FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       

Jan. 8, 2024                          

Contact: Cheryl Knauer

410-857-2294

cknauer@mcdaniel.edu

McDANIEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, PERFORMANCES AND EXHIBITIONS FOR SPRING 2024

McDaniel offers a variety of art, music, theatre, literary, film, and other events, which are free and open to the public (unless otherwise noted)

 McDaniel College offers a variety of art, music, theatre, literary, film, and other events during the spring of 2024.

All events and exhibitions at McDaniel College are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. McDaniel College is located at 2 College Hill, Westminster, Maryland.

For more information about McDaniel College, visit www.mcdaniel.edu. 

SPRING 2024 SCHEDULE

* Denotes Cost Associated

Art Exhibitions:

The Esther Prangley Rice Gallery is located in Peterson Hall at McDaniel College. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 410-857-2595.

Biennial Faculty Exhibition

Tuesday, Jan. 23-Friday, Feb. 16

Reception: Friday, Jan. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.

The exhibition highlights a variety of works encompassing a wide range of media, styles, and subject matter created by current McDaniel College Art faculty members. Faculty with works in this 11th biennial exhibition include Chloe Irla, associate professor and 2007 McDaniel alum; Steven Pearson, the Joan Develin Coley Chair in Creative Expression and the Arts; and adjunct lecturers Seán Boylan, Jordan Cannon, Nicole Diem, and Andrew Thorp.

Honors Art Exhibition

Tuesday, Feb. 20-Friday, March 8

Reception: Friday, Feb. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.

McDaniel College’s Art department showcases works by McDaniel College Honors Art students Kaitlyn Barker, senior from Davidsonville, Maryland, Sarah Mendez, junior from Damascus, Maryland, Evan Meyers, senior from Westminster, Maryland, and Brenay Spencer, senior from Baltimore.

Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

Tuesday, March 19-Friday, March 29

Reception: Friday, March 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.

This annual exhibition highlights the best undergraduate work, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. All students are invited to submit up to five works they have completed while studying at McDaniel College. Winners with pieces selected for the exhibition are announced during the opening reception. Jurors for the exhibition include professional artists and art educators.

Senior Capstone Exhibition One

Tuesday, April 2-Friday, April 19

Reception: Friday, April 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.

The first in a series of end-of-the-year exhibitions showcasing works by graduating Art majors working in a range of media from two- and three-dimensional approaches to digital and new media.

Senior Capstone Exhibition Two

Tuesday, April 23-Friday, May 10

Reception: Friday, April 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.

The second in a series of end-of-the-year exhibitions showcasing works by graduating Art majors working in a range of media from two- and three-dimensional approaches to digital and new media.

Visiting Artist Lecture:

For more information, call 410-857-2595.

Julie Riker

Thursday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Peterson Hall, Room 104

McDaniel’s Art department presents a guest artist lecture by fine and decorative artist Julie Riker. Riker of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, started her own decorative painting business creating artwork for individual homes and businesses, including the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence. She also enjoys painting outdoors and is a member of the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters. For more information about Riker, visit www.julieriker.com. 

Music Concerts/Recitals:

For more information, call 410-857-2552, unless otherwise noted.

*Common Ground Downtown with The Kruger Brothers

Saturday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.

Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Common Ground on the Hill, in residence at McDaniel College, presents a performance by The Kruger Brothers, who blend bluegrass with Americana and classical music.

Tickets are $28 for adults or $25 for seniors and students with valid ID. Visit www.commongroundonthehill.org for ticket information.

Student Solo Recital

Friday, April 12, 7 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

McDaniel College students perform vocal and piano solos, under the direction of Music faculty members Rachel Andrews, Kyle Engler, and Waka Osifchin.

College Choir Concert

Sunday, April 21, 7 p.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

The McDaniel College Choir performs, under the direction of Kyle Engler, senior lecturer, with Peggy Brengle serving as accompanist. The program features music from diverse locales and historical eras. 

Student African Drum Ensembles

Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

Students in McDaniel College’s Student African Drum Ensembles perform, under the direction of senior adjunct lecturer Pape Demba “Paco” Samb, a Senegalese griot.

Singing on Stage

Sunday, April 28, 7 p.m.

Dorothy Elderdice Studio Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Music and Theatre Arts students at McDaniel from the “Singing on Stage” class taught by Kyle Engler, senior lecturer, perform selections from operas and Broadway musicals. Peggy Brengle serves as accompanist.

A Cappella Ensemble

Monday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.

Baker Chapel

A performance by the Green TerrorTones, the premier vocal ensemble at McDaniel College, under the guidance of senior lecturer Kyle Engler with accompanist Peggy Brengle. The students are chosen from the membership of the McDaniel College Choir and perform exclusively unaccompanied vocal music, including a wide variety of world music and vocal jazz.

Jazz Night

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m.

Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Senior adjunct lecturer Tim Jenkins directs as student musicians perform diverse styles of jazz, including classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, jazz-rock, and classic blues.

College Band Concert

Friday, May 3, 7 p.m.

Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Directed by senior lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick, the College Band features nearly 50 musicians, including McDaniel students, as well as McDaniel faculty members, band alumni and community musicians, performing musical selections ranging from classical to pops.

Gospel Choir Concert

Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m.

Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

McDaniel College’s Gospel Choir performs traditional and contemporary gospel music, as well as spirituals, under the direction of senior adjunct lecturer Shelley Ensor with accompanist Alice Dorsey.

Theatre Performances:

Performances are in WMC Alumni Hall. For ticket information, call 410-857-2448.

*Eurydice

Thursday, Feb. 29-Saturday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.

Dorothy Elderdice Studio Theatre, WMC Alumni HallContent warning: the show contains themes of death and grief; may use fog

McDaniel College’s Theatre Arts department presents a student-directed reimagining of the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice journeys to the underworld, where she reunites with her beloved father and struggles to recover lost memories of her husband and the world she left behind.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students, seniors (over 60), active military members and veterans, as well as those with a McDaniel College ID.

*The Underpants

Thursday, April 25-Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.

Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni HallNote: the show contains adult material and is intended for mature audiences

Tad Janes, producing artistic director of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick, Maryland, guest directs this adaptation of Carl Sternheim’s classic 1910 farce by comic actor and author Steve Martin. Set in 1910 Germany, Louise Markes, a housewife bored of her bureaucrat husband and their conservative existence, attends a royal parade, where a wardrobe malfunction causes unexpected attention.  

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (over 60), active military members and veterans, students, as well as those with a McDaniel College ID.

Literary:

Bothe Poetry Reading: Gilbert Arzola

Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

The 35th annual memorial lecture features Mexican American award-winning poet and writer Gilbert Arzola. Named “Poet of the Year” by Passager Press in 2019, Arzola published “Prayers of Little Consequence” in 2020 and “The Death of a Migrant Worker” in 2021. Call 410-857-2530 for more information.

Shakespeare in the Square

Tuesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m.

Memorial Plaza (rain location: Baker Chapel)

Hosted by McDaniel College’s English department and Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, this annual celebration of William Shakespeare includes readings, performances, and adaptations of his plays and poetry by McDaniel students and faculty. Call 410-857-2530 for more information. 

Film:

McDaniel Cinema Showcase

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m.

Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science

This annual event showcases student-produced fiction and documentary films as the culminating project for each Cinema student’s senior capstone. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/cinema for more information about McDaniel’s Cinema program.

Lectures:

“Navigating Higher Ed in the Current DEIJ Climate: Part Two”

Thursday, Feb. 22, 5 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

McDaniel College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts the second in a series of interactive discussions about navigating ongoing challenges to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in higher education. Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Ira G. Zepp, Jr., Memorial Lecture: Rosa Clemente

Tuesday, March 5, 7 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

McDaniel hosts a lecture by Black-Puerto Rican community organizer and independent journalist Rosa Clemente in honor of Women’s History Month. The first Afro-Latina woman to run for the vice president of the United States, Clemente is also the associate producer of the Oscar award-winning film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Global Forum

Thursday, April 4, 4:30 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

McDaniel College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Global Bridge host an academic and thought-provoking discussion delving into various pressing global issues. Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Wenner-Wingate Memorial Lecture: Kevin Blackistone

Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

National sports journalist Kevin Blackistone speaks on sport myths and social justice. Blackistone is a commentator for The Washington Post and a professor at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. Call 410-857-2530 for more information. 

Rembert Lecture in Enterprise Economics

Thursday, April 11, 4 p.m.

Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science

Hosted by the Economics and Business Administration department, this annual event was established by 1961 alum Donald Rembert and his wife, Judy, also an alum of the Class of 1960, to highlight notable speakers on business and economics. Call 410-857-2450 for more information. 

Others:

*National Squirrel Appreciation Day

Monday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Englar Dining Hall, Roj Student Center

Celebrate McDaniel College’s campus squirrels during this special lunch in honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day. Email giveback@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Black History Month Convocation: Educational Showcase

Thursday, Feb. 8, 4:30 p.m.

Lower level, Roj Student Center

McDaniel’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts a showcase with various student organizations engaging in meaningful discussions and presentations for Black History Month. For more information, email odei@mcdaniel.edu or call 410-857-2459.

Black History Month Convocation

Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

Note: registration is required

In conjunction with Black History Month, McDaniel’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion presents “A Journey Through Black Excellence,” a celebration of the history and culture of the African American community, including a keynote speaker and talent performances. Register to attend this free event at www.mcdaniel.edu/bhm-event. For more information, email odei@mcdaniel.edu or call 410-857-2459.

