York College Campaign

YORK COLLEGE CAMPAIGN

To Honor And To Serve

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Time to Transition Since the transition to a four-year institution in the 1990s, York College has enjoyed an upward trajectory. Today, after a decade of stability and progress in a time of volatility in private higher education, the moment for the next step forward is here. It is time to complete an important collection of initiatives, build for the future and begin the transition to York University.

Status Change Since 2010 • Tripled endowment • 12 of 13 fiscal years in the black • Record enrollments • Graduate school added, grown to over 200 students • Annual funding for scholarship awards quadrupled

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To Honor and To Serve Honoring God. Our mission, curriculum, and the structure of daily life at York are formed by this foundational goal, shaping what we do and who we aspire to become.

The initiatives defining this campaign grew from an ongoing plan to honor our students, faculty, and staff, now and in the future. We want to honor their hopes and aspirations in a renewed community that better equips students to serve wherever career and life events may lead. And we plan to enrich a community where a calling to serve is intentionally modeled, valued, and passed on.

At the same time, these initiatives have coalesced in ways that honor a heritage of service while reminding us of our heroes here at York. With a long history of sacrifice and dedication, this is no surprise. It is the York Experience.

Fundamentals do not change. Details of life and career do. The life preparation we provide at York must adapt to meet ever-evolving challenges. When fully realized, To Honor and To Serve will mean a better experience for every student. From the first interaction with the campus to commencement day when degrees and accolades are celebrated, the campaign goals are meant to enhance every step for every student.

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To Honor and To Serve Expanding Our Reach z Stronger presence – transitioning to York University to better compete for students z Greater access – enriching scholarship award resources for students

Renewing Our Campus z Facility upgrades – renovating facilities to better serve every student z Infrastructure improvements – providing better tools for on-campus and online learners

Equipping Our Students z Relevant preparation – Crafting learning structures that challenge every student z Expanded programs – Adapting curriculum that prepares graduates to compete well

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A message from the president of York College

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ork University...That isn’t a misprint.

Sounds strange, doesn’t it? After 131 years as “York College,” the time for this next step has arrived. Changing our name may sound abrupt. Yet, the process from an unaccredited junior college to accreditation to offering four-year degrees to the addition of our graduate programs has been anything but abrupt. It has taken years, and the time is right to move forward.

I was certainly not the first to cast a vision for transitioning from college to university. Many who came before me hoped and dreamed of a time when they would see York University.

In fact, in former president Dr. Dale Larsen’s final public greeting in 2009, he was looking ahead when he said, “And we believe that in years to come instead of calling them (our alumni) former York College students we might even call them former York University students.”

When I interviewed to serve as the 21st president for York, the trustees were clear about their determination for the institution to transition to university status. It was their priority, and it has become mine.

The rationale is simple and twofold.

First, competition for students is fierce and increasing. In a time where a name that includes the word ‘college’ is increasingly relegated to a junior college or tech school status in the perception of our audience, we need to be clear that we are a comprehensive, four-year institution.

A majority of the prospective students we interact with have no prior connection or knowledge of York. Without the high profile of a nationally recognized college, this move is increasingly imperative.

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Second, as our online graduate programs grow, we are on the cusp of a time where an organizational structure that provides clarity and flexibility is essential. We have already seen two semesters where our graduate program awarded more degrees than our residential, four-year programs. With the need to maximize limited resources, the change will assure a structure where both the on-campus and online colleges can respond quickly to needs, address issues, and craft programs that will be relevant in coming years.

With that context, I invite you to review the pages of To Honor and To Serve, and I invite you to be a participant in these critical initiatives. Much of the legwork for this campaign is complete, and it represents only a small, first step as we begin a long and likely challenging transition to university status.

When complete, the process will change the name of the institution to York University, but we are determined that some things will never change. Our dedication to the God who has provided for this place every step of the way. Our conviction that Jesus will always be the only one who can transform lives here – or anywhere. Our intentional approach to knowing, mentoring, and loving every student.

Our dedication to improving who we are and how we serve our students, our community, and our world.

