50 Years:
Richard Clower ’50, professor emeritus of Exercise Science and Physical Education, began his career on the Hill 1956 as assistant coach in football, baseball and soccer, and as head basketball coach. In 1965, he earned the College’s Distinguished Teaching Award. That same year, Clower took over as athletics director and served until 1984, coaching lacrosse, basketball and track, and as assistant coach in baseball, football and soccer. He also headed the physical education graduate program for more than 25 years and was president of various sporting organizations, including the Middle Atlantic Conference, the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association and the NCAA Credential Committee. During his tenure, Clower pushed for (and won) equal offerings in women’s competitive athletics. Then-Governor William Donald Schaefer appointed him to the board of visitors of the Maryland School for the Deaf from 1989-1993. He was named five times to the Outstanding Educators of America and in 1990 received a presidential citation from the Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. A decorated Korean War veteran, in 1995 he was enshrined in the College’s ROTC Hall of Fame, followed by the Carroll County Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Clower earned emeritus status after retiring in 1998.

25 Years:
William Clinton Chase, associate professor emeritus of History, came to the Hill in 1981 after completing military service and teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University and at Texas Tech University. Shortly after his arrival, his book “The American Law School and the Rise of Administrative Government” was published by the University of Wisconsin Press (1982). Chase’s scholarly interests were reflected in the upper level seminars that he developed over the years on “American Legal History,” “American Diplomatic History,” and “Women and the Law.” During his tenure, Bill became a pioneer in the use of electronic resources in historical research and has engaged in digital projects with students. To that end, he taught “America in the Digital Age,” “Directed Studies on Digital Editing” and “The Civil War on the Web.” Chase earned emeritus status after retiring in 2003.

Richard Claycombe, professor of Economics/Business Administration is celebrating his 25th anniversary at the College. His students recently won an award for their classroom partnership with Carroll County government, conducting surveys about resident satisfaction with county services and policies. Claycombe has studied such topics as working couples and craft occupations. His work on spatial economics has provided insight into transportation and other costs involved in shaping retail markets. Claycombe earned his Ph.D. at George Washington University in 1980.

Richard Dillman, associate professor emeritus of Communication, is an Internet pioneer. One of the first to understand the vast complexities of the World Wide Web, Dillman became a classroom innovator, converting a textbook he wrote onto the Web to serve as an online study guide and research tool for faculty, staff, students and others. He also founded, along with Communication Professor Emeritus Robert Sapora, the Institute for Educational Media to provide film, video or computer support for faculty research proposals. Dillman retired in 2001, but continues to teach online courses.

Ira Domser, professor of Theatre Arts, came to the Hill in 1981. Each year, he produces, directs and designs sets for numerous student productions. During his tenure, Domser has led students to Britain during the Jan Term, but most notably founded Theatre on the Hill, a professional summer stock company in residence at the college. He has served as a board member for the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts as well as for the Carroll County Arts Council. His many achievements have earned him a certificate of merit from the Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival.

Linda Kirkpatrick, senior lecturer in Music, has taught flute at McDaniel since 1981. She also teaches chamber music, instrumental conducting and directs the McDaniel College Band. She has also led the Flute Quartet and Choir as well as the Woodwind Quartet. Kirkpatrick is the founder and leader of the McDaniel College Summer Music Camp and is Director of the Community Music Program. She has been guest conductor and adjudicator for county, regional, and state band festivals in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. She earned a doctorate from the University of Maryland.

David Kreider, concert pianist and senior music lecturer, began his career at McDaniel College in 1981 as a piano lecturer. Ten years later, he was promoted to senior lecturer and founded and became artistic director of Chamber Music on the Hill. Active in all aspects of the series, he still performs frequently. During his tenure, Kreider served as President of the Carroll County Music Teachers Association and was the founder and first conductor of The Choral Arts Society of Carroll County. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, in concert halls across the country and as far away as England and Austria.

Rebecca Martin ’80, head coach of the Green Terror Women’s Basketball, arrived at the Middle Atlantic Conference track championships in 1981 as a graduate assistant. In the 25 years that followed, Martin became both the most prolific scorer and, with more than 350 wins, the winningest coach in McDaniel College basketball history. She has led the team to 10 league playoff berths, one Middle Atlantic Conference division title in 1985-86, its first ever Centennial Conference crown and NCAA playoff berth in 2002, a feat she pulled twice since. Her team has advanced as far as the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tourney. Martin's experience has served her well on committees including the ECAC Division III Women's Basketball Mid-Atlantic Championship Committee. She is currently the chair of the Centennial Conference Women's Basketball Committee and has served as the Chair of the College's Sports Hall of Fame Committee. McDaniel College inducted her into its Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.