Although he graduated in 2010, Phil York remains in regular contact with his Marietta College professors in the Political Science Department, Dr. Mark Schaefer and Dr. Mike Tager. Both were on speed dial when he heard of his latest appointment at the Kennedy Center.
When asked why he remains in contact, he first replied with a laugh. “First of all, I cannot believe it has been nearly 10 years since I graduated from Marietta College, so let’s start there! Second, I remember emailing my professors about the latest news of my internship search, and later news of my graduate school acceptance and initial course work at Texas A&M. Over the years, I even became of a donor to Marietta and asked for my gifts to be designated to the Political Science Department. I want other students to be equally inspired to pursue their dreams, wherever their paths may lead. My professors did that for me during my time at Marietta and continue to be a source of support and friendship.”
York reflects on his Marietta experience and how it prepared him for his career.
“The political science training is a perfect complement to the broader liberal arts education that Marietta College offers; I have no doubt that I was prepared for this role because of this education. The Kennedy Center is not only a focal point for our nation’s culture and arts, but it is also often the stage for critical international conversations. From the stone from which the building was constructed to diplomatic gifts in the halls that celebrate President Kennedy’s legacy, staff members are reminded of this unique confluence of arts and politics, daily. A conversation about the latest ballet trends with a donor can easily lead into the topic of geo-political politics. An artistic event I staff can host a Grammy award-winning artist and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Given my appreciation for the arts and politics, this is a dream job for me. Marietta College prepared me to serve in this unique context.
I became a donor to Marietta because I want The Long Blue Line to be filled with alumni who are also ready and equipped to pursue their dreams and to contribute their time and talents to our country and to our global community.”
Phil York ’10
Phil York graduated cum laude from Marietta College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Business Leadership Certificate, and earned distinctions as a member of three national honor societies: History, Political Science and Leadership. After Marietta, York pursued his nonprofit professional development at the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 2012. While at the Bush School he interned at two Bryan-based nonprofits; his efforts earned one client $350,000 through private pharmaceutical grant applications. He also served as a graduate assistant under the direction of Bush School Dean and former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, Andrew Card.
Beyond Texas A&M, York’s professional experience led him to senior fundraising positions at Habitat for Humanity chapters in Texas (Waco and Bryan) and Maryland (Carroll County) where he raised funds to build safe and decent housing alongside hard-working families.
York now serves as a development manager of designated campaigns at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where he leads a team of three fundraising professionals. His most recent development efforts contributed to the successful $250 million fundraising campaign to complete the Center’s capital campaign of its first ever building expansion in its 50-year history.