YC
Magazine
SCHOLARS IN THE COMMUNITY • A HOMELESS STUDENT'S QUEST FOR A BETTER LIFE • LET'S TALK ABOUT SIZE ACCEPTANCE WINTER 2015-2016
The View From My Window
As this issue of YC Magazine goes to press, I am looking ahead to the end of the spring semester when we will hold commencement on May 14. It is with great pride that I can announce that former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala will present the address of the commencement ceremony. At the end of her tenure as HHS Secretary, The Washington Post called her "one of the most successful government managers of modern times." Dr. Shalala is President and CEO of the Clinton Foundation, and has more than 40 years of experience as an accomplished scholar, teacher, and administrator, including serving as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1987 to 1993 and President of the University of Miami from 2001 to 2015. Always willing to participate in preparing a new generation of leaders, I am especially pleased that she is one of my most influential mentors. It is an honor for the College to have such a prestigious academic address our graduates in May. Whenever I speak with students who are about to graduate, our conversations have a bittersweet element. They are excited to take what they have learned at YCP and pursue their dreams and careers, but they are also sad to say goodbye to what many call their "home-away-fromhome." There can be some trepidation as well as anticipation when graduates take the crucial step outside their college comfort zone and move into the work world. I am confident that our graduates are eminently qualified to take this step.They have benefited from caring teachers who have guided them in the pursuit of excellence; from co-ops and internships that have provided real-life, hands-on learning, and mentorship; and from observations of best practices modeled by professors, coaches, and staff. They have also benefited from risk taking, and at times from failing. These, too, are an important part of an YCP education for it is in our failures that we often experience the most learning. On December 22, our newest graduates joined the ranks of the tens of thousands of alumni who have gone before them.They join the Spartan alumni network; men and women who have already put what they learned at YCP into practice and who epitomize our motto, "to serve, is to live." They have experienced the satisfaction of staying in touch with college friends, favorite professors, and keeping up with news of their alma mater. Graduation marks the transition from student to alumni. The role may change, but alumni will always be part of the YCP family. New alumni, remember,YCP will always welcome you home.
Pamela Gunter-Smith, Ph.D. President,York College of Pennsylvania collegepresident@ycp.edu
Volume 6, Number 4 www.ycp.edu/social-media
York College of Pennsylvania
YC Magazine
16 ABOVE: Graham Scholars at York's Central Market. Left to right: Maura Gallant '18 (Pottstown, PA); Timothy Dexter '19 (Mechanicsburg, PA); Cathy Cooper '19 (Coatesville, PA); Megan Chaney '19 (Baldwin, MD); and Thomas Aruta '19 (Saylorsburg, PA).
Features
Winter 2015-2016 Departments
16 Graham Innovation Scholars Twenty-two freshmen who participated in the inaugural Graham Innovation Scholars program found themselves presenting ideas to York City leaders. By Annelise Vlacich '16
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Editor's Note:
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Green & White:
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Office Pieces:
Creative Thinking
Campus News, Events, A Glimpse of Our Past, and Student Profiles Intriguing items on display in Associate Professor Kay McAdams' office
10 YC Progress:
Initiatives, Professional Insight
and Faculty Focus
14 Spartan Sports Talk:
Athlete Ali Posey '18, Spartan Notes, and Sports Dates to Remember
18 Seeking a Home and an Education AYCP senior tells about being homeless while trying to reach her dream of graduating from college and making a better life for herself. As told to Gail Huganir
22 YC Connect:
Alumni News, Events and Profiles
29 Class Notes and In Memoriam 32 End Note:
Gilbert Vial '16 (Columbia, PA) talks about his COP21 experience in Paris.
21 Starting the Conversation on Size Acceptance Professor Erec Smith encourages students to accept themselves and others without falling for stereotypes. By Kevin Baker '16
ON THE FRONT COVER: Graham Scholars made a presentation to community leaders at York's Central Market. Left to right: Jacob Hauser '19 (Breinigsville, PA); Julia Mohn '18 (Bernville, PA); Benjamin O'Connor '19 (Cleona, PA); Nathan Cooper '18 (Bear, DE); Savannah Ruiz '19 (New York, NY); and Mary Evans '19 (Manchester, PA).
Editor's Note ave you heard of human-centered design or "design thinking"? This is an innovative technique developed by David Kelley, the founder of Stanford University's Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, known as the d-school. He is also founder, chairman, and managing partner of the respected design firm IDEO. Kelley has received numerous accolades for his work, given TED talks, and appeared on the television program 60 Minutes. With his brother, Tom, he has also co-authored The New York Times bestseller, Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within us All. The reason I mention David Kelley and design thinking is that York College's Graham Innovation Scholars are learning about human-centered design in their First-Year Seminar (FYS). This makes sense because the new Graham Scholars program, funded by a gift from businessman Donald Graham, has been designed to encourage teamwork, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. (If you want to learn more about this exciting new program, please read the article on page 16.) These students are seeking to unleash their creative potential for the greater good, and they are not the only ones on campus who want to make a difference. The BusinessDictionary.com defines creative thinking as "A way of looking at problems or situations from a fresh perspective that suggests unorthodox solutions (which may look unsettling at first). Creative thinking can be stimulated both by an unstructured process such as brainstorming, and by a structured process such as lateral thinking." Some topics are considered controversial, but that does not stop members of the York College community from discussing them, or looking for solutions to help create a more inclusive society. It was no surprise when one of our interns suggested an article on starting a conversation about size acceptance, especially as Assistant Professor Erec Smith, Ph.D., is knowledgeable about the subject. You'll find this thought-provoking article on page 21. The world faces many formidable challenges, and communities need to be creative when stepping up to meet those challenges. Creative thinking is one of the tools that will continue to be necessary if we are to ease — or solve — any of the problems associated with poverty, disease, hunger, drug addiction, mental health, immigration, homelessness, climate change, sustainability and the environment, discrimination, and terrorism, to name just some of the serious issues that we ignore at our peril. Educated creative thinkers have the means to introduce change. As you will see when you read this issue of YC Magazine, our students have many areas of interest where they are trying to make a difference. Students such as Gilbert Vial '16 (Columbia, MD), who attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, and Lydia Moro '17 (Abingdon, MD), who participated in a new peer mentoring program for freshmen and transfer students who are on the autism spectrum, are serious about becoming involved. York College is actively involved in the York region as an inclusive, caring partner, whose students are using creative thinking to broaden their educations, address issues, and solve problems.
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"Creative Thinking"
All the Best,
President Pamela Gunter-Smith Assistant Dean of College Advancement Mary Dolheimer Director of Alumni Relations Kristin Schab '04 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Nicole Montgomery '11 YCDS Director of External Affairs Laura Burkey Director of Web Communications Andrew Shaw Director of Athletic Communications Scott Guise Director of Print and Mail Services Angie Staples '02/MBA '04 YC Magazine College Editor Gail R. Huganir Art/Creative Director Lance A. Snyder '76/'05 Photographer Mike Adams Editorial Assistant Colleen M. Adamy Spring 2016 Interns Hannah Barrett '16 Jenny Derochemont '17 Lucas Dimini '17 Taylor Gamber '16 Chantel Vereen '17 YC Magazine Advisory Board Frederick A. Bianco '72; Megan Davitt '12; Dominic F. DelliCarpini, Ph.D.; Cobey Dietrich '02; Nathan A. Eifert '91; Jaime Garland '98; Nancy Johnston '75; Patti S. Stirk '87/MBA '99; Michael J. Zerbe, Ph.D. Contacting YCP College Operator • 717-846-7788 Advancement • 717-815-1410 Email: develop@ycp.edu Admissions • 717-849-1600 Email: admissions@ycp.edu Alumni Relations • 717-815-1500 Email: alumni@ycp.edu www.YCPAlumni.com Communications • 717-815-1562 Email: communications@ycp.edu Editorial • 717-815-1425 Email: ghuganir@ycp.edu Changes of Address Send address label along with new address to:
Department of College Advancement York College of Pennsylvania York, PA 17403-3651 717-815-1410 or email: yorkmag@ycp.edu The York College Magazine, of which this is Volume 6, Number 4, is published three times a year (March, July, November) by the Department of College Advancement,York College of Pennsylvania,York, PA 17403-3651. Periodicals postage paid at York, PA, and additional mailing offices. Permit No. 174. Postmaster: Send address changes to Department of College Advancement, York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA 17403-3651. Copyright 2012 York College of Pennsylvania. Printed in U.S.A. We welcome your news and comments at yorkmag@ycp.edu. York College of Pennsylvania does not discriminate because of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, sex, or age in employment or in recruitment and acceptance of students.
www.ycp.edu/social-media
2 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
York College's Archives, part of the Special Collections Room in Schmidt Library, serve as the institution's "memory," preserving artifacts, documents, and photographs for today's college community and those of the future. The Archives welcomes donations of college-related memorabilia. Please contact Karen Rice-Young '92, Archives Specialist, kriceyou@ycp.edu, 717-815-1439, for more information.
Green & White
A Glimpse of Our Past The Recreational Mathematics of Daniel M. Ettinger By Daniel Hinger '15 and Karen Rice-Young '92
Written on the inside cover of this 13"x 8" 190-year-old journal are the words, formed in a youthful, tentative cursive: "This book is the property of Daniel Ettinger, bought this 3rd day of June 1826 in York." It is one of the most unique and intriguing artifacts in our archives. It's filled with what Craig Bauer, Ph.D., of York College's Physical Sciences Department refers to as "recreational mathematics." There are equations, brain-teasers, cryptograms, music scores, graphs, diagrams, and doodles. It is evident from Ettinger's entries that mastering penmanship was important to him; random words and letters appear in the margins and headers written in different styles using a variety of pens and inks. Daniel M. Ettinger, born in Rossville, PA, in 1806, attended York County Academy and, in later years, taught higher mathematics there, under Headmaster George Washington Ruby. One of York County's most prominent educators, he taught in many of its schools, and served on the board committee of the first Teacher's Association of York County (1835), advocating for the adoption of standard textbooks and instruction in higher mathematics for the new public school system. In 1862, he served as County Superintendent. Ettinger was a surveyor and civil engineer whose accomplishments include planning the "turnpike" between York and Peach Bottom, and designing the train track system for Germantown, PA. It is rumored that he was a member of the Whig party and in charge of one of the underground railroads in PA. The nearly 300 pages of musings, mistakes, and calculations of a young Daniel Ettinger are filled with the "recreational mathematics" of a remarkable 19th-century York County citizen.
Did you k
know Did you 44 , . . .In 19 ents 27 YJC stud were acting members of the U.S. military.
now . . . that York College awar ds a music scho larship to an outstanding student from a fund set up in the name of a well-known D allastown co rnet player, Adam Kohler. Kohler served in the Civil W ar, and was one of the bugler s to play "Taps" at Abraham Lincoln's fune ral. He later taught music at York Collegiate In stitute. York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 3
WINTER COMMENCEMENT 2015
Nearly 300 students received diplomas at the commencement ceremony
Charlotte Wool, Assistant Professor of Nursing, served as faculty speaker and Grace Sharp was the graduate speaker
ssed me ge has ble "York Colle ors who believed ss with profe lifelong friends in me and me. I am, and ted who suppor e grateful for my b ill w r ve fore !" YCP family t '15 net en B a ic ss – Je MD), (Baltimore, ng Major ti ri W al Profession
York Mayor Kim Bracey served as guest speaker and received an honorary doctor of humane letters
"The force is strong in you." — Dr. Pamela Gunter-Smith, President of York College
Read the quotes from just a few of our December 2015 graduates on this and the following pages.
