York University has announced its top alumni honors for 2026, with Chris Shanks ’85 named Alumnus of the Year and Dr. Mason Lee ’10 selected for the Young Alumnus award.
Alumnus of the Year
Chris Shanks will receive the Alumnus of the Year award at Homecoming 2026. He was appointed president of The Ford Meter Box Company, a leading manufacturer in the waterworks industry, in May of this year, succeeding Steven R. Ford. Chris previously served as executive vice president and general manager and has been with the company since 2000, bringing extensive experience in manufacturing, engineering, and operations. He has held leadership roles at Boeing, Johnson Controls, and Atchison Casting Company, and has long been active in industry organizations.
Following his studies at York, Chris received a BS in Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University, an Industrial Engineering degree at Wichita State University, a BS in Quality Management at Kansas Newman University, and an MS in Management from Friends University.
Chris and his wife, Sheri, have given generously to YU’s scholarship fund for several years, a gesture he credits to his own York experience and their desire to partner with the university’s trajectory. Chris commented, “I have always believed that if you give to the Lord, he will bless you,” citing Proverbs 11:24-25. “Supporting Christian education by giving to York is giving to the Lord, and he has certainly blessed me and my family.”
Chris and Sheri have been married for 38 years and live in Wabash, Ind. They have two married sons and three grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys golf and pickleball.
Young Alumnus of the Year
Dr. Mason Lee is the recipient of the Young Alumnus award. After completing his BA in Biblical
Studies and Ministry at York, he went on to complete an MDiv at Abilene Christian
University, an MA at Boston University and his PhD at Princeton Theological Seminary.
“I am deeply grateful to receive this recognition, not because of what it says about
me, but because of what it reflects about the community that shaped me at York University.
York was a place where friendships became lifelong anchors, mentors invested in me
with care and intention, and my faith and sense of calling were formed in lasting
ways. The people and experiences I encountered there continue to guide who I am and
how I seek to invest in others.”
Following his academic studies, Mason has served on the faculty for ACU’s Graduate School of Theology since 2020. In addition to his work in the classroom, he was appointed associate dean of the GST in 2024 and has served as interim dean since 2025.
Mason is married to YU classmate, Kelci (Scott ’11) Lee. They have two daughters, Addison (8) and Marah (3).
The honorees will be recognized during York University’s Homecoming Chapel, Saturday, October 24, 9:00 a.m., at the East Hill Church of Christ.
Also being recognized during the Homecoming weekend are new inductees for both the
Athletic Hall of Fame and the Performing Arts Hall of Fame. See homecoming schedule
for respective details on each hall of fame ceremony.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Charlie Watts (‘65)
Aaron Fletcher (‘02)
Katrina (Hulstrom) Liams-Hauser (‘02)
Performing Arts Hall of Fame
C. Danielle Deal (‘04)
Tisa (Lawrence) Krekel ('14)
Dr. Clark Roush
Soren (Tobey) Hargrove (‘17)
Click here to nominate classmates for future awards.