By Eliza Rohda ‘26
Although York University has existed since its official founding in 1890, the school
was brought back to life 70 years ago after a season of loss. Starting this year,
we celebrate the events that helped form YU into the school we know today.
On March 20, 1956, two boards met: one representing the Evangelical United Brethren
(EUB) Church, and the other representing the Churches of Christ. The EUB board had
been watching York College grow for years, only to have their visions for the institution
derailed by a 1951 fire that destroyed Old Main, the largest building on campus at
the time. Classes continued for a while, but the school eventually had to close its
doors in 1954. But when the two boards representing the EUB and the Churches of Christ
held their 1956 meeting, a new future for the school began to take shape.
1956 YC (Church of Christ) Board of Trustees
The 1956 meeting was the culmination of intense efforts by city leaders and members of Churches of Christ that lasted more than a year prior to the board meeting. After York College had closed its doors and ownership had reverted to the City of York, the EUB board reconvened and transferred leadership to the new board, reopening the school as a Church of Christ-affiliated college. After this board meeting, a chain of events unfolded that would lead to the institution we now know as York University.
That historic day of 70 years ago will be commemorated this year with the inaugural celebration of York University Day on March 20. This day remembers the gracious decision of the EUB board to step down and allow for a smooth transition into YU’s next chapter. Celebrations will include events on campus, as well as commemorations on institutional social media. In addition to campus events, anyone can participate by making a donation that honors the last 70 years of history while supporting the future. Gifts donated to YU for York University Day will be matched by up to $75,000 and will be added to the York University Scholarship Fund.
“The events that took place on March 20, 1956, breathed new life into York College.” President Westbrook said. “Now, 70 years later we celebrate the people who have played a role in making York University the school that we all love today.” Since 1956, hundreds of staff and faculty and over 5,000 graduates have been impacted by their experiences here.
“God has blessed us richly over the years, and with York University Day we also are able to pause with gratitude for his provisions,” Westbrook said. “This new tradition is a festive and appropriate way for us to bridge the past with the future and maintain our focus on Christ-centered education.”
Join us for York University Day on March 20 in celebrating the impacts made over the last 70 years, while looking forward to the upcoming decades.