Meet Our Students . . . Mental health advocate, proudly left libertarian, and intersectional feminist, Emily Rosado '17 (Tobyhanna, PA) has a strong voice for social change to better society. Her on-campus activism reflects her passion for change. Rosado is an avid slam poet, performing at numerous open mic nights, and a member of To Write Love On Her Arms UChapter. In addition, she is the General Manager of WVYC and President of YCP for Liberty. Rosado is open about dealing with mental health issues on top of external problems that a lot of people face. But "when those worlds collide, which is extremely often," she reveals, "that becomes really difficult." She credits her confidence and abilities to the people in her life who believe in her. "I have been able to find a lot of strength and confidence in myself that I didn’t know was there. The people that I have met at this college have been a huge part of that," said Rosado. "From the moment I was dropped off at York and left alone, I have gradually transformed into this shamelessly confident person that is louder, and for the most part happier, than ever before." As the encouraging and supportive person she is, Rosado aims to inspire hope and strength in others. She sees that so many people attend college "because we have these ideas of ourselves and what we want to do that is at least a little bit rooted in wanting to change something or help people." But she wants everyone to know that even if they only save themselves, "that is enough and something to be proud of." As a few final words, Rosado affirmed, "It's okay to not be okay. Hope is real." –AV "From day one, I felt like this college had a special place waiting for me to fill, and ever since then I've only felt happier about my choice to stay here." 4 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
Green & White
The First Building Block
Nothing beats hands-on experience. Students in the Recreation Programming course take what they learn in the classroom and put it to work in the community by running activity programs for residents at Broadmore Senior Living in York. "In the classroom, students gain the knowledge they need to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs for a diverse population," said Julie Saville, Ph.D., the instructor of the course. "Students are then responsible for planning, budgeting, marketing, implementing, and evaluating different activity programs for the residents throughout the semester." The class offers an experience that students will use in their future careers. "It is both a confidence- and resume-builder for the students," said Saville. "It is the first building block to successfully completing their degree and starting their career." Amanda Altavilla (Califon, NJ), a senior Recreation and Leisure Administration major said, "It is crucial to get the practice in before going into the real world." –BS
A Class of Philanthropists
It isn't often that you learn about philanthropy and become a philanthropist in the same class. That's what happened to students in the Philanthropy, Nonprofits and Social Impact course when they awarded a $5,000 grant to the York County Literacy Council, which will enable more than 30 York County residents to take the General Educational Development tests. Students presented the grant on December 15, after examining 23 proposals from various organizations.
Student Catches Apple's Attention
A music app that lets you add text and pictures to snippets of songs and share them on social media was created by freshman Alyssa McDevitt (York, PA). The app not only won YCP's 2015 Elevator Pitch Competition, but it also caught the interest of Apple Inc. McDevitt had earlier attended Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference and was so inspired that she emailed CEO Tim Cook about her NoiseHub app. Soon afterwards she was contacted by iTunes inventor and Vice President of Consumer Applications Jeff Robin who invited her to attend next year's conference. Her $1,000 prize and office in the J. D. Brown Center's business incubator will be useful as she seeks funding and a mentor for the app.
Meet Our Students . . . Giving back to the community during her time at York College is something
Chelsea Marinaro '15 (Hamburg, NJ) will cherish for the rest of her life. Marinaro joined Habitat for Humanity in the fall of her freshman year because it offered her the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than herself. She has gone on two trips with the organization and had the chance to rebuild a house in York. In the spring of 2012, she traveled with Habitat to St. Tammany, LA, where she helped work on houses to create a small neighborhood for multiple families. A year later, she went to Dade City, FL, and she helped organize home goods and assisted in building a twostory home. She admires the strength of families that reach out in their time of need, and said, "the most rewarding part of these trips was not only seeing how far our projects came by the end of the week, but also really acknowledging how we had bettered someone's life without even knowing their story." She is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and through the sorority has had the opportunity to work with Meals on Wheels and to participate in Spartan Service Day. As a Nursing major, she has volunteered at the Santander Stadium to take people's blood pressure during the York Revolution baseball games. She graduated in December 2015 and hopes to one day become a traveling nurse and continue giving back to others. –KH "From day one, I knew that York College was a perfect fit because it provided me with the opportunity to grow into the healthcare provider that I have aspired to be." York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 5
"I’m graduating from York College with a gratefu l heart. YCP gave me the opportu nity to continue playing the sport I love, everlasting friendships, and the knowledge and confidence I need to begin my next journey." – Katie Huston '15 (Ellicott City, MD), Marketing Major
Green & White Left to Right: Jason Keller '16 (Mohnton, PA); Susan Packard; Ashley McManus '17 (Malvern, PA); and Jordan Elford '16 (Port Republic, MD).
TS G EVEN COMIN , 2016 2-May 7
April 2 ior Exhibition Sen Fine Art llege Galleries o C rk o Y
COMI NG
EV
ENTS April The Pir 28-30, 2016 ate 7:30 p.ms of Penzanc Perfor m ., Waldner e ing Art s Cente r
HGTV Chief Operating Officer
Did you ever wonder what it's like to run a major TV network? On November 12, as part of the Eichelberger Lecture Series, students and the community heard Susan Packard, cofounder and COO of HGTV, speak about leadership and success. "It's still trickier for women today," she said. "I feel really fortunate because I had a lot of good mentors along the way, but my area was very technical, so it tended to attract men." Describing herself as an unlikely leader, Packard is an inspiring example for women in the workplace. In her new book, New Rules of the Game: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace, she talks about how women can work their way to the top of their industry. She also discussed three important leadership qualities that are essential for success: being connected, being courageous, and maintaining the originality and innovation of the company, all of which she has experienced in her own work. Summing up all three points, she said, "sometimes you have to stand alone with a vision that you believe in, knowing you will be challenged." –BS
Timothy Snyder
2016 Jon Kirssin '78 Lectureship in History presents
Author of Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning April 11, 2016 7:00 p.m. Evelyn and Earle Wolf Hall Timothy Snyder is the Housum Professor of History at Yale University and a member of the Committee on Conscience of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. He is the author of five award-winning works of history, including Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, which received the Literature Award of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Snyder is a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books and The Times Literary Supplement.
My York College MBA sician with empowers me as a phy lved in technical skills to be invo era of valueorganized medicine in the recedented based purchasing and unp ion in our sformat healthcare delivery tran r the last six country. My studies ove to view issues years at YCP enable me from through different lenses t, leadership, operational, managemen s. – and financial perspective , FACP, FASN, Gela Mchedlishvili '15, MD hrology FASH, FAHA, WellSpan Nep
#IAmStigmaFree
Activism is only a walk away for students. On October 10, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of York County held their sixth annual Mental Illness Awareness Walk. Many York College students helped with setup and registration while others walked the designated route. The event serves to empower those with mental illnesses and educate the community on the realities of mental health in the United States. Program Assistant Danielle Dennis said that, through the annual Walk, NAMI hopes to "raise awareness by bringing mental illness to the forefront with the hope that people will be more open to talking about it." —AV
Left to Right: Revs mascot Downtown with Annelise Vlacich '16, and Leo Philip '17.
Meet Our Students . . . Senior Professional Writing major Lou Cohick '16 (Mount Joy, PA)
came to YCP prepared for a unique experience. Cohick notes the people as something that kept him here and inspired him. Of the faculty, Cohick said, "It's really nice to see professors who are so dedicated to their students. And they're just genuinely lovely people." Struggling with various hardships, Cohick sometimes felt like the load was too much to handle, but he stayed "because my professors believed I could. I want to succeed not only for myself, but for them, too." There is a lot to Cohick one might not know. He was born with cerebral palsy, requiring certain medical attention throughout his childhood, but he took it all in stride. Referencing the fact that he travels by wheelchair, Cohick laughed, saying he just tries to "roll with whatever happens." He lost both of his parents within the past six years, which threw many challenges his way. In addition, Cohick recently came out as transgender and received much support. As the genuine and caring person he is, Cohick tries to help others who may use wheelchairs like he does. He said, "I am constantly striving to make my and other people’s experiences here at York better in any way I can." Cohick keeps himself involved on campus, whether it's with YCP Improv or The York Review, enjoying as many things as he can. Using a wheelchair around campus is no simple task, but he said, smiling, "I've found that pushing myself up across campus day after day does wonders for my arms." –AV "From day one, I knew it was going to be a wild ride." 6 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
Green & White COMI NG
EVE
NTS April 1 Senior -14, 2016 Exhibit ion: Grap York C hic Design ollege G alleries
TS G EVEN N I M O C 16 ril 15, 20
Return of
THE SPARTAN
t Ap g Quarte ian Strin d y L e h T ., 7:30 p.m l Hall cita e R r e st e DeMe
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! After not being published since April 2013, student newspaper The Spartan is back in print. The Spartan was first published in 1972 according to YCP archivist Karen Rice-Young '92. Steven Brikowski (Freehold, NJ), a junior Political Science major and current Editor-in-Chief of The Spartan, was encouraged to start up the newspaper again from studying political science and being in student government. He said, "I find it very important for students to have the ability to share their views, as well as inform the students on issues and events around York College and the City." Brikowski assembled a talented staff of writers and editors, and with the help of advisors Andy Shaw, YCP's Director of Web Communications, and adjunct faculty members Scott Fisher and Marc Charisse, the first copy was published on November 9. A second one was published on December 7 and two more copies are planned in spring. –BS
Holocaust Survivor
When Rubin Sztajer (fourth from left, front row) spoke movingly about his experience as a holocaust survivor, Louise Worley, Coordinator of Religious Activities, said she was amazed by the courage of survivors like Sztajer, who are willing to share painful memories. Sztajer's campus visit in November was sponsored by Hillel and the Office of Spiritual Life. Worley said holocaust survivors "don't want this atrocity to ever happen again." She added that Sztajer was a man that you would never forget, and his story should be shared with others. –AV
Meet Our Students
. . . Steven Brikowski '17 (Freehold, NJ) has always been interested in helping people get their voices heard and communicating the news. A Political Science major with a Legal Studies minor, he joined Student Senate during his freshman year. He was elected twice by his class as a general Senator, as well as nominated Parliamentarian in his sophomore year. "Student Senate was a great opportunity that helped me grow as a leader; I would not be where I am today without the leadership experience I gained in that organization," he said. After he graduates, he plans on attending law school. Brikowski is also a general member of the Campus Activities Board and the Editor-in-Chief of The Spartan newspaper. Last spring, he took over at The Spartan, which has not been produced for four semesters. "As the head editor, my role is to make sure all aspects of the organization are running smoothly, and to provide the leadership to ensure that the organization can publish content regularly," said Brikowski. While it has been challenging to get all the different aspects of the organization to run fluidly again, Brikowski said that "the most rewarding thing so far was setting the date for our first printed edition since April 2013." –BS
"From day one, York College has provided me with the tools I need to achieve my goals." York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 7
"York has not only given me the education and tools for me to move forward in life, but it has also been a second home to me." – Joseph Wagner (Philadelphia, PA) Music Industry & Recording Technology Major, Busines s Administration Minor
Green & White
Autism Peer Mentoring
Recognizing a need, students stepped up to act as mentors and discovered that they learned a lot themselves. This academic year, the Disability Support Services (DSS) office is piloting a peer mentoring program for freshmen and transfer students who are on the autism spectrum. This was initiated by Linda Miller, DSS Director, because of the quickly growing number of students with autism attending college and the special challenges that presents. At York College alone, the number of known students on the autism spectrum has doubled over the past year. These students may easily be overwhelmed by social situations, sensory overload, a major change in their daily routine, and time management. Having access to a peer mentor who understands these challenges and is there to offer support can be a great benefit. Mentors meet weekly as a group for training and feedback. The primary objectives of the peer mentor program are to facilitate a smooth transition to college by promoting independence, confidence, self-advocacy, social, and communication skills. This year, there are 10 mentor/mentee pairs who have volunteered to participate. They meet once a week for an activity of their choosing, such as studying in the library, eating a meal together, or attending a campus activity. Some whole group activities are planned as well. Jenna Klein '16, Nursing major from Syosset, NY, said, "This program gave me a great experience on how to help an incoming freshman on the autism spectrum adjust to being a college freshman. Freshman year brings a lot of changes and we're here to make those transitions easier." –Lydia Moro '17 (Abingdon, MD)
Students Teach Senior Center Residents about iPads Friendships were made last fall when students in Professor Mary Ligon's Working with Older Adults class trained White Rose Senior Center residents how to use iPads. Students used training materials from Generation Connect and, in turn, trained the older adults in an eight-week period. It was all made possible by a grant provided by the York County Community Foundation's Embracing Aging Initiative of the Hahn Home. This cool class project created a warm bond between residents and students, who swapped views about technology and relationships.
