Hospitality, Recreation, and Sport Management

OUR

STORIES

Our Hospitality, Recreation, and Sport Management students don't just leave York College with a degree — they leave with a foundation.

Rigorous classroom study. Practical experience.

And a wealth of opportunities to work with some of the best industry professionals.

Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration, and Sport Management professionals can have a direct effect on people’s quality of life at home, while traveling, engaging in recreation, sport or entertainment.

At York College, these departments emphasize both classroom and hands-on learning, preparing you for careers in a wide range of fields that enrich the lives of others. These majors prepare you to for careers in fields including travel, sport, hotels, restaurants, recreational therapy and community-based recreation, and more.

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York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

CONTENTS HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT Page 8

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All-in: Jimmy Di Guglielmo, Class of 2017 and Class President, takes being busy to a whole different level.

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Knack for the industry: Aaron Cook, Class of 2017, parlayed his education to land work with The First Post.

Go global: Tour the world with these 7 jobs you can get with a degree in Hospitality Management.

RECREATION AND LEISURE ADMINISTRATION Page 12

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'Coolest major in the world': Chase Colley, Class of 2016, embodies just about everything a Rec major should.

Helping in Kenya: Chelsea Farrington, Class of 2015, was told by her professors to follow her dreams.

Make your mark: Read about 5 Recreation and Leisure jobs can help you give back to the community.

SPORT MANAGEMENT Page 26

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Super effort pays off: Michael Wolf, Class of 2014, says he saw the return on his hard work right away.

Scoring NHL gig: Kim Capezza, Class of 2015, even had an encounter with a future Hall-of-Fame goalie.

Start your sports career: Check out these 8 awesome jobs you can land with a degree in Sport Management.

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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JIMMY DI GUGLIELMO: CLASS OF 2017

ALL-IN, ON-THE-GO ATTITUDE While many people enjoy being active, York College of Pennsylvania Hospitality Management major Jimmy Di Guglielmo has taken busy to a whole different level.

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immy Di Guglielmo recently finished his junior year at the school that included a 17-credit course load, and a 1 credit internship this semester, in addition to his on-campus job, duties as a peer advisor, orientation coordinator, and fraternity member. He was even the secretary of the school’s Ski and Outdoor Club.

And if that wasn’t enough, he will serve as the 2017 Class President when he returns to York College in the fall.

Now that’s a hectic schedule.

Needless to say, I like to be involved,” Di Guglielmo says.

“There’s times I am running around in 100 different directions. I have class, homework, meetings, this and that and want a break. However I know I need to get things done first, I do better when I am busy.”

“The skills can be taught, but you need to have that people personality, communication skills and be able to talk to people. That’s one of the keys of the Hospitality program."

“When I get involved, I put 110 percent into it. If I have to pull an all-nighter, sacrifice some sleep to get it done, I do that. Thank goodness for cellphones. I use it for everything, my email, and my calendar to try to stay organized throughout the semester.”

Rethinking his plans It’s that constant, on-the-go mentality that makes him perfect for the Hospitality Management major at York College. Although he started as a Chemistry major before an undeclared semester, Di Guglielmo says the professors, and the hands-on approach helped him rethink his plans.

— JIMMY DI GUGLIELMO, CLASS OF 2017

“My first semester as a Hospitality student is what really got my brain running,” he says. “I learned all the opportunities you have in Hospitality. Taking that intro course gave me the start of where I wanted to be.”

Being wildly busy hasn’t hurt Di Guglielmo in the classroom. He posted a 3.04 GPA during the last fall semester and expects that his spring average was just Continued on Page 6

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as good – or better. He is looking forward to this fall when he will get to study in the food lab in the commercial kitchen at the former Lafayette Club in York, which was donated to the college for this program.

Gaining valuable experience Until then, he will go back to the onsite catering business where he worked last summer near his home in New Jersey, 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia.

Last year he performed “back of the house” duties as a houseman, and ended up helping as a bartender one night which led him to acquiring his bartending license. This year, he’ll perform “front of the house” as a server, in a facility that specializes in weddings. Meanwhile, between his summer job, and York College activities, he is gaining valuable experience in event planning.

Di Guglielmo also served an internship with York College’s Dean of Enrollment, where he helped coordinate many of the special events that office hosts.