International Women’s Day

Friday, March 8, 11:30 a.m.

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Roj Student Center

McDaniel’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts an educational celebration in honor of International Women’s Day. Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

One Hill, One Day

Monday, March 25-Thursday, March 28, all day

Online or on campus at McDaniel College

Give in support of current and future McDaniel students in honor of the college’s Charter Day on March 30. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/1h1d for more information.

Cecelia Bowens Phenomenal Woman Awards

Thursday, March 28, 5 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

Note: registration is required

Organized by McDaniel’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this annual banquet honors phenomenal women on McDaniel’s campus. Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge

Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m.; pre-reception at 5 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

McDaniel College students compete for a $5,000 top prize in this annual competition. Finalists pitch their entrepreneurial ideas and products to a panel of experts. Additional $1,000 cash prizes are awarded for runner-up, People’s Choice, and Community Changer. Email ceo@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

McDaniel Admissions Junior Visit Day

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.

On campus at McDaniel College

Current high school juniors are invited to kickstart their college search by learning more about the college admissions process, hearing about campus life, and touring McDaniel’s campus. To register or for more information, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/visit.

McDaniel College Academic Symposium

Monday, April 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

On campus at McDaniel College

McDaniel faculty, staff, and students showcase their scholarship and academic experiences through innovative and inspiring presentations and lectures. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/academic-symposium for more information.

Commencement and Commencement-related events

McDaniel hosts the college’s 154th Commencement ceremonies with nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate degrees expected to be awarded along with annual Commencement-related events. For more information, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/commencement.

• McDaniel College ROTC Commissioning

Friday, May 17, 10 a.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

Graduating seniors from McDaniel who are part of the Green Terror Battalion Army ROTC program are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Army ROTC has been a tradition at the college since 1919, and the Green Terror Battalion, which includes cadets from McDaniel, Hood College and Mount St. Mary’s, is one of the oldest ROTC programs in the nation.

• McDaniel College Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation

Friday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

Graduating seniors receive academic, activity and leadership awards during McDaniel College’s annual Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation.

• McDaniel College Commencement: Graduate Ceremony 

Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.
Gill Center

Master’s degrees are awarded to the McDaniel College Class of 2024. Tickets are required to attend the ceremony.

• McDaniel College Commencement: Undergraduate Ceremony

Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m.
Gill Center

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded to the McDaniel College Class of 2024. Tickets are required to attend the ceremony.

*McDaniel College Alumni Association Awards Celebration 

Friday, May 31, 6:30 p.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

McDaniel College’s Alumni Association honors alumni who personify the college’s tradition of excellence. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/alumniweekend2024 to purchase tickets or for more information. 

McDaniel College Alumni Weekend

Friday, May 31-Sunday, June 2

On campus at McDaniel College

McDaniel College alumni are invited back to campus for a weekend of food, fun, and reminiscing. Special milestone Reunion events take place for classes ending in four and nine. More information is available at www.mcdaniel.edu/alumniweekend2024.

*Green and Gold Golf Classic

Monday, June 10, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Piney Branch Golf Course, 5301 Trenton Mill Rd., Hampstead, Maryland

Join community members in supporting McDaniel student-athletes at this annual golf tournament. Register at www.mcdaniel.edu/gggc2024.

*Common Ground on the Hill Traditions Week

Sunday, July 7-Friday, July 12, classes are 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with evening events beginning at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.

On campus at McDaniel College

Common Ground on the Hill Traditions Week includes workshops in the traditional arts, evening concerts, lectures, and more. Academic credit and scholarships are available. Register at www.commongroundonthehill.org.

*Common Ground on the Hill Roots Music & Arts Festival

Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

On campus at McDaniel College

To mark the culmination of Common Ground on the Hill’s Traditions Week, this all-day festival features traditional arts, crafts, music, and dance, plus kid-friendly activities, food vendors, and a wine and beer garden. Three-time Grammy winner Tom Chapin is the recipient of the Robert H. Chambers Award for Excellence in the Traditional Arts.

Tickets range from $25-$40. Purchase tickets online at www.commongroundonthehill.org.

Editor’s Note: Select images are available for download at http://bit.ly/mclivespr24

Download photos from previous McDaniel Commencements, including ROTC Commissioning and Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation: https://bit.ly/mcdanielcommencement

Additional information: Requests for ASL interpreters are welcome and should be made as soon as possible (two weeks prior to the event preferred) by contacting the specific event organizer. Other accommodation requests and questions can be directed to Conference Services at 410-857-2407.

Visitors are asked to adhere to all health and safety policies and regulations in effect at the time of the event.

McDaniel College, founded in 1867, is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering more than 70 undergraduate programs of study, including pre-professional specializations and student-designed majors, and over 20 graduate programs. One of the original “Colleges That Change Lives,” McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, its over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,800 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary. www.mcdaniel.edu