York College alumni explore the ancient architecture of the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, at Mycenae during the 2024 alumni trip to Greece.
PHOTO: ERIN
TITTER
York College students explore the colorful steps of Comuna 13, Medellín, during an educational trip focused on culture, social change,
and
Environmental Horticulture Majors Design Habitat for Humanity Landscape
Blending design with service, York College students created custom landscapes for Habitat for Humanity homes in Red Lion, PA.
< PAGE 14
Alumni Spotlight: Francisco Kuljevan ’08/MBA ’20
An engineering and MBA alumnus, Kuljevan leads hydropower research at EPRI, applying his expertise to innovate and advance renewable energy solutions.
< PAGE 25
Cover: Thaís Carrero MPPA ’21
Photo by Alex Boerner
“I am pleased to announce the launch of the York College Career Academy, a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower individuals on their educational journey for success in an increasingly competitive job market.”
As we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and the workforce, I am thrilled to share with you some exciting developments at York College of Pennsylvania. Our commitment to providing educational experiences designed to help our learners lead purposeful lives has never been stronger, and this year, we are taking bold steps to enhance our curriculum in ways that will enhance the career-readiness of our students. To this end, I am pleased to announce the launch of the York College Career Academy, a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower individuals on their educational journey for success in an increasingly competitive job market.
The York College Career Academy will provide industry-recognized credentials to students and community members. It focuses on helping individuals develop in-demand, job-ready skills through flexible, asynchronous learning activities. Participants earn certificates associated with widely-recognized industry leaders like Google, Meta, IBM, and Amazon. Many of our students will earn these certificates while engaging with their coursework. Members of our community including our alumni, employer partners, and nonprofit organizations will also be invited to engage with the York College Career Academy.
Through this platform, students interested in gaining a new skill or enhancing what they already know can gain valuable knowledge in areas such as data science, project management, bookkeeping, digital marketing, and more—credentials that are increasingly sought after by employers from the most recognized brands in the world. The initiative aligns with York College’s goal of deepening community engagement, generating revenue, and supporting workforce development.
The York College Career Academy is one of several new initiatives at the College. These programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s working professionals, providing the flexibility, support, and rigorous curriculum necessary to advance their careers while balancing personal and professional commitments. Whether through our new Doctorate of Education in Educational and Organizational Leadership, or our existing MBA program, specialized master’s degrees, or certificate programs, York College remains dedicated to fostering the skills and knowledge that are essential for progression and innovation in various industries.
As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether you are considering furthering your education, seeking professional development, or simply exploring new interests, York College is here to support you every step of the way.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of our community. Together, we are shaping the future of York College and empowering the next generation of business and community leaders.
President Thomas Burns, Ph.D.
YORK COLLEGE
President Thomas Burns, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs
Patrice DiQuinzio, Ph.D.
Vice President, Advancement
Glenn D. Miller
Vice President, Enrollment Management
Brian Hazlett, M.A.
Vice President, Campus Operations
Kevin Feil
Dean of Student Development and Campus Life
Robert Bacon
Interim Chief Financial Officer
C. Matt Smith, CPA
Head of School, York Country Day School
Christine Heine, Ed.D.
Chief of Staff to the President Jeffrey Vermeulen
YORK COLLEGE MAGAZINE
Executive Director of Marketing
Rebecca Shineman
Design Consultant
Skelton Sprouls
Photographer Emily Rund
Marketing Project Manager
Sharon Brtalik
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
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.
HOW DO YOU CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND CIVIL DIALOGUE IN YOUR COURSES?
Dr. Corey Brooks Professor of History
Institutions matter—a lesson I impart in all my courses. Effective engagement in American civic life begins with understanding institutions that shape the world in which all of us have to live and operate. In U.S. history courses, as a fundamental precondition for constructive civic participation, students learn key rules and concepts
“Students in my courses come to see how institutions have been transformed in the past so that they can think critically about the future.”
that guide American governance and then analyze the historical choices that generated these structures. Our civic institutions are often powerful and resistant to change, but students in my courses come to see how institutions have been transformed in the past so that they can think critically about the future. My hope is that by appreciating how major American institutions evolved, students will be better equipped to fight for the America they want to see in their own lifetimes.
Associate Professor of Strategy and Business Administration
In the undergraduate leadership class I teach, each student volunteers for 15 hours with a nonprofit organization of their choice and does a presentation for their classmates about the experience. Because each student selects a different nonprofit, students in the class are exposed to a variety of different perspectives and ways they can get engaged with the community. It is eyeopening to hear about the various needs in our communities and the different ways students are working and can work to improve life for our neighbors. It is easy for major societal issues (like homelessness, food insecurity, and inequality) to seem abstract and distant; this project brings students face to face with the individuals who are directly involved, bringing home the very real human impacts.
Associate Professor of Economics
Fostering civic engagement and civil dialogue involves helping students connect course material to real-world issues and encouraging respectful discussions. To achieve this, I incorporate several approaches into my courses that enable students to engage deeply with the material while developing skills essential for informed citizenship and constructive dialogue. In my Principles of Economics (Micro) course, students write reflective essays after participating in the three-week EcoChallenge. This initiative encourages behaviors aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and promotes a mindset of positive societal impact. In my Economic Perspectives course, I use mini in-class simulations and roleplaying exercises to help students grasp
“Fostering civic engagement and civil dialogue involves helping students connect course material to real-world issues.”
the complexity of economic decisions and their societal effects. Additionally, students are assigned different positions on controversial topics, where they discuss and defend these positions before working together to find common ground. This approach fosters civil dialogue by helping students appreciate and respect diverse viewpoints.
Dr. Michele Yoder
Dr. Insoo Cho
Newly certified CRNAs from York College’s Class of 2024 are ready to make a difference in healthcare.
THE YORK REVIEW CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
The newest issue of The York Review, titled the “Pearl Edition,” celebrates its 30th anniversary with a reflection on its history and a bold new direction. Dr. Travis Kurowski, Associate Professor of Creative Writing, and his students worked to create a community space through this student-run literary magazine. Dr. Kurowski emphasizes the importance of art and community, fostering a collaborative environment where students lead the publication’s direction.
Led by Lee Krauss ’24, the team digitized past issues, all of which are available online. The anniversary issue features a diverse collection of photography, fine art, digital art, fiction, and poetry, selected by students passionate about sharing voices and artwork.
“It’s the stuff we were passionate about,” says Lee. “I am so passionate about helping peoples’ voices be heard, and I feel it is so important to have a space where students can have their art seen and appreciated.”
Notably, the cover features a nude female portrait, a progressive choice that sets a new precedent for undergraduate literary magazines.
The “Pearl Edition” represents a blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the magazine’s historical significance while pushing forward with new artistic boundaries.
CRNA PROGRAM CELEBRATES 100% BOARD PASS RATE
The York College of Pennsylvania/ WellSpan Health Nurse Anesthesia Program celebrated a 100% board pass rate for the Class of 2024. All 18 students passed their certification exam on the first attempt, earning their Doctorate of Nursing Practice and becoming Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
Dr. Jason Lowe, the program’s director since 2016, credits this success to the program’s rigorous selection process, dedicated faculty, supportive clinical
MT. GRETNA SCHOOL OF ART:
FOUR PILLARS EXHIBITION
Now-January 18, 2025
Gallery Hall, Marketview Arts
An exhibition featuring the work of recent fellows from The Four Pillars artist residency program at the Mount Gretna School of Art, known as “The Pennsylvania Chautauqua.”
sites, and strong alumni network.
“We are just really incredibly proud of this group,” Dr. Lowe says. “They embraced the culture, they are tremendous professionals, they worked very hard, and they worked as a team. It’s just an outstanding group of professionals and we’re excited to see where they go.”
The program’s 2024 graduates already are making their mark in the field. Dr. Joyce Abraham will join Penn Medicine at Lancaster General Hospital while Dr. Derek Weit will begin his career as a CRNA in Orlando, Florida. Others will step into roles as CRNAs around the region and the country.
GUEST RECITAL:
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Thursday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. DeMeester Recital Hall, Evelyn and Earle Wolf Hall
The music from Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas and other holiday favorites, thanks to a generous gift from the Boustead Family Foundation.
MEET DR. TAMAR A SNIAD
Temple U. Associate Dean Named as Executive Director of the Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation
YCP DEBUTS REDESIGNED WEBSITE
The newly redesigned York College website is now live at ycp.edu!
The website reflects York College’s commitment to delivering an exceptional digital experience for prospective students, families, and the entire York College community. The new design prioritizes usability, ensuring that visitors can easily find the information they need, from admissions and academics to campus life and career resources.
As a hub for all things York College, the website showcases the student experience, translating the vibrancy of campus life into a digital format. We invite you to explore the new site and see how it aligns with our core goals of supporting enrollment, student success, and continuous improvement.
YORK COLLEGE
HOLIDAY CONCERT
Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
The York College Chorale and instrumentalists present a festive and seasonal program in the inspiring setting of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Events are subject to change. Please check ycp.edu/cultural-series for the latest information.
