A Living Legacy

t Dr. Ray and Gail Miller were honored in 2018 with York

University’s first Distinguished

Award in Academics and the L. Ray and Gail Miller

Endowment for the Sciences was established in their honor at that time. q Gail Miller is in her element speaking in chapel. Scan for the complete article, additional pictures, and a link to Miller's obituary.

YU MOURNS THE PASSING OF LONG TIME FACULTY MEMBER GAIL MILLER

by Chrystal Houston '03

Gail Miller approaches the podium during announcements at chapel. Her silver hair is in a short bob, her face is creased with deep smile lines, and she’s wearing purple. “It’s Tuesday, and Tuesday is…” she says, then points to the audience.

“Newsday!” the college students shout.

“In news from the universe,” she begins, moving through the latest headlines from space then zooming in… to world politics, to national news, to Nebraska news, and finally, to the York community—where ‘news’ might include an anecdote from the police blotter. “Someone called to report a paper bag blowing down their street on Monday,” she states in a matter-of-fact tone. “So, watch out for that.”

The news from York on this Tuesday, September 20, was more somber, as the York University community mourned the death of Gail Miller, a beloved fixture on campus for nearly 40 years. The loss is deeply felt, as Miller was much more than an associate professor of biology--she was a mentor and friend, a colleague and confidante, and a steadfast example of Christian love and service. ‘A LIGHT IN THE ROOM’

Gail and her husband, Dr. Ray Miller, came to York in 1982. Ray joined the faculty full-time as a professor of chemistry and Gail taught adjunct for several years while finishing a master’s degree from Ball State University. She held a variety of staff positions on campus beginning in 1983, started teaching full-time in 1990 and retired in 2020, a few years after Ray had hung up his lab apron and goggles.

From genetics to zoology, Miller taught with infectious joy. She loved her subject, whether she was teaching general science to freshmen or advanced topics to upperclassmen with pre-med ambitions. She had a gift for helping her students love it, too.

Miller was kind, generous, and always there for her students-but she was no pushover. “She would give you the world, but she wouldn’t give you an inch,” said Kim (Dreher ’02) Hoyt, a physician’s assistant in Grand Junction, Colo. As a teacher, Miller wanted her students to succeed, and the only path to success included a lot of hard work. “She was not there to sugarcoat anything. She was firm but loving. She was there to help you grow.”

Dr. Ray was Hoyt’s academic and professional mentor, but Gail was who she aspired to be like. “She modeled what it was like to be a professional woman of science, a great mom, engaged at church, and gracious to all,” said Hoyt.

Brian Gilchriest ’01, one of York University's newest faculty members said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Mrs. Miller. Gail gave me the confidence to believe that I could teach science. I didn’t think I was smart enough. She helped change my perspective and guide me through it. She was a huge inspiration and I loved her classes. She never took it easy on me. She expected me to do the work and learn the material, but she was always there to put her hand on my back and guide me through it.”

The Millers were recognized with numerous awards throughout their careers. Ray was presented with the Dale R. Larsen Teacher of Achievement Award in 2001 and Gail received the same award in

2008. The award is given annually to a full-time faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to York University. The Millers were also recognized in 2018 with York University’s first Distinguished Award in Academics and the L. Ray and Gail Miller Endowment for the Sciences was established in their honor at that time. As a fitting culmination, Gail was honored with faculty emerita status in 2021.

In 2014, Gail was recognized for her service to the Nebraska Veterinary Medicine Board with an honorary decree from Governor Heineman naming her an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.

She didn’t let it go to her head.

No matter how many accolades and honorary titles she received, Miller was always an easy person to know. She was centered and authentic, sure of who she was, and gave others the confidence to be their authentic self around her. “Mrs. Miller was a light in the room,” recalled Sara (Lincoln ’13) Pella, a teacher in Exeter, Neb. “She always greeted you with a smile and her laugh was contagious. She truly loved what she did and cared about those in her classroom and wanted them to succeed. She wanted to inspire them to do great things.”