“From helping the office staff to sitting in on pre-planning meetings and helping with teardown, I found myself really getting involved with every detail of events,” he says. “I went from start to finish.”

One of his primary duties was to interact with incoming freshmen and their families, telling them things like where they needed to go on campus but also sharing personal experiences that helped pave his way to success at school.

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DID YOU KNOW ...

The hospitality industry is one of the nation’s leading employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by this decade, the hospitality and tourism industry in the United States will employ approximately 15.1 million people, and that 2.5 million people will be employed in managerial, marketing and other professional positions within the industry.

Keys of the hospitality program While he isn’t positive which way his career path will take him after he graduates next spring, Di Guglielmo will be ready.

Both York College and his own active, non-stop nature will help prepare him.

“The skills can be taught, but you need to have that people personality, communication skills and be able to talk to people,” he says. “That’s one of the keys of the Hospitality program. You have to put yourself out there.” 

York College is proud to offer one of the best Hospitality Management schools in Pennsylvania, where our Hospitality Management major prepares students for one of the largest and most diverse career fields in the U.S. Where will a Hospitality Management degree take you?

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

Anthony Melchiorri, creator, co-executive producer and host of the Travel Channel's hotel turnaround show, "Hotel Impossible," meets with York College of Pennsylvania Hospitality Management students in 2012.

York College's location in the heart of Pennsylvania's tourist area sets our innovative Hospitality Management major apart.

Students complete 800 hours in a continuous internship program over their first three years, learning by doing at local and regional tourist locations where they develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

They also take part in planning and executing events at the College, using state-of-the-art facilities to prepare for a career in an industry that is one of the nation's leading employers.

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York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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AARON COOK: CLASS OF 2017

A KNACK FOR THE INDUSTRY

Like many of his peers, Aaron Cook worked in the food industry when he was a 16-year-old high school student. But unlike many others his age, Cook earned more than just a paycheck at the restaurant – he earned valuable experience and a priceless connection that launched his foundation for a bright future READ MORE in the hospitality field.

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aron Cook , a York College of Pennsylvania Hospitality Management major, has parlayed those early skills with his ongoing education to land work with The First Post, a popular York County restaurant.

Cook, now a junior, transferred to York College from a similar program at another Pennsylvania college at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year. Originally from York County, the 2013 Dallastown Area High School graduate moved back to his hometown because of the positive reputation and permanence of the York College Hospitality Management program.

“I liked the curriculum, and I know this is a program that is going to be around for a long time,” he says. “Everything in this industry is based on connections; it’s important to be a part of an established program.”

“Everything in this industry is based on connections; it’s important to be a part of an established program.”

— AARON COOK, CLASS OF 2017

'He had a special interest' In high school, Cook established his interest in the field when he began working at the Great American Saloon in Red Lion, Pa., serving as a busser, food runner, host, server and seasonal manager over his four years at the restaurant.

During his time at the Great American Saloon, restaurant co-owner Athena Keares and her family began to develop the idea for The First Post, an American-style restaurant that opened in York in August 2015. When Cook moved back to York County in June 2015, Keares knew he would be the perfect fit to help with their opening.

“He had his eyes set on this project since working at the Great American Saloon,” Keares says. “It was evident from the start that he had a special interest and knack for the industry.”

From June to August, Cook helped develop the menu and recipes with the kitchen staff.

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Cook also helped interview and whittle a list of 700 applications for open positions at the restaurant to the 80 employees offered positions for the opening. He helped stabilize the staff in the months after the opening, which he says was very rewarding.

“He was a star,” Keares says. “Since the opening, we have put him on the management team, and he has excelled.”

Valuable college experience Keares says she knew from his employment as a teenager that Cook had the skills and was interested in pursuing a future in restaurant management.

She encouraged him to enroll in a college program as a way to further his skills and learn more about the ins and outs of management.

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DID YOU KNOW ...

The hospitality industry is one of the largest and most important sectors of the American economy, not to mention one of the fastest-growing.

Its sheer size and diversity provide an abundance of career options in lodging, food and beverage distribution, catering, the gaming industry, cruise lines, airlines, food service, theme parks, the entertainment industry, the restaurant business and many more.