York College of Pennsylvania named Tamara Sniad, Ph.D., as the Executive Director of the Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation on April 1. The GCCI, located in the Diehl House on Kings Mill Road, is a hub for cross-disciplinary scholarship and experiential learning, involving students, faculty, and industry leaders.
“Dr. Sniad’s education and experiences are what York College needs to continue the evolution of the GCCI,” said President Thomas Burns. Dr. Sniad, formerly Associate Dean at Temple University, has extensive experience in curriculum development, relationship building, and innovation.
At Temple, she oversaw teacher education programs and led multiple grant-funded projects, including a $3 million U.S. Department of Education initiative.
“Through our partnerships, students will be able to work with industry leaders, be part of their thinking and innovation, and connect what they are learning in the classroom with meaningful professional opportunities.”
— DR. TAMARA SNIAD
Dr. Sniad also held teaching positions at Temple and at Rowan University, specializing in differentiated instruction for multilingual learners.
Dr. Sniad holds a Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and has directed significant educational programs, including Rutgers University-Camden’s GearUP program.
“I am excited for the opportunities York College will offer through the GCCI,” said Dr. Sniad. “Through our partnerships, students will be able to work with industry leaders, be part of their thinking and innovation, and connect what they are learning in the classroom with meaningful professional opportunities.”
“The language that they’re using about submission to their husbands reminded me a lot of the legal frameworks that I studied in the late 18th century, which has serious implications…The most troubling component is women not just accepting this but advertising it as a viable or preferable way of life.”
Jacqueline Beatty, Associate Professor of History, was quoted in “The Real Problem With Tradwives,” Vogue, June 5, 2024.
“We hope [the partnership] continues to build access to the College, as well as student success as they move through and ultimately graduate from York College. We’re also looking for it to help continue to diversify our class of new students each year, and specifically help us grow our first-generation student population.”
Brian Hazlett , Vice President for Enrollment Management, was interviewed by WGAL8 on September 10, 2024, regarding the College’s new partnership with the Common App’s direct admissions program.
“When I was young, my mom would reel off this rapid-fire string of her kids’ names until she settled on the right one…Across five studies, surveying over 1,700 participants, our research found that this is a natural and very common cognitive glitch. More than half of those surveyed had experienced being called by the wrong name by someone familiar to them, and 95% were called the incorrect name by a family member.”
Samantha A. Deffler, Associate Professor of Psychology, was quoted in “Why Do Parents Mix Up Their Kids’ Names? There’s a Whole Scientific Reason Behind It,” for Good Housekeeping, April 28, 2024.
“NATO should strengthen its commitment to intelligence-sharing between members, an important capability to forewarn the alliance of impending threats. NATO members each have unique intelligencegathering capabilities and, as they were in the leadup to Russia’s 2022 invasion, they should be willing to be transparent with their intelligence.”
John Weaver, Associate Professor of Intelligence Analysis, wrote an article titled “At NATO summit in Washington, alliance must address more pressing issues than its 75th birthday,” for The Baltimore Sun, July 4, 2024.
1,202 new students largest class since fall 2018 819 first-year students
188 transfer students 195 graduate students
International students hail from the Philippines, India, Nepal, the U.A.E., and Kenya.
33% are in the top 10% of their high school class
21% of first-year students had a 4.0 GPA or higher
19% are first-generation college students 32% are from underrepresented populations
Class of 2028
Domestic students come from as far as Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
3,844 total students projected to be enrolled at YCP third year of increased enrollment
ENGAGING YORK
AN INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION: YORK
COLLEGE STUDENTS TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA WITH
THE HELP OF A 1993
Alyssa DeFranks ’27, watched a redgloved hand throw a punch into the air at an invisible opponent. There was strength in the arm as it pulled back, ready to deliver another. The boxer DeFranks watched was a girl, no older than 13, and she saw a fire in her eyes.
GRADUATE
“I knew immediately that this trip was going to change me,” DeFranks says. The Mechanical Engineering major met the group of young boxers during a trip to Colombia with nine other York College of Pennsylvania students, many of them Graham Collaborative
York College students traveled to Colombia, immersing themselves in local culture and entrepreneurship while gaining hands-on experience in social impact.
“I knew immediately that this trip was going to change me.”
— ALYSSA DEFRANKS ’27
Innovation Fellows and members of The Honors Program’s Engaged Scholars
The boxing lessons took place at Mi Barrio Mi Sueño, which translates to My Neighborhood My Dream, a nonprofit serving young women and single mothers, where DeFranks and her fellow students would study the organization’s operations.
“Anytime we take students abroad, we want them to know they aren’t just tourists,” says David Fyfe, Ph.D., Director of Global Learning and Associate Professor of Geography. “We want them to develop several ‘learning objectives’ before we even leave the States. Throughout the trip, they’re observing activities and talking to people in hopes of getting closer to those intended outcomes.”
While nearly every trip out of the country is a new opportunity, this one
was particularly special. For three years, Dr. Fyfe took first-year students to Greece. Colombia became a second option thanks to a connection with Michael Multari, a 1993 York College graduate with a degree in Secondary Education and History.
Multari, whose mother is from Colombia, was a teacher and administrator for 26 years when he decided, at nearly age 50, to shake things up. He moved to Colombia five years ago to start a travel business, Todo Bien Colombia. Despite Multari not having been on the York College campus for more than 25 years, one of the first things he did was to reach out to Dr. Fyfe and invite him to bring a group of students to visit.
Multari not only planned the trip to the boxing foundation but also a visit to EAFIT University in Medellín, a few days in Filandia to learn about the coffee industry and nearby farms, and a stop in Comuna 13, a neighborhood in Medellín that experienced what he calls a “miracle transformation.” The former stronghold for militants is now filled with art and vibrancy.
Sutay Kanteh ’27, who is studying Medical Imaging, wanted to learn more about Colombia’s healthcare system. He noticed that some Colombians, living an hour or more from the nearest hospital, were resourceful with supplies, sometimes treating each other’s injuries in the street with what they had on hand.
“It added a great deal to my education,” Kanteh says. “It was my first time traveling internationally, and I don’t want it to be my last.”
DeFranks says she’ll never forget the strength she saw in the young women and girls during their boxing lessons. Raised by a single mother, DeFranks felt a connection to their experience.
“I would never have had the financial opportunity to have this experience on my own. It would have been a barrier to me going,” she says. “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity presented to me. I’m already trying to find ways I can return.”
Dr. Jacqueline Beatty (left) and Public History major Benjamin Werkley (right) collaborated on the ‘Golden Dreams’ podcast, exploring the story of the Golden Venture and its impact on immigration policy.
YORK COLLEGE STUDENTS CREATE PODCAST ON GOLDEN VENTURE
York College of Pennsylvania students, under the guidance of Associate Professor Jacqueline Beatty, Ph.D., created an eight-part podcast series titled “Golden Dreams.” The series explores the journey of 286 Chinese immigrants who were smuggled into the U.S. aboard the cargo ship Golden Venture in 1993, and the struggles they faced afterward, including detention in York County Prison.
The podcast was born from a collaboration with the York County Bar Association, which approached the College with historical materials related to the incident. Dr. Beatty seized the opportunity to turn these materials into a podcast project for her “Podcasting the Past” class.
The Golden Venture incident occurred just months after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, during a period of heightened xenophobia in America. The ship’s passengers were detained as an example to other potential refugees. However, instead of fading from public memory, the detainees garnered support from the York community, with protests advocating for their release.
Students in the class researched historical documents, including legal papers from the bar association, which revealed the harrowing experiences of the immigrants. These stories included forced sterilizations, beatings, and the destruction of family homes by Chinese authorities. Interviews with those involved in the original incident, such as lawyers and protestors, further enriched the podcast content.
Dr. Beatty emphasized the importance of project-based learning in this course, noting that students utilized research, critical thinking, and writing skills to produce content with a public impact.
The project also introduced students to podcast production, as they worked with WVYC radio station manager Jeffrey Schiffman to master podcasting equipment and editing software.
Benjamin Werkley, a Public History major, took on multiple roles, contributing to research, scriptwriting, editing, and recording. He highlighted the value of working with original legal documents and conducting interviews with key figures like attorney Jeffrey Lobach, who represented one of the
Golden Venture passengers. The project deepened Werkley’s understanding of the immigrant experience and the political challenges faced by asylum seekers.
“It was amazing to get to work with the original legal documents used by the lawyers involved with the Golden Venture. It was an amazing window into almost every aspect of this story,” he says. “Conducting the interviews with the people involved with the Golden Venture was fascinating.”
The podcast project also broadened students’ perspectives on immigration issues, with Alaina Crowell, a Public History major, noting how it illuminated systemic challenges and political exploitation surrounding immigration.
Dr. Beatty hopes “Golden Dreams” will resonate beyond the academic community, sparking broader discussions on immigration and human rights. The podcast episodes are available on most major platforms, with show notes and transcripts at ycphistpolisci.com/ golden-dreams-podcast.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE CONTINUES WINNING TRADITION IN 2024
The York College women’s lacrosse team had another championship season as the Spartans earned their third straight Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth title. Winning a championship is becoming a normal occurrence for the Green and White— but the way they earned this title was anything but ordinary.