Miller was the queen of applied science. From frequent field trips across Nebraska to in-class experiments and labs, her classes were less about lecture and more about experiential learning. “She opened my eyes to how you can take any part of a curriculum and make it fun and hands-on,” said Pella, who credits Miller with making her a better educator.

Caroline Seilstad ’16 agreed. “She brought the joy to science education,” she said. “She was knowledgeable and hilarious. She was great at getting everyone engaged and valuing each individual’s input. She always kept students on their toes.” She was not a stickto-the-book kind of teacher. “She’d say, ‘here’s the textbook, here are all the facts, but it’s not going to be helpful in the real world unless you can apply it.” She gave her students freedom to explore in projects, allowing them to follow their interests and make the material their own.

Today, Seilstad is a graduate research assistant working on cancer research with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Miller was a big part of her decision to pursue a career in science. “Gail showed me that you could be an amazing person, a person who could help others and have a positive impact, and also be involved in science,” she said.

When Caroline was exploring her options after college, Miller told her, “The world needs people who believe in Christ, who understand the power of God, who care about others, in the field of science.” She firmly believed that the world needed more Christian scientists. Seilstad is just one of many students who responded to her call. MENTORING AND MINISTRY

It was the little things that made Miller so special, like the way her face would light up when someone stopped by her office, even if she was busy. Though she must have had her hands full with work and family obligations, she often found time to serve as a social club sponsor. She and Ray were big fans of Panther athletics and she would always remember to ask student-athletes how their game was if she missed seeing it in person. She had an understated, wry sense of humor, and could find the laugh in most any situation.

Visiting her office as a student was “complete joy,” said Dr. Aaron Fletcher ’02. For many years, Gail and Ray’s offices in Sack Hall were separated by a small anteroom that featured a table, chairs, and a couch--plus plenty of sugary snacks. “You would go there for candy, laughs and fellowship. Everyone was always hanging out there…For a while, it seemed like the science department had its own student life center. Her office was a hub. People wanted to be near her,” he said. “She poured into you.”

Fletcher loved when melt-away soft mints would appear in the candy jars outside her office. “She always got those for me. That’s what she would say,” he recalled. Beyond candy, Fletcher shared much with the Millers. The couple became important professional mentors as he pursued graduate degrees in science and started his own company, Bios Partners, a life sciences venture firm.

The Millers helped him craft a personal life motto: “To glorify God through excellence in the sciences.” It was a motto that they exemplified, said Fletcher, who admired Gail and Ray’s relationship and the model they provided of a Christian marriage as well as professional partnership. “They were such an example to me of what a godly husband and wife could look like. They dedicated their lives to a specific mission.”

The Millers gave their students confidence to be rigorous scientists as well as committed Christians. Miller didn’t need to argue for the existence of God. She embodied it, said Fletcher. “Her style was a genuine love for God that came out in her kindness, her care. She showed her students that you can be very intelligent and scientific and still very much be a person who loves Jesus.”

“She was so good about bridging the gap between faith and science,” said Emily (Eckert ’02) Tandy. “So many people believe that they are separate and can’t coexist. Gail showed her students that logic and reason and science weren’t in opposition to faith. In fact, they aren’t opposites at all but bound together, amplifying each other. The more you learn and the more complicated you realize things are, the more beautifully created it all seems.” LIFE AND LEGACY

Outside of her work and students, Miller’s great joy was her family. She was endlessly proud of her two children, Les ‘00 and Lynn ‘02, their spouses Pam (Rathe) ‘01 and Jay Powers ‘04, and especially her grandchildren Madelynn, Hayley, Chase, and Audrey. She was a patient and loving spouse to Ray for 49 years. Even after decades of working together, with side-by-side offices and labs separated by a hallway, they still enjoyed each other’s company. Gail’s presence will be missed by many, but none more so than by Ray, her constant companion and longtime colleague.

