FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 17, 2025                        

Contact: Cheryl Knauer

410-857-2294

cknauer@mcdaniel.edu

McDANIEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, PERFORMANCES AND EXHIBITIONS FOR SPRING 2025

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

WESTMINSTER, Md. – McDaniel College offers a variety of art, music, theatre, literary, film, and other events during the spring of 2025. 

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 2025 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.

Romancing the Novel

Monday, Jan. 6-Friday, March 7

Public reception: Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m., as part of the “Romancing the Novel” speaker series in conjunction with Carroll County Public Library

A major exhibition exploring romance novels and their cultural impact featuring original cover art, including paintings by James Griffin, Frank Kalan, and Gregg Gulbronson, manuscripts, publicity materials, genre history, and fan artwork. Curated by Robert Lemieux, associate professor of communication and cinema at McDaniel, the exhibition is in association with McDaniel’s Nora Roberts American Romance Collection, Bowling Green State University’s Browne Popular Culture Library, renowned romance publisher, Harlequin, and Yale University Art Gallery. Media partners are BmoreArt and WYPR-FM.

Honors Art Exhibition

Thursday, March 13-Friday, March 28

Opening reception: Thursday, March 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy” showcases works by McDaniel College Honors Art seniors Gillian Girod, Art major from Westminster, Maryland, Lacy Newhouse, Art major from Westminster, Maryland, Art major from North East, Maryland, Sarah Watson, Art major from York, Pennsylvania, and Aaliyah Williams, Art and Communication major from LaPlata, Maryland.

Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

Tuesday, April 1-Friday, April 11

Reception: Thursday, April 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with awards presentation 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. Juror for the exhibition is Harford Community College Professor of Art and Design Heidi Neff Chuffo.

Senior Capstone Exhibition One

Tuesday, April 15-Friday, April 25

Reception: Thursday, April 17, 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 29-Friday, May 9

Reception: Thursday, May 1, 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.

Other Art Events:

Visiting Artist Lecture: Heidi Neff Chuffo

Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Peterson Hall, Room 104

McDaniel’s Art department presents a guest artist lecture by Harford Community College Professor of Art and Design Heidi Neff Chuffo. Neff, who is serving as juror for McDaniel’s “Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition,” is a visual artist and animator. Her work has consistently explored the ongoing search for meaning through spiritual and physical connection. For more information about Neff, visit www.heidineff.com. Call 410-857-2595 for more information about the visiting artist lecture.

“A Celebration of Motherhood: Bonding, Becoming, Being”

Tuesday, March 4, 5 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

An art pop-up dedicated to the journey of motherhood led by McDaniel College Assistant Professor of Counseling Lyneia Richardson and hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. For more information, email odei@mcdaniel.edu or call 410-857-2459.

Music Concerts/Recitals:

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

Student Solo Recital

Friday, April 11, 7 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

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

Student African Drum Ensembles

Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

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

College Choir Concert

Sunday, April 27, 7 p.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

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

Singing on Stage

Sunday, May 4, 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 Senior Lecturer Kyle Engler, perform selections from operas and Broadway musicals, with accompanist Peggy Brengle.

A Cappella Ensemble

Monday, May 5, 7 p.m.

Baker Memorial 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.

Jazz Night

Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m.

Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Senior Adjunct Lecturer Tim Jenkins directs the concert featuring diverse styles of jazz, including classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, jazz-rock, and classic blues.

College Band Concert

Friday, May 9, 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 10, 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.

*Legally Blonde

Thursday, April 3-Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.

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

McDaniel College student actors perform in McDaniel College Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde.” Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery, based on the novel by Amanda Brown and 2001 film with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, seniors (over 60), active military members and veterans, as well as those with a McDaniel College ID.

Student-Directed Production

Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m.

Dorothy Elderdice Studio Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Advanced Theatre students perform in this original production, under the direction of Gené Fouché, assistant professor and department chair of Theatre Arts.

Film:

“Counted Out” Documentary Screening

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m.

Hill Hall 104

 A screening of the documentary “Counted Out,” which shines a light on math as the foundation of democracy and economic opportunity. This event is co-sponsored by the McDaniel chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society, and McDaniel’s departments of Communication and Cinema, Mathematics and Computer Science, Political Science, and Sociology. For more information, email Assistant Professor of Sociology Daniel Boches at dboches@mcdaniel.edu.

McDaniel Cinema Showcase

Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.

Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science

Note: some content contains adult material and is intended for mature audiences

This annual event showcases student-produced fiction and documentary films as the culminating project for each Cinema major’s senior capstone. Each screening includes a brief Q&A with the filmmaker. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/cinema for more information about McDaniel’s Cinema program.

Literary:

Bothe Poetry Reading: Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion

Tuesday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

Kick off National Poetry Month with Maryland’s Poet Laureate Lady Brion during McDaniel College’s 36th annual B. Christopher Bothe Memorial Lecture. Call 410-857-2530 for more information. 

Shakespeare in the Square

Wednesday, 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 the life and works of William Shakespeare includes readings and performances by McDaniel students and faculty. Call 410-857-2530 for more information. 

