jennifer. dianawilsonjarvais@gmail.com 2001 Zach Ahrens became President and CEO of the Capper Foundation in January 2022. The Capper Foundation provides services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See Milestones, pg. 23.

2002 Kristopher and Rachel (Russell) Lamm share that Rachel continues to teach at Texas Tech University while working for a local home builder in the Lubbock area, and Kris is leading the Special Education department for EPEC which includes local rural school districts. They have three boys who live and breathe baseball while Kris and Rachel try to embrace the crazy baseball schedule. rachellamm7@gmail.com 2005 Heidi Lynn (Smith) Mader has a new job as a teacher at Stuhr Museum. lynn2425@hotmail.com

York College Alumni were a part of the 4th Shepherds’ Network, Jan. 14-16, 2022, hosted by the Belgrade/Bozeman, Mont., congregations.

Pictured l-r: (1st row) Rob Pope ’81, Karen (Keller ’95) Lund, Tisha (Goben ’93) Stahly, Jeri (Bullock ’01) Ford; (2nd row) Janice (Guest ’81) Dean, Janice (Cheney ’75) Schow, Laurie (Loomis ’80) Pedersen, Vicky (Utter ’81) Stinson, Annette (Baker ’80) Christensen; (3rd row) Ken Dean ’80, Michael Christensen ’81, Chris Crooks ’98, Randy Schow ’75, Tonia (Steenburn ’94) and Shawn Berry ’93, and David Stinson ’81.

2006 Kevin Claypool was promoted to Head of Learning for North America at Anheuser-Busch and married on Aug. 12, 2021. claypool.kevin@gmail.com Carl (CJ) Prutch is coaching baseball at his alma mater, Napa High School. CJ has also worked as an Operations Manager for Change Healthcare since July 2018 for UCSF Hospital, Department of Anesthesia.

He has been married for almost eight years with two children, 6 and 4. His son loves playing baseball and his daughter loves gymnastics. cprutch24@gmail.com

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PANTHER MILESTONES 1987 Dr. Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, will be switching campuses in July and serving as the 19th president of Ferris State University. The March 28 announcement follows a comprehensive national search led by an FSU advisory committee that included faculty, staff, student and community inclusion, and the trustees before the board of trustees unanimously selected Pink.

Pink, with three-plus decades of professional experience as an educator, leader, and active community member, has served as GRCC’s president since May 2017. Before becoming president, Pink served GRCC as a vice president and dean. During this period, Pink built robust West Michigan connections that include various service commitments to a wide range of boards and organizations inside and outside higher education in Grand Rapids, West Michigan, statewide and nationally.

Bill and his wife, Lori, have two children, Lance and Lydia. Lance is married to his wife, Kayla, and they have a son, Nathaniel. (photo above l-r) Lydia, Bill, and Lori. bpink20@gmail.com

photo courtesy Roni Miller ’01

2001 Zach Ahrens became the President and CEO of the Capper Foundation on January 17, 2022 after a nationwide search by its board of trustees. “Zach brings passion, experience, and extensive knowledge of the health services sector, strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, marketing, legislative advocacy, and many other skills to his new role at Capper Foundation,” said Judith Kooser M.D., Board Chair of Capper Foundation. “We are excited to have Zach join us in continuing to provide high quality services to families in our communities with disabilities.”

Ahrens' past involvement in the Topeka community, including serving on the Capper Board 2016 - 2017, enhances his understanding of the importance of Capper Foundation to the over 2,000 families served by pediatric therapies and adult day/residential programs. Ahrens’ local leadership included his prior work as President and Publisher of The Topeka CapitalJournal, former Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Midland Care Connection, Inc., and his most recent position as the Chief Operating Officer of Midland Care.

Ahrens and his wife, Heidi (Roker '01), have 3 children, Carter (17), Conner (15), and Camrynn (13). z_ahrens@hotmail.com 2013 Tyler (King) Hinton celebrated her grand opening of Rustic Dry Goods May 19, 2022. The screen printing and embroidery business began in 2019, and its success led to opening a storefront in downtown York. Along with assistance from husband Trent ’02, sports information director at York College, Jolene Herzog ’18 helps manage the store. Tyler recently posted this on social media: "Thank you so much for embracing what we’re doing over here. We are so grateful for every single order. We are having the time of our lives and love getting to know all of you!" The Hintons have two sons, Callen (10) and Clay (8). tylerhinton@york.edu

2007 Michelle and Dusty Green-Ihde share that they welcomed Samantha Scarlett Rose Ihde on Feb. 22, 2020. Samantha was welcomed by her older siblings, Paige and Henry.

