Virginia Bell '87 Receives 2019 Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Virginia Bell, recipient of 2019 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Virginia Bell’s ’87 love for York College of Pennsylvania is so strong that she has spent years giving back by participating on the Alumni Board of Directors (holding leadership positions and speaking at commencement), attending and helping at numerous college events, and staying connected with the College community. Her dedication to serving others and York College is what makes her this year’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award recipient.

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award recognizes exceptional service and commitment to York College. While these awards are not intended to be lifetime achievement awards, nominees should demonstrate a pattern of excellence over a period of time.

To Bell, York College was the perfect fit and was also close to home. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field, but did not want to be a nurse or a doctor. After attending a career fair to familiarize herself with other positions, Bell found the best program for her was available at YCP. She chose to pursue the health information management field where she could best use her skills and talents to serve others.

During her time on campus, Bell was immediately immersed into a life of service. Being a founding sister of Zeta Delta Phi at YCP, she spent much of her time outside the classroom serving the York community. She volunteered to help clean up the city, visit nursing homes, and assist at various community and college events. She recalls events such as “Tuck-ins” and “Merry Kiss-o-Grams” with her sorority sisters where they raised money to benefit the Salvation Army.

After graduating from YCP, Bell entered the healthcare industry as a data analyst. As she gained more experience, she connected with other York College alumni in the field and advanced up the career ladder, excelling in the health information management field. In addition to her career, she considers some of her greatest achievements to be graduating from York College, serving as president on the Alumni Board of Directors, being a founding sister of her sorority, and becoming a homeowner.

Currently, Bell is pursuing a master’s degree in Information Technology Project Management at the University of Maryland University College. She continues to stay connected with the York College Alumni Association. She plans to finish her master’s degree, continue volunteering with YCP, travel, and complete some remodeling of her home. She has successfully encouraged her godson to become part of the Spartan family, continuing her legacy at YCP.