Though Miller will no longer be seen giving “In the News” announcements in chapel or rooting for the Panthers in Freeman, her impact will live on. In the lives of students whose teachers once sat in her classroom; in the health outcomes of patients whose doctors learned the foundations of their craft in her lab; and in the life-changing research that will be conducted by faithful Christian scientists she trained, Miller’s legacy will be felt. n

SOCCER

Men's Soccer came away with a thrilling 2-0 defeat of the 14th-ranked Eagles of Oklahoma Wesleyan. It was the first time the Panthers have defeated OWU since 2008, handing them their only conference loss of the season and becoming the only KCAC team to post a shutout over them. All-KCAC 2nd Team Johan Rodriguez, (SR/Texas City, TX) is shown heading the ball into the goal for the first score of the game.

CROSS COUNTRY

Maria Geesaman (SR/Greeley, CO) helped the team to a 5th place finish at the KCAC Championships qualifying her for the NAIA Championship race in Tallahassee, Fla. The team also qualified for the NCCAA Cross Country Championships where Geesaman finished in 9th place with a season best time of 18:57, becoming a five-time NCCAA Cross Country/Track and Field All-American.

WRESTLING

Three wrestlers won their weight divisions at the York University Open, but only one of them was for his 100th career win on the mat. Harley Williamson (SR/Euless, TX) notched his triple-digit victory in the semifinal match defeating Russell Nickerson of Doane University via major decision 15-4. In the championship match, he pinned Stephen DaBelko of Central Christian in the first period finishing 3-0 in the tournament. Isaiah Santana (JR/Deltona, FL) and Marce Vasquez (SR/Bridgeport, NE) also went undefeated on the day in the 174lb and 197lb weight classes respectively.

VOLLEYBALL

YU volleyball made the best of their time in front of the Homecoming crowd as they swept the Sterling College Warriors 25-23, 25-20, 25-21. First Team All-KCAC Danielle Armendariz (JR/El Paso, TX) and Jasmine Scarbrough (SR/Arlington, TX) led the Panthers with 10 kills each. Shelby Fronk (JR/North Ogden, UT) led the team with 23 assists while Darby Wright (SR/Waco, TX) added 16. Alexandria Garcia (SR/Rio Hondo, TX) led the Panthers in the back row as she finished with a team-high 18 digs.

TRAINING IN SESSION

STEDDON SIKES

GARRETT BEST

Freeman Center Comes to Life

Built in 1974, the Freeman Center has made good use of its 48 years of hosting varsity sports and intramurals, commencement exercises, banquets, blood drives, Songfest, lectures... the list could go on and is rather exhausting. Today, Freeman concentrates on athletics, but the wear and tear over five decades has stretched the facility.

The bleacher project, completed in 2019, was the first of several renovations to breath new life into the facility. Funded by over 500 alumni and friends of the University, Panther blue replaced the original yellow pine and created a new look and a better, safer game experience for fans and players.

This fall, construction was completed on the north end stage area for a new men's locker room along with a couple of athletic offices and the Phillips Family President’s Box. These, along with a refinished playing floor and York University branding, gave the Freeman Center a very noticeable upgrade for athletes and spectators alike.

A similar major makeover took place on the south end of Freeman with a newly envisioned training facility, a project centerpiece of the To Honor and To Serve campaign. At more than triple the footprint of the old digs and double the capacity, the Brian Lemons Athletic Training Center is now able to meet the demands of 18 varsity sports and developmental programs and nearly 350 student-athletes.

Chad Karcher, who is in his 24th year at YU as the licensed certified athletic trainer, is happily in his element with the improved expansion. "Getting my mind around this is almost surreal," said Karcher. "It's been a dream of mine for a long time and couldn't happen soon enough." n

p (Top and Upper Left) Brian Lemons

Athletic Training Center is in full swing with plenty of room and equipment for

Chad Karcher and his athletic training staff to serve athletes. Located at the south end of the Freeman Center, the new space more than triples the footprint of the old facility and doubles the capacity.

t (Middle and Lower Left) Guests enjoy the homecoming volleyball victories from the Phillips Family President’s Box.