Michelle assists college students transferring from Metropolitan Community College to 4-year institutions across the country. green.ihde@gmail.com 2008 Bryan and Brittany (Ellis ’10) Kretz welcomed a baby girl on Dec. 2, 2021. Zadie Kaylynn joins big brothers Kye, Theodore, and Henry. bkretz@york.edu

2010 Dr. Mason Lee earned his Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2020 and is an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at ACU, serving as the Director of Contextual Education in the Graduate School of Theology.

He spoke in YC chapel recently and challenged students to ask the question, “How do I live to the glory and praise of God?” He and Kelci (Scott '11) have one daughter, Addison (4). mvl09a@acu.edu Toni Sabo will be marrying Erik Harman on June 24, 2022. She will be moving from Great Falls, Mont., to Odenville, Ala. tsabo@york.edu

E 2013 Tyler (King) Hinton opened her Rustic Dry Goods’ storefront in downtown York. See Panther Milestones.

Devon Teeple accepted a new position as Market Manager at Northern Credit Union. He currently resides in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. devon@thegmsperspective.com 2014 Aaron and Elizabeth Beadle welcomed a baby boy, Colby Stanley, on Jan. 6, 2022. He joins his big sister, Gabby (3). abeadle@york.edu 2015 Saleena Deal is a Life & Health Insurance Agent in the Omaha Metro area. She is the mother to two little boys, Alistair (2) and Beckett (1). s.desirae.deal@gmail.com Eric Guetterman was presented the 2021 Investment Counselor Gold Award by Fisher Investments. He currently serves as an investment counselor. He and his wife, Lana, have two sons, Finnegan and Ileon. eguetterman@york.edu Jacob Powell has joined the Band of Angels Emerging Leaders Board as vice president. Jacob is currently a purchasing analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. He and his wife, Kelsey, have a son Avery. ops.jacobpowell@gmail.com Courtney Swope has accepted a new position as the Operations Manager for Northern California at 360 Destination Group, a destination and event management company. courtney.d.swope@gmail.com 2016 Jordan and Amanda (McAllister) Diedrich welcomed a baby girl last August. Charlotte James was born via emergency c-section at Denver Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with IUGR. She is little but mighty and made the perfect addition to our family! Charlotte joins big sister Olivia Rosa (4). ajdiedrich@icloud.com Ashlee (Ivey) Rowen accepted a position as the Youth Development Programs Coordinator at YWCA Lincoln. alrowen@york.edu 2017 Elizabeth (Maher) and Max Fleig (‘19) now reside in Victor, N.Y. ejfleig@gmail.com Grady (’18) and Delaney (Woods) Johnson recently purchased their first home in Billings, Mont. delaneywoods0@gmail.com 2018 Heather McCulloch shares that she recently accepted the position of Sr. Nonprofit Business Development Representative at Virtuous. heathermcculloch77@gmail.com 2020 Weston and Molly (Little) Bich welcomed a precious baby boy on Jan. 19, 2022, Huxley Benjamin. mbich@york.edu Taylor O’Brien accepted a job as a Creative Arts Administrative Assistant at Colorado Community Church. tobrien25@icloud.com 2021 Michael Benjamin and Kellie (Fredendall) Falco welcomed a new bundle of joy, Micah Dalton, into the world on Feb. 12, 2022. mbfalco@york.edu SUMMER 2022 |

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York College

Athletics NCCAA All-Americans Seven All-American Outdoor Track Performances

Jackson

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Senior Maria Geesaman won the 3000-meter steeplechase by over five seconds to become the newest York College track athlete to claim NCCAA National Champion.

photo by Bob DeHart

ork College Panthers had seven NCCAA All-American performances at the National Christian College Athletic Association's Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Greenville, Ill. The women were led once again by Maria Geesaman, (SR/Greeley, CO) running the 3000-meter steeplechase in 11:34.67 and defending her Geesaman title as NCCAA National Champion. She shaved more than 20 seconds off last year’s mark and qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Makayla Dinkler (SO/Silver Lake, NE) repeated as an AllAmerican, taking third in the heptathlon. Amber Dominguez (SR/Odessa, TX) was another repeat All-American in the hammer throw, finishing third, and added All-American status in the discus this year with a Dinkler Dominguez bronze medal.

There were three individual performances that just missed the All-American podium with fourth place finishes: Kamrie Dillan (FR/ Imperial, NE) — heptathlon, Hannah DeHart (JR/York, NE) — 5000 meter, and Candice Jones (SO/Arlington, TX) — shot put. The 4x400 relay team of Dillan, Geesaman, Dinkler, and Tynika Irvin (SO/Fort Lauderdale, FL) also took fourth.