ause a "I am alive today bec Nursing nurse saved my life. The ped me program at YCP has hel ment develop the astute assess skills g kin thin l ica crit and s and live the ve ser needed to pre ts as well-being of my patien ‘15 del Hei nce sta Con – well." jor ma sing (Etters, PA), Nur
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Go to www.ycp.edu to see a video about this project.
GO SPARTANS!
Meet Our Students . . . Kara Oldenburg-Gonzales '18 (York, PA) isn't just a talented artist, she is also a successful entrepreneur. Following in her mother's footsteps as a self-employed fine artist, OldenburgGonzales is a Fine Arts major and said for her, "art is more than an interest — it's more of a lifestyle." OldenburgGonzales has been creating original hand-painted ornaments for the past three years. As part of a class project this year, she designed York College limited edition ornaments, which were sold in the College Bookstore. She signed up for Introduction to Entrepreneurship after speaking to the professor of the course, Jay Azriel, Ph.D., about what business course she could take that would enhance her future art career. "As a self-employed fine artist, being good at what I do is only half the battle; I have to function as the business owner as well,” she said. She hopes to combine her art and the knowledge gained in this class to start her own business one day. "It makes my goals feel more attainable. This knowledge can also be applied to more than my ornament business; I can use it in my fine arts career as well." –BS "From day one, I hoped that YCP would set my career in motion, and it has far surpassed my expectations as I not only have started my career but also my dreams have expanded to places I never even considered." 8 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
Green & White: Office Pieces A glimpse into our faculty offices reveals interesting items and clues to their owners' interests and expertise.
Kay McAdams is from Lincoln, NB, originally, and received her B.A. in History and German and Secondary Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in History from Indiana University. McAdams began teaching at York College in 1999 (her husband is a native of Spring Grove). She teaches courses on Nazi Germany, the Holocaust in Film, Women and War, and the West in the World. She is Coordinator for History, as well as Director of General Education for York College. She has two children who attend York Country Day School, and fosters for an area dog rescue organization. –BS
Around 120 minifigs, small Lego figurines, adorn McAdams' office windowsill. When Lego issues a new series, she is always excited to add them to her collection. From Santa Claus to Lisa Simpson, these minifigs come in a wide variety of characters.
McAdams keeps a piece of the Berlin Wall in her office. She obtained this in February 1990 when she studied in Berlin. The wall had just come down in 1989, and McAdams hacked the piece off with the help of an older East German gentleman, who rented tools for chipping pieces off the wall. Shortly after she received her piece, the German government realized that they should preserve the Wall as a historical monument.
McAdams purchased the professor Barbie doll at Target. She knew she had to buy it for her office because she believes that the slogan on the box, "I chalk it up to my Ph.D. in fashion," is the antithesis of her views, and also reflective of an early 1960s mindset that didn't value professional women.
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 9
The mugs depict pictures of East German crossing guards, known as Ampelmaennchen, which translates to "little crosswalk guys." She lived in Berlin during a major period of reconstruction in Germany, from 19951996, when there was a systematic dismantling of the Ampelmaennchen to bring its infrastructure up to the standard of West Berlin. To McAdams, the Ampelmaennchen symbolize the crazy period of rebuilding and the campaign that was launched to save them.
YC Progress
Dr. Gunter-Smith Joins the PA State Board of Education
York College President Pamela Gunter-Smith has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. Her nomination by Gov. Tom Wolf was confirmed by the Senate in December. Gunter-Smith serves on the Board’s Council of Higher Education, and has served on numerous committees that address science education and the underrepresentation of minorities in science. These include review panels for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She served on the AP Biology Redesign Commission for the College Board and is a former co-chair of the Porter Physiology Development Committee for the American Physiological Society, the minority affairs committee of the Society. Currently, she is president of the William Townsend Porter Foundation, serves on the Boards of Directors of the Higher Education Resource Services (HERS), the Council of Independent Colleges and York Hospital. She is also a member of the Better York Executive Committee.
Faculty Focus
History Professor and Model United Nations Conference Advisor and Director, Scott Gyenes, M.S., received an invitation to a prestigious event. He attended a reception for the King of Saudi Arabia at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., in September. Hosted by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, the reception honored the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin 'Abd al-'Aziz Al Sa'ud. Gyenes was invited because of his support for improving global relations and breaking stereotypes about Muslims. He helps students better understand and appreciate other cultures through creating, organizing, and leading the York College of Pennsylvania High School Model United Nations Conference, and teaches the Model United Nations and Arab League at York Country Day School. As his guest, Gyenes took recent YCP graduate and current American University graduate student, Makaya Revell '15. This event gave them the opportunity to learn more about the history of Saudi-American relations. –KH
Mary Graham, Ph.D., Professor of Geography, was awarded the Ruby S. and E. Willard Miller Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pennsylvania Geographical Society (PGS) in November. The award is given occasionally to an individual of exemplary long-term dedication to the discipline of geography and to the PGS.
In his new book, Liberty Power: Antislavery Third Parties and the Transformation of American Politics, published by the University of Chicago Press, Assistant Professor of History, Corey Brooks, Ph.D., writes about how abolitionist activists built the most transformative third-party movement in American history and effectively reshaped political structures in the decades leading up to the Civil War.
10 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
YC Progress Mohatt Music Scholarship
The generosity of music educators Jim and Beverly Mohatt will continue to benefit future generations of York College students. The couple's love of music and of teaching led to their magnanimous estate gift of nearly $6 million to support the College and several other musical organizations in the York area. Beverly passed away in 1996, and upon Jim's death in 2014, the couple bequeathed donations to the James L. Mohatt Excellence in Music Education Scholarship at York College, York Symphony Association Endowment Fund, the Beverly J. Mohatt Fund of the York Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Spring Garden Band. Greatly respected by students and his colleagues, Dr. Mohatt taught at York College until his retirement in 1998, and served as the Chair of the Department of Humanities and Fine Arts. When he joined the College as an associate professor in the Music Department, he was one of only a few faculty teaching in a struggling program. In 1989, he joined forces with Fred Schreiner, who was then Director of Music Programs at York College, and the two developed, and successfully implemented, a plan to turn the music program around. Schreiner said, "I can't give Jim enough credit for what he did to assist the department. His dream of a strong, competitive music program in southcentral Pennsylvania was achieved." Schreiner is not surprised that the Mohatts chose to support a variety of musical programs in the York area, and said, "They gave it their all to make York the best they could." Mark Rank, York College's Interim Chief Development Officer, said, "Dr. Mohatt established a long-lasting legacy at York College, and his scholarship endowment will benefit generations of students. His bequest is an example of the power of planned giving and how it can transform an institution and the lives of York College students. The College is grateful for Dr. Mohatt's vision, his decades of service, and his generosity."
Eisenhart Scholarship
The Eisenhart Community Engagement Scholars Program was funded by a generous gift to York College from Attorney William S. "Bill" Eisenhart '29, who passed away in February 2014. The program awards up to five $5,000 scholarships to students who aim to lead by serving and who are committed to benefitting the community. The program educates, prepares, and inspires students to become agents of change in their communities and society. Supporting the College's commitment to community engagement and outreach, and to fostering connections among the College, its students and faculty, and our community, the program encourages students to meet their educational goals while making a difference in the greater York community. The program nurtures students' skills in management, community organizing, leadership, networking, fundraising, and other skills that can apply to whatever profession they choose.
Milne Scholarship
Eric David Milne '93 established a new scholarship to support students from William Penn High School in the City of York. Milne Scholars at York College will be students who demonstrate an understanding of societal issues and show an ability to analyze their causes and possible solutions, with a commitment to social progress. Milne spoke to the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship (YCCOSP) students on December 1 and was presented with a certificate in recognition of his philanthropy. Left to Right: Milne; Irene Hudson, Director of YCCOSP; and Mark Rank, Interim Chief Development Officer.
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 11
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT by Matthew Randall, Executive Director, Center for Professional Excellence
Michael Smith '04/MBA'09 Michael Smith '04/MBA'09 is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties. He earned his B.S. degree in Management, followed by an MBA in General Business from York College. Smith began working with Big Brothers Big Sisters during his undergraduate experience at the College and has continued to work for nonprofit organizations ever since, including United Way of Tampa, FL, Harrisburg, and York, PA. He lives in Manchester Township with his wife, Alesha, and three children, Bella, Camille, and Brennan.
Q: What inspired you to work for a nonprofit? What difference has working for a nonprofit made in your life? My experience as a Big Brother while an undergraduate student certainly helped, but I never thought that it would change my career path. When I got my first position with United Way, I hoped to gain the experience necessary to get the job I really wanted. Thankfully, I was wrong! Instead, it helped bring out a passion for service and propelled me to a career devoted to improving the lives of children in our community. Q: How did your York College experience help shape you as a professional? My undergraduate business degree truly prepared me to be a professional during my time on campus. The combination of classes, projects, and real-world experience allowed me to understand the norms of the professional environment so that I could assimilate quickly and use the knowledge and skills learned at YCP to make a positive impact on my team. Q: Within in the nonprofit industry, what are one or two key qualities that define someone as a professional? Leadership skills and interpersonal abilities are key to the success of a nonprofit professional. Having an ability to relate, coach, and inspire co-workers is critical to mission-driven work. Interpersonal skills combined with the ability to manage, take charge, and provide leadership in all that you do can define your career. Q: How can YCP students and alumni increase their hireability into today's job market? I always encourage participation in your local community. Serve in volunteer positions on and off campus, nominate yourself to provide leadership to projects and tasks, and always take advantage of the networking opportunities the community provides. Q: Regarding professionalism in the nonprofit industry, what trends do you see? The nonprofit industry is held to a very high professional standard as we partner with public, private, and government entities to advance our mission. Organizational accountability and transparency is more important than ever, as is the level of professionalism expected from our employees. Q: What has been your most satisfying experience working at Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties? When running the day-to-day business, sometimes it's hard to see through the fog and realize the impact of our work. However, when I take an opportunity to observe the relationship between a Big and a Little, watching the smiles and seeing the friendship that develops causes me to see the positive results that come from a child having a caring adult role model. Knowing that our kids have more self-confidence, get better grades, and set goals higher than they thought were possible, that's the most satisfying piece of our work.
