VIEW FROM MY WINDOW

Given current events, I have been pondering how those in positions of leadership guide their communities through times of great difficulty and strife. Most recent examples include pandemics, wars, and economic downturns. What characteristics shape a leader so that they rise to the occasion when called upon to serve? If you believe the Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi: “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” I would posit, while hard work is important, so, too, are the experiences from which to learn and practice effective leadership skills.

Colin Baker in his 2021 article, “Are Leaders Born or Made?1” makes use of a study that identified common traits of exceptional leaders. These include: 1) accepting responsibility 2) constant learning 3) motivating to action 4) adapting to change and 5) showing empathy. At York College, we recognize that we are preparing graduates for careers, but also for a future in which they will be called upon to lead, sometimes unexpectedly. We take this responsibility seriously; it is at the core of who we are as an institution.

The educational experience we provide couples theory with practice and experimental learning. Much of this occurs in project- and community-based courses, internships, and co-ops. There are no textbooks; no long lectures, no exams. Rather, it is an opportunity for students to learn from one another and community partners. It reflects our understanding that thinking creatively and logically and developing emotional intelligence and ethical reasoning are skills and traits that will benefit them regardless of what forces will be at play in the future.

I take tremendous inspiration from individuals who faced great adversity and change, applied their problem-solving tools and skill set to answer an often unforeseen call to adapt and lead. During our spring commencement, we recognized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with an Honorary Degree. We did so in recognition of his leadership on behalf of the Ukrainian people currently under siege by a foreign aggressor, and for providing hope to those who choose liberty over oppression around the world. Mind you, it wasn’t that long ago that President Zelenskyy was an entertainer, a nationally known actor and comedian. I imagine that he did not foresee the situation in which he now finds himself. Is this an example of leadership taught or was he predisposed to it by qualities manifested early in his life? A mix of both is most likely.

Many years ago, one of my mentors gave me a book: Inspire. What Great Leaders Do. To my thinking this is the most important role of a leader and one that I consider a priority in my role as President of York College.

YORK COLLEGE

President

Pamela Gunter-Smith, Ph.D.

Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs

Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D.

Vice President, Development

Troy M. Miller

Chief Communications Officer

Mary Dolheimer

Vice President, Enrollment Management

Brian Hazlett, M.A.

Assistant to the President for Capital Projects and Facilities Utilization

Kenneth Martin, Ph.D.

Dean of Student Development and Campus Life

Rick Satterlee, Ph.D.

Vice President, Finance and Campus Operations

Anthony DeCocinis, MBA

Dean, Center for Community Engagement

Dominic DelliCarpini, Ph.D.

Head of School, York Country Day School

Christine Heine, Ed.D.

YORK COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Director of Editorial Services

Gail R. Huganir

Director of Creative Services

Lance A. Snyder ’05

Graphic Designer

Ryan Kidd ’13

Design Consultant

Skelton Sprouls

Photographer

Emily Rund

Writer

Colleen A. Hiltl

Senior Administrative Assistant

Colleen M. Adamy

Spring 2022 Interns

Breanna Hoffner ’22, Eva Savill ’22

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Send address label along with new address to: Division of College Advancement York College of Pennsylvania York, PA 17403-3651

717-815-1410 or email yorkmag@ycp.edu

York College Magazine is published three times a year (May, August, December) by the Division of College Advancement, York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA 17403-3651. Periodicals postage paid at York, PA, and additional mailing offices. Permit No. 174. © 2022 York College of Pennsylvania. Printed in U.S.A.

Pamela Gunter-Smith, Ph.D. President, York College of Pennsylvania

1 https://leaders.com/articles/leadership/are-leaders-born-or-made/You’re

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.

The York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) is the biggest reason she chose York College. The program, open to students in the York City School District, covers her tuition in full, plus room and board. It’s one more way York College is reinvesting in York. YCCOSP has provided Rayven the opportunity while giving her a sense of community and a solid support system at the College. “It’s like a second family from the one I have back at home,” she says.

They give back to the community through volunteer work such as serving Thanksgiving dinner to those in need, partnering with the United Way of York County, even digging up and planting a new flower bed. For Rayven, it’s not enough to better herself. “I want to make sure that York is better for everyone,” she says.

York College supports students as they work to turn career dreams into reality. Some 99% of new, full-time students receive financial assistance or scholarships. A variety of scholarships and grants are available, based on both merit and financial need.

A Structured Approach

Forensic Chemistry major with a PreMed focus, sophomore JaNýa Brown’s love of true crime shows sparked her interest in the field. But a greater purpose is driving her. “I’d love to help find out how someone died, help give the family closure,” she says.

research—using recombinant DNA to help people with chronic diseases like diabetes. She’s already been able to learn a lot since her majorspecific classes are interspersed with general education.

I was looking for,” she says. “You can get that professor-to-student connection that you don’t find at many other schools.” is pretty much an extension of her arm. You’ll never see her without it. When it vibrates, she knows she’s got 10 minutes to get from wherever she is to her next activity. It vibrates a lot. “My calendar is immaculately spaced out,” she says. “I’m a person who needs structure to be able to fully focus.”

Program at York College, JaNýa opted to spend her first year in a living and learning community, taking over an entire dorm floor with other science, technology, engineering, and math majors. “It helps to build a tight-knit community that you can learn from and rely on,” she says.

Activity Board Trivia Chair, and Resident Assistant. She’ll also drop by the occasional Anime Club event and is

ESTA TIERRA ES TU TIERRA

(This Land is Your Land)

September 15–

October 22, 2022

Marketview Arts excited about a new organization building a community for Black students on campus, Owning My Blackness.

A juried exhibition explores the complexity and diversity of the Latinx experience in the U.S. Call 717-815-1354 for information.

“You can find people you really