The men’s top finisher was All-KCAC Jarod Belden (SO/Ontario, CA) who repeated with silver in the decathlon. Placing third and earning bronze for the Panthers were Alphonse Jackson (SO/Fort Smith, AR) — shot put and Connor Cogswell (SR/McCool Jct., NE) — hammer.

Belden and Jackson both qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Championships. Anthony Hodson (SO/ Belden Fresno, CA) just missed the top three with a fourth-place finish in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.78.

The York College women’s team finished sixth out of the 21 schools represented and the men were seventh. n

Sophomore Jarod Belden repeated his silver medal showing in the decathlon with 6,285 points, winning both the 110 meter hurdles and the 1500 meter run at the NCCAA Championships.

KCAC Champs Competitive Dance Wins Championship photo by Bob DeHart

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he dance team’s hard work in the off season paid off as they began their competitive schedule with wins at both the Bethany College Classic and the Kansas Wesleyan Invite. Three weeks later, they were in the spotlight again at the KCAC Dance Championships in Newton, Kans., where they earned the top spot with a near-flawless routine in which they scored Davis 61.567. The Panthers were more than one point better than second-place Bethel College. The victory vaulted them into competing in the NAIA Southwest Qualifier, and the Panthers were able to host the competition at home in the Freeman Center—the winner would move on to the NAIA Dance Championships. This marked the first time York College has hosted an NAIA qualifying event in any sport. The ladies had two great performances and finished fourth out of the nine teams represented.

Riley Brown (JR/Lincoln, NE) was named 2nd Team All-KCAC, and Dominique Edwards (SO/Kansas City, MO) and Aubri Plummer (FR/Vichey, MO) were named AllKCAC Honorable Mention. Sixth-year head coach Bailey Davis ’15 was named the KCAC Coach of the Year for the second year Brown in a row. n

After winning the KCAC Championship, competitive dance had two great performances at home in the NAIA Southwest Qualifier.

Competitive cheer under coach Davis was awarded the KCAC Team of Character for how they displayed exemplary character and sportsmanship on the court, on campus, and in the community.

Leadership Appointment Miller named Senior Woman Administrator

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he York College Athletic Department announced this spring that Roni Miller ’01 has been promoted to Senior Woman Administrator, in addition to her duties as head softball coach.

"I am grateful Roni agreed to take on this additional role," said director of athletics Garrett Schwarz. "In many ways, Coach Miller is already a key player within the Miller Athletic Department at York College. Since my arrival in July, she has been a resource to me and a valuable voice within our Athletic Leadership Team. Coach Miller has earned this role due to her many years of leadership and service to York College."

The Senior Woman Administrator, a designation initiated by the NAIA this past summer, promotes meaningful representation of women in the leadership and management of intercollegiate sports on NAIA campuses.

President Smith had this to say about Roni Miller. "Roni possesses a very unique combination of gifts and skills which

makes her a great leader and a great developer of leaders. Coach Miller is determined to keep our campus focused on our mission, transforming students, generating outstanding athletes in all sports, and ensuring students graduate. We will be a stronger institution with Coach Miller serving as a senior woman leader on our campus."

"I'm both humbled and honored to serve York College in this way," said Miller. "It's been an honor to serve on the Athletics Leadership Team this school year. Thank you to President Smith, Garrett Schwarz, and all the members of our Senior Leadership Team for this opportunity to be a leader in the athletics department."

Miller already serves as the Director of Athletic Alumni.

Her main duties include organizing the Athletic Hall of Fame luncheon, electing its members and the Lifetime Lettermen's Association, of which she is also a member. Miller is the athletic representative on the Academic Assessment Committee which is a college requirement for the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the YCS Task Force, which organizes the curriculum for a required freshman course here at York College. n

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Somehow it seems appropriate that a spot infused with meaning 80 years ago continues to hold a special place in the hearts of alumni.

Fast forward to 2022. After eight decades and the addition of York College to the top in 1971, the brick pillars are showing their age. The time has come for a complete replacement of the pillars and a renewal of the metal lettering.

At the same time, our campus is preparing to make the jump to York University and the time is right to add a second set of pillars with new lettering in a new location. It cannot replace the old entryway, but for the sake of the new students arriving this fall, it is a much needed addition.

The Arch, as it is affectionately known on campus, in all its simplicity, captures much of who we are. York’s identity is not about a showy statement – it’s about home. The structure may become weathered, but it always welcomes a new season, new students and fresh memories.

Rebuilding the original pillars of the York College arch, complete with refurbished metal lettering on top, is a $20,000 project. In addition, a proposed separate entryway into the south side of campus will be the home of the York University arch. Its projected cost is just over $30,000.

How many new memories will be captured under one or both of the arches? Help create that moment for the future and send your gift today. For more information or to give online, visit www.york.edu/arch.

