Accepted Student Day Sets the Stage for Future Spartans at York College

Andre Ford can already picture the moment. Four years from now, as he walks across the stage at York College of Pennsylvania, diploma in hand, one thought will be on his mind: “When am I going to be on Broadway?”

“That’s the big goal,” said Ford, a Theatre major from Delaware who officially committed to York College during Saturday’s Accepted Student Day.

Ford discovered YCP through the direct admissions process and was drawn to both the theater program and the sense of community he’d heard about.

“I really like that it’s not too far from home,” he said. “I’ve heard the theater community is really nice, and it’s a great theater program.”

He hoped to spend the day focusing on what his future might hold, both on stage and behind the scenes.

“I want to get a closer look at the theater program,” Ford said. “I want to see how I will be around people and how we will interact.”

Around 250 accepted students and their families visited York College on Saturday for Accepted Student Day. It’s designed to feel personal, helping future Spartans take the next step in their college journey.

It was a day full of activities aimed at helping students finalize their college decision. Throughout the day, attendees explored academic programs, toured the campus, and connected with current students and families during panel discussions. 

Faculty, staff, and student leaders were on hand to answer questions and provide insight into each student’s academic interests and career goals. The goal is to give families a clear understanding of what a York College education can offer.

“Accepted Student Day is really about helping students see themselves as part of the York College community,” said Dr. Brian Hazlett, Vice President of Enrollment Management. “Throughout their time here, students are surrounded by faculty, staff, and fellow students who are invested in their success. That sense of support is what defines the YCP experience.”

Students traveled from near and far to attend, including Jackson Woodard, a prospective Mechanical Engineering major from Maryland, who was eager to experience more of campus beyond his first visit.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the campus,” he said. “Last time we visited, we saw a lot of the mechanical engineering area. So I’d like to get a feel for the campus.”

For his parents, the day was just as meaningful. His father, Wes, said the family had already been impressed during an earlier visit.

“It’s a really nice campus, and it has a great engineering program,” he said. “We were really impressed. Everyone was really friendly.”

His mother, Kelly, visiting campus for the first time, was focused on the full student experience, from housing to dining, but she was also thinking ahead to move-in day.

“He is my oldest, so I’ll be sad to drop him off but happy for him,” she said. “This is such a big step for him, and I think he’ll do really well.”

An Involvement Fair showcased more than 40 student organizations, offering a glimpse at life beyond the classroom. Student organizations, academic support services, and campus leaders filled the M&T Bank Fieldhouse with energy.

For students like Addyson Barnett, who traveled from Ohio to explore York College’s Nursing program, the day helped solidify her decision.

“I was looking at the nursing program, and I loved how close it was to York’s hospital. That’s really what secured my interest,” she said.

Barnett said her passion for nursing comes down to one simple goal: helping others.

“I want to be able to help people in the biggest way possible.”

Her father, Brice, said the day marked an exciting next step.

“I’m really happy for Addyson going here,” he said. “I’m super proud and excited to see what happens next for her. I’m ready to see where her life takes her.”

York College President Dr. Thomas Burns emphasized the value of the College’s approach to learning, which pairs academics with real-world experience and strong mentorship.

“At York, students prepare for life and career by gaining the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed long after they graduate,” he said. “Days like today give the Class of 2030 an up-close look at what their lives could be like here this fall. We can’t wait to welcome them into our community.”

For Ford and his mother, Keshia Trusty, the day was about finding the right fit. She spent Saturday getting a better sense of the campus her son will soon call home.

“I’m interested in learning more about campus life, housing, financial aid, everything” she said. “I just want to get more familiar with campus so when he’s talking about his life here, I can remember where things are and what it looked like.”

And when it comes time to drop him off in August?

“Oh, I’m going to be doing the happy dance,” she said with a laugh. “I’m excited for him and to see what he does.”

For Ford, that next step is already coming into focus. With his deposit submitted and Broadway dreams firmly in place, Accepted Student Day was just the beginning of the journey.

And as he looks ahead to the next four years at York College, one thing is certain: the stage is set.