The transition to university status will take time. During the next year, you will still see publications or our website with York College proudly emblazoned on them. We are proud to be York College, and we are proud to make the transition to York University. Mostly, we are thankful for the many faithful partnerships through the years that have defied all odds and brought us to this moment.

Sincerely,

Sam Smith President, York College

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Competing in 2030. University status and prospective students. Crafting our message and opening the door for more students to experience York.

Why York University? Why now?

1. It will provide clarity about what type of institution we are and what we can offer students in an era of split-second evaluations and decision making. As many of the students we recruit have no prior relationship to or knowledge of York College, including a growing international student audience, it avoids confusion and strengthens our brand. The title of university also makes a stronger impact for alumni seeking career advancement or further education.

2. The definition of the word ‘college’ continues to change, often meaning either a technical school or community college. The word university removes any question of whether or not York is “still a two-year college.”

3. Advent of York College Online (YCO) is already changing the academic structure of the institution. YCO has a growing independent infrastructure to meet the specific needs of these programs. With substantial growth in our online graduate programs, the university name more accurately reflects the institution’s current educational profile.

4. Transition happens best in an atmosphere of momentum. With more than a decade of stability, success, and growth, the best time to make the move is now. The change comes in the midst of a capital campaign that is set to complete key infrastructure upgrades and campus initiatives by 2023.

5. The move honors the vision of former President Dale R. Larsen, who foresaw the day the institution would become a university.

Regardless of the institutional name, our story is ongoing for more than 130 years. The transition began years ago and will not be complete until summer 2022. Although the name will change to university, the institutional mission, identity and values will remain focused on transforming lives through Christ-centered education. The quiet, slow process has been intentional. York University will appear on print pieces, the website, uniforms, signs, and more in anticipation of the fall 2022 academic year. The process has been timed to minimize budget impact. One campaign gift has been designated to offset one-time expenses.

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Dr. Wayne White ’63 Chairman of the Board

Since he was a skinny kid wearing #54 on his Panther basketball jersey, Dr. R. Wayne White has been pro-York through and through. His first-year experience included a family move from Huntington, West Virginia, to a residence just north of McGehee Hall. His dad, Ed White, joined the YC faculty and his mother Evelyn would serve as college cafeteria manager.

Life after York included multiple ministerial roles, along with teaching and coaching in both high school and higher education settings. Through all the changes, his love for his Nebraska alma mater remained steadfast. That connection intensified in 1999 when he agreed to serve as a college trustee, a role he has held twice for a total of 18 years. In 2019, he was asked to step forward again and serve as board chair.

Reflecting on his service as chair, White says, “I have learned over the years that a role can seek out a person as often as it happens the other way around. My work as chair has been made much easier by a dedicated board that is fully committed to the success of York College.”

For several years, changing the name to York University has been discussed by the trustees. Dr. White reflects, “Knowing the importance of this step, the trustees moved slowly but with a vision for future academic development and success for student and college alike. When we interviewed Dr. Smith, we shared our vision to become York University. We had yet to make it official, but we knew the direction we needed to go. We knew there was no going back.”

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Expanding Our Reach Institutional change and the challenge to compete

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niversity status and Endowment — $1.75 million

York College has changed ownership twice since its founding in 1890, but the charter and the name have remained the same. The institution, however, is not the same. The larger context in which we must compete bears no resemblance to late 19th-century America.

Since 2010, endowment has tripled. Those dollars provided a cushion during the spring 2020 shutdown we previously would not have enjoyed. It also helped us prepare to welcome back students for the fall 2020 semester. In fact, endowment cushions every blow and provides muscle for every step forward we attempt to take.

Every priority in the To Honor and To Serve campaign represents one more step toward the transition to university status. None is more important or long-lasting than endowment, and no other priority has been tied more directly to the transition from York College to York University.

The dollar goal in this campaign is a small, first step toward a long-term goal where endowment underwrites every scholarship award given in every program. It is and will be the funding priority for York moving forward. These resources are imperative for a successful move to university status.

Bekah Powell ’23 YC Psychology Major

Bekah Powell never met a stranger. The sophomore psychology major from Edmond, Oklahoma, arrived on campus ready to participate in the close-knit community found at York. In a COVID-19 environment that was going to be tough to do, but she is always ready for a challenge.