7 Crusader

Their world was undone. The number of former classmates enlisted to fight a World War increased almost daily. Many would never return home or to a campus they loved. In a war-torn moment so full of memories of friendships and partings, York College students from the class of 1942 banded together and created what would become one of the most iconic (and photographed) spots on the campus.

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Recognizing alumni, friends and organizations who gave $1,000 or more from June 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022.

Donations of $25,000 or more

Donations of $5,000 to $9,999

Donations of $2,000 to $4,999

Donations of $1,000 to $1,999

Drs. Scott and Beth Anne Abraham Anonymous Dr. Shawn Bengtson Dr. Aaron and Holly Fletcher H. Jarrell Gibbs Justin and Tammy Graham Dr. Jeff and Lorena Hannel Kris Holoch C. G. and Virginia Holthus Richard and Rachel James Dr. Stephen and Loretta Lemons Mildred W. Murphy Trust Monty and Vicki Newman Bryan and Cheri Phillips Jason and Sara Rice Delbert and Joyce Scheffler Ben and Megan Smail Bill and Betty Starks Keith Straughn Wayne and Harriet Studebaker Joe and Linda Thomas Anna Z. Wilcox Trust

Van and Mary Ann Harrold Dr. James and Harriett Hinkle Marvin and Mickie Hinrichs Zac and Courtney Holoch Linda Hooten Travis Horton Chester and Sharon James Dan and Leslie Kelly Brian and Joan Kramer Ed and Linda Nill Joel and Linda Parker J. Lindbergh Presson Jim and Sandy Reischl Ryan and Valene Roseke Ken and Cassandra Savage Doug and Danna Townsdin Tom and Suzanne Vanous Mary Waller Caleb and Dr. Kimberly Williams

Larry and Marjorie Solley Brad and Linda Stanger Jared and Charla Stark Joan Stirlen Charlotte Taylor Jim and Jamie Ulrich Dr. Arthur and Jackie Williams Tom and Robbie Williams Shirley Witte Shanna Yates

Stanley Murray Thomas and Helen Norris Margaret Piety Gaylin and Lisa Prior Dr. Mike and Chris Pruitt Trevor and Katie Ramos John Rhea Gayland and Maidalyn Roberts Dr. Erik and Kara Scharrer Ken and Cathy Sewell Art and Sandy Sheldon Harold and Diane Smethills Diana S. Smith Janet Tolley Craig Ward Mark and Kathy Wiley Dennis and Sue Willard Dr. John and Pam Williams Roger and Diane Wolfe Renee Zinck

Donations of $10,000 to $24,999 Joe and Bridgette Brazell Tim and Kathy Bruner Drs. Bobby and Betty Bush M. Jill Daly Nancy Hendricks Don Hornbaker Harold and Irene Hornbaker Darrel and Kim Hoyt Gordon and Jackie Jenkins Quinton and Helen Martin Ed and Pat McLoud Ruth Rose Trust Chris Shanks Col. and Mrs. Herbert Sherrow Jr. Dr. Charles and Carolyn Stephenson Irma J. Terpenning Charlie and Mary Ann Watts Dr. R. Wayne and Karen White

Donations of $5,000 to $9,999 Ralph and Kathleen Adkison Dr. Charlie and Cathy Anderson Anonymous Miles and Tiffany Baum Glenn and Randy Brown Dr. Benjamin and Debra Byers Peter Colley Shawn and Christine Eggar Brian and Sarah Eubanks Rod and Trisha Goben Justin and Donna Harrold

Donations of $2,000 to $4,999 Anonymous Dr. Mike and Frances Armour Hon. David and Cindy Arterburn Esther Baker Mike and Meg Beske David and Heather Buggeln Margie Casebolt Darlene Casey Dr. Brian and Belle Cromwell Craig and Patty Decker A. David and Nancy Dowson Greg and Susan Harnden Dr. Thomas and Linda Henderson Sherri Herndon Jeff Hill Everett and Ann Hinton Dean Howard Angela Jjiang Jim and Mary Kinnison Dr. Terence Kite Estate of Donald Kraus Ken and LaVera Leopard Gregory Love Jason and Kendra Matkins Kerry and Susan McKeever Robin and Donna Jo Miller Ken and Roni Miller Don and Nan Nelson Margarett Orr The Honorable Ted Poe Brad and Tina Reischl George and Tina Robison Todd and Denise Sheldon Dr. Sam and Lisa Smith

