looking at the Waldner Performing Arts Center through the trees.

The Inauguration of Thomas D. Burns, Ph.D.

Dr. Burns in front of the Waldner Performing Arts Center.

5th President of York College of Pennsylvania

On April 13, 2024, York College of Pennsylvania celebrated the Inauguration of our fifth president, Dr. Thomas Burns.

The Inauguration ceremony was held at the Waldner Performing Arts Center on York College's main campus, following a week of Inaugural events and activities that showcased York's dedication to community, academic excellence, and student success.

Meet Dr. Burns
Office of The President
Dr. Thomas Burns leaning against Ol' Spart.

Celebrating Spartans

Watch some highlights from President Burns' first few months at York College of Pennsylvania — and learn why he's happy to be a part of this special community.

Information for Attendees

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

  • Celebrating York College Faculty, Staff, and Administration
    Main Campus Lawn (Tent)
    Rain Location: Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center
    3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

  • New Voices at YCP
    Waldner Performing Arts Center, 2nd Floor
    10-11 a.m.
    • Presentations by: Dr. Tara Johnston (Education), Dr. Jason Smith (Environmental Horticulture), Dr. Emily Cope (Communication and Writing), and Dr. Samantha Deffler (Psychology)
    • Hosted by Dr. Gabe Cutrufello (Communication and Writing)
  • York College Faculty Research and Community Engagement
    DeMeester Recital Hall, inside Evelyn and Earle Wolf Hall
    • 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. session
      Moderator: Dominic DelliCarpini
      Panelists: Dr. Molly Sauder, Dr. Carla Strassle, and Dr. Tamara Schwartz
    • 1 - 2 p.m. session
      Moderator: Dominic DelliCarpini
      Panelists: Dr. Madhavi Reddi, Mr. Oscar Winters, and Dr. Greg Foy
  • Faculty Research and Creative Works Showcase
    Waldner Performing Arts Center, 2nd Floor
    3:30 - 5 p.m.

Friday, April 12, 2024

  • Inaugural President's Reception
    Country Club of York
    1400 Country Club Road
    York, PA 17403
    4 to 6 p.m.
    *Attendance at this event is by invitation only.
  • Boustead Inaugural Concert: Jupiter String Quartet
    Waldner Performing Arts Center
    7:30 p.m.
  • Spartapalooza (Student Event)
    Main Campus Lawn (Tent)
    Rain Location: Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center
    1 to 3 p.m.
  • YCP's Got Talent
    Main Campus Lawn (Tent)
    Rain Location: Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center
    9 p.m.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

  • Inaugural Luncheon
    Iosue Student Union
    11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    *Attendance at this event is by invitation only.
  • Inauguration Ceremony
    Waldner Performing Arts Center
    2 p.m.

Campus Map

View a map of the York College campus at map.ycp.edu.

GPS Address

441 Country Club Road
York, PA, 17403

GPS Coordinates

  • Latitude: 39.9467818
  • Longitude: -76.7296766

Accommodations

For your convenience, room blocks have been reserved at the Hampton Inn & Suites York South and The Yorktowne Hotel. When making your reservation, please mention the York College Inauguration block to receive a discounted rate.

Thank you for accepting this invitation to participate in a truly momentous occasion. Please find below the directions for Saturday, April 13, 2024. 

We request that you arrive on campus by 1:15 PM. The address of the college is 441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403-3651. We will have Safety Officers strategically placed at checkpoints to guide you to designated parking.

You will be robing in The Humanities Building, Room 228. Refreshments will be provided in the robing room, and staff will assist you. 

Kindly RSVP no later than March 13, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact us at inauguration@ycp.edu.

We are grateful for the support of the following individuals and organizations:

  • Ms. Anne E. Zerbe and Mr. Mark T. Zerbe
  • Anonymous Donor
  • Ms. Barbara A. Sleeger '71
  • Ms. C. Kim Bracey
  • Dr. Cathy Taylor
  • Mrs. Carol S. Eicher '90
  • Chartwells/Compass Group
  • Ms. Coni Wolf
  • Mr. Dale A. Carey '85 and Mrs. Mary H. Carey
  • Glatfelter Insurance Group
  • Mr. Jon D. Kirssin '78 and Mrs. Marilee A. Wolf
  • Mr. Kevin D. Jackson '99 and Mrs. Anika S. M. Jackson
  • Laura and Steve Wand
  • Mrs. Lynne E. Gordon Dewitt and Mr. James H. Dewitt
  • Hon. Maria Musti Cook '81
  • Mr. Mark S. Schmidt '73 and Mrs. Ruby Schmidt
  • Members 1st Federal Credit Union
  • Mrs. Natalee Colon Gunderson ’09/’14 and Mr. Reed Gunderson
  • Mr. Shawn J. Halsey CPWA, CRPC, CSNA ’01 and Mrs. Nicole Halsey ’00
  • Warfel Construction
  • Mr. William T. Yanavitch II

Questions can be directed to inauguration@ycp.edu.