York University held its annual All-School Banquet on Monday, April 14th, at the Holthus Convention Center in York. The student body gathered with faculty and staff for a night of reflection, recognition, food, and fellowship. Tim Lewis welcomed everyone to the festivities and gave the blessing before they enjoyed a delicious spread provided by JW’s Catering. The menu for the evening included tossed salad, brisket, chicken fried chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and dinner rolls. For dessert, a cheesecake bar was provided allowing attendees to top their cheesecake with various toppings of their choice.
Garrett Schwarz, athletic director, kicked off the awards and recognition portion of the evening by presenting the Student-Athletes of the Year to Gracie Reynolds and Andrew Heinrichs. This award is given to one male and one female athlete for their academic achievement, as well as their leadership and service roles on their athletic teams.
Bryce Winkler, Greek life sponsor, presented the All-Sports Award trophy to social clubs Beta Beta Sigma and A.X.E. They also received the People's Choice Award trophy, an award they won at Songfest earlier this month. Theta Psi and Sigma Tau were presented the Big Heart Award and Academic Excellence Award, and Delta Chi Alpha and Kyodai received the Service Award.
Dr. Clark Roush, endowed chair for the Performing Arts, presented a new award honoring performing arts students: the Male and Female Performing Arts Member of the Year Award. Elizabeth Zaiger received the Female Performing Arts Member of the Year Award. Simeon Tremaine received the Male Performing Arts Member of the Year Award.
Recognized for their years of service to York University were: Tonya Carr, Dr. Steven Hardy (5 years); Tree Burks, Collin Tucker (10 years); Joel Coehoorn (15 years); Dr. Adrienne Dickson, Dr. Steve Eckman (20 years); Gary Pinney (25 years); and Eric Tremaine (30 years).
Jared Stark, interim YU president, presented the 2025 David and Nellie Reppart Service Award. Formerly known as the Second Miler Award, this recognition honors those who go above and beyond in their ministry at YU. This year, Collin Tucker was honored for his excellent work as the Esports head coach while co-leading major retention efforts on campus. Tucker has worked alongside others to develop actionable steps and provide valuable data that have greatly supported our enrollment goals moving forward.
“He is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Stark, “as he has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to York University, setting a remarkable example of dedication and service.”
Kenna Tarnowski, president of Student Government Association, presented the faculty and staff of the year recipients on behalf of SGA. Dr. Darrel Sears, associate professor of Bible and ministry, was voted by students as the 2025 Faculty Member of the Year. Dr. Sears is in his first year at York University. Staff Member of the Year went to Men's and Women's Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach Justin Carver, who is in his sixteenth year at York University.
At the conclusion of the award ceremony, Mr. and Ms. York University candidates were recognized by Katie Miles, dean of students. Faculty and staff make the selection for this award from among graduating seniors. Candidates embody a commitment to the mission, purpose and core values of York University. They must be well-rounded individuals who pursue spiritual integrity and academic excellence while making contributions to the campus and community, forming healthy personal relationships and living godly lives.
Archford Manduvi, a biblical studies and sports management major from Harare, Zimbabwe, was announced as Mr. York University for 2025. Archford is a member of the men’s soccer team and has been on the Dean’s List multiple times. This past fall, he was crowned the 2024 Homecoming King.
After graduation, Archford hopes to be a coach or a preacher. Archford is grateful for his time at YU and says, “My spiritual journey has been changed since arriving at York. I’ve met people that have changed me, and the community has been helping me physically and spiritually. I’m so grateful to be a student of York.”
Macey Truitt, an elementary education major from Derby, Kan., was chosen as Ms. York University for 2025. She has been a member of the women’s golf team and cheer team. Macey is also a resident assistant, a Chi Rho officer, and has been the president of the Theta Psi social club for three years. She was a sophomore representative in the 2022 Homecoming Court and a Homecoming Queen candidate in 2024.
Macey reflects on her time at YU saying, “In my time at York, I have changed in every aspect of my life; I have grown spiritually, personally, academically, and professionally. This place and these people have given me the opportunity to really dive deep into a community that I really care about. I learned to love classes and really gain knowledge, I learned how to serve people and I really got to figure out the ways that God can use me. My entire life is changed because of York and I truly feel transformed in ways that I never could have imagined.”
After student teaching in the fall and graduating this December, Macey plans on staying in York for a couple more years while earning her master's in administration and working as a graduate assistant in the admissions office and an enrollment counselor. After that, she plans to teach.
The formal part of the evening was concluded with closing remarks given by Bryce Winkler, director of student activities, and the singing of the alma mater led by Sean Algaier, campus minister.
Congratulations to all those honored!