Reflecting on last year, she says, “Looking back, I recognize how hard I tried to engage in community. It was hard, but I am so thankful because those connections kept me anchored. Coming back for my second year and having that anchor is amazing. I can build on that.”

Her goal is to work as a licensed counselor living in California. “My sisters live there, and I want to be where my family is. It will also give me opportunities to speak into the lives of others who are coming from a more diverse, complex background. Through my occupation I can provide help with a Christian view they may not otherwise have access to. Using a sliding scale for fees, I hope to have more opportunities to help people.”

The most unexpected part of this picture is that Bekah is at York and not elsewhere. She had spent time on campus and loved it, but she had plans to be elsewhere for college. A scholarship award and knowing this is a place where she would be more than a number changed her plans. “The scholarship made me stop and think, but the sense of community made me want to stay and become part of York College.”

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No other campaign priority is greater and no other dollars raised will have a more direct impact on the lives of students.

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Expanding Our Reach

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ork Scholarship Fund — $4.6 million

Since 2010, the Scholarship Fund has provided awards for more than 1,500 students. In the past decade, nearly 2,000 alumni, friends, parents, and organizations have jointly invested nearly $14 million in student scholarships through this fund. This represents the single largest collection of gifts in school history. It provides access...and opportunity.

The Scholarship Fund in coming years will provide the key for hundreds of students each year as we begin our transition to university status.

Each year more than 90 percent of incoming students receive a scholarship award. These dollars are the difference between attending—or not attending—York.

Pierce Mederios ’21

Creighton University School of Dentistry Dental school was always Pierce Mederios’ goal. Getting there took lots of study sessions, hours in the lab, interning with a dental practice, and an intense collegiate wrestling career. During four seasons as a Panther, the 2021 graduate from Mountain Home, Idaho, recorded 61 wins as a 3-time national championship qualifier but never ignored the long-term goal.

It paid off when Pierce was accepted by three dental schools: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, and Creighton University School of Dentistry.

Creighton’s offer included a position in the Idaho Dental Education Program (IDEP) where students can attend Idaho State University for one year followed

by Creighton University for the final three, all at reduced tuition.

For the Idaho native, Creighton’s offer was too good to pass up, and he began his studies this fall. Reflecting on the past four years, Pierce says, “I am so proud to be a York College alum. I’m the only one of eight accepted into the highly selective program at IDEP that did not attend a large university. Every professor at York influenced me, but my science faculty, especially Dr. Milton Eckhart and Mrs. Gail Miller, were always there for me inside and outside the classroom.”

The entire process is expensive, and scholarship dollars were essential.

“Scholarships have been vital. With the scholarships I received, I could graduate from York College with minimal debt. With two younger sisters also in college, there was no way my family could afford three college tuition payments without scholarship dollars. I am forever grateful for that.”

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Renewing Our Campus

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ulitt Hall Renovation — $3.5 million

Built in 1903, Hulitt Hall is set to become a campus hub, focused on superior customer service whether in person, over the phone, or online. Personal attention is an area where we can and must be better than our competition, but for maximum synergy and cross-training in a context of limited resources, proximity matters. The lack of a single, unified facility focused on serving students has been a roadblock for decades. This renovation changes everything at a time when heightened competition for students demands superior customer service.

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Barbara Thompson ’76 Director of Student Accounts

There’s no mistaking Barbara (Boyle) Thompson’s love for students and the genuine concern she shows for their wellbeing. From the minute they walk into her office to when they leave, they are her sole focus. The difficult semester of canceling in-person classes in the spring of 2020 and going to an online delivery method in the classroom meant that Barbara was going to miss those face-to-face encounters and the opportunity to make a difference in a struggling student’s day.

Not quite. Phone calls, email correspondence, and Facetime conversations were her way of bringing a smile to her kids, and she did it with or without a mask. For going the second mile in her role as director of student accounts, Mrs. Thompson was given the David and Nellie Reppart Award for Service.