The season started in challenging circumstances, with head coach Jen Muston absent due to a medical situation. Then, the Spartans had to face down a non-conference gauntlet featuring a nine-game stretch with seven opponents from the IWLCA Top 20 and two other opponents receiving votes in the poll.
The season began with a home loss to #6 Franklin and Marshall, followed by a tough 11-10 overtime road loss at #3 William Smith. York broke into the win column at Haverford on a rainsoaked Wednesday. The team lost three of their next four with setbacks against #14 Stevens, #6 Gettysburg, and #7 Washington and Lee before notching a 15-10 home win over #17 Christopher Newport. Then, they dropped a highly contested 9-6 loss at #4 Salisbury.
That’s when the tide turned for the Spartans. They opened MAC
Commonwealth play with a 17-3 win over Albright, kick-starting an eightgame win streak to end the regular season. The Spartans weren’t just rolling; they were removing all doubt about their earlier results. During York’s eight-game streak to end the regular season, the Spartans outscored their eight opponents by a combined score of 135-39.
York carried that momentum into the Commonwealth tournament as they bounced Widener 18-5 in the tournament semifinals. The Spartans then outlasted a determined Stevenson team 8-7 in the Commonwealth title game, earning the conference’s automatic bid.
In their 11th NCAA Tournament appearance in school history, the Spartans rolled past Johnson and Wales 17-3 in the opening round. The campaign came to a close the next day as the #2 Wesleyan Cardinals bounced the Spartans to advance to the third round, ending York’s school record 11game win streak.
The Spartans were well-rewarded for their successful campaign. Muston, who returned to the squad in late March, was selected as the MAC Commonwealth Coach of the Year for the third time—the seventh league
Winning a championship is becoming a normal occurrence for the Green and White—but the way they earned this title was anything but ordinary.
Coach of the Year award for the Spartan mentor. Grad goalie Bella Garabo earned the league’s Goalie of the Year for the second straight year, while junior attacker Zoe Kluegel was selected as Attacker of the Year.
Garabo and Kluegel were joined on the first-team MAC All-Commonwealth squad by Sydney Mentzer, Madison Kurland, and Sarah Christensen. Gianna Huet and Christina Vendelis earned second-team accolades.
Garabo, Christensen, Mentzer, Kluegel, and Vendelis were all selected to the IWLCA All-Region V team. Garabo and Christensen followed that with IWLCA All-American honors. Garabo was also named the IWLCA Division III Goalie of the Year for the second consecutive year.
The Spartans are slated to return eight of their top 10 scorers in 2025 as Muston’s Spartans will look to win their fourth straight MAC Commonwealth title.
FOUR SPARTANS EARN MAC SENIOR SCHOLAR-ATHLETE HONORS
The York College Athletic Department had four student-athletes recognized as MAC Senior Scholar-Athletes.
Men’s swimmer Colin Draminski, baseball outfielder Robby Elzinga, men’s lacrosse attack Will Harnick, and women’s lacrosse goalie Bella Garabo were selected for the honor.
Draminski is a Nursing major and boasts an impressive 3.9 GPA. He is a 2024 CSC Academic All-District and a 2022 and 2023 Academic All-MAC honoree. Draminski had a strong MAC championship meet as a senior, finishing second in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 back, while also participating in the winning 200 free and 400 free relay teams at the championships. He is also a two-time MAC Swimmer of the Week.
Elzinga earned his undergraduate degree in May 2023, graduating magna cum laude. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA in the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership and Management program. On the field, Elzinga has been one of the best players in the Commonwealth. As a junior in 2022, he was a MAC All-Commonwealth first-team selection and earned ABCA All-Region V honors. He went on to earn another first-team MAC All-Commonwealth selection and
a pair of all-region honors, along with all-region honors from the ABCA and d3baseball.com.
Harnick graduated in May 2023 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has maintained a 4.0 graduate GPA. He is a three-time MAC Academic Honor Roll selection and was a 2023 CSC Academic All-District honoree. Harnick was the 2023 MAC Commonwealth Attackman of the Year as he earned first-team MAC All-Commonwealth honors. He is a three-time MAC All-Commonwealth selection, in addition to being a threetime USILA All-American.
Garabo earned her undergraduate degree in Sport Management in the spring of 2023 with a GPA of 3.90. She is pursuing a graduate degree in Strategic Leadership and Management and holds a GPA of 3.95. She is a three-time Academic All-MAC pick. On the field, Garabo has been one of the best in the nation. She was the IWLCA Division III Goalie of the Year in 2023 and again in 2024. She is also a twotime MAC Commonwealth Goalie of the Year, a two-time first-team IWLCA All-American, and a two-time first-team All-Region V pick.
Peck is the Newest Member of the Athletic Hall of Fame
Former Spartan women’s lacrosse standout Kim (Wayson) Peck ’13 has been selected to join the Athletic Hall of Fame for the 35th class in school history. Peck is the first woman lacrosse player to earn entrance into the Hall of Fame.
During her time as a student-athlete, Peck was the first Spartan women’s lacrosse All-American, and her career saw York go from a fledgling program to a regional powerhouse. After posting a 7-10 record before Peck joined the program, the Spartans went 51-20 over the course of her four-year tenure. The Spartans made a pair of Capital Athletic Conference championship game appearances, earned their firstever NCAA Tournament bid in her junior campaign, and earned the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in her senior season.
Peck’s name appears frequently in the Spartan record book, as many of her accomplishments have passed the test of time. She owns school records for career points (306) and goals (236) while ranking third for her 70 assists, sixth for her nine game-winning goals, and third for her 35 free position goals. Peck also owns two of the top four single-season scoring marks and four of the top seven single-season goal totals.
Peck earned IWLCA All-American honors in 2012 and 2013. She remains the only Spartan in school history to earn IWLCA All-Region accolades during all four years of her Spartan career (2010-2013). Peck was also a four-time All-CAC first-team selection in the Green and White. She was selected to the CAC Silver Anniversary Team (as selected in 2015) while she was also the first women’s lacrosse player to earn the Georgia Heathcote Stallman award, signifying the most outstanding senior female athlete at York College. Peck’s formal induction will be celebrated with next year’s class in the fall of 2025.
Clockwise from top left: Colin Draminski, Robby Elzinga, Bella Garabo, Will Harnick
► ycpspartans.com
Two New Coaches Join the Spartan Athletic Department
The Spartan Athletic Department welcomes two new head coaches for the 2024-25 year: Nate Gibboney, the men’s soccer coach, and Jordan Koller ’22, leader of the men’s and women’s golf teams.
Gibboney comes to York after a highly successful 11-year run as head coach at Lycoming College, where he held a record of 128-49-31 during his tenure. His Lycoming Warriors won double digits in eight of Gibboney’s 11 years, including 18 in the 2015 season when the team advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Two years later, the Warriors earned a school record 19 wins as Lycoming won the MAC Commonwealth title and downed Messiah 2-1 in Grantham. That team finished ninth in the national rankings.
Koller knows York College’s golf program well as she was a four-year letter winner for the Spartan women’s golf squad. She was also a three-time WGCA All-American Scholar and a two-time Academic AllMAC selection.
Koller came to York in the fall of 2018 and immediately became a starter for the Spartans. As a first-year student-athlete, she owned a season scoring average of 80.26 as she posted one win, five topfive finishes, and seven top-10 finishes over nine events for the Green and White. Koller earned first-team All-Capital Athletic Conference honors and finished third overall at the CAC Championships. Her efforts were key in securing the Spartans’ conference title victory in just the second year of the program.
SPARTANS SET NEW RECORD WITH 30 ACADEMIC ALL-MAC HONORS
York College set a new record with 30 student-athletes earning 2023-24 Academic All-MAC honors awards, surpassing previous years’ totals of 28 in 2022-23 and 21 in 2021-22. To be eligible for selection, student-athletes must achieve an in-season semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.20 or higher. Middle Atlantic Conference directors nominate and vote for the Academic All-MAC recipients, giving equal consideration to both academic success and athletic achievement. This accomplishment highlights the Spartans’ continued excellence in both academics and athletics.
Wade and Garabo Earn National Academic Accolades
The York College Spartans were represented by a pair of CSC Academic All-America honorees this year. The Academic All-America award is the highest academic/athletic honor a student-athlete can receive.
Softball standout Emma Wade and women’s lacrosse star Bella Garabo both earned the prestigious academic honor.
To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above and serve as a significant contributor to their team.
Wade boasts a 3.83 GPA as a Civil Engineering major. She is a five-time member of the York College Dean’s List. Garabo, who earned second-team At-Large honors, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership and Management and has a graduate GPA of 3.95. She completed her undergraduate studies in Sport Management in May of 2023, graduating summa cum laude.
Wade and Garabo are the 17th and 18th Spartans in school history to earn this honor. York College studentathletes have now been recognized with a grand total of 24 Academic All-America awards.