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Y STU DCP E A ND E MP NTS GE T LO YEE S REGI A $15 S DI SC TR ATION (Off OUNT f ull p r ic e ! .)
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BENEFITING YORK COLLEGE ATHLETICS The 13.1 mile journey that is the Spartan Half, begins and ends on our campus at York College of Pennsylvania and travels through rural southern Pennsylvania via the scenic Heritage Rail Trail County Park. This half marathon combines the unique benefits of our outstanding hosting facilities, event staff, and festive atmosphere with a gorgeous neighboring stretch of cinder running along what was once the historic Northern Central Railroad. This is a fast track with great opportunities for runners at every level. The Spartan Advance is the official athletic booster club of York College Athletics and a driving force in our effort to build and maintain a thriving and contemporary intercollegiate athletic program.
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Spartan Sports Talk
The Spartan women's lacrosse team starts the season ranked 8th in the Nike/IL Preseason Poll.
FIELD HOCKEY'S
Ali Posey '18 A STANDOUT FROM THE START
by Derek Behrenshausen, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Sometimes when you watch an athlete perform for the first time, you can see something different. It may be the way they move, the way they play, or just their sheer athleticism. When sophomore Ali Posey (Airville, PA) first took the field for the Spartan field hockey team in the fall of 2014, it was obvious she had that something that set her apart. Posey had an outstanding freshman season as she earned the Capital Athletic Conference Rookie-of-the-Year. That was just the tip of the iceberg as she became the first NFHCA All-American in the 48-year-history of the York College field hockey program after her 2015 season. Posey has already solidified herself as one of the greatest players in York College field hockey history in just two seasons with the Green and White. She has led the team in both goals and points in each of her seasons in a Spartan uniform, and she has been among the top in both categories in the Capital Athletic Conference, which boasts some of the top players in the country each year. Posey's 18 goals and 41 points this past season ranked as the fourth-highest goal total in the region and fifth-highest point total. She went four-for-five in penalty strokes while she also recorded a pair of game-winning goals. The four converted strokes are a single-season school record for York. Posey had a pair of three-goal games early in the year as she scored a goal in 12 of her 19 games. Her 18 goals are tied for second on the program's single-season list while her 41 points are tied for third. "I am beyond excited for the phenomenal accomplishments Ali has achieved this season," said Spartan head coach Carly Zinn. "She has truly earned every accolade. Ali came to York with an amazing skill set, however she remains one of the most coachable players I have ever had the opportunity to coach. Her willingness to be coached and the trust she has in our coaching staff and teammates, combined with her work ethic and natural athleticism, will certainly carve out a bright future for her as she continues to grow as a player and a leader on our team." In two seasons, Posey has totaled 69 points on 30 goals and nine assists with six game-winning goals. Posey ranks just outside the top 10 on the Spartan career points list, but sits seventh in goals, eighth in game-winning goals and first in goals-per-game average (0.77). Posey is averaging 1.77 points per game as she has played in all of the team's 39 games in the last two seasons with 38 starts. "I cannot say enough about the positive impact Ali brings to our program both on and off the field," said Zinn. "I believe Ali holds characteristics of a true champion as she is always calm under pressure, she is motivating and does not show any fear to her teammates when going into games against tough opponents, and above all, she is humble beyond belief. These are champion qualities, and as she becomes a leader on the team she will continue to provide these qualities and help to build other champion mentalities within her teammates, and in turn help to create a champion team." For her career, Posey has been a two-time First Team AllCAC selection, the 2014 CAC Rookie-of-the Year and a twotime NFHCA All-South Region selection (Second Team-2014, First Team-2015). Posey is not only a great player but also is a stellar student as she carries a 3.09 GPA as a Nursing major at YCP.
The Spartan student-athlete GPA was 3.22 fo r th fall 2015 semes e ter, the highest tota l in school history.
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Spartan Athletics Dates To Watch:
Spartan Sports Talk
Track & Field Wednesday, March 23 Hosts York College Twilight Invitational The Spartan men's and women's track squads make their only home 2016 appearance as they host the Twilight Invitational. The loaded meet is one of the premier events in the region.
Men's Lacrosse Saturday, March 26 vs. Mary Washington A clash of two of the upper tier teams in the Capital Athletic Conference. The Spartans and Eagles have had a number of close games over the last three years and this year shouldn't be any different. York returns home after a threegame trip including a pair of games against nationally ranked squads.
Men's Lacrosse Wednesday, March 30 vs. St. Mary's This will be an interesting matchup as head coach Brandon Childs squares off against his older brother Jason, the first-year head coach at St. Mary's College. The Spartans have won three straight in the series encompassing a pair of wins last year, including an 8-6 win in the CAC tournament.
Softball Saturday, April 2 vs. Christopher Newport (DH) The Spartans kick off an eight-game home stand with a twin bill against CAC powerhouse Christopher Newport. The Spartans follow with two games against Mary Washington on Sunday in a very busy conference weekend in York.
Women's Lacrosse Saturday, April 2 vs. Mary Washington Another high-profile home game for the women as they welcome the Eagles to Kinsley Field. The Spartans have had the better of the play the last few years in the series, but it always promises to be a close and highly competitive game.
Softball Sunday, April 3 vs. Mary Washington (DH) The Spartans and Eagles close out a very important weekend for the Spartans after York hosted CNU on Saturday. The Eagles and Spartans should be neck and neck in competing for a high spot in the CAC tournament.
Women's Lacrosse Saturday, April 9 vs. Southern Virginia The Spartans close out their 2016 regular season home slate with a CAC game against Southern Virginia. The Spartans will celebrate senior day prior to the contest.
Baseball Saturday, April 9 vs. Salisbury One of the biggest conference doubleheaders of the year as the Spartans welcome the CAC finalist Sea Gulls to Jaquet Field for York's final home conference doubleheader of the year.
Men's Lacrosse Wednesday, April 13 vs. Salisbury The Spartans welcome the defending CAC champions to York for what should be one of the best games in the league this spring. The Sea Gulls enter the campaign ranked fourth in the nation and are one of six teams on the Spartan schedule ranked in the preseason top 20.
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 15
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Graham Innovation Scholars: Designing Extraordinary Lives hat does it take to be extraordinary? Twenty-two students participating in York College's new Graham Innovation Scholars program will discover some answers to this question as the academic year unfolds. Funded by a generous gift from Donald Graham and the Graham Foundation, the program has been designed to spur skills of innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking. It was developed and is being directed by Dominic DelliCarpini, Ph.D., Dean of the Center for Community Engagement, who said that the program is committed to "designing extraordinary lives by enhancing students' educational experiences and helping them tailor these to fit their goals." While the focus is on student development, there is also an opportunity to generate innovative methods of instruction through the use of data collected during the program. DelliCarpini believes that the benefits of becoming a Graham Scholar are innumerable and said that participation in the program offers students the opportunity to enrich their education as well as their personal and professional relationships.
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SOME KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Working with a highly motivated group of students. To be a Graham Scholar is to be a part of a team. Following their college paths together, these students are constantly growing, building upon each other's ideas to achieve success. Modifying or designing a rich educational experience. The program allows students to customize their educational experience in a way that supports their specific goals.
Studying away or abroad. Through generous funding support, Graham Innovation Scholars will plan and execute a trip that is directly related to their learning goals. Traveling in groups, this trip experience will allow further group bonding and help the Scholars deepen their intercultural knowledge.
Learning business skills for productivity and success. No matter what profession the Scholars aspire to, they will learn skills such as leadership, marketing, and management, which are essential for turning ideas into action.
Receiving guidance from Community Business Mentors. Graham Scholars will benefit from mentoring by leaders and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Mentors will be available based on the interests and goals of each Scholar. Engaging in paid summer research or community projects. During the summer, qualifying Scholars will have the opportunity to engage in research activities with established experts. The opportunities range from field and lab work to research projects conducted with business leaders.
Attending events with local and national experts. Graham Scholar events are held regularly. As professional networking opportunities, they present shadowing and mentoring experiences and can lead to internships and job offers.
Approximately 20 students will be admitted into the Graham Scholars program each year. These students participate, learn, and grow in the program throughout their time as YCP students. As freshmen, they begin their experience in the First-Year Seminar (FYS) course titled Entrepreneurial Thinking. They then follow the curriculum that they design for the remainder of their stay.
by Annelise Vlacich '16
The Graham Scholars program has already attracted many motivated, involved students who seek to challenge themselves throughout their college years. Applicants such as Ben Hinkel '19 (Ashland, PA) gained an interest in the program because it closely matched a long-standing enthusiasm for learning by doing. Hinkel said, "I had always been very involved in my high school between various clubs, honor societies, and sports. I wanted to continue to be involved and push myself to be the best I could be in college and beyond." Other students credited their interest to the community-focused nature of the program. One such student, Nathan Cooper '18 (Bear, DE) said, "I was enticed when I learned that scholars would get to start up community projects and work with people both inside and outside of campus." Upon getting accepted to the program, the Graham Scholars felt immense pride and a strong sense of opportunity. Cathy Cooper '19 (Coatesville, PA) expressed her initial reaction to learning of her acceptance, saying, "Acceptance into this program was one of my greatest honors that I will always cherish. I felt privileged to be a part of such a prestigious and self-developmental program. I knew that my acceptance meant that I should embrace the challenge of removing the creative block from my mind and replacing it with creative confidence." In their FYS course, Graham Scholars learn about human-centered design or "design thinking," an innovation technique developed by the founder of the Stanford d-school, David Kelley. The FYS is led by Stanford MBA, Erin Casey, and helps students to gain the creative confidence as a first-year student to take on a real community project with York's Central Market. This encourages students to accept every idea as a valid suggestion. Cathy Cooper said, "Design thinking teaches me to always be open-minded and flourish every idea instead of completely eliminating it." It shows the students how to keep consumers in mind while designing and implementing their ideas. Their project in Central Market helped them to develop plans and put them to the test, while also learning to accept negative feedback toward improving their plans. They learn to accept that failure is a necessary part of the learning and innovation processes, and that working with others facilitates an open mind to finding alternative approaches to solving problems. Through the program, Scholars establish connections and mentor/mentee relationships as they continuously learn about teamwork and bonding. Nathan Cooper notes the professional aspect of these benefits, saying, "We are building the teamwork and communication skills needed to form connections in the future." However, there is also an important social benefit for making friends. Hinkel said, "We were able to move in early because of the program, which gave us extra time to get to know each other. It was nice having a large friend group starting the semester." Looking forward, the students have amazing goals in mind. One outstanding goal is that of Cathy Cooper, who said, "I look forward to being professionally and personally ready to challenge myself creatively." She intends to build a platform for herself that would allow her to improve the Liberian healthcare system by creating a brand of hospitals. The innovation and supportive nature of the Graham Scholars program offers an exciting path for motivated students to gain creative confidence and an excellent way to bring new methods to higher education.
Learn more about the program and how to apply: http://www.ycp.edu/academics/graham-innovation-scholars/ graham-application/.
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Hear more from the scholars at www.ycp.edu.