Thompson is one of several staff members scattered across campus who will soon be working side-by-side in a newly renovated Hulitt Hall. She is ready for the move-in date. She says, “I love helping students and parents learn about and understand paying for college. Our goal in the new location is even better service. I hope that students will find us more accessible in Hulitt Hall and won’t hesitate to come in with their questions. Or, just to say hello.”

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Renewing Our Campus Stewarding:

transforming a 50-year-old facility into collaborative and individual learning spaces

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cademic Resource Center at Levitt renovation — $1.1 million

Renovation of Levitt Library, built in 1969, is split between a facility redesign (the $1.1 million portion of the project) and an accompanying redesign of service provided in this space. When complete, the ARC at Levitt will include traditional library services and holdings, a testing center, open collaborative spaces, a self-serve coffee bar, and a wide range of other academic resources.

Installation of a new elevator will make the facility fully accessible for every student.

Funding from the Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program provides the core dollars for this priority. Private donations supplement this goal.

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Renewing Our Campus

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ew Living Facility — $1.8 million

Availability of a local assisted living facility for purchase and repurposing has provided a door for updated residential housing that was previously unavailable. York has a long history of renewing resources instead of purchasing new and passing the savings on to our students. This residence hall will accommodate up to 80 students in a facility that offers large living spaces, private restrooms, and multiple options for formal and informal gatherings of various sizes.

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Corrie Walker ’19 Assistant Director of Admissions

For Corrie (McDonald) Walker the transfer to York College from a two-year college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, was a non-event. After starting her college career moving six times zones west of Greenwich Mean Time, the drive east on Interstate 80 was tame.

The transition to York and its faith-based mission, however, was huge. Corrie came to play soccer and get a degree. She had no idea that a community would surround her in ways she had never experienced before. Graduating in 2018, she shifted her focus from the classroom and the soccer pitch to the YC admissions office.

With her gentle British accent firmly intact, prospective students may wonder if they have contacted the correct York, but questions are shortlived as she is all about the school located on the Nebraska prairie.

Corrie is among the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for the new residence hall. Guiding prospective students around campus she says, “Residence halls can be a make or break situation. The apartments help students feel excited, but Thomas Hall and McCloud Hall often leave students questioning if they want to come to York.”

Renovations made possible by the new facility and the prospect of additional residence hall space are equally positive for students and student recruiters. Corrie adds, “Growing interest among students for a private room has led to a need for more student housing. In the end though, whether students live in a private room or have a roommate, we should provide a safe, fun, relaxing environment.”

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Renewing Our Campus

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thletic Training Room — $400,000

Panther Athletics has used the same athletic training room for more than 20 years, dating back to when there were 150 studentathletes. Now, with nearly 350 student-athletes, our growing athletic

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program must provide the best care possible for every student. A revised space in the Freeman Center will do just this, tripling our capacity with more than double our current footprint.

Chad Karcher Athletic Trainer

Chad Karcher has wrapped hundreds of knees, taped even more ankles, and treated a wide range of athletic injuries and ailments. In his 23rd year at York College, Karcher is as steady as they come in the Panther Athletic Department. A certified athletic trainer and instructor, Karcher has been part of the growth in YC athletics from about 150 student-athletes in 1999 to more than 350 today.

Operating out of the same training room the entire time means Karcher, his assistant, one or two student trainers, and anywhere from six to ten student-athletes at any given time must fit inside into a functional space of about 375 square feet. The logistical limits make appropriate care a challenge.

Looking at available space, he commented, “Twenty years ago, this was adequate but it is simply unacceptable moving forward. As we grow our athletic programs, we must provide the best care possible for every athlete.

That starts with a larger training room.”

Proper diagnosis, referrals, rehabilitation, and follow-up care can have long-term implications for student-athletes. For Karcher, providing best outcomes is the only goal. Described by former students who have pursued athletic training as a career as among the best athletic trainers they have worked with, an expanded and renewed facility would finally match the professional standards of the trainer with the space they would call home.

“Getting my mind around this is almost surreal,” said Karcher. “It’s been a dream of mine for a long time and can’t happen soon enough.”