Both Spartans were also recognized as national All-Americans in their respective sports.
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Left: Nate Gibboney; Right: Jordan Koller ’22, at right
ycp.edu/graduat
Your Future, Forged by EFFORT
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GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
PURSUITS
ENVIRONMENTA L HORTICULTURE MAJORS DESIGN HABITAT FOR HUMANIT Y LANDSCAPE
York College of Pennsylvania’s Appell Environmental Horticulture Program students spent the 2024 Spring Semester working with York Habitat for Humanity to design landscapes for two families moving into new homes in Red Lion, PA. Guided by Instructor AnaLu MacVean, juniors Kaitlin Dannenberg, Vie Meyers, and Hannah Zinn spearheaded this project, blending learning with community service.
“This is perfect because it’s a way of helping somebody while working through the process of landscape design,” MacVean said.
experience. After creating individual designs and presenting them in class, two collaborative designs were finalized with input from the homeowners.
Each student contributed unique skills, from conceptualizing designs to preparing care instructions for selected plants. Their collaboration taught them to work as a team, an essential lesson for their future careers.
Dannenberg represented the group at the 2024 Undergraduate Research Live Presentation Contest, where their project was a finalist. The students also showcased their work at the Undergraduate Research Fair.
“This was a genuinely rewarding experience,” Dannenberg said, “and I hope Habitat for Humanity includes our program in future builds.”
Meyers added, “The highlight was knowing that something we designed will make families happy.”
The Environmental Horticulture program, funded by the Powder Mill Foundation, reflects the late philanthropist Louis Appell Jr.’s love for plants and York. MacVean emphasized, “We have a responsibility to encourage our students to give back. It comes full circle.”
PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATE AIMS TO IMPROVE FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Josh Giffin ’24, a Psychology graduate from York College, has been volunteering with York County fire companies for two years. Moving from Delaware to follow his sister Evelyn Giffin ’23, a York College Professional Writing and Literary and Textual Studies graduate, his academic and research pursuits aim to improve the equipment used by firefighters like himself.
The students worked closely with the future homeowners, incorporating their preferences into the designs. One homeowner, an avid gardener, wanted many plants, while the other, less experienced with landscaping, desired simplicity. Each family’s unique needs, such as a detached garage and considering plants safe around a dog and children, posed special design challenges.
“Every family is a whole little different world,” MacVean observed.
The students navigated real-world client interactions, gaining valuable
Each student contributed unique skills, from conceptualizing designs to preparing care instructions for selected plants. Their collaboration taught them to work as a team, an essential lesson for their future careers.
Giffin worked with Associate Professor Samantha Deffler on a study examining the usability of self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) by firefighters.
Giffin’s research aligns with his future goals in human factors engineering, which focuses on usability and reducing human error. Encouraged by his advisor, Professor Jennifer Engler, Giffin connected with Georgia Tech’s Center for Advanced Communications Policy and researched medical device usability last summer.
Motivated by his passion for firefighting and his desire for more experience, Giffin’s independent study compared SCBA brands. “I’ve used them, and there’s room for improvement,” he noted.
Surveying 43 fire companies, with 31 responses, Giffin is now expanding his study to fire stations in Maryland and
New Jersey. “Some data indicate which systems are harder to use, increasing noncompliance and endangering firefighters.”
Giffin arrived at York College with no firefighting knowledge. Balancing a full schedule, he made the Dean’s List for three years, worked at the Spartan Store, competed in ultimate frisbee, and participated in several student clubs, including serving on the Psychology Club’s executive board. Additionally, he took classes at the York County Fire School to complete basic and advanced firefighter training.
“Factors like ease of movement, overhead reach, stair climbing, and voice amplifier quality are critical.”
— JOSH GIFFIN ’24
“I’ve studied hazardous materials awareness, fire ground support, exterior and interior firefighting, and advanced vehicle rescue and pumps,” he said. He is licensed to operate specific equipment and volunteers with Laurel Fire Company #1 in Windsor, PA.
Giffin sees significant potential in his SCBA research. “Fire companies could use the data to compare SCBA systems,” he explained. “Factors like ease of movement, overhead reach, stair climbing, and voice amplifier quality are critical. Brands could use the results to improve their systems, increasing competition and pushing innovation.”
Giffin’s research represents a promising step toward enhancing firefighter safety and equipment usability.
HANDS-ON
Dr. Ashley Earle and students from the EPADs redesign team prototype a hands-on mini golf project, applying design thinking to enhance York College’s Introduction to Engineering course.
Dr. Ashley Earle Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Five years ago, Ashley Earle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, learned of the need to modernize the Introduction to Engineering class, a foundational course for Engineering students in York College’s Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences and Technology.
With a $10,000 grant from her KEEN Engineering Unleashed fellowship, she recruited Dominic DelliCarpini, Ph.D., former Dean of the Center for Community Engagement, and the Engaged Scholars to help lead students, alumni, and faculty through the design thinking process, which uses empathy interviews in a human-centered approach.
During the 2024 Spring Semester, they overhauled the original course, which had two six-week sections focused on mechanical and electrical engineering. Civil Engineering majors often felt excluded as the course was designed before their major existed.
The revamped course helps students think like engineers, develop problemsolving skills, and understand client needs. Kirsten Nelson ’27, who recently completed the original course, saw
opportunities to enhance her education by helping to reconstitute it, realizing that engineering can offer personal growth and networking opportunities beyond STEM.
Josh Smith, a 2023 Mechanical Engineering graduate, appreciated staying connected to his alma mater through the project and learning additional skills through the design thinking process.
“I’d never heard of design thinking before,” Smith says. “Now I’m taking this concept into my career.”
“The
course now incorporates so much creativity.”
— DR. ASHLEY EARLE
The dramatically different course launches with beta testing this fall. In it, students build a mini golf course and learn to understand and meet client requests. Initially, campus clubs serve as clients. In the future, they hope to recruit local nonprofits and business partners to be clients.
“The course now incorporates so much creativity,” Dr. Earle says. “It lets students know there isn’t always one right way to do things. Engineering requires communication, understanding, and openmindedness. There are so many ways to expand this, and I’m pretty pumped.”
Growing Stronger
York College Graduate and Professional Programs Grow with Community Need to Build Skills
Listening to businesses and other local stakeholders helps York College of Pennsylvania offer relevant and more convenient options for its post-baccalaureate and professional studies, leading to a 54% enrollment increase in just five years.
Thaís Carrero MPPA ’21 changes communities. She sits across the table from legislators, picks up the phone to advocate for reform, and writes policies that impact people all around her. Carrero has always been a strong supporter of others, but she points to her education at York College of Pennsylvania as the formal training she needed to bring her advocacy full circle.
Left: Thaís Carrero MPPA ’21 leverages her York College MPPA to champion policy reform for immigrant communities.
Photo by Alex Boerner
GROWING STRONGER
Carrero was working at CASA, an advocacy organization for immigrant and working-class families in downtown York. She was doing what she called “freestyle” policy work, drawing on her 2015 Communications degree from the University of the Sacred Heart in Puerto Rico.
“I wanted to get an education that would help me propel my career even more,” she says.
In 2020, she enrolled in the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program at York College. Here, Carrero found a way to apply her knowledge of the community and her people-centered approach to her job to her coursework. She already knew a great deal about what was needed locally: better education, welcoming infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare. Through the MPPA program, she learned the intricacies of creating policy to help achieve those goals.
“Many careers now require a graduate degree or specialized professional training. We’re going to respond to those needs…with high-quality programs tailored to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
— DR. JOSH DESANTIS
IMPLEMENTING CHANGE
Carrero now serves as Director of External Affairs for the National Partnership for New Americans, advocating for immigrant inclusion across the country. While she analyzes data and develops strategies for policy change, she also performs stakeholder analyses and communicates with congressional offices.
“We have to build support for the policy changes we hope to see,” she says. “I’m often going back to the things I learned at York College and thinking about how I can put them into practice.”
Though Carrero already worked in the field of policymaking, her MPPA degree has given her new tools and strategies. It bolstered her career so she could have a greater impact, not just in her community but throughout the country. It has enhanced her mission to always serve those around her, especially immigrants who often face greater obstacles to re-establish their lives and build a promising future for their families.
York College allowed Carrero to put into practice much of what she was learning in class. She worked on policy that allows in-state tuition rates for immigrant college students and introduced it in the Pennsylvania legislature. That practice aided her in her role at CASA
MAKING EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE
York College has made strategic adjustments to its graduate and professional certificate programs to put career-advancing education within easier reach. Today, students can expect to find:
• Fully online graduate and certificate programs, including two doctoral programs, 16 Master’s programs, and 16 Professional Certificate programs.
• Fee-free programs, so most students have little or no out-of-pocket expenses.
• Tuition discounts for alumni and through eligible partner organizations. (The College is always looking for partners to join its endeavor.)
• The ability to tailor areas of specialization related to their career.
and built a movement around establishing opportunities for immigrants in Pennsylvania.