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SEVEN

WAYS TO TOUR THE WORLD WITH A HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT DEGREE 1. Restaurant management

Whether you’re looking to make the front of the house offer a first-class experience for restaurant guests, or you’d rather run things behind-the-scenes, a degree in Hospitality Management can give you the skills you need. Your exposure to financial, managerial and culinary skills can land you in a restaurant with a global reach, whether that’s an Irish pub or a Japanese sushi shop.

2. Hotel or resort management

It is estimated that there are more than 187,000 operating hotels and resorts around the world. Whether you want to help companies like Airbnb expand across the ocean, or you see yourself working on the beaches of on exotic resort, York College’s Hospitality program can help prepare you for a career in hotel management. Jump into a career that lets you create a home away from home for tourists around the globe.

3. Cruise ship employment

Make the world’s oceans your home.

A Hospitality Management degree will make you uniquely qualified for a variety of career opportunities on a cruise ship, including managing a cruise’s restaurants, lodging, and tourist service.

There’s no better job for providing fun and relaxation to cruise ship guests.

4. Catering services

Translate your taste for worldwide cuisine into a career by finding your career in catering services. Whether you land a job with a first-class hotel or find yourself in a world-famous restaurant, you

can bring the culinary treasures of the world to your dinner guests. The event experience you learn at York College of Pennsylvania’s Hospitality program prepares you for a delicious career.

5. Sommelier, bar manager or beverage distributor

Have a passion for wine and spirits?

Study to become a beverage expert for the world’s top wine, spirits or beer manufacturers and distributors. Our coursework can arm you with the knowledge to work for a variety of beverage companies and gain expertise that will take you from the Napa Valley in California to the Tuscan hills of Italy.

6. Tour operations

Plan itineraries and accompany sightseers on their once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Work for a travel or tour operator to become an expert on the best restaurants, hotels and attractions that a country has to offer. This type of career is perfect for the outgoing personalities that are usually found in Hospitality Management, with the opportunity to create an exciting tourism experience for new people on a regular basis.

7. Travel agent

Have a taste for travel but want to keep your home stateside? Your Hospitality Management experience will give you a unique look into the travel industry, giving you the expertise to consult one-onone and plan adventures for clients. A career as a travel agent will give you the opportunity to work in an industry that is fast-paced and constantly evolving.

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

While the Hospitality Management is located within an innovative college, York is situated in the heart of Pennsylvania’s No. 1 tourist area, in the MidAtlantic Region close to Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and New York.

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“It’s extremely valuable to have someone on our team with that [collegiate] experience,” Keares says. “Aaron has set up a training program for our management, as well as to build our management team, in which he brings in ideas from his classes and studies.”

Because of his college experience, Cook has brought new ideas to the table with a level of professionalism that Keares says isn’t always found in restaurants.

He balances a full load of classes with a full-time management job at The First Post and excels at juggling multiple responsibilities. Cook is the restaurant’s main hiring manager, has implemented a training program, and manages the restaurant’s social media, Keares says.

Looking forward, Cook says he hopes to build his

future not only in restaurants but all parts of the hospitality industry.

One of the ideas that has drawn him to the field is the ability to explore multiple facets over the course of an individual’s career.

“There are a lot of different sectors of Hospitality Management that you can go into at any point in your career,” Cook says. “You can try a lot of different things over the course of your career; you can move around and try new things.” 

York College is proud to offer one of the best Hospitality Management schools in Pennsylvania, where our Hospitality Management major prepares students for one of the largest and most diverse career fields in the U.S. Where will a Hospitality Management degree take you?

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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CHASE COLLEY (CENTER): CLASS OF 2016

'THE COOLEST MAJOR IN THE WORLD' One might say Chase Colley embodies just about everything a Recreation and Leisure Administration major should.

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uring a recent trip out west, the York College of Pennsylvania senior learned about living off the land and the science of the wilderness while backpacking through Wyoming, canoeing down rivers in Utah and rock climbing in Idaho.

He wants others to experience similar excursions, specifically people with disabilities. After graduation this spring, he’ll get his chance.

Chase Colley, right, during his semester in the rockies

“I’ll be starting an internship with Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center in Colorado in May,” Colley says. “I’m going to work on wilderness adaptive sports for people with disabilities, but my main goal is to do wilderness therapy for the intellectually disabled.”