Opposite top, left to right: Maura Gallant '18 (Pottstown, PA); Robert Van De Mark '17 (West Chester, PA); Donald Graham; Bill Kerlin, CEO Graham Capital Company; Samuel Wenerd '19 (Wilmington, DE). Middle left to right: Robert Van De Mark '17 (West Chester, PA); Benjamin O'Connor '19 (Cleona, PA); Miranda Gajda '19 (Lewisburg, PA); Ezra Moore '19 (Dallas, PA); Dominc DelliCarpini Ph.D., (photo courtesy of Bill Kalina/The York Dispatch); Bottom: Graham Scholars meet with Rita King '10, owner of Prime Art Supply in York, PA (photo courtesy of Bill Kalina/The York Dispatch). York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 17
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hen you hear the word "homeless" what comes to mind? A family sleeping in their car after losing their home? An unkempt man sitting on the sidewalk begging? A woman wrapped in multiple layers of clothing pushing a shopping cart containing all her belongings?
You probably did not think of a student at York College.
To protect her privacy, let's call her Katie. She is a senior, who looks like a typical student, slim, wearing black leggings and a T-shirt. Her gaze is steady and her voice doesn't waiver as she describes what it is like to be homeless. People expect her to cry when she tells her story, she says, but she won't. True to her word, she doesn't. In a small college like York, it is not so easy to get lost in the crowd. At a pizza party, a staff member noticed that Katie was hungry and asked if anything was wrong. For Katie, just telling her story is a leap of faith, but she hopes that it will encourage others to get the help they desperately need. She understands why someone would be reluctant to ask for assistance. In the beginning, she was ashamed of being homeless and wanted to keep it hidden, even from her roommates. "It's always awkward," she says. "I've had new roommates each year. I don't really bring up my situation because I think it makes others uncomfortable. Last year was my first year living with so many people, four others. 'Home' to my roommates meant being with family. I hated coming back from school breaks and they'd be talking about the time they had spent
those first few months, including several friends and their families. I was resistant to their help at first, though. I truly believed I was a burden on others and that they were wasting their time trying to help me at all because I believed I was going nowhere. Not everyone has the great support system that I’ve had. " Months after leaving home, Katie applied to York College.
"I stopped considering myself 'homeless' once I came to York. It feels different here. At YCP, I can blend in with other students and appear normal. I’m not the 'extra' one in another family’s home. It was seven months after I left home that I decided to apply to York. I had to find a new place to live and I still didn’t have a job or a car. I had been accepted to YCP when I was a senior in high school and the application was free. I decided to apply again. This way, not only would I be getting an education, but also I would have a place to live. I was accepted but I was sure that there was no way I could pay for it. I didn’t really have a plan after acceptance. But a friend of mine discovered I was accepted and was pretty knowledgeable about how financial aid works." When she came to York, Katie said, "I wanted to get involved immediately. It took so much for me to get here, and I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity. I’m involved in two student organizations, have two part-time oncampus jobs, and a part-time job off campus. I receive more financial aid with each year. Many four-year colleges make their application to be considered an independent student EXTREMELY difficult, and I understand why. YCP’s Financial Aid Office is so incredibly helpful and makes the yearly dependency override application as smooth as possible." It is hard for her to believe that she'll graduate soon. "Sometimes," she
"I stopped considering myself 'homeless' once I came to York." with their mom or dad, or the annoying thing their siblings did. I was happy for them; it'd just be upsetting because that's not something I could or can do. They eventually found out later in the year. I felt a little better because their reaction was 'why didn’t you tell us?' I didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable." She adds that those roommates have since graduated, and she has new ones this year, but only one of them knows her situation. Mature beyond her years, Katie remains guarded, although she has reached out for help and feels that things are getting better. It has been a long and arduous journey. What happened to make her homeless?
"Growing up, my father wasn't always the best. He would have violent outbursts a few times each year. Normally, when they would happen I’d leave the house, then wait a day or two to come back. When I was 18, my father choked me, so I left. I tried to come back the next day, but the locks were changed. I never went back. A lot of times, people assume you’re at fault for being homeless, the most popular reason being because you're lazy. I believed it was my fault for a long time. I'd have thoughts like 'maybe if I had been a better daughter' or 'maybe if I learned how to stop setting him off, this wouldn’t have happened.' " She says she feels fortunate that friends offered support during the toughest times, although at first she was reluctant to take advantage of their generosity and kindness. She feels bad for others who have no support system. Describing her disorientation, she says, "It took a while to really set in. I stayed at a friend's house for the first few months. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to do anything. I dropped out of community college, I didn't have a car, and I had to quit my job because I didn't have a car to get there. I was extremely lucky to have certain people in my life that helped me in
said, "I stop and look around YCP in amazement. I think, 'wow, I'm really doing this.' I’m so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful community." Finances are a huge challenge, and she works hard to make ends meet.
"Managing things financially has always been a struggle, but I worked hard for the money I do have. The past two years here, I was on a monthly payment plan for what I had to pay out-of-pocket for my tuition and housing. I wasn't making enough money at the time so I racked up a LOT of credit card debt. This year, I was awarded enough aid to not have to make monthly payments. The only payments I have are my phone bill and car insurance. After being uninsured for some time, I'm finally on Medicaid and don’t have to make payments. As for clothing – I'm not ashamed to be wearing the same thing most of the time. I’ve also had a couple of generous friends who've on occasion given me their old clothes instead of throwing them out. New clothes are not a necessity to me – food, bills, education…that's what's important. My mail gets scattered around to at least four different addresses so I find it eventually. I first started working when I was 16. It was my first job. I left when I was 18, shortly before I left home. I ended up asking for my job back when I was 19, because I was staying across the street, and needed some way to make those first payments to YCP. I’ve been working there ever since. My bosses are like family. Food is difficult sometimes but I always find something, even if I’m just eating potatoes for a week!"
According to Katie, "The most difficult moments aren't when I have two cents in my bank account, and it's not when I eat potatoes for a week. The most difficult moments are around the holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Father's Day. The times people typically spend with their families are the
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Seeking a Home and an Education York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 19
most difficult because I just don't have that." She said, "I'm still working for the best moment – when I have graduated, become financially stable, have a place of my own, and have my own family to treat well. That will be the best moment,
Katie does not take anything for granted. She said, "I feel so lucky. I still have bad days sometimes, but I just have to remember how far I've come. A YCP alum has been letting me stay in their apartment during my breaks. I'm able to make
"Sometimes," she said, "I look around YCP in amazement and think, wow, I'm really doing this." when I've 'made it.' In the meantime, it makes me incredibly happy when people tell me they are proud of me, whether or not they know how much I’ve been through, it's still very nice to hear. My mom tried helping me a little bit when everything first happened, but I didn’t want my dad to find out and have an episode directed at her."
Katie has gradually learned to reach out and ask for help, and the support she has been given has been a lifesaver.
"I wouldn't be here today if I didn't receive the help that I did. Friends, their families, even faculty from my high school, they all helped me make it happen. I wouldn't have any motivation if it weren't for them. My roommates from last year helped quite a bit, although they probably didn't realize the significance. They were a good group for me to be around, they were always checking in on me. One of them gave me some old running shoes of hers because mine were held together with duct tape. Another one gave me her old clothes. The few faculty members that know my story here have helped me a lot as well. One constantly checks in on me to see if I need anything. The other has given me advice and connected me with various resources for domestic violence victims, if my mother needs it. The YCP community makes it easy to feel comfortable enough to share my story and seek help if I need it."
ends meet most months. Graduation is getting closer. I still rarely ask others for help when I desperately need it, but I'm getting better. Between now and graduation, I'll still be rotating between my three jobs. After graduation, I'd like to join a police department and settle down. I'm a Criminal Justice major. I chose it so I could 'take down the bad guys' of course. My relationship with my father drove me to pick the major. I want to be the officer putting handcuffs on the one who's abusing their kids." Even though it was difficult for her to admit to being homeless, Katie said that she wishes that she had opened up to more people about her situation when she first came to YCP. "I think it would have made the transition easier. My proudest moment so far has to be this article. I hope some light gets brought to the subject matter, and I truly hope it will make a difference for someone." What else can the College do to help students in a similar situation?
"I think the College should hold more events like Homeless to Harvard [a YCP Vizzi Family Lecture given by Liz Murray, subject of the From Homeless to Harvard movie.] Anything to remove the taboo nature of a 'homeless college student.' These things need to be discussed and acknowledged."
Helping Homeless Students
Often when people discuss homelessness it's in the context of many of our extended human family, who have fallen on hard times, and find themselves without food and shelter. So it amazed me when it was brought to my attention over two years ago that we actually have students who experience homelessness when they are not living on campus during the academic year. Once my colleagues and I knew about the challenges these students faced, including not eating regularly, we were compelled to try and help. How do we offer support in these circumstances? First, it is important to see how we can assist students by using the current resources that are available. For example, when we are notified that a student may experience homelessness during a college break, the Office of Intercultural Student Life and Global Programming (ISLGP) works with the Office of Residence Life on a case-by-case basis, to explore the possibility of staying in a residential facility that will accommodate that student's break needs while maintaining their safety and security. We are also able to refer students to other resources in the local community. Second, we work with students dealing with homelessness to see if they are also suffering from hunger or food insecurity. We define food insecurity as a student’s uncertainty related to their ability to gain access to food at any time during the semester due to their economic status. If this occurs, there are opportunities provided by the ISLGP office for a student to enjoy a meal in the dining hall or at another campus facility. The office is currently working on the structure for a campus pantry that will provide students with non-perishable items once a month. The pantry will be supported solely by donations and each student’s anonymity will be maintained during food distribution. Lastly, the ISLGP office works to educate the greater campus population on this issue by providing professional development seminars that discuss topics such as homelessness and explore ways that the College community can provide support. During the 2015-2016 academic year, the office hosted campus-wide programming that called attention to the issues of homelessness and food insecurity. We will continue to promote a greater awareness of these issues, which not only affect some of our students, but also impact the local York community. —Darrien Davenport, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Student Affairs If you have any questions or wish to offer assistance to students trying to reach their educational goals despite being homeless, please contact ddavenp2@ycp.edu. 20 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
Starting the Conversation on Size Acceptance by Kevin Baker '16
tudents at York College experience a wide spectrum of ideas, and engage in open, serious, and respectful dialogue about subjects, including social movements, through classes, guest lectures, Cultural Series events, First-Year Seminars, independent studies, and many other forms of learning. They hear about topics that they didn't even know existed, and have opportunities to evaluate research and discuss different viewpoints that influence the world they live in. Two topics that have recently engendered interest and debate are the size acceptance and fat studies movements. Erec Smith, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition in the English and Humanities Department at the College, has conducted extensive research and published essays about size acceptance and fat studies. He said that size acceptance is "an activist movement searching to end discrimination against fat people," and he described fat studies as "an interdisciplinary academic field focused on the impact of body size on society and popular culture." In the Fall 2014 semester, students had the chance to attend a guest lecture by size acceptance activist Ragen Chastain, author of Fat: The Owner’s Manual and The Politics of Size; Perspectives from the Fat Acceptance Movement. The Associated Press and The Chicago Tribune have featured Chastain as an expert in the field, and she has made appearances on FOX News, NBC News, NPR, BBC, and other TV network stations. The goal of Chastain's lecture was to "begin the conversation on size acceptance here at York College," according to Smith, who helped to organize the event. Chastain also visited an Advanced Composition writing course to discuss her work as a blogger for the size acceptance movement. She said, "The size acceptance movement is important because, when people hate or are uncomfortable with their bodies, it affects every area of their lives — work, relationships, health, everything. People don't take care of things they hate and that includes their bodies." Some of the responses that Smith saw during the lecture and classroom visit were students who, despite their agreement or disagreement with the topics, were excited to see a new set of ideas that they had not known about or considered previously. Alexandra Yambor '15 (York, PA), attended both the lecture and the classroom visit by Chastain. She said, "As a student highly interested in the Cultural Series events, and modern cultural and scholarly topics, I found Ragen Chastain’s lecture and class visit both intriguing and invigorating." Nicole Di Lillo '16 (Staten Island, NY), another student who attended both Chastain's lecture and the classroom visit, said, "Her lecture was compelling because she was able to grasp the attention of such a big audience, especially college students, with engaging topics." Later, during the Fall 2015 semester, some incoming freshmen took a FirstYear Seminar (FYS) course taught by Smith that focused on the size acceptance movement. The goal of all FYS courses is to allow new students to develop the skills that they will need both during and after their time at college. Students in Smith's seminar learned these skills by using resources, including blogs, articles, art, and film, to study various perspectives. Some examples are Esther Rothblum and Sondra Solovay’s The Fat Studies Reader, Ragen Chastain’s blog Dances With Fat, and the Association of Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) website. (Other major sources that students used are listed in the sidebar). By taking advantage of events such as Chastain's lecture or Smith's FYS, students are learning about size acceptance and fat studies, two modern social movements. Chastain said, "Introducing students to modern social movements is vital . . . Students come to college from a wide variety of backgrounds, and may not even be aware that these movements exist, so familiarizing students with these movements is part of any good liberal arts education."