Overlooking the new Freeman Center floor, the suite was completed this fall and sits above the new men's locker room. For Panther updates visit:

yorkpanthers.com

facebook.com/yupanthers

twitter.com/yupanthers

PANTHER NATION

Whether finding out what's new and improved, catching up with friends and classmates, or handing out hugs and YU swag, Panthers gather on campus and around the country to share stories and celebrate their love and loyalty to this place. Here are just a few images from the last few months since we moved to York University. Share Panther Nation photos with social@york.edu.

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LISA SMITH

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LISA SMITH 1) President Smith shares an embrace with Leta (Burleigh ’67)

Lofton and her mother Ethel Burleigh at the YU Comes to Tulsa event. The ladies are longtime RoundUp participants with Ethel donating many of her blanket creations through the years. 2) Rachel Odom, Rachel (Forehand ’92) and Wesley

Hanson ’98, David and Danielle Crump ’91 catch up on old times at the YU Comes to Pacific Northwest reception. 3) Todd Sheldon ’81, Dr. Billy Lones, Dr. Sam Smith ’95, and

Jared Stark ’01, all members of the senior leadership team, give it the old university try as the new arch is lowered into place. 4) Danna (Nelson ’84) Townsdin and Greg Lee ’82 of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? grab a selfie at the Hulitt Hall ribbon cutting ceremony.

STEDDON SIKES

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COURTESY BEN SMAIL

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STEDDON SIKES

5) AlumniLove showers students with gifts throughout the year to remind them they are cared about, rooted for, and prayed over by many people across the country. During new student orientation, Board of Trustee* members got in on the giveaway. Pictured with senior Felipe Venegas are *Linda and

Joe Thomas, *Ben Smail ’12, and *Dr. R. Wayne White ’63. 6) Who doesn't like posing with a new sign? A Genesis orientation group shows they're ready for a great year! 7) Bible professors Dr. Terry Seufferlein ’85, Dr. Garrett Best, and Dr. Michael Case sport the t-shirts they gave to students during an Ignite Excellence study session. 8) Shawn (Waters ’83) and Robin Stark enjoy the York Comes to Searcy, Arkansas event. 9) YU Goes West gave these ladies in western Nebraska a chance to hear the latest news in York. 10) A new ministry group on campus, Chi Rho, gathers at the home of Kenny and Roni (Arellano ’01) Miller and posted this on Facebook: "These are some incredible students who want to be a catalyst for spiritual growth on campus and build a community of faith to discern what God is calling them to do to serve in the kingdom."

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COURTESY GARRETT BEST

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1951

Rosella (Carpenter) Patenaude, 93, passed away on August 24, 2022, in Hillsboro, Kans. Throughout her professional adult life, Rosella would be a preacher’s wife, church secretary and general office work admin. Personally, she was a loving mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt, wife, prayer warrior and friend.

1964

Rosa (Reeves) Chumbley passed away on Nov. 5, 2022, in Canon City, Colo.

Gloria (Rose) Schwind passed away on July 26, 2022. She is survived by best friend and love of her life David Schwind. They were married for over 50 adventurous years.

1966

Sheryl (Walker) Black shares that after 50+ years of mission work in Europe, she and her husband, Tom, have decided to retire. They spent time in Germany, Austria, and the last 30 years in Bulgaria. They have two daughters and 7 grandchildren and now reside in Lubbock, Texas.

1967

Salah Ibrahim shares that even though he is retired, he tries to stay busy by working parttime as a high school and college substitute teacher. He also enjoys visiting his two sons and their families in Dallas. He also manages to take his yearly summer trip to the Holy Land and Europe. Salah resides in San Antonio, Texas. salahibrahim1234@gmail.com

1968

Roxie Lynn (McCrea) Heins has relocated from York to Stromsburg, Neb. grandmaroxie1948@gmail.com

1969

Flowayne Bahler of Raytown, Mo., passed away Nov. 9, 2021, from metastatic cancer. She is survived by her sons Derek and Jay Sandlin of Raytown and brothers Terry Bahler ’67 and Don Bahler ’76, and sisters Emily (Bahler ’72) Nossaman and Lynda (Bahler ’66) Busbee.