Though she has moved to North Carolina, Carrero sees the impact she was able to make in York. She often comes back to visit family with her husband and their infant daughter, and is proud of the community she called home.
“Public policy tries to make our communities better,” she says. “York College gave me an opportunity to learn new strategies, to stretch myself. That practice will make anyone successful.”
A STR ATEGY FOR LISTENING
Carrero is one of many adults who hold undergraduate degrees but see an opportunity to grow through a graduate or professional program. Addressing these desires is an important part of York College’s mission, says Josh DeSantis, Ed.D., Assistant Provost of Graduate and Professional Programs.
“York College possesses a history of helping students ‘ladder up in life,’” he says. “Decades ago, we were a junior college and only offered associate degrees. We saw that professional careers required a bachelor’s-level education, so we adapted. Our investment in graduate and professional learning is similar. Many careers now require a graduate degree or specialized professional training. We’re going to respond to those needs, just as we always have, with high-quality programs tailored to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
The College continues to seek input from employers, organizations, and prospective learners. These efforts yielded new professional learning programs, including graduate degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis, Public Policy and Administration, and Strategic Leadership and Management.
Jasmine Sariano MEd ’22 applies her York College training to support and guide young students in her role as an emotional support teacher.
“I saw the impact of that right away. I got support in ways I never imagined.”
— JASMINE SARIANO MED ’22
These new programs build off of strong existing programs in School Leadership, Business Administration, Nursing, Accounting, Reading, and more. The College is also making investments in more focused certificates like the new Family Nurse Practitioner program as well as an array of professional certificates through the new online York College Career Academy.
The through line connecting all of the programs, Dr. DeSantis says, is to provide focused and practical opportunities to help students advance in their careers.
“We know we have to dial into specific professions by teaching things on a Tuesday night that people can put into practice on a Wednesday morning,” he says.
FROM ONE CLASSROOM TO ANOTHER
Jasmine Sariano MEd ’22 is in her eighth year as an emotional support teacher for kindergarten through second grade students. She received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Lebanon Valley College in 2017 but found herself wanting more skills to bring to her York City School District classroom.
She enrolled in the master’s-level Diversity and Student Resilience program at York College, which she completed in 2022, and is now wrapping up work for another York College graduate program, a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. With both experiences, she wanted to learn skills she could use right away as a teacher.
“Both programs appealed to me in many ways, and they contained the evidence-based practices I knew could make a difference,” she says. “The ripple effect of my experience is already taking place.”
The Diversity and Student Resilience program was one of the first in the state to be awarded the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Through the program, Sariano saw a chance to broaden her understanding of situational cultural resilience and perseverance.
For Sariano’s Applied Behavior Analysis studies, her supervisor, Dr. Molly Milam, who is also the program director, observed her classroom and provided support she’d never had before, in addition to helping train the classroom staff.
“I saw the impact of that right away,” Sariano says. “I got support in ways I never imagined, and for taking almost all of my classes online, it felt very personal. I was so connected to others in the program.”
John Gaeta ’18/MEd ’24, a York Suburban School District teacher, graduated from York College after trying out a few possible career paths and finally settling on Secondary Education. Returning to his alma mater to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership required commitment. He was a new father, and juggling the responsibilities of a full-time career and taking courses.
Gaeta was worried at first that it would be an overwhelming adjustment to be back in college. However, he says, he found a greater appreciation for the knowledge he gained in the classroom. He enjoyed hearing from people in a variety of educational positions, including a financial administrator from Dallastown Area School District, about how they work closely with their leadership.
He also had the chance to complete an administrative internship with his school principal, during which he helped to create a budget. The program’s flexible schedule ensured that he could maintain balance in his life and studies.
Since finishing the program in the spring, Gaeta has found exciting opportunities to take on new responsibilities, with a goal of eventually serving in an administrative role. He is vice president of his teacher’s union local affiliate, practicing skills he learned at York College as he leads members and represents their needs.
“I feel like you spend the first 10 years of your career cutting your teeth,” Gaeta says. “I’m only six years in, but I’m grateful that I’ve learned so much already.”
IN COMMAND OF HER CAREER
Kerry Johnson has two courses to go before she earns her MBA at York College, and the timing of the program could not be better. While she considered getting her master’s degree 10 or even 20 years ago, she says there were too many other priorities in her life to add higher education into the mix sooner.
Johnson is a PMP-certified project manager in the Innovations department of a dietary supplement manufacturing company. She was used to putting her 1994 undergraduate degree in Biology from Towson University to use in her product research and development. Still, she always felt like her business skill set was an area where she needed more focus.
“My real hope was to validate the on-the-job business experience I already had and broaden that with a formal degree process,” she says.
She started her MBA journey at a unique time— when her two daughters also were in college. Her elder daughter, Piper, attended York College as an undergraduate majoring in Recreational Leadership.
While her courses have all been online, she’s been able to get a feel for campus life in other ways. She’s enhanced her experience by serving on the Graduate and Professional Studies Board, attending a press conference for the PA Auditor General, and participating in a graduate student meet and greet. She also engages in several on-campus entertainment events. Next year, she anticipates traveling abroad with the Graham School of Business Graduate Studies program.
Johnson says that after 22 years, she doesn’t see herself moving out of her project management role but looks
GROWING STRONGER
Left: John Gaeta ’18/MEd ’24
Right: Kerry Johnson
“There’s always room for growth in every person, in every position.”
— KERRY JOHNSON
forward to a more robust career. Her MBA courses have significantly enhanced her understanding of the multiple departments she interacts with regularly in her projects. She feels her work conversations are much more effective.
“There’s always room for growth in every person, in every position,” Johnson says. “I’m glad I had gained business experience in the workforce prior to starting a formal MBA program. I see it as bringing my business skills up to current practices.”
York College also allowed Johnson to have a great deal of flexibility in earning her MBA. She looked at several master’s program opportunities and found that most require an 18-month completion track. She initially started the program part-time, taking just one course a semester, as she needed her graduate courses to fit with her lifestyle. She also found scholarship opportunities at York College, to help her complete courses at a faster pace and made managing three college tuitions in her household a lot easier to handle.
“It’s been a very positive experience for me,” she says. “I’ve met so many people in different lines of business, in different roles, and I see each interaction as a learning opportunity.”
MORE OFFERINGS ON THE WAY
While graduate degrees are nothing new at York College, strategically growing educational opportunities for professional learners is an increasingly important institutional priority. York College will continue to deliver to traditional bachelor’s degree seekers while also serving professional learners with established careers.
Whether someone is looking for a professional certificate to earn a higher wage or earning their bachelor’s degree after being unable to do so earlier in life, Dr. DeSantis envisions the College offering more flexibility in serving nontraditional students.
The College will also roll out more certificate opportunities this fall through a new initiative called York College Career Academy. The Career Academy includes more than 40 professional certificates, completed online and at a student’s own pace. These certificates offer practical training for specific skills, such as project management, logistics, and bookkeeping. Many are delivered in partnership with Google, IBM, Amazon, Meta, and more.
The York College Career Academy is a tangible component of College President Dr. Thomas Burns’ vision for the future. According to Dr. Burns, “York College is dedicated to preparing our students and community for the future of the workforce. The Career Academy provides access to industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields, equipping learners with the tools to succeed and thrive in an everchanging workforce.”
Because of the College’s investment in the Career Academy, the certificate programs are available at half the cost they would normally be if someone tried to obtain them on their own. They will also be included in the curriculum of current students, with one class already using it this fall and 10 to 15 more incorporating certificates by Spring 2025.
“This growth is part of a strategic investment we are making for our community,” Dr. DeSantis says.
“The College is always looking ahead to what our students and the businesses, schools, hospitals, and organizations we serve will need to be successful.”
Learn more about the Career Academy
IN FOCUS
BEHIND
THE AQUARIU M
A group of 35 Civil Engineering students, led by Josh Wyrick, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, experienced the power of hands-on learning during an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
This immersive experience offered a firsthand look at the Life Support Systems that keep the aquarium’s diverse marine life thriving, from water filtration to managing complex ecosystems. Students were also given an early preview of the Harbor Wetland exhibit, designed to recreate the marshland habitat of the bay before the harbor infrastructure was built.
The tour bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, allowing students to see how fluid mechanics, water treatment, and hydraulics come to life in environments beyond textbooks—from museum exhibits to living ecosystems— deepening their understanding of how engineering principles are applied in diverse settings.
YOR COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA
CONNECTIONS
CLASS NOTES
1970s
John H. Riddle ’78 (Alpharetta, GA), CEO of the National Alliance of Trade Merchants, has been recognized by “Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives.”
1980s
Paula M. (Rozelle) Hanback ’ 88 (Columbia, TN) has published several adult coloring books, including “Beautiful Monsters” and “Hogwarts Official Harry Potter Coloring Book.”
Chief George J. Swartz, Jr. ’88 (York, PA) retired from the Spring Garden Township Police Department. He had 44 years of service in law enforcement and continues to teach criminal justice at the College.
199 0s
Carol S. (Cohen) Eicher ’90 (Naples, FL) was elected to the Board of Directors of Pinnacle West Capital Corp., an energy holding company.
