FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 13, 2026
McDANIEL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES CULTURAL Activities, PERFORMANCES, AND EXHIBITIONS FOR SPRING 2026
McDaniel offers a variety of art, music, theatre, film, lectures, and other events, which are free and open to the public (unless otherwise noted)
McDaniel College offers a variety of art, music, theatre, film, lectures, and other events during the spring of 2026.
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 2026 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, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/rice-gallery or call 410-857-2595.
Beyond the Objects: The Grammar of Things
Tuesday, Jan. 27–Friday, Feb. 27
Opening reception: Thursday, Jan. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.
This exhibition is curated by McDaniel College Art Professor Steven Pearson, the Joan Develin Coley Endowed Chair in Creative Expression and the Arts, and Danielle Silva, senior Art major from Gaithersburg, Maryland, with paintings and sculptures by Scott Brodie; Chris Feiro; Hans Habeger; Matt Klos; John Lee; Sarah Méndez, a 2024 McDaniel alum; Scott Noel; Steven Pearson, Clarissa Pezone; Erin Raedeke; Nicole Santiago; and Kourtney Stone; along with Alexandra Combass, Art major from Westminster, Maryland; Marissa Riddle, Art and Environmental Studies major from New Market, Maryland; Abigail Rubin, Art major from Westminster, Maryland, and Danielle Silva, based on work completed during the 2025 Student-Faculty Collaborative
Honors Art Exhibition
Tuesday, March 3-Friday, March 20
Opening reception: Thursday, March 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m.
McDaniel College’s Art department showcases works by Honors Art students at McDaniel, including Camellia Codd, Art major from Mount Airy, Maryland; Alexandra Combass, Art major from Westminster, Maryland; Kathleen Heard, Art major from Westminster, Maryland; Cara Olson, Art major from Mount Airy, Maryland; Marissa Riddle, Art and Environmental Studies major from New Market, Maryland; Danielle Silva, Art major from Gaithersburg, Maryland; Maya Stone, Art major from Mount Airy, Maryland; and Laura Vonella, Art major from New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition
Tuesday, March 24-Friday, April 10
Reception: Thursday, March 26, 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 completed while studying at McDaniel College. Winners with pieces selected for the exhibition are announced during the opening reception. Juror for the exhibition is Kourtney Stone, former resident artist at Baltimore Clayworks and current assistant professor at Harrisburg Area Community College.
Senior Capstone Exhibition One
Tuesday, April 14-Friday, April 24
Reception: Thursday, April 16, 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 students working in a range of media from two- and three-dimensional approaches to digital and new media. Students exhibiting are Lily Coburn, Art major from Germantown, Maryland; Daryn Gluck, Social Work major from Bethesda, Maryland; Alena Hemphill, Art major from Randallstown, Maryland; August Jankowski, Art major from Clarksburg, Maryland; Kiersten Lang, Art major from Sykesville, Maryland; Tyler McDaniel, Art major from Baltimore; Abby Proctor, Art major from Pasadena, Maryland; Mikey Simmons, Art major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Zero White, Art major from Baltimore.
Senior Capstone Exhibition Two
Tuesday, April 28-Thursday, May 14
Reception: Thursday, April 30, 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 students working in a range of media from two- and three-dimensional approaches to digital and new media. Students exhibiting are Camellia Codd, Art major from Mount Airy, Maryland; Alexandra Combass, Art major from Westminster, Maryland; Kathleen Heard, Art major from Westminster, Maryland; Cara Olson, Art major from Mount Airy, Maryland; Marissa Riddle, Art and Environmental Studies major from New Market, Maryland; Abigail Rubin, Art major from Westminster, Maryland; Danielle Silva, Art major from Gaithersburg, Maryland; Maya Stone, Art major from Mount Airy, Maryland; and Laura Vonella, Art major from New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Visiting Artist Lecture:
For more information, call 410-857-2595.
Visiting Artist Lecture: Clarissa Pezone
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall
McDaniel’s Art department presents a guest artist lecture by Clarissa Pezone, a sculptor living and working in Baltimore. Influenced by mythology, the uncanny, and lore, her studio work encompasses figurative sculpture and installation using clay, paint, and mixed media. For more information about Pezone, visit www.clarissapezone.com.
Music Concerts/Recitals:
For more information, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/music-events.
Student Solo Recital
Friday, April 10, 7 p.m.
Recital Hall 101, Levine Hall
McDaniel College students perform vocal and instrumental solos with instrumental accompanist Lori Anderson and Rachel Andrews.
Monday Night Music: “Gems from the Violin and Piano Repertoire”
Monday, April 20, 7 p.m.
Baker Memorial Chapel
McDaniel Senior Lecturer Nicholas Currie performs on violin with pianist Diana Greene works by Beethoven, Arvo Pärt, and a transcription of a Chopin Nocturne by legendary violinist Nathan Milstein.
