Lineup for the May 18 Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies will now take place in Gill Gymnasium (Old Gill) due to the impending weather forecast.
McDaniel College announces Commencement speakers for the 2024 undergraduate and graduate ceremonies to be held on Saturday, May 18. Undergraduate Commencement speaker is higher education leader Freeman A. Hrabowski III. Graduate coordinator Mona Kerby, the L. Stanley Bowlsbey Endowed Chair at McDaniel, will provide remarks during the graduate ceremony. In addition, an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree will be awarded during the undergraduate ceremony to Greg Kahlert, president of the Kahlert Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofits, including McDaniel, along with other education, health care, youth programs, veterans organizations, and human services organizations.
Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president emeritus of University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Speaker
Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president emeritus of University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a dynamic and visionary higher education leader. Dr. Hrabowski served as president at UMBC from 1992 to 2022, expanding college access for students from all backgrounds and transforming UMBC into a national leader.
An educator, author, and mathematician, he is also known for his advocacy for science and math education, particularly for minority students. He chaired the National Academies’ committee that produced the 2011 report, "Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America’s Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads." In 2012, President Barack Obama named him chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans and his 2013 TED talk highlights the “Four Pillars of College Success in Science.”
Mona Kerby, the L. Stanley Bowlsbey Endowed Chair, McDaniel College
Dr. Kerby began her career as a kindergarten teacher with the Arlington Independent School District in Arlington, Texas, and was a librarian before coming to teach at McDaniel in 1994. In 2012, she earned a prestigious Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program three-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to fund 12 full scholarships for teachers working in underserved regions in Maryland to earn master’s degrees in School Librarianship from McDaniel.
Graduation Products
Herff Jones provides class rings, commencement regalia, announcements, college diploma frames, and other graduation products.
McDaniel College solicits potential Commencement speakers who exemplify the mission and values of the college and have made distinguished and notable contributions to society through scholarship or service. Suggestions must be received by October 13 in order to be considered for the upcoming ceremony.
Please continue to check this webpage as we will continue to add additional events leading up to Commencement.
Friday, May 17, 10 a.m.ROTC CommissioningBaker 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.
Friday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.Senior Investiture and Honors ConvocationBaker Memorial Chapel
Graduating seniors receive academic, activity and leadership awards during McDaniel College’s annual Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation. (Doors open at 6 p.m. for family and friends.)
You made it. Now, it's time to CELEBRATE! Celebrate all you have accomplished and have some fun during Senior Week, May 13-17, 2024. Events include a trip to an Oriole's Game, Outdoor Movie Night with Food Trucks, a Senior Dinner Dance followed by Bon Fire & S’mores, and a Tassle & Toast Brunch. There will also be Career Programming with the CEO throughout the week. Get the full list and schedule of Senior Week events Whatsup McDaniel.
Celebrate your Graduate with a Personalized Gift
McDaniel College Jewelry collection Inspired by the college's iconic architecture and symbols.
Celebrate their graduation by gifting a piece of jewelry from the NEW collaboration between McDaniel College and Kyle Cavan. Each piece is meticulously crafted, offering a blend of timeless elegance and collegiate pride. With customizable options for necklaces, bracelets, and cufflinks, you can make the piece as special as your 2024 graduate!
McDaniel College Illustrated Map collectionFeaturing the college’s landmarks and memorable spots
Help them remember their time on the Hill forever with a colorful watercolor illustrated map of their favorite campus spots NEWLY designed by Stephanie Madsen Art. Prints can be customized with your student’s name and class year for a personalized touch. Tea towels, tote bags, stickers, magnets, mugs, and blank note cards are a great way to thank those who supported your student on their academic journey!
Celebrate your McDaniel grad major life accomplishment with a Yard Sign. Signs are available to purchase through the McDaniel College Bookstore Spirit Shop.
On the eve of their graduation, McDaniel College seniors in the Class of 2024 were honored with academic, activity, and leadership awards. Prior to the event, the graduating seniors took part in the Arch Processional led by McDaniel College leadership, including President Julia Jasken, Provost Flavius Lilly, and Dean of Student Liz Towle.
Tyra N. Pritchett, a Psychology major with a minor in Theatre Arts, received The Mary Ward Lewis Prize, while Kramoh T. Mansalay, a Biomedical Science major and Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies major with a Linguistic specialization, with minors in Biology and Chemistry, was awarded The Bates Prize. Both represent outstanding members of the graduating class.
Six McDaniel graduating seniors, who served as members of the Green Terror Battalion, received commissions as Army officers on May 17. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Matthew N. Gebhard ’93, deputy commanding general for operations at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Warfare Center and School, Special Operations Center of Excellence in Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
McDaniel College solicits potential Commencement speakers who exemplify the mission and values of the college and have made distinguished and notable contributions to society through scholarship or service. Suggestions must be received by October 13 in order to be considered for the upcoming ceremony.