Donations of $1,000 to $1,999 Bettye Alley Ben and Tracy Babcock Lori Barr Barry and Darlene Bontrager Dr. Damon and Paulette Cathey Aaron and Eryn Conyers Elaine Dilbeck Dr. David and Patty Dowdey Dr. Dennis and Pattie Edwards Dr. Randy and Donna Ervin Bryan and Bonnie Flanagan Bart and Shirley Florea John Goeppinger Alfred D. and Lillian Greeley Harry and Elvina Green Lanny and Jenny Gridley Dr. Michael and Laurel Guillen Nick and Lindsay Harlan Drs. Joe and Jackie Humphrey Erica Jabr Dr. Jared and Annie Johnson Logan J. Kaliff Susanne Keller Drs. Bryan and Brittany Kretz Ron and Diana Kretz Michael and Bev Kuskie Mike and Marcy Leonard Charles Locke Jr. Roger and Deb Lowry Jim and Jannie Luke Ron and Linda Magnusson Dr. Tom and Elaine Marcrom Jenn Martin Diane McEndree Dr. Don and Sandy McClaugherty Norman Menzie Dr. Ray and Gail Miller Tom and Brenda Miller Gary and Jeanie Montford Adam and Ashleigh Moore Derryl and Shelly Morgan John and Sharron Morrill Dr. Shane and Vivian Mountjoy

Council membership also recognizes young alumni making gifts of $500 or more.

Corporate Partners Anonymous (2) Agri-Products, Inc. Victor E. & Rosa M. Blum Charitable Foundation Boeing Gift Matching Program CINC Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges ConocoPhillips Cornerstone Bank Fremont Church of Christ The Hampton Legacy Foundation JLC Incorporated Ed and Jean Mathews Foundation National Helping Hands Chapter Northwestern Mutual Foundation Pepsi-Cola Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, Inc. Point Defiance Counseling and Consulting, PLCC Raindrop Repair, Inc. The Savage Group, LLC Sold Out PC Southwest Church of Christ (Omaha) Sunderland Foundation Tulsa Christian Foundation, Inc. West University Church of Christ SUMMER 2022 |Visitors Heritage York County Bureau | 27

In Memory of ... November 2021 - April 2022 Ryan Abrams Ryan & Valene Roseke Rita Albright Elton Albright Lawson J. & Pearl Anderson Dr. Charlie & Cathy Anderson William Wayne Anderson Kaylen Fry Robert Antwine Bonnie Antwine Keith & Hazel Arterburn Hon. David & Cindy Arterburn Todd & Denise Sheldon Denny Auchard Betty Auchard Edward Auchard Betty Auchard Elizabeth & Glenna Auchard Betty Auchard Lester Auchard Betty Auchard Dr. Elmer & Wylene Baker Kaylen Fry Dr. Elmer E. Baker Vera Mason Bill Barnes Gordon & Jackie Jenkins Sherry Sparks Bill Gene Benton Susanne Keller Andrew & Jolene Larkin Vance & Gretna Morrison Steve & Cindi Nickel Shannon & Kim Walters James Blake John Maile Cessna Brestel Darrel & Kim Hoyt James (Jim) Brock Jr. Roger Gutshall, DC Paul & Sandy Telehey Steve & Pamela Wilderson Hobart & Evelyn Brown Michael & Bev Kuskie Michael Brown David & Kim Fisher Carolyn S. Bukowich Timothy Charlton Colis Campbell Jim & Sue Colley Dr. Dennis & Pattie Edwards Lowell Carlock Gary Cuda Jack Case Larry & Gayle Good Susanne Keller Dr. Roger Collins Matt & Brenna Bomar DeVoderick & Shannon Ridley

Patricia Dean Cynthia Scharr Newcomb Kim Devore Ms. Delores Devore Steve Dickerson Timothy Charlton Wayne Edwards Mary Edwards Dr. Don & Audrey Gardner Steve & Tammy Batten Brad & Tina Fisher Cynthia Gibbs Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Calvert Germantown Church of Christ Great Oaks Church of Christ Larry & Judy Holt C. G. & Virginia Holthus Chester & Sharon James Patricia King Ronald & Loyce Ray Mr. & Mrs. David Rochna Todd & Denise Sheldon Brig. Gen & Mrs. Edmond S. Solymosy Terry Osborn Glidewell Anonymous Harry & Margie Green Harry & Elvina Green Dr. E. LaVerne Haselwood Todd & Denise Sheldon Steve Hickel James & Janine Leupold Doug Higgins Dean & Christi Phelps Alex Humphrey Steve & Tammy Batten Craig & Patty Decker John Rhea Alex & Ruth Humphrey Del & Rita Watson Dr. Gary Jorgensen Dr. & Mrs. Harold Shank Richard Jorgensen Dr. & Mrs. Harold Shank Judy E. Kingery Anonymous Gary Kingsley Susanne Keller Y-Vonna Krekel Steve & Tammy Batten Dr. Dale R. Larsen Steve & Tammy Batten Don & Gayle Mitchell Leonard & Norma Stevenson Rev. Matagiese & Lima Tunoa Ruth Lawrence Del & Rita Watson Brian Lemons Richard & Debbi Crowder