And he credits his experience and education at York College for putting him on the right path.

“I think my major is the coolest major in the world,” Colley says. “It’s really small, but you can do so much with it.”

Pinning down a school Colley, a native of Richmond, Virginia, was active well before he got to college. ‌ e wrestled for Hermitage High School and was H a two-time Virginia State National Team member and a Virginia State Qualifier.

When it was time to pursue higher education, one of his wrestling coaches told him about York College.

“Everyone (at York College) is here to help you succeed. That’s a cool environment to be in."

— CHASE COLLEY, CLASS OF 2016

“I looked at a few other schools, but they were bigger,” Colley says. “I decided a smaller school was better for me academically.”

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After visiting the York College campus, he liked what he saw and decided to enroll.

Beginning his journey Not long after, he chose a career path.

“After my first semester, I knew I wanted to major in Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure,” Colley says. “Wilderness therapy is my specialty, helping people with disabilities have fun in the wilderness, go climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.”

In his first year at York College, both an academic advisor and the college’s rock wall supervisor suggested Colley look into the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a program that offered a semester of college credits while exploring the outdoors.

While the organization operates all over the world, the Rocky Mountains appealed most to him.

“First, I backpacked for 10 days, hiking about 40 miles and gained about 5,000 feet in elevation on the Wind River mountain range,” he says.

He then went to a horse farm to get a Wilderness First Responders certification, which means if anyone gets hurt in the backcountry he can help them stay alive until other help arrives.

Next, he drove to Utah and canoed 127 miles on the Green River through Desolation Canyon. After that, he drove to Idaho to the City of Rocks and went rock climbing.

DID YOU KNOW ...

The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is available to all students who graduate from the Recreation and Leisure Administration major.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the CPRP certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the park and recreation profession.

“Then, we went back to Utah and to Canyonland and the Grand Gulch Canyon and hiked in and out of canyons for close to 30 days – about 137 miles of hiking,” he says.

That semester of grueling work led to “lots of PE credits” through the University of Utah, as well as credits for environment and biology. He also earned nursing credits for Wilderness First Responder work.

He says all 19 of those credits transferred over to York College, no problem.

‘A cool environment to be in' With graduation around the corner, Colley’s resume includes an emphasis in Recreational Therapy, an unforgettable trip out west and four years of wrestling collegiately with the Spartans.

The intimate experience and small class sizes at York College, he says, will set him up to tackle whatever future adventures await him.

“Everyone is here to help you succeed,” Colley says.

“That’s a cool environment to be in.” 

Chase Colley, second row from back, third from left 14

York College is proud to offer one of the best Recreation and Leisure Administration programs in Pennsylvania. Within our recreation and leisure major, students can choose either a Recreation Management emphasis or a Recreational Therapy emphasis. Where will your degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration take you?

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

Recreation and Leisure students have plenty of hands-on experience — the annual Spartapalooza is organized by our students! — to enhance employment opportunities.

Helping individuals, families and organizations make the most of time away from work.

What if you could improve the world through recreation? That's at the heart of our recreation and leisure administration major — developing programs, organizing events, and helping others use recreational and leisure activities for therapy, exercise, or entertainment. Our innovative curriculum provides a competitive edge in the job market.

We have relevant, quality educational and experiential learning opportunities, from our massive Spartapalooza campus event to wheelchair rugby, to prepare you for a successful career in the industry. Within this major, you can choose either an emphasis in Recreation Management or Recreational Therapy.

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York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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CHELSEA FARRINGTON: CLASS OF 2015

A TRIP SHE WILL NOT FORGET The biggest life lessons often come at the most unlikely times. Twenty-three-old Chelsea Farrington figured this out during a walk in the rain.

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RECREATION AND LEISURE ADMINISTRATION

CHELSEA FARRINGTON. 2015

arah Farrington, who graduated from York College of Pennsylvania in 2015 with a B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Administration, recently returned from a six-week volunteer trip to Kenya where she worked at an orphanage and a girls rescue center.

There were many moments of the trip that had an impact on her, but the one she recalls right away was the night she had to walk for two hours in the rain to the remote village she was staying in.

