Choir director steps down

For three years, Alissa Yatcko was at the head of the church-going music experience. 

Yatcko served as Campus Minister of Liturgy and Music since fall 2007 and is now stepping down from her position. Her talent and bubbly personality have made an impact on the worshipping community on campus. 

Yatcko leaves St. Joe’s to move to Scranton, Pa. , much to the dismay of the worshipping community and the members of the chapel choir. Although she will be missed, St, Joe’s church-goers can certainly be grateful for what she will leave behind.

“I would like to think as liturgist and conductor I’ve given the SJU worshipping community the experience of what really good liturgy is like—what it is like to touch God in the Mass,” Yatcko said.

Yatcko worked as conductor of the Chapel Choir, increasing the number of members from seven to 40 during her three years as director.  This group meets with Yatcko twice a week to rehearse music and prepare for weekly masses. They have formed a close bond with her and their appreciation for her work and dedication is evident. 

“Alissa has been an invaluable and incredible influence on me during my time at SJU.  She was able to connect with me and be a spiritual advisor as well as a friend,” said Jeff Wallace, ’10. 

“She truly cares about us as people,” said Maureen Wirshup, ’12.  “Chapel Choir has been one of the best experiences of my college career.”

For Yatcko, this unique brand of chapel choir love is mutual.

“I will miss the chapel choir the most because of the community and the family that has formed,” Yatcko said.  “I didn’t expect how much the bonds would form.  It was a wonderful surprise.”

Yatcko enjoyed the work she has done for the past three years.

“When you start to look forward to stuff at work, that’s when you know you’re doing something exciting,” said Yatcko.

While saying goodbye to St. Joe’s will be difficult, Yatcko looks forward to what lies ahead. She will be marrying her fiancé, John Swarts, in October of this year and will attend Marrywood University to pursue a certificate in music education and a second Master’s degree in education. With that, she hopes to teach high school, and is looking forward to working with a new age group. 

She is optimistic about the journey ahead.

“I’m really excited for this new step in my career.  I hope that I can make an impact as a high school teacher,” Yatcko said.

What’s the biggest change that Yatcko will face in her new career path? No work on Sunday.

Despite her upcoming departure,Yatcko has made a lasting impression at Hawk Hill. 

“Of all the administrators and role models I’ve encountered in my four years at St. Joe’s, Alissa has been the warmest and most influential of them all.  Her devotion to her students partnered with her attention to detail makes her such a terrific asset to the Saint Joseph’s community,” said Allie Steele, ’10.  “While I and the rest of the chapel choir will miss her terribly, we wish her all the best as she moves on to the next phase in her life.”

Editor’s Note: Anabelle Garcia is a member of the Chapel Choir.