Matthew P. Muscarnera ’ 92 (Wantagh, NY) has joined Aprio, LLP, as an Audit Partner, Financial Services Industry.
Dr. Terence L. Peavy ’ 92 (Jersey City, NJ) was promoted to Lead Vice President for Institutional Field Relations with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in August 2024.
Timothy Lee Thompson
Smith ’90 (Bowie, MD), retired after 20 and a half years of dedicated service to the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office for the District of Maryland U.S. Courts.
Craig M. Thomas ’95 (Linden, VA) has published a full-length poetry collection, “Disappearing by the Math.”
2000s
Dr. Judith L. (Bush) Berryman ’00 (East Berlin, PA) was approved as Assistant Superintendent of the Littlestown Area School District.
Mary Beth E. (Hare) Ching ’ 04 (York, PA) was among those chosen for the Central Penn Business Journal’s “Women of Influence” award, which honors high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. Recipients are selected based on professional experience, community involvement, and commitment to mentoring.
Jennifer L. (Miller) DeanInman ’04 (Austin, PA) has been appointed to the Austin borough council for a four-year term.
Jessica E. (Yaden) Delp ’ 09 (York, PA) was named a Hometown Hero for exemplary community service and leadership by the New Birth of Freedom Council, Boys Scouts of America.
Shaun P. Donovan ’00 (Camp Hill, PA) has been selected as an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, serving Region I Planning and Development Council in West Virginia. He will be joining the first cohort of 65 Fellows serving communities across the nation and U.S. territories working on a 30-month dedicated project. In West Virginia, he will be working with Region I to develop a long-term economic recovery plan for the region to include business development, economic diversification, and tourism.
Meghan R. (Kavanagh) Goddard ’04 was appointed First Deputy City Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia.
Bernadette K. (Higgins) Lauer ’02 (York, PA) is the owner of School of Rock in Spring Garden Township, York.
Alicia (Ciampa) Phillips ’ 00 (Bordentown, NJ) is the new head of Victim Witness Advocacy for the Mercer County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office.
Det. Gary L. Rynier, Jr. ’09 (Lititz, PA) was promoted to Corporal with the Manheim Township Police Department.
Lt. Col. Matthew J. Schultz ’ 06 (Kailua, HI) had an article called “Halsey’s Trials” published in the Marine Corps Gazette in May 2024. He is currently serving as the Commanding Officer, Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, the Marine Corps’ primary provider of aviation ground support in the Central and Southern Pacific.
Mary Beth E. (Hare) Ching ’04
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
FRANCISCO KULJEVAN ’08/MBA ’20
Kuljevan came to the United States from Lima, Peru, to pursue a degree in finance. He quickly discovered a passion for mechanical engineering that has helped him evolve into a leading hydropower researcher.
Francisco Kuljevan, the team lead of the hydropower generation program at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), has crossed both geographical and professional borders to make an impact in the energy sector. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from York College in 2008, he returned to complete his Master of Business Administration in 2020.
“You don’t always know what you want to study when you’re that young,” Kuljevan says. “I always had the curiosity as a kid of taking things apart and seeing how they operated, but I didn’t know a lot about what mechanical engineering was.”
FROM LIMA TO YORK AND AROUND THE WORLD
Growing up in Peru, Kuljevan was deeply curious and eager to learn. A short stay in the United States sparked his interest in learning English and delving deeper into American culture. With family in the York area, he moved to the United States at 17 to complete his education.
“I’m very glad that I ended up there,” he says of York College. “I always had the curiosity of studying somewhere else. I see my life as such a blessed path.”
While at York College, he worked as a tutor, describing it as immensely rewarding, especially the moments of watching a student go from frustration to understanding. This passion for helping others followed him into his career, where he became a leader in various roles.
Kuljevan’s interest in hydropower was ignited during an engineering co-op at American Hydro. Spending hours working with his hands and learning computer modeling, Kuljevan realized his preference for unique, dynamic
projects over repetitive work.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Kuljevan was offered a fellowship scholarship to pursue his doctorate in engineering but realized he was more interested in applying tools than developing them. He earned a master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida and began designing hydro turbines at Voith in York. His career evolved through management training, with opportunities to travel, including time in Germany and Spain.
“It was a great experience to see another culture and learn another language,” he says.
A PIVOT TO LEADERSHIP AND RESEARCH
In 2018, Kuljevan returned to York College to earn his MBA, drawn by the personalized education and proximity to home. Around the same time, he pivoted to nonprofit research, joining the team at the EPRI.
As the team lead of the EPRI’s hydropower generation program, Kuljevan drives innovation and ensures equitable access to hydroelectric power. His leadership is shaped by his global experiences
“It’s about understanding and leveraging the strengths of the people around you,” he says.
EPRI’s collaborative model allows Kuljevan to work with utilities that own and operate hydropower assets, supporting them in developing best practices and solving complex problems.
‘BE CURIOUS’
Kuljevan sees a bright future for hydropower. His focus on continuous learning and fostering innovation keeps him pushing forward. His philosophy emphasizes empathy and understanding, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
Reflecting on his time at York College, Kuljevan attributes much of his success to the relationships and experiences he built. Even in moments of homesickness or when feeling overwhelmed, the support he received shaped his career.
“Be curious and never lose the desire to learn something,” he advises. “Don’t be afraid of taking new chances and opportunities. It was scary leaving my family in Peru to come here, but the worst that could happen was the opportunity didn’t work. You have to try things.”
EVENTS CALENDAR
1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Alumni Hiking Club
DECEMBER 18
Winter Commencement
JANUARY 22
Maker Series –Glassblowing, York, PA
FEBRUARY 13
York Country Day School Houndsgiving
FEBRUARY 20
#YCPGives
FEBRUARY 22
Spring Open House
MARCH 11
Maker Series – Watercolors
MARCH 22 AND APRIL 12
Accepted Student Day
APRIL 13
Alumni Easter Egg Hunt
APRIL 26
Spring Open House
MAY 17
Spring Commencement
FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
Dear Friends,
Greetings from the Advancement Office of York College. On June 1, I began my service as the new Vice President for Advancement. I am deeply honored to have been asked to assume this new role by President Burns as I start my sixth year as an employee of the College, after nearly four decades of knowing and loving this institution.
By the time you read this edition of the College magazine, we will be well into the first semester of our new academic year. We’ve had the joy of watching the campus come back to life with new and returning students. It’s always a great reminder to us of why we are here and what we are committed to first and foremost— providing transformational educational experiences to students. Our students range from those entering first grade at York Country Day School to those beginning their senior year of a baccalaureate program or starting a graduate degree at York College. They are first-generation students and those from families with a long tradition of higher education. They are from around the corner in York, and around the world.
One of the questions I’m sometimes asked is “Now that the EVOLVE
Campaign is over, what are you and your team doing?” It always makes me chuckle a bit. As wonderful as our recent comprehensive campaign was, the need to continue to raise resources to accomplish our mission of supporting and educating our students is as real and urgent as ever—from completing capital projects like the Knowledge Park to growing programs in engineering, business, and the humanities; and most especially, providing scholarship dollars to our students.
As we begin a wonderful new year, our 56th year as York College of Pennsylvania, and our 237th year of providing educational opportunities in the York community, I would like to express my thanks to each of you for supporting our mission. We are Spartan Strong because of you!
All the best, Glenn Miller
At a party for recent graduate Patrick J. Ament ’24, the family snapped a photo of six YCP alumni, plus one current student and one incoming first-year student. We love seeing our Spartan families honor the legacy and traditions of YCP! #SpartansforLife
LEFT TO RIGHT: Timothy L. Graham ’05, Laura E. (Myers) Graham ’05, Katie E. (Myers) Ament ’97, Tucker E. Ament ’28, Patrick J. Ament ’24, Chuck E. Ament ’97, Chloe J. Ament ’25, and Angela DeMarino ’87
Bryan M. Sheaffer ’12 (York, PA) has been hired as Elections Director for York County.
Thomas W. Spray-Fry ’00 (Phoenix, MD) was appointed Partner at Heritage Financial Consultants, LLC.
2010s
Khera K. Bowman ’18 (York, PA) was among this year’s class of community leaders graduating from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Development Institute in Harrisburg, PA.
Kyle T. Cook ’11 (Lititz, PA) was promoted to President/ Chief Strategy Officer with Universal Media, Inc.
Karla S. (Galletti) Dentler ’14 (Manchester, PA) was among those chosen for the Central Penn Business Journal’s “Women of Influence” award, which honors high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. Recipients are selected based on professional experience, community involvement, and commitment to mentoring.
Denise M. Fowler ’10 (Blythewood, SC) was recently hired as the Assistant Principal for Airport High School in Lexington (SC) School District Two.
Daysha C. Illarza ’16 (York, PA) received the Ignite Young Professional Award from the York County Economic Alliance. She currently works for the United Way of York County as the Community Impact and DEI Coordinator.
Bree A. Link ’18 (Dover, PA) has joined the Centennial School District as the Communications and Marketing Specialist.