1971

Phyllis Plumb of Harlan, Iowa, passed away on August 18, 2022. Phyllis followed in her parents' love for gardening and preparing food in large quantities. She would cook and bake for many church parties, camping trips and bible bowls which she loved to plan and take part in at the Church of Christ in Redline and Harlan. Phyllis lived for her family, faith and church.

1972

Cathie Brand retired in 2009 with 34 years of VA service as a laboratory supervisor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is enjoying spending retirement with church activities, gardening, fixing up her home, helping and visiting family, watching baseball and tennis, and with friends and her sweet puppy. teacherbrand@yahoo.com

Gerry Nixon retired after 13 years at Oklahoma Baptist University. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in Del City, Okla. gnixon1952@gmail.com

1974

Ginger (Swangel) Ham and her husband, Stephen, have recently relocated to Stephensville, Texas. ginger_ham@rocketmail.com

1975

Ron Vick retired three years ago. He spent 20 years as a minister for the Oak Hill Church of Christ in Rome, Ga., then another 20 years teaching at a technical college in Rome. He now volunteers doing web pages for House to House Heart to Heart and teaches adult Bible classes at the Oak Hill church. He and wife, Angie, have 3 grandchildren and are loving life! ron.d.vick@gmail.com

1976

Glenda (Hardman) McEuen shares that her husband, Rick, passed away Dec. 20, 2021. She continues to work as program supervisor for an adult development day treatment center in Paragould, Ark., and intends to retire Jan. 6, 2023, and find some part time work or volunteering. glendamceuen@gmail.com

After 41 years, Milt and LJ Skillman have moved from Mt. Vernon, Texas, to Como, Texas. They are also excited to share that they have a new granddaughter, Evie. miltskillman@gmail.com

Brian K. Stuva works as a CNC programmer / tool and die maker in Osceola, Iowa. brian.stuva@gmail.com

1978

Timothy Knight passed away on Nov. 16, 2022, in Hiawatha, Iowa.

1979

Pam (Ervin) Hart retired in May of 2021 after 39 years in public education; 19 as a classroom teacher and 20 as a school counselor. pahreno@hotmail.com

Tonia Wadding of Austin, Minn., passed away on August 27, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. She taught for 30 years as an elementary school teacher and ended her career as a school librarian. She had a keen ability in helping people who were struggling and used her career to impact many, many lives.

1980

Deva (Horchem) Ingraham has returned to her hometown of Ransom, Kan., and teaches 6th grade in a nearby town. She and husband, Gordon, have three children: Amanda, Kayla, and Charlie and three grandsons: Ben, Leif, and Teddy. sevadue1@yahoo.com

Lori Dawn (Underwood) White is the maintenance supervisor for the Box Butte County Courthouse and President of Dobby’s Frontier Towners, Inc., a tourist town dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. (There are 27 buildings full of historical and educational treasures. Open May 1- October 1; located in Alliance, Neb.) dusty@bbc.net

1983

Carole (Jones) Chalkus retired from SCHS where she worked in the kitchen as a breakfast cook. She is now raising 2 grandsons for the time being, which keeps her busy and young!! Carole and her husband, Scott reside in Salem, Ill. carolechalkus@charter.net

1984

Marquisette Bickford retired from DST Systems, Inc. in September after 32 years and moved to work with Neema Village in Arusha, Tanzania, as their Sponsorship Coordinator. She welcomes alumni and friends to come and see the beauty of Africa through volunteering. mabickford64@gmail.com

1985

Rachelle (Jorgensen) Sorensen of Brentwood, Tenn., is the “CEO of the Sorensen Household.” She is the mother of three girls and two boys: Annika, Christian, Asta, Camela, and Hoyt. toddrachelle@comcast.net

1987

Laura (Busch) Morris passed away Sept. 6, 2022. See pg. 29.