Kevin & Jenae Crowley Justin & Tammy Graham Bree Greer Kevin & Crystal Lemmons Ron & Linda Magnusson Bryan & Cheri Phillips Troy & Tavan Rinard Jared & Charla Stark Debi Strange Glenn Lindsay Jacqueline Moore Kirk Miller Roger & Deb Lowry John & Ramona Ratliff Frank Montague Betty Jo Montague Bill Mullinax Southwest Church of Christ Mike Myers David Ault Mr. & Mrs. Jay Griffin Harold & Diane Smethills Mr. & Mrs. Mark Wiley Dianne Namuth Mr. & Mrs. Duane Namuth Dr. T. Gayle Napier Mr. Frank Alford Anonymous Frank Bayouth David Black Al Richey & Jackie Brown Dan & Joneen Copeland Dave & Donna Copeland Elaine Dilbeck Epworth Village Friendswood Church of Christ Dr. Dickie & Onita Hill Susanne Keller Carla McDonald Dr. Bryan & Amy Miller Stephen & Rebecca Schuster Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Selman Calvin & Judy Warpula Misty Wright Kathy Neal David & Debbie Carriger Susanne Keller Terence "Terry" Quigley Edwin & Jody Davis Jason & Donna Embray Brent & Jennifer Magers Chuck & Laura Morris Bob & Diane Sanner Patricia Ross Dr. Jeff & Melissa Ross Sue Morris Roush Mr. & Mrs. Sherman Moore Dr. Thomas Schulz Steve & Tammy Batten

Brad & Tina Fisher Gayland & Maidalyn Dr. Dottie Schulz Luanne Waterman Bruce & Ermelee Scroggin Duane & LeAnn Egle Jack Sikes Derryl & Shelly Morgan Gary Smith Tim & Terri Gilbert Dr. Jim & Martha White Patsy A. King Virginia Stark Larry & Gayle Good Susanne Keller Herb Sukraw Bob & Diane Sanner Bruce Tandy Anonymous Marilyn Brown Bill & Becky Clark Patrick Craig Sherry Daoedsjah Mr. & Mrs. Dondi Eckert Larry & Gayle Good Dave & Sue Grimes Delores Hartman Jeff & Robyn Horton Susanne Keller Tony Kreifels Brent & Kay Magner Dr. Ray & Gail Miller Scott & Birgie Niemann Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Norris William & Tina Peacock Dr. Mike & Chris Pruitt Joan Quelle John & Ramona Ratliff Gayle Savage-Davidson Todd & Denise Sheldon Steddon & Brenda Sikes Bob & Marti Soderholm Steve & Barbara Thompson Sharon Thomsen Dr. David & Gail Whittiker Alice Thayer Kaylen Fry Meredith Thom Anonymous Myrtle Thompson Stanley Murray John Townsdin, Lisa Bowen & Jayden Elaine Schackmann Howard & Pauline Vincent Harold & Dianne Mitchell Mike Wright William & Tina Peacock

In Honor of ... November 2021 - April 2022 Elton Albright Timothy Charlton Nathan Shotts Joe* & Bettye Alley Del & Rita Watson Gary Bartholomew Nathan Shotts Michael Becker Steve & Tammy Batten David Carriger Craig & Pamela Anderson Cindy (Cross) Cates Steve & Tammy Batten Ober & Peggy Charlton Timothy Charlton Dr. Steve Eckman Dr. Shawn Bengtson Faculty & Staff 1977-79 Terri Ross

Bo Flora Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Flora Amy Fraser Robin & Shawn Starck James Gerhardt Brad & Tina Reischl Robbie Hill Timothy Charlton Dr. Joe Humphrey Jim & Sue Colley Deva (Horchem) Ingraham Gwendolyn Carver Dr. Robert Lawrence Kaylen Fry Kenneth Mason Louie Vesel Del & Rita Watson Prof. Christi Lones Emily Lutz

Brent & Kay Magner Dr. Tom & Elaine Marcrom Joan Stirlen Joshua & Julie Marcum Dr. & Mrs. Barney Blue Chelli Cummings Morris Ann Cummings T. Gayle* & Grace Napier Michael & Celeste Ross West University Church of Christ Dale Neal Dan & Lillian Lewis Dr. Clark & Sue Roush* Ryan & Crimsen Hanson Dr. Dorris Schulz Steve & Tammy Batten Howard & Margaret Sheldon Hon. David & Cindy Arterburn Charles & Pam White

Todd Sheldon Timothy Charlton Steve Small Nathan Shotts Dr. Sam Smith Mr. & Mrs. Tim Gilbert Bruce* & Sheila Tandy Michael & Bev Kuskie Paul Touchton Carmen Meyer Dean Weems Nathan Shotts Dr. Frank Wheeler Reed & Betty Munsell Dr. R. Wayne White Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Stinson *Deceased

Lives of Laughter, Love, and Service 1967 Bruce F. Tandy (78) passed away on November 18, 2021. His life continues to be celebrated by his many friends and family members, who cherish their memories of this hardworking, fun-loving, kind Christian man.