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WEB EXCLUSIVE
Go to www.ycp.edu to listen to Professor Smith, students, and Ragen Chastaine discuss size acceptance.
First-Year Seminar Resources: The Fat Studies Reader by Esther Rothblum and Sondra Solovay (Book) Scoot Over, Skinny by Donna Jarrell and Ira Sukrungruang (Book) Dances with Fat by Ragen Chastain (Blog) The Militant Baker by Jes Baker (Blog) More of Me to Love (Website) NAAFA by the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (Website) ASDAH: Association for Size Diversity and Health (Website)
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 21
ALUMNI POPULATION: 800
New York City
ALUMNI POPULATION: 500
New Jersey ALUMNI POPULATION: 2,600
Philadelphia
ALUMNI POPULATION: 4,400
Washington ALUMNI POPULATION: 1,450
Towson
ALUMNI POPULATION: 2,200
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SPARTANATION
Long Island
TOUR 2016
York
ALUMNI POPULATION: 15,200
Have you ever wondered what it was like to stand center stage at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts? Walk onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium? Wake up at 5:30 a.m. to catch a glimpse or even a handshake from a Today Show personality? The YCP Road Crew did just that, spending the month of January traveling to six locations: Long Island, NY; New York City, NY; New Jersey; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, D.C.; and Towson, MD. They visited alumni at their workplaces and attended networking receptions on the 2016 SpartaNation tour.
What is SpartaNation? SpartaNation is an outreach program of events to connect on a regional level with our evergrowing Spartan family. These events serve as a link between not only alumni, but also current and prospective students and parents.
Who are members of the 2016 YCP Road Crew? Our Road Crew is a group of 10 students, with various majors, who serve as brand ambassadors for the College.
How do you travel from city to city? We have an awesome 15-passenger van that is branded with our logo and school colors. (We may occasionally honk the horn at fellow Spartans and did I mention we keep snacks on hand at all times?) Throughout our journey, we connected with more than 450 alumni, current students, parents, and prospective families.
The #YCP Road Crew visited: • The Today Show • The Rachael Ray Show with Jill Skinner '02, Promotions Manager • Wyndham Worldwide with Michael Mueller '90, Brand Senior Vice President, Super 8 Worldwide, Inc.; and Michael Valentino '99, Vice President of Communication and Marketing • Seer Interactive with Adam Melson '05, Team Lead • Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts with Heather Hanks '02, Marketing Manager • The Baltimore Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium • Stanley Black & Decker with more than 10 alumni
My favorite part of the SpartaNation tour was connecting with alumni and hearing their experiences. I also really enjoyed meeting prospective students and helping them learn about York College and the Spartan culture. Abhi Kudaravalli '17 (Dix Hills, NY)
Meet a few of our SpartaNation Road Crew Members:
For prospective students, choosing a college can be extremely stressful, but with the SpartaNation receptions we are able to welcome these students and their families to the Spartan family. It's so rewarding to help ease the concerns of parents by answering their questions and assuring them that York is a great school.
Networking with YCP alumni is extremely helpful for current students to hear tips about what did or didn't work during their time at York College and helps with preparation for entering the 'real world.' Joel Copenheaver ’16, (York, PA)
Lydia Moro '17 (Abingdon, MD)
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 23
I love talking about YCP so much! I loved telling the prospective students about my time at York, as well as hearing from alumni about their experiences. All of the different perspectives made me so much more appreciative of all that YCP has to offer. I was sad to see our trip end, but I'll take all that I have learned and gained with me as I start a fresh, new chapter after graduation! Dani Robbins '16 (Coatesville, PA)
YC Connect
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Alumni at Hershey Med Center Mentor Students There's nothing quite like working the shift of a nurse-mentor to gain hands-on experience. Four York College graduates (Jared Dougherty '14, Ashley Brightbill '08, Frank Wisniewski '12, and Chelsea McCracken '13) who are Hershey Medical Center employees, mentored four YCP students (Megan Shannon '15, Kristen Andreone '15, John Kramer '15, and Kimberly Bobetsky '15), who took the Nursing Practicum taught by adjunct faculty member Allana Langley '04, before they graduated in December 2015. Students had 86 hours of clinical experience and worked the shifts of the mentoring nurse, whether it was a weekday eight-hour shift or weekend 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. They gradually stepped into their mentor's "shoes" and gained an even greater understanding about what it is like to be a nurse. Above left to right: John Kramer '15, Frank Wisniewski '12, and Allana Langley '04.
Kristopher Marrion '03/MBA '04 By overseeing the profitable growth of Erie Insurance in NC, Kris Marrion '03/MBA '04 has a large business to look after. In 2003, Marrion earned his B.S. in Business Administration from York College, and later went on to earn his MBA in 2004. Currently, he works closely with his agency force to solicit feedback on their products. He remains in constant communication with staff and business partners to adapt to consumer changes. On average, Marrion is involved in every aspect of business, in areas such as finance, marketing, law, and managing people. "No two days are the same, which I love," he said. "The size of the College was ideal for me," Marrion stated, "because I never felt like a number in the student body, but like an individual." The experiences he had at YCP were invaluable to his success. During his time at the College, he worked closely with local businesses, which offered him priceless opportunities. Marrion was able to observe how local business operated from start to finish, and "to see directly how classroom knowledge fits into businesses." A business he remembers working with particularly was United Defense Industries (now part of BAE Systems), which builds military equipment. Some advice he would like to give current students is to "ask questions and network; change is a good thing; look at changes as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally." He believes you will never know who you will meet through networking, or who will give you an interesting opportunity. He said students should "welcome the change and embrace it." –MA "From day one, I realized York College was a place where relationships mattered, and they would make a difference not only in my professional life but also in my personal life."
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YC Connect
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Alumni Profile Go to www.ycp.edu/alumni-stories to read more alumni stories.
Carla Gray '04 Carla Gray '04 was immediately hired by the Secret Service after graduating from York College. She worked for six and a half years at the White House and traveled to support and protect the President. "It was an amazing experience and I learned and saw a lot, but I was ready for something different, so in 2012, I moved to California and took a job managing Physical Security at Facebook headquarters. I was there for three and a half years, and just made the jump to Uber," said Gray. At Uber, Gray is a Global Programs Manager for Physical Security. She works on the team that protects the company, the people, building, and assets. Her main focus is putting programs and processes in place to help keep everyone safe and, if an incident occurs around the world, then the Physical Security team needs to be ready to respond and support. Although it can be a demanding job, Gray said that her favorite part is "working with great people, doing something I am passionate about — helping people stay safe, and getting the opportunity to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions." During her time at York College, Gray majored in Criminal Justice and played on the volleyball and tennis teams. "My York education gave me a solid knowledge base that helped me enter the workforce with confidence, which was key to being successful. Learning doesn't stop when you leave college, and the skills I developed as a student at York have continued to be useful in the workplace," said Gray. –BS
Half-Marathon Success Steven L. Childres '14 (right) placed first (1:14:07) and Craig P. Eppler '14/MBA '15 (left) placed third (1:18:47) in the men's race of the D&L Heritage Half-Marathon in the Lehigh Valley on November 1. It was the first half-marathon for Childres, who said, "I hoped to do well, but I wasn't really expecting to win." He and Eppler are former YCP cross-country teammates, and Childres added, "It's cool that Craig took third."
"From day one, York pushed me outside of my comfort zone. The experiences and successes I had while there prepared me to take on much greater challenges and shaped who I am today."
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 25
YC Connect
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Photos by Megan Jones '16
Alum Rings Closing Bell Trustee and alumnus Jeffrey Hines '97 MBA, CEO of The York Water Company, traveled to New York and rang the NASDAQ Stock Market closing bell on February 18. Hines, who is married to Patti Stirk '87/MBA '99, was accompanied by his wife, a team of York College business students, and executives from his company. The York Water Company is celebrating its 200th anniversary as the oldest investor-owned utility in the United States. It has been a publicly traded company since 1816, making it the oldest publicly traded company that is listed on any major exchange. In honor of this occasion, NASDAQ invited Hines to ring the closing bell. "Helping The York Water Company commemorate such a historic milestone was a very humbling and rewarding experience that I will forever cherish!" said student Zach Hanson '16 (New Freedom, PA).The YCP students are seniors enrolled in a course titled "Integrated Business Experience," taught by faculty member Bob Green, through which they work with mentors from The York Water Company. Their trip to New York, compliments of Hines and the company, included the exciting experience of being on the NASDAQ trading floor and joining in a celebratory dinner. Megan Jones '16 (Felton, PA) said, "Getting to be a part of the NASDAQ closing with The York Water Company was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget!" Above left to right: Nihir Tribedi '16 (River Edge, NJ); Zachary Hanson '16 (New Freedom, PA); Jeffrey Hines '97 MBA, CEO The York Water Company; Christopher Keith '16 (Hampstead, MD); Megan Jones '16 (Felton, PA); and Shannon Meglathery '16 (Northfield, NJ).
Alumni Profile Go to www.ycp.edu/alumni-stories to read more alumni stories.
Geoffrey Wiles '04 Geoffrey Wiles '04 was a History major at York College, and spent his summers interning at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF). After graduation, Wiles was offered a full-time position at VVMF, and spent the next 10 years working for the organization. In 2014, he moved to National Public Radio (NPR) as the Manager of Developmental Research, responsible for supporting NPR's fundraising operations on the East Coast. He explained that developmental research provides NPR fundraisers analysis of existing donors and prospects, coordinates and executes wealth screenings of prospects, and identifies new sources of funding for fundraisers to pursue. The most important piece of knowledge Wiles gained while at YCP was how to work well with all types of people, especially in different locations. Model European Union was one of his favorite classes because he not only had to work with YCP students but also students from other colleges on drafting documents. Some of his favorite professors were Kay McAdams, Peter Levy, Paul Doutrich, and Phil Avillo. Wiles is a member of the YCP Alumni Board of Directors and a Regional Ambassador in the Washington, D.C. area. He is not sure what his career path has in store for him next, but on a personal note, he is getting married to his best friend and fellow alumni Kathryn Brewster '04 in March 2016. 窶適H "From day one, I knew I was going to enjoy my time at York. My first experiences with the professors and students on campus really set the stage for the next four years and beyond."