1991

Charlotte (Voorhees) Goode has taught 2 years in 4th grade, 3 years in 5th grade and currently is teaching 3rd grade on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. She is a certified NME Trainer and a former Sanctuary Trainer. Charlotte and husband, Kevin ’91, enjoy the Arizona climate. They have two grown children. charlottebgoode@yahoo.com

1992

Mark Alan Atnip is a semi-retired Audio Archivist for the Library of Congress, Smithsonian, etc., specializing in archival audio formats and digital audio restoration. He shares, “Currently I work with some of the rarest and most valuable audio in the world, creating archival copies of audio recordings that exist only in unique (or close to it) examples.” Mark lives in Speedwell, Tenn. mark@78rpm.com

1995

Seth Mohorn passed away Nov. 15, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 30 years, Charity (Sutton) and two sons, Ian Mohorn (Leigh), and Eli Mohorn (fiancé Meg Sinha). He is also survived by his father, Joe Mohorn (Cheryl), two brothers, Robert Mohorn (Judy), and Don Mohorn ’96 (Susan), along with many nieces and nephews.

1996

Alan Ehlers, 53, passed away on Sept. 27, 2022, in Norfolk, Neb. Alan began his career as a teacher and coach and later became a principal and then finally a superintendent. He was the current superintendent for Madison Public Schools as well as the chair of Midtown Health Board. He is survived by his wife, Denise, four grown children and three grandchildren.

1999

Warren Hooten has relocated from Arizona back to the Atlanta, Ga., area where he is a vice president at ADP (Automatic Data Processing, Inc.). warrenhooten@bellsouth.net

2000

Joel Osborne stepped into the lead ministry role at Mito Church of Christ (Japan) on 1, 2022, and serves on a team with two others (Japanese). He has served in Japan for 20 years now (originally as a part of the Sendai Mission Team with fellow YU alumni). He is thankful for God’s faithfulness! Joel’s wife, Kristin teaches in the English Dept. at Ibaraki Christian High School.

2001

DeVoderick “Dee” Ridley recently started a new job as dean of students at Lakeview High School. deeridley7@gmail.com

2002

Devon Teeple has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who, which chronicles the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Congratulations Devon! devon@thegmsperspective.com

2004

Sam and Laura Burleson have welcomed a fifth child, Jonah, who joins four siblings: Kayma, Malachi, Aria, and Ezra. Sam is a partner at Potter & Brant, PLC, a certified public accounting firm in Clear Lake, Iowa, which he has co-owned with his sister, Kristi (Burleson ‘94) Brant since the beginning of 2020. sam_burleson@hotmail.com

2007

Andrew Kerth is working as a territory manager for Abbott Laboratories and lives in Scottsdale, Ariz. He and wife, Sonja, have three children: Azalea (6), Talia (5), and Carissa (3). andrewkerth85@gmail.com

Major Rusty S.E. Ridley is working for the Air Force Reserve as a public affairs officer for the Secretary of the Air Force’s Public Affairs Office. He recently relocated to Washington state. rusty.ridley@gmail.com

Greg Smith is the assistant wrestling coach at Northwest and will be honored with the Class B Assistant Coach of the Year at the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association banquet. gsmith@york.edu

2008

Elise (Hart) Owens recently joined the Coldwell Bankers NHS Real Estate office in York. She and Jake ’09 moved to York in 2020; they have a son and daughter, Atticus and Matilda.

Mary Reynolds shares her engagement with Clay Trainum. She is currently the Dean of Academics of Benton Hall Academy in Nashville, Tenn. maryreynolds85@gmail.com

2009

Brendan (Benny) Hanaphy was selected as the head boy’s soccer coach at York High School and serves as an English teacher at YHS. bhanaphy@hotmail.com

Michal (Dudrey) Pancheau has a private practice as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Portland, Ore. She and her husband, Jason, have one son, Edison, born in 2020. michaldudrey@gmail.com

2011

Meghan Shruck is working as a talent acquisition and recruitment coordinator for York General Hospital and has moved to Seward, Neb. meghan.shruck@gmail.com

2013

Maicey Madden graduated from Alder Graduate School of Education with a Master’s of Education and Education Specialist Teaching Credential for Mild/Moderate Disabilities and accepted a teaching position at La Mesa Elementary in Monterey teaching Special Day Class 6th - 7th grade. She currently resides in Seaside, Calif. maiceyamadden@gmail.com