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Equipping our Students

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he ARC at Levitt — $1.4 million

Surface-level changes may be high profile, but the redesign of learning resources available in the ARC at Levitt is the heart of the project. York is at its best in one-on-one moments. Every learning resource is designed so that academic and life coaching can provide students the tools and the confidence to compete in their undergraduate degree program, the job market, or graduate or professional school.

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rts and Sciences — $535,000

Backbone of the academic enterprise, these core programs provide a faithinfused academic discovery for each student. While educational outcomes are often viewed as having a primarily economic motivation, higher education remains an inherently life-changing experience that should equip graduates to assess, understand, and resolve the challenges of learning, work, life, and faith.

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lijah A. Levitt School of Business — $100,000

The largest academic department on campus and online is anchored around a strong focus on accounting. Niche programs, such as agriculture business, are being introduced that fit our unique circumstance here in America’s heartland and will provide new opportunities for students.

Dr. Terence Kite Professor, Physics

Dr. Terence “Terry” Kite is not in the classroom at York College because he needs a job. The 80-year-old campus icon teaches and tutors students in upper-level math and physics, serves as chaplain for women’s wrestling, and zips around campus on his 21-speed bike.

He and his late wife, Jo, first came to campus in 1967 ready to serve students and serve God. Kite left in 1969 to earn his doctorate and returned in 1975. He has left and returned two more times since then, most recently in 2012. Along the way, he has helped multiple generations of students grasp concepts of physics and higher mathematics and life.

His lifelong partner, Jo was by his side in all his efforts until her death in 2017, serving students in a variety of ways. Her roles included dean of women, dean of students, counselor, and director of York’s online program. For Dr. Kite, her impact was simple. “She made me what I am,” he says in his terse, succinct manner. For many York students, the Kite’s shared dream of ministry changed lives and careers.

That ministry continues today through York’s three-two engineering program and in a more personal way this summer when Dr. Kite was asked to officiate a recent graduate’s wedding. Always there for others and always ready to go the second mile. For more than one generation he has exemplified the spirit of service that defines the York Experience.

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Equipping our Students

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ork Campus Ministry (YCM) — $200,000

In a generation where an increasing number of entering students have no or little faith background or connection, YCM provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to Jesus. Unconditional love is a stunning message for many and a reminder that the gospel is still good news. Opportunities for outreach and leadership mean that large numbers of students can be involved every year.

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econd Chance Program — $250,000

This two-year program at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women is located in York County. Each cohort is selected from a waiting list of those eager to participate. With kudos from students, their families, and officials with the Nebraska Corrections Department, it has become obvious that the Second Chance Program is a life-changing opportunity and one we want to continue to share.

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“How was I to know Jesus was a healer, if I hadn’t gotten sick. How was I to know Jesus was my Savior, if I hadn’t been lost. I know I’m not the person I want to be, but I am thankful I’m not the person I used to be.”

Seeletter Livingston ’19, Second Chance Program

Jennifer Kerby-Dabbs ’21 NCCW Vocational/Life Skills Program Liaison

“God had a bigger purpose for my life than I had for myself. That’s how I got to York College.”

Jennifer Kerby-Dabbs’ sentiment may be shared by many York alumni, but her path to a bachelor degree was atypical. Jennifer was part of the first cohort of 12 students in York’s Second Chance Educational Program at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women.

Participants can earn an associate degree in three years. For the students, the program means much more than 64 hours of earned college credit.

Jennifer was released early and completed both the program requirements and a four-year degree on the YC campus. In August 2019, she made it a point to be side-by-side with her NCCW classmates as all 12 graduated. Jennifer says, “I wasn’t in it for the degree. I did it because I want to become that person who can facilitate and do for others what was done for me. My professors brought me hope. They brought me home. That’s a message I want to share.”

Today she has three jobs all focused on giving inmates an opportunity she received. She’s also starting one of York’s graduate program options. Although the pace hasn’t let up, Jennifer is compelled by what she experienced. She explains, “When I walked out of prison, I needed a community to accept me. After 18 years, I had no resume, no credit rating, no experience, nothing. I told Dr. Seufferlein I was about to check into Motel 6. He said, absolutely not, you’re staying at Hotel Seufferlein. They gave me a key.

