December 2025 Commencement: Celebrating the Service, Drive, and Spirit of the Class of 2025
As another Fall Semester comes to a close, York College gathers once again to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of around 200 graduating seniors at the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony.
On December 17th, 2025, around 200 York College of Pennsylvania seniors gathered with family, friends, and faculty in the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center to receive their Baccalaureates, Masters, and Graduate degrees at the Fall 2025 Commencement.
The attendees were welcomed by York College President Dr. Thomas Burns, who congratulated the graduates and commended them for their determination and growth during their time at York College. With the support of both friends and faculty, the graduates were able to accomplish their goals and have prepared for the next steps in their lives as lifelong Spartans.
"Graduates, your time on campus has been one of living, learning, and growing—a shared journey in a community that you have helped nurture, and that has, in turn, helped nurtured you. Today marks the culmination of that journey, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter. As you prepare to leave this campus, you are ready to embrace the challenges, opportunities, and adventures that await you." Dr. Burns said.
“Reaching this milestone is no small feat. It required discipline, courage, and commitment. But none of us succeeds alone. Along the way, you have been supported by friends and family, by mentors, and by the dedicated faculty and staff here at the College.”
The York College community was also called to acknowledge two members of the York College community who passed away this past year: Alumnus Isaiah Emenheiser and staff member Scott Guise.
Earlier in the semester, three detectives were killed in the line of duty in North Codorus Township. A sheriff’s deputy was also critically wounded in the incident. Amongst those killed was Detective Isaiah Emenheiser ‘04, who was remembered for his dedication to protecting others and embodying the values of service and justice.
Most recently, Director of Athletic Communications Scott Guise passed away after a long battle with cancer. Since 1995, Guise has had a lasting impact on the story of Spartan athletics, particularly in his dedication and support for the College’s student-athletes. His three decades of experience and service were felt by everyone he crossed paths with, and he is remembered for working tirelessly and genuinely to uplift athletes and staff, both on the field and behind the scenes.
“As you leave York College, I hope their legacies remind you that the true measure of a life is found in the lives we lift, the communities we strengthen, and the good we choose to create,” Dr. Burns said.
Following Dr. Burns’ remarks, senior Nursing major, Olivia Schenk ‘25, was invited to come on stage and speak to her class. A brilliant student who will be joining UPMC Passavant in Pittsburgh as an Operating Room Nurse, Olivia reflected on the journeys that she and her fellow graduates have taken to reach their goals.
Using her knowledge as a well-known speed-cube solver, Olivia used the Rubik’s Cube as a metaphor for the choices and paths the graduates have made. She also reminded them of how, from the colorful chaos they had begun and navigated through college, they had grown and found all the pieces they needed to come together, whether it be through discipline, creativity, faith, or even sheer determination.
“As we prepare to leave this campus, the Rubik's Cube doesn’t stop turning,” Olivia said. “Life will keep spinning, rearranging, and challenging us to adapt. We’ll face new puzzles — careers, relationships, and dreams we haven’t even imagined yet. But now, we have the skills, the confidence, and the resilience that York has instilled in us. We know that no matter how scrambled life gets, we can face it with patience, courage, and heart — because we’ve done it before.”
Sean Umbenhouer '91, Treasurer of the York College Alumni Advisory Council, was next to share his congratulations with the Class of 2025. He welcomed the graduates to the YCP alumni family and praised them for their perseverance while making lifelong memories. He wished them the best and left with a popular Irish blessing: “May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness comes through your door…”
“As you leave here to create your legacy, we will be watching you and cheering you on,” Umbenhouer said. “Go forth and make a positive impact in your communities. We look forward to you doing great things in the future and wish you continued success. Please don’t forget about us and come back to campus, as we always enjoy seeing our alumni and look forward to the days when you return. As you celebrate today with your family and friends, reflect on your achievements, highlights, and experiences that made the journey meaningful.”
Dr. Paul J. Ackerman Jr., Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and the recipient of the 2025 YCP Presidential Award for Teaching and Mentoring Excellence, then joined the stage, where he spoke about how showing up and being willing to learn brought graduates to this final moment at York College. And to keep practicing those words of wisdom, as they will remain vital even after they walk across the stage.
“The proof is right here,” Dr. Ackerman said. “All your degree means to employers is you have an ability to learn. That's a good thing — prove them right.”
Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, Associate Professor of History, received this year’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Professional Activity as well. Not only has she been known for being a leading expert in the American Revolution and American women’s and gender history, but she has also authored numerous scholarly publications, secured several short-term fellowships at major archives, and gained national recognition for her scholarship.
“Dr. Beatty integrates her scholarly work into her courses, and she serves as an advisor to students in the Public History major,” Dr. Burns said. “Throughout her time at YCP, she has provided exceptional experiential learning opportunities, resulting in a variety of student-focused projects, including a digital archive and a podcast series. These projects directly benefit and engage YCP students and support our local York community.”
Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025! York College wishes all its students the very best and can’t wait to see where their passions and spirits take them next!
