Turning in final grades reports on May 15 marked more than the end of the term for faculty Robert Boner, Carol Fritz and William Miller. Having decided to retire, these teaching scholars were honored with emeritus status by the Board of Trustees and recognition at Commencement. The College also recognized Biology lecturer Mary Lee Schmall, who is retiring after 43 years.

Psychology Professor William “Bill” Miller, longest tenured professor in College history at 45 years, emphasized the empirical side of psychology, engaging students in collaborative research, and advocating student publication in professional journals and scientific meeting presentations. Always innovative, Miller introduced a new course this spring in the emerging field of “positive psychology.”

One of the most successful volleyball coaches in Division III history, Carol Fritz has both kept the score on our playing fields and courts for 40 years and championed women’s equal rights as athletes. As associate athletic director, she’s managed the master calendar of 24 teams and their transportation requirements always with one eye on the weather.

Mathematics Professor Robert “Bob” Boner, gave 37 years in the classroom guiding math whizzes and mathphobics alike, and his teaching of abstract algebra and Galois Theory prepared students to find careers in the National Security Agency. An outdoorsman, Boner also taught students and colleagues lifelong creative pursuits in nature photography, fly-fishing and fly tying.

Mary Lee Schmall taught science to more than 5000 McDaniel College students over her 43 years as Biology laboratory lecturer and preparer. She devised and taught laboratory sessions in Human Biology, Biology of Human Concern, Botany, and Invertebrate Zoology.  Most importantly, her planning, organization and teaching of laboratories in Principles of Biology has made her a legend on campus.

Linda Parker came to the Hill in 1992 to lead the graduate program in curriculum and instruction.  Under her guidance, the program has grown to serve teachers and school administrators throughout Maryland and southern Pennsylvania and is recognized across the region as a leading provider of professional development for educators. Parker’s work will ensure that McDaniel College will continue to support these professionals as they strive to improve teaching and learning across the region.