“It’s the heart of those who worked with us at NCCW that made the biggest change of all. I want to remember and honor every single person who helped get me where I am.”

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Equipping our Students

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anther Athletics — $315,000

Involving nearly 80 percent of YC students in 18 sports, Panther Athletics has fielded 17 conference championships with 25 athletes earning NAIA AllAmerican status during the past decade. Outside of the competition, the Panthers have earned the NAIA Champions of Character plaque every year but one since 2008, and more than 200 NAIA Scholar-Athletes have been recognized across all sports. Programs rooted in character development stem from a campus-wide philosophy enmeshed in the college’s mission of transformation.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize.

Run in such a way to receive the prize. 1 Cor. 9:24

athletic photos by Bob DeHart ’95

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Tree Burks ’12 Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Theophylieus Treyon “Tree” Burks loves to win. Since 2009, when he was a first-year Panther point guard, he has enjoyed his share of winning, first as a player, next as an assistant coach. Since 2017, Tree has been the head coach for York’s men’s basketball, and he wants to win much more than games.

Asked his reason for coaching at York, Coach Burks replied, “I love York.

When an ACL injury changed my college plans, I didn’t have many options and I needed a scholarship to pursue my dream. York gave me that opportunity.” Coming to Nebraska from his home-state of Louisiana was a tough move but he took the risk and looking back says, “It was God at work. I got to play, get an education, grow closer to Christ, and much more.”

photo by Corey Sanner ’91

Since 2010, the Panthers have had eight postseason appearances including the NAIA elite eight in the rough and tumble of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. “Our motto is 94-feet of purpose. Play in a way that glorifies God, inspires people and prepares you for life.

Coaching is my ministry and I tell my recruits, after the wins and losses are done, if you work hard, you will leave here with a degree and you will be closer to Christ.”

Looking ahead the focus is on leading the Panthers to be a perennial contender. “We’ve got the fan-base and the tradition,” he explains. “When I was a student I learned I could choose faith over fear. We’re going to keep doing that and see what God will do.”

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To Honor and To Serve Campaign Initiatives I. Expanding Our Reach York College Scholarship Fund Endowed Scholarships Access Total

$4,600,000 $1,750,000 $6,350,000

II. Renewing Our Campus Hulitt Hall renovation $3,500,000 Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Levitt $1,100,000 New Student Housing $1,800,000 Athletic Training Center $ 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 Community Total $6,800,000 III. Equipping ARC at Levitt $1,400,000 Arts and Sciences program $ 5 3 5 , 0 0 0 Elijah A. Levitt School of Business/PBL $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 York Campus Ministry $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 Second Chance Program $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 Athletics $ 3 1 5 , 0 0 0 Equipping Total $2,800,000 To Honor and To Serve, Total for all initiatives

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$15,950,000

Roni Miller ’01 Head Women’s Softball Coach

Coach Roni (Arellano) Miller returned to York College in 2002, one year after receiving her York College diploma. She had been teaching and coaching in California, but she says, “I knew my story with York was not over. I called Jared Stark. He and Jim White were looking for an admissions counselor and had just been discussing me as a prospect for that job. One week later I was in York.”

Leaving her role in admissions in 2005, she would return nine years later as women’s softball head coach. In this role, she serves as recruiter-in-chief, and the pressure is incessant. For Coach Miller though this is an easy place to sell. “People’s lives are still changed here. We are intentional about building relationships, and our students find a home where they can belong. York is a place to heal and grow because we don’t give up on people. When prospective students come, I love introducing them to my co-workers, especially those whose lives were changed here.”

With the change to university, she is already gearing up with her message and says, “My recruits will be pumped about this. I can’t wait to tell them ‘you won’t be coming to York College. You will be coming to York University.’ ” Looking to the future, Miller adds, “College is our history. We love it and we will never forget it.

University is our future. It is who we are and we finally get to use a name that truly describes what we have become.”

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

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e love York College!

We fully support our move to university status, but we also grieve the decision to change the name of a place that we hold so dear.

Only one word. No more. But what a shock for deeply etched memories.

At the same time, we are reminded that we love York because it is a place that shaped us, not because its second name happens to be College. It was an experience marked by deep friendships, happy and sometimes hilarious memories, hard days of growth, and challenges to live out our faith.