College Choir Concert
Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Baker Memorial Chapel
The McDaniel College Choir performs its spring concert, under the direction of Senior Lecturer Kyle Engler, featuring music from around the world, including Argentina, India, Scotland, Austria, Germany, and more.
Student African Drum Ensembles
Tuesday, April 28, 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.
Singing on Stage
Sunday, May 3, 7 p.m.
Dorothy Elderdice Studio Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall
McDaniel students perform staged scenes from operas by composers Mozart, Puccini, Bellini, and others, and Broadway musicals, such as “Chicago,” “Hamilton,” and “Rent.”
A Cappella Ensemble
Monday, May 4, 7 p.m.
Baker Chapel
The Green TerrorTones, the premier vocal ensemble at McDaniel College, performs “storytelling” music by Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and more, joined by the McDaniel Jazz Ensemble.
Jazz Night
Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall
Directed by Adjunct Lecturer Brian Frazier, the concert features diverse styles of jazz, including big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, rock, and blues.
College Band Concert
Friday, May 8, 7 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall
Directed by Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick, the College Band performs musical selections ranging from classical to pops, including selections from movie themes.
Theatre Performances:
Performances are in WMC Alumni Hall. 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. For ticket information, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/theatre-
*9 to 5: The Musical
Thursday, March 5–Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni HallNote: the show contains adult material and is intended for mature audiences
McDaniel College’s theatre arts department presents “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the 1980 20th Century Fox film featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick. In this musical comedy originally produced on Broadway in 2009, three unlikely work friends seek revenge on their boss.
*One-Act Play Festival
Thursday, April 30–Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Elderdice Studio Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall
McDaniel College students direct and perform a selection of 10-minute, one-act plays.
Film:
McDaniel Cinema Showcase
Thursday, May 7, 6 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: Poet and Essayist Bernard Jankowski
Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall
Poet and essayist Bernard Jankowski delivers McDaniel College’s 37th annual B. Christopher Bothe Memorial Lecture on the eve of National Poetry Month. A 1980 McDaniel alum, Jankowski is a special education teacher and author of “Music in the Halls.” Call 410-857-2530 for more information.
Shakespeare in the Square
Thursday, 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:
Carroll 250 Conversation: “Doing History: An Archivist’s Approach to Uncovering the Past”
Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.
Wahrhaftig Room, Hoover Library
As part of Carroll County’s commemoration of the 250th birthday of the United States, this conversation with Gwen Coddington of McDaniel College’s Hoover Library, Kyle Dalton of Union Mills Homestead, and Adrienne Smith of Gatehouse Museum explores the historian’s role—examining how archivists interpret evidence, uncover silences in collections, and craft inclusive narratives. Through an archivist’s lens, attendees will gain insight into the historical method, learn how community knowledge and oral histories shape our understanding of the past, and discover how they too can “do history” in meaningful ways. This session emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and the evolving nature of historical interpretation, encouraging public engagement with history as a dynamic and participatory process. Registration is required by visiting https://ccpl.librarymarket.
McDaniel Women’s Leadership Network: “Winter Wisdom: Women Navigating Entrepreneurship”
Thursday, Feb. 19, noon
*Virtual*
The McDaniel Women’s Leadership Network, an exclusive group of leaders focused on building connections and programs that support students and alumni, hosts this conversation to help inspire, support, and energize women’s entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Advance registration is required by visiting www.mcdaniel.edu/mwln-webinar.
Ira G. Zepp, Jr. Memorial Lecture: Ruha Benjamin
Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.
Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
McDaniel hosts Ruha Benjamin, a nationally renowned scholar, sociologist, and award-winning author. Benjamin is the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and the founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. In 2024, she was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” grant. Email Associate Vice President for Institutional Mission and Belonging and College Chaplain Richard Smith at rmsmith@mcdaniel.edu for more information.
“Endometriosis: The Social and Medical Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight”
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7-8 p.m.
*Virtual*
An hour-long webinar with McDaniel Assistant Professor of Sociology Virginia Berndt and Dr. Natalya Danilyants, board-certified gynecologic surgeon and co-founder of The Center for Innovative GYN Care (CIGC), discussing the realities of endometriosis—its symptoms, treatment, and socioeconomic costs—and the need for awareness and advocacy. Advance registration is required by visiting www.mcdaniel.edu/
Wenner-Wingate Memorial Lecture: Political sportswriter Dave Zirin
Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall
Political sportswriter and author Dave Zirin, sports editor at The Nation and host of the Edge of Sports Television on The Real News Network, speaks on sports and resistance in the United States. Call 410-871-3897 for more information.
Rembert Lecture in Enterprise Economics
Thursday, April 9, 4 p.m.
Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science
Hosted by McDaniel’s Economics and Business Administration department, speaker is Thomas DiLorenzo, president of the Mises Institute and former Economics professor at Loyola University Maryland. This annual event was established by 1961 alum Donald Rembert and his wife, Judy Ellis Rembert, also an alum of the Class of 1960, to highlight notable speakers on business and economics. Call 410-857-2450 for more information.
*McDaniel Women’s Leadership Network: “Spring into Health: Mind, Body, Community”
Saturday, April 18, 11:30 a.m.
Baker Memorial Chapel
Health care experts discuss key issues in women’s health during this event hosted by the McDaniel Women’s Leadership Network, an exclusive group of leaders focused on building connections and programs that support students and alumni. Advance registration is required by visiting www.mcdaniel.edu/mwln-spring.
Admissions Events:
Graduate Program:
Virtual Coordinator ConnectionsProspective students looking to advance their career can find out more about McDaniel’s 20-plus graduate master’s and certificate programs on select Wednesday evenings each month. McDaniel’s graduate master’s and certificate programs are delivered primarily online or in a hybrid format and cater to working professionals, career changers, and others wanting to continue their education. To register or for more information, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/visit-events or call 800-638-5005.
• Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.
Virtual
• Wednesday, March 4, 5 p.m.
Virtual
• Wednesday, April 1, 7 p.m.
Virtual
• Wednesday, May 6, 5 p.m.
Virtual
McDaniel Admissions Spring Open House for Juniors
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.
Baker Memorial Chapel
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-events or call 800-638-5005.
Carroll County Scholars:
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 11, 6 p.m.
Westminster High School, 1225 Washington Road, Westminster
• Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m.
Virtual
Others:
*Taste of Islam
Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m.
Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
Celebrate Islamic culture with food, music, and fellowship during this Ramadan dinner (Iftar). Contact World Languages, Literatures & Cultures Professor Mohamed Esa at mesa@mcdaniel.edu for tickets or more information.
1867 Challenge
Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 9 a.m., until Thursday, March 12, at 4:07 p.m. (1,867 minutes in honor of the year the college was founded)
Online or on campus with events in Ensor Lounge, Roj Student Center
Help reach new heights by giving in support of current and future McDaniel students. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/1867 for more information.
*McDaniel College Alumni Association Awards Celebration
Friday, April 17, 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/alum-weekend to purchase tickets or for more information.
*McDaniel College Alumni Weekend
Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18
On campus at McDaniel College
McDaniel College alumni are invited back to campus to reconnect and reminisce with engaging activities, including the Alumni Coalition for Belonging & Impact Happy Hour, Green Terror Teachings, vow renewal, and crab feast. Special milestone Reunions take place for classes ending in one and six. More information is available at www.mcdaniel.edu/alum-weekend.
Earth Day Fair
Friday, April 24, 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 28, 7 p.m.
Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
McDaniel College student finalists compete for cash prizes in this annual competition by pitching their entrepreneurial ideas and products to a panel of experts. For more information, email Kathleen Pratt, lecturer in the Economics and Business Administration department and faculty advisor for the Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at kpratt@mcdaniel.edu.
McDaniel College Academic Symposium
Monday, May 4, 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-
Commencement and Commencement-related events
McDaniel hosts the college’s 156th Commencement ceremonies with nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate degrees expected to be awarded along with annual Commencement-related events. For more information and to view the live streams for both the Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/commencement-
• McDaniel College ROTC Commissioning
Friday, 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. Keynote speaker is retired Col. Andrew Dziengeleski, a 1996 alum of the college. 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 22, 6:30 p.m.
Baker Memorial Chapel
Members of McDaniel’s Class of 2026 are honored with academic, activity, and leadership awards.
McDaniel College Commencement: Graduate Ceremony
Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.
Gill Center
Master’s degrees are awarded to the McDaniel College Class of 2026.
McDaniel College Commencement: Undergraduate Ceremony
Saturday, May 23, 2 p.m.
Gill Center
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded to the McDaniel College Class of 2026. Tickets are required to attend the undergraduate ceremony.
*Green and Gold Golf Classic
Monday, June 8, 8 a.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/gg-golf.
Juneteenth in Carroll
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
On campus at McDaniel College
Organized by Speak On It Act On It, McDaniel College hosts this Juneteenth celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. More information is available at www.speakonitactonit.org.
*Common Ground on the Hill Traditions Week
Sunday, July 5-Friday, July 10, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., plus free evening events
On campus at McDaniel College
Common Ground on the Hill Traditions Week includes workshops in music, visual arts, dance, and more led by renowned instructors from around the world, plus evening concerts featuring Grammy-winning musician Tim O’Brien and his wife, Jan Fabricius, as well as legendary singer and songwriter Alice Gerrard, gallery talks, keynote lectures, and late-night jams. Academic credit and scholarships are available. Register at www.commongroundonthehill.org.
Editor’s Note: Select images are available for download at https://tinyurl.com/
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