Lectures:

“Romancing the Novel” Speaker Series

Presented by McDaniel College and Carroll County Public Library

*Rom Con: Romance Author Panel

Saturday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m.

Carroll County Public Library’s Exploration Commons, 50 E Main St., Westminster, Maryland

Sponsored by A Likely Story Bookstore with Park Books Panel, this panel features romance authors, including Avery Flynn, Nikki Payne, Chip Pons, and others, with books available for signing and purchase. Cost is $5, which includes a redeemable voucher toward the purchase of books that day. For more information and to register, visit https://ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/romcon25.

 Love in Liberty: Black Historical Romances and the Joy of Freedom

Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

A lecture by historian and Bowling Green State University professor Nicole Jackson, co-host of the “Black Romance Has A History” podcast. Call 410-857-2595 for more information.

Black History Month Convocation

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

In conjunction with Black History Month, McDaniel’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion honors the history and culture of the African American community with a keynote speaker and talent showcases. For more information, email odei@mcdaniel.edu or call 410-857-2459.

Global Issues Colloquium

Wednesday, April 2, 7 p.m.

Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

Organized by McDaniel College’s Global Initiatives and Global Fellows program, Cécilia Rizcallah, professor of European law and human rights at the UCLouvain Saint-Louis in Brussels, Belgium, presents “Cracks in the Foundation: How to Face the Value Crisis in the European Union.” Email World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Professor Amy McNichols, director of Global Fellows, at amcnichols@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Rembert Lecture in Enterprise Economics

Thursday, April 10, 4 p.m.

Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science

Duke University’s Bruce Caldwell, historian of economic thought and Research Professor of Economics, presents “The Life and Ideas of F.A. Hayek.” Hosted by McDaniel College’s 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:

International Women’s Day

Friday, March 7, 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 the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global day for women. Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

1867 Challenge

Monday, March 11, beginning at 9 a.m., until Tuesday, March 12, at 4:07 p.m. (1,867 min. in honor of the year the college was founded)

Online or on campus with events in Ensor Lounge, Roj Student Center

Give in support of current and future McDaniel students. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/1867challenge for more information.

Cecilia Bowens Phenomenal Woman Awards

Thursday, March 13, 5:30 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.

Interfaith Celebration

Tuesday, April 15, 5:30 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

 This spring gathering celebrates diversity and interfaith connections hosted by McDaniel’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Call 410-857-2459 or email odei@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

Earth Day Fair

Friday, April 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Memorial Plaza

Celebration for Earth Day, including various activities, music, food, and more. Call 410-857-2400 for more information.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge

Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m.

Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

 McDaniel College student finalists compete for a $5,000 top prize in this annual competition by pitching their entrepreneurial ideas and products to a panel of experts. Email ceo@mcdaniel.edu for more information.

McDaniel College Academic Symposium

Monday, May 5, 9 a.m.-4:30 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 155th 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 Commencement: Graduate Ceremony 

Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.
Baker Memorial Chapel 

Master’s degrees are awarded to the McDaniel College Class of 2025. Tickets are required to attend the ceremony.

*McDaniel College ROTC Commissioning

Thursday, May 22, 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

Thursday, May 22, 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: Undergraduate Ceremony

Friday, May 23, 1 p.m.
Gill Center

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded to the McDaniel College Class of 2025. Tickets are required to attend the ceremony.

*McDaniel College Alumni Association Awards Celebration 

Friday, June 6, 6 p.m.

Baker Memorial Chapel

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

*McDaniel College Alumni Weekend

Friday, June 6-Sunday, June 8

On campus at McDaniel College

McDaniel College alumni are invited back to campus for a weekend of engaging activities to reconnect and reminisce. Special milestone Reunions take place for classes ending in zero and five. More information is available at www.mcdaniel.edu/alumniweekend.

*Green and Gold Golf Classic

Monday, June 9, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Piney Branch Golf Course, 5301 Trenton Mill Road, Hampstead, Maryland

Join community members in supporting McDaniel student-athletes at this annual golf tournament. Sponsorships are also available. Register at www.mcdaniel.edu/gggc.

*Common Ground on the Hill Traditions Weeks

Sunday, July 6-Friday, July 11, and Sunday, July 13-Friday, July 18, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., plus evening events

On campus at McDaniel College

Common Ground on the Hill Traditions Weeks include workshops in music, visual arts, dance, film, and more, with evening concerts, gallery talks, keynote lectures, and late-night jams. Academic credit and scholarships are available. Register at www.commongroundonthehill.org.

Admissions Events:

Carroll County Scholars Information Sessions

Information sessions about McDaniel College’s Carroll County Scholars program with McDaniel Admissions representatives providing a program overview, scholarship details, and Q&A. Learn more at www.mcdaniel.edu/CCS. 

Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m.

Westminster High School, 1225 Washington Road, Westminster, Maryland

Thursday, April 10, 6 p.m.

Virtual

McDaniel Admissions Junior Visit Day

Saturday, April 26, 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.

Editor’s Note: Select images are available for download at https://tinyurl.com/mclivespr25

Download photos from previous McDaniel Commencement ceremonies, 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 over 100 undergraduate and 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, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 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