26 | York College Magazine 窶｢ WINTER 2015-2016
YC Connect
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Alumni Profile Go to www.ycp.edu/alumni-stories to read more alumni stories.
Kristie Bruner '11 Ever since Kristie Bruner '11 (Pittsburgh, PA) can remember, she wanted to be a nurse, and the education she received from York College made that possible. She always loved caring for other people and would even set up an office in her basement and make her sister come to get "fixed up." For a little over four years now she has worked at Allegheny General Hospital as an RN on a heart failure telemetry floor. In October, she accepted the daytime clinical supervisor position on the same unit. As a hands-on-learner, her clinical rotations at York were her favorite courses. She enjoyed being able to take the techniques she had learned and use them at the hospital on patients. This is how she knew that she had made the right choice in professions. She was inspired by her favorite professor, Julie Beck, D.Ed., whose passion for the nursing profession always shined through whether it was teaching in the classroom or in the clinical setting. Dr. Beck always gave positive encouragement and made students want to work hard to be the best they could be. Bruner recently won the Cameo for Caring Award. For this award, hospitals around western PA select one nurse who demonstrates excellence in nursing care, serves as an advocate for patients and families, and embodies the essence of the nursing profession. She hopes to go back to school next fall to get her Master's in Nursing Administration and Master's in Business to continue her growth as a nurse leader. 窶適H "From day one, the friendly atmosphere, small classroom sizes, and array of activities made me feel right at home and I knew I would love spending the next four years at YCP."
Olivia K. Castriota '12 Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter Olivia K. Castriota '12 released her debut album, "All At Once" this summer, which peaked at #2 in the U.S. on the New Album Release charts for the R&B/Soul category. She has had the privilege of singing at the world-famous Apollo Theater four times, opened for The Godmother of R&B Lil' Mo, worked with Grammy nominated artists like Marky of The Ramones, American Idol 's Hollywood Anderson, and songwriter of five #1 hit songs Vlado Kolenic. In the past year, she has performed for BronxNet TV, ABC 27, FOX43, NUBLU, The Village Underground, Bowery Electric, Milk River, Arlene's Grocery and MetLife Stadium.
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Go to www.ycp.edu and listen to Olivia singing.
York College Magazine 窶｢ WINTER 2015-2016 | 27
You CAN Make a Difference. MYTH: FACT:
Only large gifts create an impact.
It’s not how much you give . . . it’s that you give!
Alumni participation says so much:
I believe in my York College education. s y a s It I want the next generation of YCP students to have an It says incredible experience just like I did.
I feel my gift makes a difference. s y a s It Make your gift today: www.ycpalumni.com/givetoycp
Thank you for making York College of Pennsylvania extraordinary! Spartans for Life!
YORK COLLEGE FUND York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 28
Stay in touch and share your news! To submit Class Notes or YC Connect items, go to www.YCPAlumni.com, use the YCP mobile app, call 717-815-6642 or email alumni@ycp.edu. The magazine's policy is to print as many Class Notes in each issue as space and timeliness permit. Submissions may be edited for length and content. Send submissions for the Fall Issue by July 29, Winter Issue by October 14, Spring/Summer Issue by March 31.
60s
00s
Lerew Named Broker of Record Parker D. Lerew '69 (Gardners, PA) was recently named Broker of Record/Manager of Bell Real Estate, Inc., in York Springs, PA. He holds the coveted CRS, ABR, GRI, CDPE and CSP designations and the e-PRO certification.
70s 80s
Jamie L. (Morgan) Beal '00 (Mine Hill, NJ) was appointed Assistant Vice President, Director of Communications with Selective Insurance Company of America. Scott D. Day '05 (Midlothian, VA) was named the new Assistant Athletic Director for Communications for the University of Richmond Spiders in VA. He was previously with Virginia Commonwealth University. Bradford R. Dyjak '09 (Elephant Butte, NM) joined the village of Ruidoso, NM, as the new Planning Administrator. He became a certified zoning official in NM in May 2015. Mark P. Fitzgerald '02 (Marietta, PA) has been named a Senior Private Banker for southcentral Pennsylvania with Wilmington Trust's York office.
Lee Named Executive Director Jessica L. Lee '08 (York, PA) has been promoted to Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Arts Experience (PAE), which promotes the visual arts along the scenic river valleys of southeastern PA through education, outreach, public activities, and strategic alliances while nurturing the creative process for professional artists and the general public.
Debbie (Harris) Herd '71 (Newark, NY) and her husband, Kenneth, are both retired and recently took a leisurely cross-country road trip totaling 8,551 miles.
Linda Amos '84 (York, PA) had two poems published in the Fall 2015 edition of The Magnolia Quarterly, the magazine of the Gulf Coast Writers Association – "My Christmas Wish" and "As Mid-October Approached." Audra G. Johns, MS, RN '87 (York, PA) received the 2015 Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC) Community Immunization Champion Award in May 2015 at the PAIC state conference. This honor is given to only one individual within PA each year. She was nominated by Kristi L. Wanamaker '11, BS, RN.
90s
Michael N. Capabianco '98 (Matawan, NJ) is the new City Manager for the Asbury Park City Council in NJ. Robert A. Fogle, Jr. '99 (Dover, PA) was named a Computer-Aided Design Drafter with Graham Architectural Products in Spring Garden Township, York, PA. Roger L. Getz '93 (Liverpool, PA) joined the University of Maine's Presque Isle campus as the Director of Library Services. Christine E. (Eckert) Nentwig '94 (York, PA) has joined CGA Law Firm of York as an attorney with its labor and employment law practice group. Sarah L. (Boyer) Ward '95 (Red Lion, PA) joined the Leadership Team of Point 2 Point Global Security as Controller.
Zachary C. Miller '09 (Dillsburg, PA) was named Vice President and Bank Secretary Act Officer with Mid Penn Bank in Schuylkill County, PA. D. Hunter Mink '05 (Stewartstown, PA) recently earned the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional designation from the Construction Financial Management Association. He is currently a certified public accountant in the York office of Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP. Daniel T. Whipp '09 (Forest Hill, MD) has been hired to lead the Chesapeake Science & Security Corridor (CSSC) in Harford County, MD, under the administration of County Executive Barry Glassman. The CSSC is an arm of the Harford County Office of Economic Development.
10s
Hannah E. Copenheaver '13 (York, PA) was named Manager of Outreach and Communications with the World Trade Center Harrisburg, serving Central PA. Kathleen M. (Birmingham) Cullum, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C '10 (Street, MD) has joined the group Downtown Personal Physicians in Baltimore, MD. Bryant J. Hughes '15 (Middletown, DE) was named an Assistant Account Executive with the public relations department of Wavelength Marketing LLC in Columbia, PA. He was previously with the Harrisburg City Islanders. Benjamin E. Pettit '15 (York, PA) has joined Graham Architectural Products in Spring Garden Township, York, as an Assistant Project Manager.
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 29
YC Connect
Weddings and Engagements
Tiffany Jo Arnold '10 (Red Lion, PA) married Tyler Scott Gipe of Hallam, PA, on June 27, 2015, at The Duke Farm in Fawn Grove, PA. The couple live in Red Lion, PA. Rachael L. Bernosky '13 (Delran, NJ) and Justin W. Stumpf '11 (Kingsville, MD) were married on June 27, 2015, in Hunt Valley, MD.
Thomas R. Grosh '77 (Lititz, PA) married Jill Robinson of Lancaster, PA, on July 25, 2015, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Lancaster, PA. Amanda N. Miller '14 (Spring Grove, PA) and Clark E. Walker III '12 (New Freedom, PA) were married on September 19, 2015, at the Garden Ceremony of Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York, PA, followed by a reception in the Terrace Room. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and live in York, PA. Bryan W. Nye '05 (Long Island, NY) married Sarah Own at The View in Oakdale, NY, on August 8, 2015.
Nye / Own Bernosky / Stumpf Shannon N. Blair '09 (White Hall, MD) married Colin Bliss, a graduate of George Mason University, on October 3, 2015. They are planning on going to the Galapagos Islands with other alumni in the summer of 2016.
Ashley N. Rineman '13 (Hanover, PA) is engaged to Gerard F. McIntyre, Jr. '13 (New Oxford, PA). The couple is planning a wedding for August 2017. Hannah J. Ritzman '15 (Thompsontown, PA) is engaged to Michael J. Schilthuis '14 (Mount Joy, PA). A wedding is planned for April 2016. Kerri A. Schneider '15 (York, PA) married Levi Warner of Spring Grove, PA, on August 8, 2015, at the Lodges of Gettysburg. The couple currently resides in Spring Grove, PA. Megan L. Shugars '07 (York, PA) married Jeremy Baker of Strasburg, PA, on November 14, 2015, at The Booking House in Manheim, PA. Shannon G. Yuran '98 (York, PA) married Scott McNew of Waynesboro, PA, on June 6, 2015, at the Civic Club gardens in Harrisburg. A reception followed on the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat and the couple honeymooned in Cape Cod, MA.
Arrivals Jennifer L. (Zimmerman) '07 and Ryan C. Hodges '09 (Frederick, MD), a son, Jameson Scott, on October 14, 2015. He joins older sisters Camila and Zoe. Jennifer V. (Ehrenreich) '08 and Scott W. Mathews '05 (Wilmington, DE), a daughter, Summer Nevina, on August 4, 2015.
Blair / Bliss Jaimie L. Bull '10 (York, PA) and Connor O’Malley '12 (Baltimore, MD) were married on October 3, 2015, at Linwood Estate in Carlisle, PA. Lauren C. Byers '14 (Millerstown, PA) became engaged to Brandon D. Corsi '14 (Broomall, PA) on December 4, 2015. They plan to get married on September 4, 2016, in Hallam, PA. Kayla R. Frederick '15 (York, PA) became engaged to Derek Putt of Millersville, PA, on October 3, 2015. Thomas M. Ganley '01 (Bel Air, MD) married Jillian Wheeler of Watertown, NY, on June 14, 2015, in Towson, MD.
Summer Nevina Mathews
Kristin L. (Himmelberger) '08 and Gary L. Rynier, Jr. '09 (Lititz, PA), a daughter, Brooke Kathryn. Andrea D. (Child) '07 and Geoffrey W. Wilkins '06 (Wilmington, DE), a daughter, Marjorie Grace, in April of 2015.
Wheeler / Ganley
Marjorie Grace Wilkins
30 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
Deceased
The YCP community extends heartfelt sympathy to the families of those alumni and friends listed.
Friends
James H. Chubb, Jr. (York, PA), September 8, 2015. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1960 and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, then earned his MBA from Columbia University. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and numerous family and friends. Ronald E. Fritz, Sr. (Chambersburg, PA), August 2, 2015. He worked as a Shipping Expeditor at Corning Glass for 40 years, retiring in 2000. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alma. Beverley A. (Grass) Klinefelter (York, PA), July 19, 2015. She taught for 32 years and was the head of the Art Department at Central High School in York. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, William. Dean L. Paules (York, PA), December 14, 2014. He trained in electronics, but was also a self-taught painter who became an award-winning portrait artist. He had many interests, including being a ham radio operator, piloting his own plane, and gardening. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, JoAnn. Carol S. (Pawlus) Selak (York, PA), April 16, 2015. She is survived by her daughters and sister.