She had two choices during that nighttime trek down a long muddy road: She could either cry and be miserable or smile and laugh about it.

She chose the latter. “‌ There’s no reason to complain,” Farrington said. The fact that she was walking with a woman who was carrying a heavy 6-month-old kept the walk in perspective. The woman was used to these long walks. Farrington figured she couldn’t change the situation, so there was no need to stress about it.

“A lot of professors said if you want to do it, just do it.

Follow your dreams.”

Back in Kenya This was Farrington’s second trip to Kenya. She’d visited in 2013 with a group lead by YCP Geography professor Dr. David Fyfe and visited several national parks including Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

— S ARAH FARRINGTON, CLASS OF 2015

But the trip she took from February to March of this year was different.

She was traveling on her own – not affiliated with any school or organization – to pursue volunteer opportunities she’d learned about from a Kenyan woman she’d met by chance last summer.

I‌ nstead of traveling as a tourist, she’d be staying with host families for six weeks, living in tin huts. The first family she stayed with had no running water Continued on Page 18

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(there was an outhouse and when she needed to shower, a bucket), they cooked over an open flame and it wasn’t unusual for a goat or chicken to wander inside the hut for a visit.

The first couple days of her trip were awful, Farrington said. Her luggage was lost, she had problems with her visa and she had no easy way to get in touch with her family and friends back home. But by the end of the first week, she fell in love with the people and her new home.

She spent her days helping out in the orphanage and school doing everything from cleaning and gardening to helping kids with their English and writing and organizing activities for them after school.

She misses walking into the orphanage and having all the kids run up and jump on her. Most of the couldn’t wait to learn how to make the friendship bracelets Farrington shows them how to create.

“Obviously, they do that to all the volunteers, but it was still really cool,” Farrington said.

‘The smiles on their faces' At the suggestion of a friend, Farrington raised money via Go Fund Me to help the orphanage and the girls rescue center, which works to end genital mutilation and stop early forced marriages and pregnancies.

She decided to wait until she talked to the school children and villagers to figure out how she would spend the money.

One day, one of the villagers asked if they could use a portion of the $825 she’d raised to buy food for the orphanage, which was about to run

FIVE 1. Wilderness Therapist

If you can’t imagine spending your life in a cubicle, a career as a Wilderness Therapist will allow you to make the great outdoors your office while sharing your love of nature with others.

Wilderness Therapists adapt outdoor activities for those who might not otherwise be able to experience them because of physical or intellectual disabilities.

2. Activities Coordinator

Many senior centers, summer camps, and even cruise ships employ an Activities Coordinator to plan and implement entertainment, recreational, and sports activities. The job description will vary depending on your employer, but you might oversee weekly Bingo Nights, organize a kickball tournament, or direct a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on stage.

The end goal is to inspire others to have fun and partake in activities within their community.

3. U.S. Army MWR Employee

The U.S. Army’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs employ nearly 30,000 civilians around the globe to carry out programs and services for soldiers and their families. Job opportunities include everything from being an Army Outdoor Recreation Programinstructor to working at one of the Army’s 48 golf courses to overseeing a base’sCommunity Recreation Center.

REC JOBS THAT CAN HELP YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

4. Correctional Recreation Specialists

Although prisons are often thought of as a way to punish those who break the law, correctional facilities hope to rehabilitate offenders before their release. Correctional Recreation Specialists organize a range of activities that might include card games, basketball tournaments, and music classes for those serving time in custody. Some facilities might allow for more specialized activities including theater, gardening, and even pet therapy. Designing programs that increase socialization while teaching inmates skills they can use after their release is extremely rewarding.

5. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) use activities including dance, sports, and crafts to help their patients heal, recover, and adapt to life after an illness or injury.

May 2015 graduate Kelly Corrigan was able to combine her love of art and service in a position at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As a CTRS, Corrigan organizes art therapy and other programs for Good Shepherd’s pediatric patients. CTRS can find work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, residential facilities, and even the government.

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out. So she gave them enough for a three-month supply of non-perishable food and extra to go toward buying things like fruits and vegetables every week.

“They were so excited for the oranges – to see the smiles on their faces – definitely something you don’t forget,” she said.

The rest of the money went toward buying an extra school uniform for the each of the 16 children at the orphanage. Farrington said they each only had one school uniform that they wore throughout the week and washed on the weekends – most of which were tattered and worn out.