While the name change to York University is a jolt, it is the jolt we need to sustain and grow our school. We are passionate about preserving the very best of who and what we are. Upholding core principles that define us. We are equally passionate about changing what is needed to propel us forward.

We endorse this campaign and have agreed to serve as co-chairs. Why? Because we want to be part of a plan that is future-facing. Taking necessary, though sometimes tough, steps to fulfill our mission. Recognizing the daunting challenges ahead and laboring to meet them. Working to preserve, sustain, enhance and build York for the years ahead.

More than endorsing this campaign, we are ready to invest in a greater vision for what comes next. Investing in new generations who will call York home.

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Their dreams. Their potential. We are ready to invest because it seems only natural in response to a place where so many selflessly invested in us. Our gratitude towards those Christ-like individuals who shaped us compels us to invest in York University!

How will you respond? This is a time to step forward. Dream big. Recognize that To Honor and To Serve is only the first of many steps to build on a good foundation and prepare for the future.

We hope you will decide that this is your moment to be bold and step out on faith. We hope you will join us as investors. And that you will catch this vision and help make York University a place where men and women are transformed

by Christ-centered education that prepares them for service to God, family and society.

To Honor and To Serve Campaign Cabinet Richard and Rachel (Nowlin) James, 1997, 1999 – Campaign Co-chairs Doug and Danna (Nelson) Townsdin, 1983, 1984 – Trustee Campaign Co-chairs Dr. Shannon (Sukraw) Leinen, 2007 – Faculty-Staff Campaign Co-chair David Odom, 2000 – Faculty-Staff Campaign Co-chair Brian Walth, 2003 – Faculty-Staff Campaign Co-chair Kris (Holthus) Holoch – York Community Campaign Chair Charlie Watts, 1965 – Alumni Campaign Co-chair Gwen Carver, 1980 – Alumni Campaign Co-chair Benjamin Smail, 2012 – Alumni Campaign Co-chair H. Jarrell and Cynthia Gibbs – Honorary Campaign Co-chairs C. G. “Kelly” and Virginia Holthus – Honorary Campaign Co-chairs

P.S. For the record, Richard was at the January 2021 board meeting where the vote was taken to change from York College to York University. He was part of the unanimous vote for change. After years of conversation, the trustees are ready to move ahead. We pray that you are, too.

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The 2021-22 Residence Life staff, representing nine states and three countries, are a vital part of the York Experience.

Fourteen of these students are involved in varsity athletics, seven are active in the fine arts, and the majority are part of an extra curricular club or group.

Thanks to people like you, 100% were awarded a York College scholarship.

To Honor and To Serve Campaign Summary Fund Raising Goal $15,950,000 Gifts and Pledges by September 1, 2021 $12,803,538 Percentage of Goal by September 1, 2021 80% Since the silent phase of the campaign began on July 1, 2019, leadership gifts and commitments have been received from trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, foundations, and many other friends of the college. The target date to conclude the campaign is June 30, 2023.

How do I participate and make a gift to York College?

You may make a gift to York College, a 501(c)(3) organization, in a variety of convenient ways. Visit with your accountant or financial advisor to find the most advantageous ways for you to give.

Current Gifts • Cash via check or credit card, including online at www.york.edu/give • Qualified charitable distribution from an IRA • Donor-advised fund • Appreciated property, including real estate • Stock or other securities • An established business • Gifts-in-kind that can be directly used by the college

Planned Gifts (Many of these feature lifetime income for the donor) • Bequests • Charitable Gift Annuity • Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) • Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) • Life insurance (whole life) • Gifts of a set amount or percentage of an IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan

You may name York College in your will, trust, mutual fund or other asset for a specific dollar amount or for a percentage of your residual estate.

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

For more information contact: Jared Stark Vice President for Advancement 402-363-5635

Tim Bruner Special Assistant to the President 870-612-2644

York College Advancement Office 402-363-5664 develop@york.edu

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1125 E 8th Street York, NE 68467

Our mission is to transform lives through Christ-centered education, equipping students for lifelong service to God, family, and society.