Alumni
Harold E. Bailey '59 (Lancaster, PA), May 7, 2015. A graduate of York Junior College, he went on to earn advanced degrees from Millersville State University and Western Maryland (McDaniel) College. He taught 4th grade at Canadochly Elementary School in Eastern York School District for 32 years, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Doris, to whom he was married for 35 years. Roger W. Burke, Jr. '67 (Washington, D.C.), June 4, 2014. He attended York Junior College, where he played baseball, then transferred to The George Washington University to finish his B.A. in History, followed by a law degree in 1976 from the former Antioch College School of Law, both in Washington, D.C. He had a long and successful legal career, mostly in service to the U.S. government. Nathaniel B. Burt '73 (Lancaster, PA), October 6, 2015. He also attended Goldey-Beacom College (Wilmington, DE) and earned his Certified Public Accountant license in 1986, serving for 15 years as Vice President of Finance at Penn-Mar Castings, Inc., in Hanover, PA. He also served on the York County Planning Commission for 18 years, and was a long-standing member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in York, PA. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary. Neil S. "Fisher" Essenfeld '87 (Kill Devil Hills, NC), November 4, 2015. Burnell K. Geiman '57 (Hanover, PA), June 16, 2015. He was a graduate of York Junior College and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He retired in 1993 after 31 years of service with the U.S. Postal Service. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dawn. Karen D. Grover '82 (Lititz, PA), November 3, 2015. She most recently worked for Lancaster Newspapers as a human resources professional. She is survived by her parents, sisters, and her partner, Dr. Jere B. Eshelman. Bruce F. Herold '61 (Butler, PA and Birmingham, AL), September 3, 2015. A graduate of York Junior College, he retired from BFGoodrich-Michelin and Books-a-Million. He is survived by his wife, Carol. Reta M. Karan '80 (Baldwinsville, NY), November 1, 2014. She retired as a Medical Records Administrator for Clifton Springs Hospital and was also an elementary school teacher. She is survived by a son and a daughter and their families. Gloria J. Luckenbaugh '62 (Palmyra, PA), October 11, 2015. A graduate of York Junior College, she was a Medical Technician at Hershey Medical Center for 30 years before retiring. During retirement, she enjoyed crocheting beautiful scarves and blankets. Barbara E. (Kaufer) May '86 (Scranton, PA), May 24, 2015. She was a member of Beth Shalom Congregation in Scranton. She is survived by her two daughters and their families. Terry R. McDonald '62 (York, PA), September 26, 2015. He attended York Junior College and then continued his studies at Millersville (State) University, becoming a high school social studies teacher. He was also a member of Messiah United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara. James A. Mulligan '73 (Etters, PA), November 2, 2015. He worked for Kellogg's/Keebler Foods for 30 years after graduating from the College and lived in Etters for over 40 years. He is survived by his brothers and sister and many nieces and nephews. Dennis L. Myers '58 (York, PA), June 20, 2015. He attended York Junior College and continued his studies at Elizabethtown College. He served as the Business Manager at the Country Club of York and the York YMCA, from which he retired. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by a daughter and two sons and their families. Karen J. Pfeifer, RN, BSN '94 (Highland Ranch, CO), November 10, 2015. The Karen Pfeifer Memorial Nursing Scholarship has been set up in her honor. William S. "Bill" Ream '80 (Lancaster, PA), October 16, 2015. He worked in the banking industry for many years in securities and investing, most recently with First Discount Brokerage. He was an active member of BPOE Post 134 in Lancaster. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, and many other family and friends. John P. "Jack" Shanks '03 (Cockeysville, MD), January 10, 2015. He is survived by his parents, fiancée, and siblings. M. Edward Shue, Jr. '65 (Dallastown, PA), September 28, 2015. He worked as a Purchasing Agent for the Olin Corporation for 35 years, retiring in 1995. He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Dallastown and a member and former president and treasurer of the Dallastown Lions Club. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dixie, and his three children and their families. Freda A. (Eyster) Smith '87 (York, PA), June 9, 2015. She was the owner and operator of Nearly New Boutique in Tollgate Village in York, PA. She is survived by her three daughters and their families. Dr. Robert M. Stahl '62 (St. Louis, MO), September 9, 2015. He attended York Junior College and retired from the Department of Communication at Saint Louis University. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis. Scott A. Walters '10 (York, PA), November 14, 2015. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York and was an active member in the formation of the Sons of the American Legion Post 751 in Enola, PA. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Midway Fire Company in Enola. He is survived by his wife, Tiffany, and their son and daughters, as well as his parents and many other family members. Roxy L. Wertz '96 (York, PA), March 10, 2015. Philip Wolfhope '76 (Alexandria, PA), May 28, 2015. He retired from the York City Police Department with over 25 years of service. He is survived by his six children and many family members. Anthony J. Zorbaugh '88 (York, PA), September 13, 2015. He was a director with Planned Parenthood in Gettysburg, PA, working with HIV patients. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the American Legion Post in Shiloh, PA.
YC Connect In Memoriam Cora Bowen Miller Cora Bowen Miller, wife of former York College President Ray Miller, passed away on September 4, 2015, at the age of 100, in Orlando, FL. She and her family moved to York, PA, in 1958. Her husband directed the transformation of the York Junior College into a four-year college, becoming president of York College in 1968. She served as hostess for many college functions and activities during their 18 years in York. She also served as a Director for the YWCA, and was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma society. Ray and Cora Miller retired to Orlando, FL, in 1976. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing the piano, and playing bridge until she was 98. She is survived by her son Roger L. Miller, grandchildren Tamara Guthrie, Timothy L. Miller, Andrew Townsend; and three great grandchildren and their children, as well as nieces and nephews. Dr. Robert V. Iosue, who became president of York College in 1976, recalled Cora Miller with affection. He said, "She was a delightful person with a fine reputation as a wonderful ambassador for the College. Her friendship with neighbors in the community helped the College grow into a fine asset for York County." Dr. Iosue added, "the Cora Miller Art Gallery was named after her because of her love of art and her involvement throughout York County. She was a very warm person, easy to meet, enjoy, and talk with. She was very helpful to President Ray Miller as he led the Board of Trustees in moving the College to its present location. She lived a full, rich, active life, and York College is a better place because of her presence."
Melvin Kulbicki On October 12, 2015, after a long battle with cancer, Melvin Kulbicki, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science at York College since 1976, passed away at age 65. He was Chairman of the Political Science Department from 2002-2007. In addition to his love of teaching, Kulbicki believed in the importance of serving his community. Among other things, he was a member of the York County Commissioners Transition Team: Office of Elections Study Group in the spring of 2004. He was a part of the Landings Team at St. Patrick's Church 2001-2015, and a member of the York Suburban School Strategic Planning Committee from 1992-1995. He was active in a number of service and professional associations, including the Society of Catholic Social Scientists; the American Political Science Association; and the National Association of Scholars. York College held a memorial for Kulbicki on October 29 at the Waldner Performing Arts Center, which was attended by many friends, current and former faculty and students. State House Rep. Kevin Schreiber '02, D-York City, presented a bipartisan legislative citation co-sponsored with Republican Rep. Seth Grove '02, to Kulbicki's wife Lorraine. Kulbicki is survived by his wife, his two daughters, Kathryn Kulbicki and Elizabeth Hepler; son-in-law Christopher Helper; and his granddaughter, Megan Hepler. John Altman, Ph.D., current Political Science Department Chairman, said, "We'll remember the endearing things about Mel … he was diplomatic, nice, kind … He didn't dislike anyone." Mentee Kurt Keller '16 (Allentown, PA) said, "I owe Dr. Kulbicki more than I can ever express. He shaped my way of thinking and my outlook on life." Retired professor and long-time friend Phil Avillo, recalled his time at York College with Kulbicki, and said, "There wasn't a single faculty member here that he didn't touch." (With thanks to Steven Brikowski, Editor of The Spartan for extra reporting)
York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016 | 31
END NOTEa
WHAT IT IS LIKE TO VISIT COP21 AS AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT by Gilbert Vial '16
I spent much of my fall semester working toward the last two weeks, when I would leave for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Conference of Parties (COP) is the negotiations held each year between the United Nations parties to reach a legally binding agreement to help prevent climate change. A month before I was supposed to go to Paris, the terrorist attacks happened, and my family was certain that COP would be cancelled. They did not believe that high-level government officials would all gather in a place to discuss climate change just a couple weeks after the attacks. Fortunately, the negotiations continued, and eight students, including myself, were selected to represent the American Chemical Society and the Students on Climate Change blog. Other YCP students who had gone to previous conferences told me what a life-changing experience it was to attend these negotiations. This did not truly occur to me until I was at the conference, and realized that there were over 35,000 people there from every part of the world, all focused on stopping climate change. The conference had three different zones, the main conference zone with the main negotiations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a second section with just NGOs that did not require accreditation to enter, and lastly, the third zone was a business exhibition where companies could show the products that they were working on to help fight climate change. At the conference on the first day, I joined another student, Greg Margida, from Grinnell College in IA, to listen to a presentation about the World Health Organization (WHO), food insecurity, and how climate change will put more countries in danger. After the talk, one of the presenters came up to us and asked if we were with the Argentinian government. Of course we said no and asked why. He proceeded to tell us that one of the two men next to us was the Minister of Environment for Argentina. Greg and I quickly realized what everyone had meant when they said that high-level government officials walked around the conference and interacted with everyone else. The most amazing thing about this conference was simply that everyone here was on the same page, climate change is real and it's a real problem. It really opened my eyes that only in the United States there’s a real problem in acknowledging what is happening to our planet. The trip to the United Nations climate change negotiations was an amazing opportunity planned by Dr. Greg Foy and Dr. Keith Peterman.
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Go to www.ycp.edu to see Gilbert's photos
32 | York College Magazine • WINTER 2015-2016
Establishing Your Endowment at York College And Funding it for the Future.
Scholarship endowment funds allow alumni and friends of York College to provide direct support to deserving students. Establishing an endowment is a straightforward process, and you will find your scholarship fund to be particularly meaningful because of its impact on a student's life. The scholarship can be unrestricted, or it can support a student in a program of special interest. Your current giving can establish an endowment that will provide an immediate scholarship (the threshold is $10,000, which can be achieved over several years). Many donors then use bequests and other planned gifts to one day supplement the value of the fund. It’s a combination that provides immediate benefit and a long-lasting legacy.
Two popular planned gifts that can supplement your scholarship endowment (or other purpose at YCP): • A Bequest: We offer the following sample language for your will. "I give to York College of Pennsylvania, a not-for-profit educational organization located in York, PA, (Federal ID #23-1352698), the sum of $______ (or all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) to be used by that institution for the (name of endowment fund or other purpose)." • Designation of Pensions, IRAs, and Defined Contribution Programs Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401-Ks, and 403-Bs are among the smartest and easiest assets to direct to York College and your endowment fund. You can designate many such accounts via a call to your brokerage house or plan administrator. Many financial institutions now offer the ability for clients to specify beneficiaries (both individuals and charities) on their websites. Retirement account assets are among the first you should think of for making a gift to YCP, because they can be subject to heavy taxation if not given to a charity.
LEGACY
Contact the Development Office at York College for more information on how you can create your own endowment fund. Call (717) 815-1410 or email skane1@ycp.edu.
2015 Scholarship Dinner Student Guest Speaker Naomi Fort '15. Recipient of the York College Alumni Association Scholarship and the W. Burg Anstine Scholarship.
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YConnect Visit YConnect at www.YCPAlumni.com, the online community that not only helps alumni to keep in touch with each other, but also provides information about current events and alumni benefits.