She also raised $875 for the girls rescue center, which she used to pay for one of the student’s school fees and create two garden plots. Now, she says, her goal is to raise enough money to provide them with food for a year.

DID YOU KNOW ...

Students majoring in Recreation and Leisure Administration at York College participate in a 120-hour Experiential Learning in Recreation (ELR) and a 480-hour Directed Field Experience (DFE), giving them a competitive edge in the job market. supervisor Emily Connors, a lecturer in Recreation and Leisure Administration, was not surprised to learn that her former student was planning to travel to Kenya as a volunteer focusing on therapeutic recreation.

"As her advisor, my first impression upon meeting Chelsea was her passion for working with those less fortunate,” she said. “Every time I met with Chelsea about her career path, she spoke about her desire to work abroad.”

Education put to good use Today, the Wappingers Falls, N.Y., native is working as a nanny save up money for her next adventure – she’s hoping to find work in a third-world country doing activities for people with disabilities.

Farrington said her experiences abroad aren’t the only things that have shaped her post-YCP life. As a student at York College, Farrington played women’s rugby and served as a resident assistant, too.

The support Farrington received from her professors at YCP was one of the motivating factor for her. She wanted to travel the world, but knew it would be difficult to pay for.

“Both experiences helped me develop to the person I am now and helped me learn different qualities such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving and perseverance,” she said.

“A lot of professors said if you want to do it, just do it. Follow your dreams.”

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And she put her Recreation and Leisure education to good use coming up with adaptive programs to entertain the children she met in Kenya.

Farrington’s academic adviser and internship

York College is proud to offer one of the best Recreation and Leisure Administration programs in Pennsylvania. Within our recreation and leisure major, students can choose either a Recreation Management emphasis or a Recreational Therapy emphasis. Where will your degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration take you?

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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MICHAEL WOLF: CLASS OF 2014

BIG-GAME EFFORT PAYS OFF

York College Sport Management Grad Michael Wolf has worked for gigs with the Philadelphia Eagles, and White Sox Affiliate. He even worked Super Bowl XLVII. He credits his early success toward a combination of three things.

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ichael Wolf’s impressive resume – especially for a twenty-something recent college grad – includes time with the Philadelphia Eagles, working Super Bowl XLVII, and coordinating sporting events and ticket sales for a handful of universities. Now, he’s employed with the Kannapolis Intimidators, a Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

But the 2014 York College of Pennsylvania graduate and Sport Management major doesn’t credit luck to his early success in such a competitive industry. Instead, he points toward a combination of hard work, learning how to network, and taking advantage of opportunities provided by York College.

The only real lucky part of Wolf’s career might have come at the beginning of his journey.

In the summer of 2010, the New Jersey native was feeling conflicted.

"I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to major in history or sports,” he says. “I looked at University of Pittsburgh, Boston College and basically any college within five hours of New Jersey so I could get home on the weekends.”

“At York College, you get to see the return on your hard work right away.

Because of all those experiences, I’ve never struggled to find a job.”

— MICHAEL WOLF, CLASS OF 2014

College, Wolf’s conflict was easily resolved.

A friend of Wolf’s was attending York College and insisted he check it out.

“I had never been to York and didn’t really travel to Pennsylvania much, but I came to York College for a visit and loved the campus,” Wolf says.

After learning about the robust Sport Management degree at York

“Nowhere else has such a great program and so much personal connection with your professors,” he says.

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and the school provides no shortage of sports career experiences.

Wolf started school in the fall of 2010 and quickly jumped into the practicum portion of the major where students help run the sporting events of the college. In his first year, he worked more than 100 hours.

“I loved it so much, and it was such a great experience,” he says. “I did tickets, concessions, scoreboard, ball boy, substitution table, among a few others.”

The following school year, Wolf was the Men's Basketball Supervisor for the practicum program, in which he oversaw 10 or more students per game and was the supervisor on duty.

Hard work pays off After graduation, in July 2014, Wolf landed a job with IMG, a ticketing agency affiliated with the University of Akron that contracts with universities nationwide to run ticketing sales, management, and game day ticketing.