2020s
Sophia E. Barnes ’22 (Dover, PA) is the new Assistant Director for Campus Activities at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.
Lauren E. Cummings ’22 (Millstone Twp, NJ) received a Master of Information from Rutgers University in January 2024 and has been working as a Youth Services Librarian in Ocean County, NJ, since February 2024.
Kerstin E. Glenn ’22 (Furlong, PA) was promoted to Dual Property Sales and Catering Manager at Avanti Palms Resort, a part of Paramount Hospitality Management.
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
Alison M. Coe ’08 (Olney, MD) married Drew Cowley on April 6, 2024, at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton, VA. The couple resides in Reston, VA.
Julia A. Martello ’17 (Glen Rock, PA) and Erik A. Shingle ’18 (Coatesville, PA) were married on New Year’s Eve 2023 at the Country Club of York. The couple resides in York.
Lindsay B. Sheaffer ’21 (York, PA) and Nicholas C. Heller ’22 (Limerick, PA) are engaged. A September 2025 wedding is planned in York.
BIRTHS
For news about alumni events and to submit information for Class Notes, visit www.ycp.edu/alumni. Any questions? Email alumni@ycp.edu .
Kathleen A. (Gaudet) Neff ’ 09 (Dover, PA) and her husband, Carson, welcomed a baby boy, Jensen Richard, on June 11, 2024.
ABOVE: Alison M. Coe ’08
Karla S. (Galletti) Dentler ’14
IN MEMORIAM
Alumni
Barbara A. Baker ’50 (York, PA), March 5, 2023. She attended York Junior College and was a lifelong member of Heidelberg United Church of Christ. She is survived by three nephews.
Jeanette E. (Englert) Bowers ’ 78 (Summerville, SC), June 18, 2024. She served as Director of Lancaster County’s Domestic Relations Office. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John, and a daughter.
Natalie S. Butler ’45 (York, PA), April 21, 2024. She was a graduate of York Junior College and Wilson College. She retired after 35 years of teaching in the York City School District.
Sylvia E. (Yerger) Christman ’65 (Lititz, PA), August 23, 2023. She was a teacher with Hempfield School District for many years. She is survived by her husband, William, and her two daughters.
Caryl M. (Rains) Clarke ’88 (York, PA), June 14, 2024. She was married to her husband, Howard, for 53 years until his passing in 2015. She also attended American University and was a reporter for the York Daily Record for 18 years. She is survived by her two children and their families.
Kenneth L. Coopersmith ’72 (Red Lion, PA), May 26, 2024. He worked for Black & Decker, Sears, and the Carroll Hospital Center. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elsie, and their three sons.
Thomas W. Dauber ’74 (Spring Grove, PA), July 24, 2024. He was the co-founder of Environmentally Safe Products in New Oxford and the former owner of the Oxford Inn Towne Restaurant. He was married to his wife, Barbara, for 53 years and is survived by their two children.
Florence M. (Freed) Dolheimer ’85 (York, PA), March 2, 2024. She owned her own accounting firm in Gettysburg and also worked at Paradise School for Boys and Catholic Charities. She was the loving wife of Ralph Dolheimer for 60 years and is survived by three daughters and a large extended family.
Gordon J. Dubs ’54 (Hanover, PA), December 21, 2023. He attended York Junior College and served in the U.S. Army before beginning his 37-year career with Eisenhart’s Wall Coverings, retiring in 1994. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Katherine, and two children.
Ronald A. Eidle ’80 (Reading, PA), January 28, 2024. He also attended Frostburg State University in Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Deborah, and two children.
Esther J. (Werning) Ells ’51 (Hanover, PA), February 22, 2024. She attended York Junior College and held various secretarial positions. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Stewart, and two children.
Richard I. Fears ’75 (Red Lion, PA), January 29, 2024. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, Jossel, and two children.
Craig M. Henriksen ’81 (North Marshfield, MA), January 28, 2024. He also attended the University of Massachusetts for his MBA. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and two daughters.
Tina M. (Malehorn) Hess ’ 86 (Phoenix, AZ), March 22, 2024. She retired from York County Probation and Parole in 2014 after 26 years of service. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bill, and their children.
Dr. Levere C. Hostler ’57 (Newton Center, MA), November 15, 2023. He attended York Junior College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University. He was a professor at Wilkes University for many years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy, and their daughter.
Theodore A. Kraven III ’88 (Nutley, NJ), November 16, 2023. He is survived by his mother and sisters.
Charlene M. (Albaugh) Shirey Laughman ’67 (York, PA), April 24, 2024. She attended York Junior College, then worked for the CIA and the Social Security Administration. She is survived by her son, Kyle.
Glenn H. Leiphart ’46 (York, PA), May 17, 2024. He attended York Junior College, then was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving at the Pentagon during World War II. He also attended Shippensburg University. He worked for Schmidt & Ault Paper Co. until his retirement in 1990. He served for many years on the East Prospect Borough Council. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Kay, and two children.
Brian R. March ’90 (Baltimore, MD), June 7, 2024. He most recently worked for the Baltimore Sports and Social Club. He is survived by a brother and a sister.
David J. Martin ’90 (Coatesville, PA), September 3, 2023. He recently retired after a career in quality control at Container Research. He is survived by his wife of over 37 years, Teresa, and their two sons.
Diane L. McMillan ’73 (York, PA), March 7, 2024. She was a substitute teacher for West York and York City School Districts until her retirement in 2020. She is survived by her husband, George, and four children.
RETURNING: AN ALUMNI EXHIBITION
Returning: An Alumni Exhibition was a curated selection of recent works by York College of Pennsylvania Fine Art and Graphic Design alumni, highlighting the continuing dedication and growth of past students’ curiosity, expertise, and vision. The exhibition, organized by alum
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Matthew Apol ’07
Caitlyn Bishop ’08
Rebecca Carter ’21
Gabe Clarke ’18
Jeannine Dabb ’20
Anya Felch ’15
Mariah Hertz ’15
Rebecca J. (Ziegler) Myers ’ 65 (Shrewsbury, PA), May 31, 2024. She attended York Junior College. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard, and their two children.
Joseph R. Noel ’77 (Ruskin, FL and Altoona, PA), May 6, 2024. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning the rank of Specialist 5. He also attended St. Francis College, Loretto. He retired from Altoona Regional Hospital in 2012 as the Medical Laboratory Science Program Director. He is survived by his second wife, Shirley, and several children and stepchildren.
Ivy Rodgers ’18, opened on August 17 in Gallery Hall at Marketview Arts, York College’s hub for culture and creativity in the community. Returning was the second York College alumni exhibition to be presented at Marketview Arts. The exhibition closed on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Kara LaRose ’14
James O’Shea ’21
Ivy Rodgers ’18
Dillon Samuelson ’14
Raeann Waltersdorf ’07
Kree Wiede ’13
Amber Wiesberg ’19
John T. Ogilvie ’79 (York, PA), March 4, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynn, and a son, Cameron.
Anthony J. Pandolfino ’92 (York, PA), June 26, 2024. He also earned an MBA from the University of Maryland. He worked for MacAulay-Brown and the USDA. He is survived by his daughter, Alexis.
Crystal L. (Lemkelde)
Petersen ’83 (Mount Wolf, PA), May 16, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Christopher, and two children.
Ronald E. Rentzel ’93 (York, PA), March 28, 2024. He was a lab coordinator and physics instructor at the College. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and their children.
Ronald A. Rostalski ’74 (Enola, PA), March 28, 2024. He also attended Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and served two years in the U.S. Army. He joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1965. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gale, and their three children.
Sherryl L. (Lowe) Runkle ’79 (Dover, PA), July 13, 2024. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority since 1978. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, John, and their two children.
Walter R. Sandy ’72 (Red Lion, PA), February 17, 2024. He retired from Rutter’s Corp. as Vice President of Finance in 2009 and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1970. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nanette, and their three children.
Gary A. Shaffer ’80 (Williamstown, PA), July 23, 2023. He is survived by his mother and two brothers.
Richard L. Shelton, Jr. ’68 (Finksburg, MD), June 19, 2024. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon while at the College and retired as the Chief of Purchasing for the Carroll County local government.
Edward R. Simpson ’77 (Deptford, NJ), February 24, 2024. He was a New Jersey State Trooper for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Gigi, and their daughter, Nicole.
Matthew T. Simpson ’06 (La Plata, MD), February 29, 2024. He was president of his senior class at the College, where he also served as swim team captain, was selected as graduation speaker, and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He also attended the University of Baltimore School of Law and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2010. He served as a La Plata Town Council member from 2017 to 2021. He is survived by his mother and three siblings.
Larry “Doby” Snyder (Dover, PA), May 5, 2024. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and the Air Medal from the Office of the President of the United States. He attended York Junior College and played baseball here, then transferred to the University of Miami, where he was editor of the student newspaper. He worked for Norwegian Cruise Line and Jedco Paper Company, and was active with York County Special Olympics. He is survived by four brothers and a sister.
