December 2024 Commencement: Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Class of 2024
On December 18, 2024, more than 200 York College graduates attended the December Commencement to celebrate their accomplishment of earning their degrees after years of hard work and dedication.
York College of Pennsylvania is proud to announce that more than 200 students have obtained their degrees at the December 2024 Commencement.
“To our graduates, as your president, I have the honor of witnessing your growth and your daily achievements,” York College President Dr. Thomas Burns said in his opening remarks to the class of 2024. “You have each made a mark on this institution, and I am inspired by your work. This college will always be your home. We are immensely proud of every one of you.”
“So today, we celebrate you - your determination, your accomplishments, and your bright future ahead.”
Dr. Burns shared positive and encouraging words with the graduating class and the audience. He also acknowledged several members of the York College faculty and staff during his speeches. After 25 years and 32 years, respectively, Dr. Barbara Hanbury and Dr. Dennis Weiss will be retiring after leaving long-lasting impacts on the students and colleagues they taught and worked with.
Dr. Bob Iosue, former President of York College from 1976-1991, was also remembered for his leadership and the meaningful changes he guided the College through.
“Graduates, as you leave York College today, I encourage you to carry forward the values Dr. Iosue exemplified: compassion, resilience, and a commitment to service,” Dr. Burns said. “Like Dr. Iosue, find your purpose, pursue it passionately, and use your talents to create positive change. Whether in your career, your community, or your family, you have the tools to build a meaningful legacy.”
Graduating senior and Business Administration Major Omar Castro ’24 spoke during the ceremony following Dr. Burns. He shared his experience of immigrating to the United States and the dreams he has despite the many challenges he faced, emphasizing the importance of never giving up and having a supportive community.
“As I stand here, I am reminded of the journey of students like me,” Omar said. “Those who are the first in their family to graduate, those who moved to a new country for the promise of a better future, and those who face adversity with courage and perseverance.”
“I hope that my presence on this stage speaks to you…I want you to know that you belong here, and that it is possible for anyone that’s willing to step out of their comfort zone. As we start this new chapter, let us remember that what we have earned here goes beyond the textbooks and lectures…We can achieve whatever we set our minds to.”
Dr. Alison Kennicutt, Associate Professor of Civil and Mechanical Engineering and recipient of the 2024 Presidential Award for Teaching and Mentoring Excellence, shared some tips and advice that she hoped would help graduates begin to navigate their life after college.
“Be curious,” Dr. Kennicutt said. “Find opportunities where you can expand and enhance your current view of the world around you.”
“Find ways to contribute to that world, as well…Find things that bring you complete, uninhibited joy and things that fill your cup and help you recharge. Whenever someone is starting a new chapter in their life, as all of you are now, I always suggest you find three activities: one that you are able to do, comfortable and content, at home…one that you can do on your own, but will get you out of the house for a little bit…and one activity that you enjoy doing with other people…If it helps you find happiness, it is fully worthy of your time,” Dr. Kennicutt continued.
Along with Dr. Kennicutt, Dr. Randi Shedlosky-Shoemaker, Associate Professor of Psychology, was chosen to be the recipient of the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and Professional Activities for remarkable work in stigma reduction, teaching psychology, and promoting equity and inclusion.
Amongst the many diplomas that were delivered at the graduation ceremony, one degree was given to honor Tristan Cole Schilling, a York College student who passed away in November 2023.
Tristan was a bright, charismatic, and creative individual who loved finding ways to bring joy to others. He loved storytelling, gaming, football, and comedy, the latter of which led him to be involved with the College’s Improv Club. Whether it was to say hello or share a few words of encouragement or comfort, Tristan never shied away from connecting with the people in his life, regardless of whether they were family, friends, caregivers, or strangers.
Tristan never allowed the challenges he faced to dampen his ambitions. It was a dream of his to become a college graduate, which led him to York College. He even traveled to Harrisburg where, with the support of former State Senator Scott Wagner, he advocated for himself to be able to have the 24-hour care he needed in order to live on campus.
“His grit and determination are unlike anything I’d ever seen in a student,” James L. Norrie, DPM, Professor of Cybersecurity, Strategy & Entrepreneurship and Tristan’s former advisor, said about Tristan. “...Although we were teaching him, I think for me, Tristan was sent to my life to teach me more about myself. I had to learn patience, and I had to learn to mimic his perseverance. I needed to find a way to help him navigate our complicated structures.”
During his time at York College, Tristan touched the lives of the students, staff, and faculty he interacted with. He is remembered for being kind and enthusiastic about learning and for showing that he was not afraid to pursue his goals and never gave up.
“But, you know, this is what it taught us all,” Dr. Norrie said. “It taught us all, you could be Tristan, and Tristan never felt sorry for himself. Not ever. He was engaging, bright, cheerful, resilient, determined, and balanced. I can’t even tell you what a great human being he was.”
Tristan’s family received his diploma in his place. They are so happy to continue to honor Tristan’s memory and help him accomplish one of his lifelong goals.
“It means so much to us because this was such a dream and a goal of his,” Vicki Schilling, Tristan’s mother, said. “He was so heartbroken when he had to leave college, and he would talk about it all the time, that he’s got to get back there, he’s got to get that college degree. He’s got to accomplish that, and the fact that he’s being honored with this degree just closes a circle that had a huge gaping hole in it, and he deserves it.”
“It means so much to us, and we are so proud and happy…It is bittersweet, but the joy that it brings us, it just warms our heart so much…And we’re so proud of him.”
Gifts in memory of Tristan may be made to York College of Pennsylvania. Please note “Tristan Schilling Memorial” when making your gift. You can make your gift either through our Giving Page or by mail, in which case please include “Office of Advancement.”
York College is proud of each and every one of our graduating seniors, and wishes everyone the best in their future endeavors. As Tristan Schilling said, “Don’t give up on trying to do something, even if they say it will never happen. Defy the odds.”