“My title was Account Executive, and I did ticketing sales for men’s and women’s basketball and soccer, football, and volleyball,” he says. “My event management experience from York College really helped me work events, get fans involved, and host Boy and Cub Scouts Overnighters.”

In February 2016, Wolf left IMG and started a new job as Box Office Manager and Group Sales Executive with the Intimidators, the Chicago White Sox’s Single-A affiliate.

DID YOU KNOW ...

“It’s a great opportunity to learn a whole new In summer of 2012, ticketing system. My Wolf was selected for dad was an IT manEnhancing our program, the Sport Managean internship with the ager for a university, ment Student Association (SMSA) gives Philadelphia Eagles as and I have a passion our students even more opportunity to neta Ticket Office Intern. for computers, too,” work with professionals, organize events, he says. “York College and discover more about the sports indus“The professors at York has a whole course try (plus, it's a lot of fun!).

College host an interon public relations in view training in class, Sport Management, and through that trainwhich teaches about ing I landed the Eagles research, writing, and website creation, and I put all internship,” he says. “It’s not for everyone, but if you of that to use now.” work hard, you can get great positions.”

The Eagles had him come back to work home games through the fall.

“Of the 12 or 13 interns, I was the only one with a knowledge of sales, so when they needed help at the ticket booth, I was the only intern there working with experienced ticketing professionals," he says.

During their senior year, York College Sport Management majors hold a work experience internship and write about it.

Wolf was selected to work at Colonial Life Arena at the University of South Carolina doing events planning with the basketball teams.

"I also organized concerts, shows, galas, and baseball games," he says.

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One of Wolf’s early career highlights came in 2013.

He was one of a handful of students and teachers who got to work Super Bowl XLVII. He earned that experience, he says, because of his time working on the student-run golf tournament.

“If you work hard, you will set yourself up to work in bigger positions and move on elsewhere,” he says.

“At York College, you get to see the return on your hard work right away. Because of all those experiences, I’ve never struggled to find a job.” 

York College is proud to offer one of the best Sport Management schools in Pennsylvania, where our Sport Management major prepares students for a career working in sports. Where can a degree in sports management at York College take you?

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

Want to know why our sport management program stands out compared to area colleges offering the same major? Two words: Work Experience. With so much hands-on experience before you graduate, you'll be strongly positioned to land a sports industry job.

Realize your dream of a career in the world of sports.

A career working in sports? We've helped make that happen year after year for our graduates who have gone on to work for professional sports teams and other sports-related organizations. And it's no wonder, with a unique curriculum, a first-class learning environment in the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center, and faculty who are passionate about seeing you succeed.

You’ll gain real-world experience through practicums in your first four semesters. Our signature Sport Management Professional Day networking event, summer internships and the capstone work experience all put you squarely in front of potential employers.

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York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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FROM YCP TO THE NHL Kim Capezza credits York College for scoring a job with the New Jersey Devils.

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lthough she grew up a baseball fan, North Brunswick, N.J., native Kim Capezza has found a different outlet for her sports fandom, and in many ways York College of Pennsylvania is responsible.

Capezza, who graduated in 2015 from York College’s Sport Management major, was hired this season as a sales associate for the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils.

“I give a lot of credit to York for my career and the things to come,” she says. “The professors care about everyone individually. They all believe in it. They had their own experiences to go off of. You didn’t just learn from a book. That pushed me in the end.”

Capezza, a graduate from North Brunswick Township High School, attended another school for her first two years of college. When she transferred to York College, Capezza says she could not have asked for a better experience.

“(York College) professors and the practicum experience we have is the most hands-on and realistic experience I could have had. It was an honest example of how the industry works and the time you have to put into it” — KIM CAPEZZA, CLASS OF 2015

She says York College had a lot to do with her landing a job so quickly, following her internship with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in 2014 and more recently as a Ticket and Fan Services intern for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Our professors and the practicum experience we have is the most hands-on and realistic experience I could have had,” she says.

“It was an honest example of how the industry works and the time you have to put into it.”

A chance to do more In many ways, Capezza expected the craziness and acknowledged that no two days are alike. Despite the size and stature of big-time professional sports, Continued on Page 26

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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there is much more to the job of “Ticket Sales Associate” than the title would suggest.