Rev. Dr. Paul E. Stambach ’48 (Sarasota, FL and York, PA), July 12, 2024. He graduated from York Junior College and also earned degrees from Lebanon Valley College, United Theological Seminary, Lutheran Theological Seminary, and Temple University. He also served as an adjunct professor at the College. He was married to his wife, Gloria, for 59 years until her death in 2014. He is survived by his three children.
William M. Sterner ’54 (Evanston, IL), March 13, 2024. He attended York Junior College, contributing to two PA State Junior College Championships, and served as class president his sophomore year. He retired from PH Glatfelter Co. in 1993 after 39 years of service. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marian, and two of their children. He is survived by two children.
Gerald R. Strine ’51 (Columbia, MD). He attended York Junior College as well as Northwestern University and Columbia University. He worked for The Washington Post in the sports department. He was married for 68 years and is survived by his son.
Richard A. Sultner, Jr. ’68 (York, PA), January 2, 2024. He was a graduate of York Junior College, as well as Messiah University, and was a music teacher in the York City School District for over 39 years. He performed publicly as a professional pianist at the York Valley Inn, The Yorktowne Hotel, and The Greenfield Inn. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and their two children.
John J. Tassia ’72 (York , PA), February 28, 2024. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was employed as a Vice President of Purchasing. He is survived by his three children.
Wayne A. Wagner ’69 (Greenville, SC), June 24, 2024. He attended York Junior College, Gettysburg College, and the University of Florida. He had a 40-year career as a nuclear engineer. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Jo, and two children.
Kenneth L. Witmer ’76 (York, PA), May 14, 2024. He was a police officer with the Springettsbury Township Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office, serving over 30 years in law enforcement. He was also the former fire chief and past president of the Springettsbury Township Fire Company. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and four children.
Friends
Ann B. (Boyd) Barshinger (Lancaster, PA), July 21, 2024. She worked for the Red Lion Milling Co. and was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Red Lion. She was married to the late Richard S. Barshinger for 55 years, until he passed away in 2001. Mrs. Barshinger was known for her involvement in many community organizations and her philanthropic efforts in York and Lancaster counties.
Thomas D. Craven (York, PA), March 16, 2024. He attended Penn State University. He taught at West Chester State College, then served as a business management professor at YCP for almost 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kim, and daughter, Katie.
Alexis R. (Griffith) Henry (Columbia, PA), July 23, 2024. She worked as a geriatric care specialist for over 20 years. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Jay N. Henry.
Michele L. (Achtzehn) Nardelli (York, PA), June 11, 2024. She was a teacher at West York Area School District for 15 years and the daughter of Richard and Terry Achtzehn. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Michael, and her son, Ty.
Dr. Wayne A. Romer (Perham, MN), April 16, 2024. He attended Concordia College and Ithaca College. He taught music at the College for 14 years, retiring in 2012. He is survived by his three children.
2024 SPARTAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Seth Grove ’02
Best advice ever received:
Speaker Mike Turzai: “You have got to set a hard deadline for budget negotiations or else negotiations will never end.”
Seth Grove graduated in 2002 with a degree in Political Science/Public Administration from York College. Reflecting on his time at YCP, Grove remarked, “York College academically and professionally prepared me to be the public servant I am today. From academic studies to real-life internships, York College’s focus on academic and professional success is ingrained in everything they do.”
As a Political Science major, Grove appreciated the nonpartisan approach of his professors. “They didn’t care what position you had; they just wanted you to be able to defend it with facts,” he said.
Grove was elected to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 2008 and has represented a portion of York County since then. He has risen through the ranks and is recognized by his colleagues for his attention to detail and concern for the residents of Pennsylvania. Grove served as the Majority Chairman of the House State Government Committee, overseeing many matters, including election changes and electoral issues. He has been a champion of safe and secure elections, ensuring every eligible Pennsylvanian has the right and opportunity to vote.
Last year, Grove was elected to serve as the Minority House Appropriations Chairman, replacing retired Chairman Stan Saylor, who also hailed from York County.
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Jimmy Strusowski ’14
Best advice ever received:
The best advice I was given came from a business philosopher, Jim Rohn. He said that if you will change, everything will change for you. I took this advice and started making small changes to create the future that I wanted to see.
Jimmy Strusowski graduated in 2014 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing from York College. He credits YCP for providing the support necessary for his success. As a member of the wrestling team for three seasons, he developed the discipline needed for life, thanks in large part to coaches Duane Bastress and Brandon Bailey, who taught him valuable life lessons. These lessons helped Strusowski overcome many challenges by emphasizing the importance of pushing oneself and always going the extra mile.
Strusowski is a Service Account Manager for Seiberlich Trane. He has demonstrated remarkable professional achievements and outstanding service to the community. His contributions span various domains, illustrating his commitment to excellence and service.
Strusowski’s professional achievements and community service are distinguished by their breadth and depth. His proactive leadership, dedication to community causes, and corporate citizenship exemplify a lifetime of impactful contributions that extend far beyond his career.
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Brett Calabretta, PE ’04
Best advice ever received: I really like a quote by Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Brett Calabretta received his undergraduate degree from Penn State and his Master of Business Administration from York College in 2004. He pursued his MBA after working for several years as an engineer. With a desire to start or own a business, he aimed to gain a better perspective on business and the challenges business owners face. His time in graduate school helped him become more well-rounded in handling non-technical situations common in the workplace. He felt better prepared to collaborate with and lead teams to accomplish common goals and manage business risks.
Calabretta shared that his favorite professor was Dave Greisler, who pushed him to think differently. He enjoyed Greisler’s classes and appreciated the conversations that allowed him to gain insights from the professor’s business experience. He often sought Greisler’s input on his career aspirations and direction.
Currently, Calabretta serves as a mentor in the Graham School Mentoring Program and has been a key member of the planning team for York College’s Knowledge Park. Calabretta shared, “Having helped lead a large construction company, I was continually exposed to how influential the work and the facilities we developed were to others…It truly is both humbling and an honor to have the opportunity to lead others and focus on people and relationships first.”
NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER
Hannah Huber currently serves as Vice Chairman of Adhesives Research, Topflight Corporation, and Conductive Technologies, located in Glen Rock and York, PA. Her previous role was Executive Director of International Affiliate Companies for Adhesives Research. AR is a global leader in custom adhesive development and manufacturer of high-performance adhesives, specialty films, release liners, and transdermal and transmucosal drug delivery technologies. Topflight is a manufacturer and converter of high-end specialty labels and parts for consumer goods, industrial, and pharmaceutical markets. Conductive Technologies is a manufacturer of printed electronics for medical device and industrial markets. Both YCP Chemistry and Engineering have collaborated with AR over the years, a partnership that has provided mutually beneficial workforce development and research outcomes for both parties.
She earned a B.A. from Hollins University and her MFA at Queens University of Charlotte. Huber is a York Country Day School parent and an active member of the YCDS Advisory Board.
WE LOVE BEING SPARTANS!
Our Spartan Spirit was on full display during YCP’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, held October 4–6. Alumni, students, and their families returned to campus for three days of celebration and community.
Friday kicked off with the 10th Annual Spartan Advance Golf Outing
THE HONORABLE MARIA MUSTI COOK RETIRES FROM YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Honorable Maria Musti Cook, Class of 1981, concluded nine years of distinguished service on the Board of Trustees of York College of Pennsylvania on June 30, 2024. Her tenure on the board followed her dedicated service on the College’s Collegiate Council and Alumni Relations Board.
A proud alumna of York College, Judge Musti Cook has had a career marked by excellence in the legal profession. After serving as an attorney, she was appointed as a judge on the York County Court of Common Pleas in 2003. She recently retired from her role as the President Judge of the Court, the first female in York County history to hold the position.
Reflecting on her long-standing commitment to the College, YCP President Thomas Burns remarked, “Maria has been an invaluable member of the College’s board and overall leadership for over 20 years. Her story of how York College impacted her life, and her years of generously giving back to the College through her wisdom and resources, have made us a better place.”
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions, Judge Musti Cook received the College’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award in 2006. Further demonstrating her commitment to fostering educational opportunities, she established the Musti Non-Traditional
“Maria’s years of generously giving back to the College through her wisdom and resources have made us a better place.”
— PRESIDENT THOMAS BURNS
Student Scholarship Award in 2015, which supports students who, like herself, have come to the College through nontraditional pathways.
For more information on alumni events and activities, visit ycp.edu/alumni or contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@ycp.edu
and ended downtown at First Friday in York, featuring an Alumni Happy Hour at Gift Horse Brewing Company.
Saturday started with a morning hike at The York Water Company Reservoir. On campus, YCP faculty and staff reconnected with alumni and met parents during Coffee and Conversation, while student organizations hosted a lively Fall Festival complete with food, games, and crafts. Men’s Soccer also
clinched a victory over Alvernia!
The weekend wrapped up with SpartaFest, where more than 700 alumni, students, and their families enjoyed all-you-can-eat fare, a beer garden, games, music, and inflatables. We love it when the Spartan community comes together and can’t wait to do it again in 2025!