Athletics was a lifelong joy for Bruce. He was small in stature, but fast, strong, and agile—an asset to any team for his skills and also his heart of service. He was in athletics and in life a ‘utility player,’ one who can fill in wherever he is needed, using his talents to bless the team and his community.

Bruce married Sheila Howell (’70) in 1967 and the couple relocated from Wichita, Kan., to make their home in York. Their 54 years of marriage were blessed with two children, James and Todd, and many joys and adventures. Sheila recalls with fondness Bruce’s great faithfulness to her and their family. Theirs was always a home filled with love and laughter. The Tandys frequently opened their home to others in need of a place to stay, especially York College students.

“When we built the house, we asked God to use it to His glory,” said Sheila, and through their decades of hospitality, they sought to do just that.

Bruce worked for York College for 40 years and is remembered as being one of the bedrocks of the athletics department. He served in a variety of capacities, answering the call wherever there was a need in the coaching staff. At different times during his four decades of service, he was the coach of men's and women's tennis and women's volleyball, basketball, and softball. Under Bruce’s direction, women's sports at York College blossomed. He is credited with starting the softball and women's basketball programs as well as having an instrumental role in introducing volleyball and tennis. He also served as intramural director and AV coordinator for the college for many years, and in his free time also umpired and refereed games.

Bruce served as athletic director at York College for two years in a time when funds for the position were unavailable. He took on the added responsibilities as well as recruiting new students, despite the fact that he did not receive a pay increase for the extra workload.

He saw a need and filled it joyfully. Through it all, his dedication to the students of York College and the community was visible.

Bruce was honored by having the 1973 York College Yearbook dedicated to him.

In 1982 he was named Nebraska Baseball Digest's Umpire of the Year for his service to the profession. He is also the 2001 recipient of the York College Campus Ministry's Heartland's Service Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the York College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bruce and Sheila were active members of East Hill Church of Christ for their entire time in York. Bruce was a deacon of the congregation

for many years, serving in the background and helping wherever it was needed. The pair was also active at Nebraska Youth Camp in Kearney, where Bruce enjoyed helping campers connect with creation through fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Sheila, sons James and Todd, brother and sister-in-law Harold and Deena Tandy, and a great many nieces, nephews, and friends. contributed by Chrystal Houston ’03

1974 Rodger D. Hannel, 70, of Kinderhook, IL, passed away on December 10, 2021, surrounded by family, following a long battle with cancer. His pride and joy was his family. He met the love of his life, Bonnie (Price ’72), at YC, and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage. Rodger cherished gatherings with family, grandchildren and extended family.

Rodger began his 38-year career in the field of education as an English and drama teacher and then went on to serve as principal and superintendent at various schools. Even after retiring in 2011, he served three different stints as interim superintendent and always strived to leave a district in better shape than when he began there.

Rodger put God first in his life, and was a member of the Barry Church of Christ, where he served as an elder and taught Bible classes. He also believed in service to community and others. In the past he was a member of many organizations and served in various leadership roles. In 2007 Rodger was honored to receive the Payson Community Service Award. In 2014 he was elected to the Pike County Board, and continued in that role until he resigned in November 2021 because of declining health. He was also a member of the New Philadelphia Association since 2015.

Rodger is survived by Bonnie and their three sons Brian (Jenny), Brenton (Somer), Kyle (Aimee), and five grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Dr. C. W. "Dub" (Ann) Hannel, a sister, Dorothy (Mike) Allgaier, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

1976 Terrell “Terry” Bonnett passed away January 21, 2022. Terry grew up in Osceola, Iowa, and upon graduation attended York College where he met his future wife Patti Persinger (’76).

They were married on Jan. 2, 1976, in Norton, Kan., where they established a home on the family farm. From this union was born four daughters; April Leah, Amber Dale, Holly Lynne, and Aubrey Beth. The family created countless memories over the next 25 years in Norton. After all children graduated, the couple

relocated to Topeka.

Terry had a dedicated career of 31 years of service in the Quartermaster Corps., enlisting in the 170th Maintenance Co. of the Kansas Army National Guard in 1985. He was NonCommissioned Officer of the year in 1989.