2014

Emily Lutz and Hannah Parker ’18 recently reunited in Las Vegas. Hannah, athletics administrator-ticket operations at the University of Central Oklahoma, was in town to attend the NACDA & CoSida Convention. Emily, a relationship manager at Bellevue University, was on hand to present at the ECHL’s Summer Meetings. elutz10@gmail.com

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

Jarrett Waters is working as an operations manager at Sodexo Live! and resides in DeKalb, Ill.

2017

Delaney (Woods) and Grady Johnson ’18 welcomed a daughter, Mara Juniper, on Nov. 8, 2022. They are living in Billings, Mont. delaneywoods0@gmail.com

2018

Caleb and Amalia (Miller ’21) Magner bought their first house and moved to York in Dec., 2021. They also welcomed their daughter, Miriel in August, and Caleb started a new job at Cornerstone Bank.

Aubrey Tate accepted a job at Clarksville Christian School in Clarksville, Tenn., as a high school math teacher. There are now four recent York alumni working at the Clarksville school. aubreytate1995@yahoo.com

2020

Jason Richardson is working for Moss Adams LLP as an assurance staff and living in Prosper, Texas. jrichardson51198@gmail.com

MCNEESE CAMP MILLER KRETZ

PANTHER MILESTONES

1972

Dr. Tim McNeese, longtime professor of history at York University, was selected as a recipient of the 2022 Nebraska Book Award in Nonfiction Biography Honor for his recently published book, Time in the Wilderness: The Formative Years of John “Blackjack” Pershing in the American West. Sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, the Nebraska Library Commission, and the Nebraska History Museum, the award ceremony was held on October 22. McNeese limited the book’s coverage of Pershing’s life to those decades preceding his military service during World War I where he served as the commander of American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. McNeese has published more than 120 books during his thirty years as a history professor at York University. He says receiving the Nebraska Book Award will stand out as a highlight marking his writing career. tdmcneese@york.edu

1992

Russell Camp has written and published two books since May 2021, both available on Amazon. Across the Fence From Roy (pub. 2022) is a novel that takes a humorous look at what it means to “love thy neighbor” and challenges the modern notion of our preconceived differences. Suitcase Sleds, Basketball, and The Bros (pub. 2021) is a hilarious memoir about growing up in the Texas Panhandle with his crazy collection of friends—who he’s still best friends with to this day. Russell lives in Amarillo, Texas, with his wife Jessica, and they have three adult sons: Ethan, Matson, and Greyson. Russell works in education, teaching social studies at an alternative high school. He has also owned a lawn care business for the past 21 years. He is currently finishing his third book, which should be available in early spring, 2023. Contact info is @russellcampauthor (Facebook/Instagram) and at russellcamp.com.

2000

The premiere of Lester Miller III’s beautiful arrangement of Marching to Zion was performed by the York University Singers during this year’s Homecoming chapel. The extreme makeover of the 1707 Isaac Watts’ hymn features soprano soloist Leah Lane-Embray and will be part of the Singer’s winter tour itinerary (see pg. 10). Les, who directed nationally renowned high school show choirs in Iowa for a number of years, moved to York last year with his wife Pam (Rathe ’01) and their two daughters: Madelynn (15) and Audrey (13). Les is employed at Cyclonaire and Pam is the administrative assistant for advancement and finance at York University. Scan to hear the Homecoming recording of the song.

2019

Collette (Berens) and David Kretz are the proud parents of son Ephraim Jones, born July 24, 2022, joining older brother Aiben (2). The birth, combined with the opening of a new business in downtown York, were definite milestones for the young family. David owns and operates Daylight Donuts at the Way Station and is assisted by his dad Ron. Opening day, October 4, was a complete success, necessitating help from other family members. Pictured above (l-r) Bryan Kretz ’08, Diana Kretz, David Kretz, and Ron Kretz. Mrs.kretz@gmail.com