“The New Jersey Devils are an allhands-on-deck type of organization,” she says. “We have the chance to do a lot more stuff and have a lot more involvement in a lot of things.

“There’s a lot of different things that go into operating an arena or running a professional team. I am learning those steps. I knew from a lot of people ahead of me that sales is the way in. Sales is going to give you the necessary experience to take you to the next level.”

For Capezza, working with an organization such as the New Jersey Devils is exactly what she wanted to do after earning a Sport Management degree from York College. She got a taste of it, albeit on a smaller scale, during her internship with the Riversharks.

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DID YOU KNOW ...

The Sport Management program at York College of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). Accreditation is beneficial to students because the process assures them that the academic program is meeting these high standards and providing them with the knowledge and skills required by the sport management industry.

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EIGHT 1. Voice of the Revs

Warm up that voice because you could become the play-by-play voice of a professional or college sports team.

The Atlantic League’s York Revolution has had only one play-by-play voice in its 10-year history. That same individual is also the general manager of the radio station owned by the team.

Darrell Henry has come a long way since graduating from York College.

2. Selling the seats

From ticket sales to posing with the Stanley Cup, York College grads have landed with some high-level sports teams, including the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils. Kim Capezza, a do-it-all ticket sales associate, is having a blast.

3. Meet and greet with athletes

AWESOME JOBS YOU CAN LAND WITH A DEGREE IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

5. The brains behind apparel

You could land a position with a sports apparel giant, such as Under Armour, like Sport Management grad Jessica Pezzolla, Class of 2009. She started as a receptionist there in November 2009 and was tasked with greeting all guests and interviewees, as well as creating a concierge program for new teammates. Now, she’s the hospitality coordinator for guests in Baltimore and around the world.

6. From stats to events

Prefer to be behind the scenes? You can learn plenty in the Sport Management program at York College. Learn proper stat-keeping from the secondto-none sports information staff, be involved with setting up for events small and large, on campus and off.

Marketing? In the Big Apple? Yep, York College grad Joe Monte, Class of 2011, has made it to Manhattan as an account manager for marketing partnerships at the famed Madison Square Garden, making his childhood dreams on the court come to life.

7. Teach the next generation

4. Take me out to the ballgame

8. Get in on the ground level

Get that calculator ready. Yes, keeping your numbers straight at York College can also lead to great things. Colbe Herr, Class of 2014 and a former Spartan baseball player, is the Baseball Program Manager at the elite IMG Academy. He spends a lot of time budgeting, but he also does much, much more.

Want to stay in education? The Sport Management program can help there, too, as its classroom and practicum instruction can help pave the way for a future as an athletic director.

Start with a great internship or two.

Several Sport Management students land internships with professional teams and sports organizations at many levels. This includes recent non-traditional grad Nick Poehler, Class of 2016, who is heading to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a highend golf club and vacation spot.

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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Her duties with the Devils range from working with individuals and businesses, along with special events.

In February, she was part of the ceremony on the night the team retired former goalie Martin Brodeur’s jersey.

Being around one of the greatest to ever play the game was a big thrill, Capezza says.

“That night was incredible to be a part of, and it meant so much to so many people. To say I was a part of what went on that night will be a highlight of my career for years to come,” Capezza says. “Prior to that game, we brought out the whole company. We thought we were having a normal prep meeting, and he came out and spoke to everyone. He was very down to earth.”

Fun start to her career It’s easy to see why she is a hockey fan now. First introduced to the sport by a York College professor that had ties with the Hershey Bears, Capezza is now hooked.

The tradition of York College graduates painting their names on “Old Spart” (the large green rock located outside the entrance to the bookstore) continues today.

“I grew up loving baseball more, but now that I am into it … I dived into it and am still learning. The biggest challenge is there’s a lot of action going on,” she says. “Baseball is slower, so you’ve got the chance to learn.

Hockey is so fast it’s harder to pick up what’s going on. But it’s definitely a fun sport.”

And a fun start to her career, thanks in large part to York College. 

York College is proud to offer one of the best Sport Management schools in Pennsylvania, where our Sport Management major prepares students for a career working in sports. Where can a degree in sports management at York College take you?

York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management

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York College of Pennsylvania Departments of Hospitality Management, Recreation and Leisure Administration and Sport Management