He retired in 2016, as Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4) with many other awards and decorations, including two Meritorious Service Medals.

Terry was a dedicated family man and had just celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary with his “sweet thing” Patti. He was a member of the Church of Christ where he served in many facets, but known for his song leading.

After retiring from the military, he enjoyed spending time at the farm in Norton and doing projects such as fencing and solar wells. He loved to spend time with family, go fishing, watch “his” bald eagles, cheer on the Chiefs and the Royals, and enjoyed creating memories through impromptu family singalongs. He was kind with the best sense of humor and never passed up an opportunity to help others, even if a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Patti, and daughters Amber Bonnett and Aubrey (Alex) VanderHamm.

1981 Terry Quigley passed away on November 4, 2021, at the age of 61 in Lubbock, Texas. Terry graduated from York College in 1981. When he was applying to colleges, York was the only one that continued to contact him over and over. He was offered a scholarship to play soccer. Interestingly, at the time, Terry had no idea that York College was a Christian school associated with the Churches of Christ.

After being accepted, he found out that he needed a letter from a minister to vouch that he was in good standing with the church. So, he and his friend Pat McLaughlin ended up writing a letter and signed it “Father Pat McLaughlin.”

While Terry was at York College, he met Patricia Sanner (’81). During this time, he also began studying the Bible with his teacher Woody Kirk and was baptized. Terry and Patricia were married in 1982 in Davenport, Neb., and moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Terry graduated from Lubbock Christian College. He was employed by UPS, and retired in August 2021 after receiving his award for 35 years of safe driving. Terry was a very hard worker and had obtained his real estate license and was excited to begin his second career in business with his son, Landon.

He and his wife belonged to Monterey Church of Christ, where he humbly served behind the scenes. Terry is survived by Patricia; their children, Dr. Nicholas Quigley and his wife, Brittany, Andrea Quigley, Landon Quigley and his wife, Ryan. Terry’s life was a powerful example of the influence York College can have on its students. contributed by Donna (Busch ’92) Embray SUMMER 2022 |

Heritage | 29

A few more Spring Bites (clockwise)

• Felipe Venegas, a senior from Santiago, Chile, was one of five YC students and one staff member to be baptized during the 2021-22 academic year.

• Mr. and Ms. York College, Justus Coppinger and Mikayla Brant, are both multi-generational Yorkies.

• Cassandra Savage, president of The Savage Group, LLC and a member of the YC Board of Trustees, spoke to graduates about the importance of The Race, the Pace, and the Gift of Grace.

• DeAnthony Ellison (’13) was among York College's final class of graduates to receive their degrees this spring. This time Dee was hooded for a Master of Arts in Organizational and Global Leadership by Dr. Shannon Leinen.

• 60+ participants from 13 states attended York College RoundUp this year with John Clayton (far right) as the guest lecturer.

30 | Heritage | SUMMER 2022

Homecoming Golf Scramble Friday — 11:00 a.m.

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he 23rd Annual Homecoming Golf Scramble at the York Country Club will be a shotgun start at 11 a.m. To register, email slsikes@york.edu.

Alumni Reception Friday — 8:30 p.m.

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ll alumni are invited to attend the President's Reception on Friday night in the Mackey Center. Catch up with your classmates, all while enjoying free food of course! If your class year ends in a “2” or “7” you definitely don't want to miss this! More class reunions will take place on Saturday.

Homecoming Chapel Saturday — 9:30 a.m.

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ur time together will include singing, an alumni speaker, choir performance and presentation of this year's alumni awards:

Schedule is available at www.york.edu/Homecoming.

Alumni of the Year Dr. Steve (’71) and LaRee (Scroggin ’71) Eckman Young Alumna of the Year Annie (Keesee ’01) Johnson

Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday — Noon

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eserve tickets now for the Athletic Hall of Fame induction luncheon, honoring Nick Harlan ’01, Lynnette Pickering ’01, and Carolyn (Barr ’02) Johnston. Tickets are $25 and proceeds support the athletic department. Reserve your tickets at york.edu/homecoming/AHOF.

Campus Dedications Friday & Saturday

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oin us as we celebrate God's blessings on our campus during Homecoming and dedicate the following:

2021 Homecoming King and Queen Alexandre Motta and Chailey Bollens

• Hulitt Hall • Glen and Mary Byars Executive Board Room • Gayle and Grace Napier Plaza

1125 E 8th Street York, NE 68467

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

COMING EVENTS July 28-30 Alumni and Friends Work Days August 20-23 New Student Orientation 24 York University Classes Begin

October 21-23 Homecoming/Panther Days 22 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction November 19-27 Thanksgiving Break

December 12-14 Final Examinations 15 December Commencement photo by Bob DeHart