Discover Your Future at York College

Cardinal Spotlight

York College’s 2026 valedictorian, Jeremiah Aneke, transformed uncertainty into excellence through focus, discipline, and creative purpose. A Studio Art major and U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, Aneke completed his bachelor’s degree in two and a half years while serving in the reserves, working, and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Raised in Brooklyn and Queens after immigrating from Abuja, Nigeria, he found his artistic path through family influence, high school illustration work, and years of practice. He was praised for his intellectual rigor, professionalism, and commitment to learning.