- Esther M. Iglich of Westminster, Md., has been appointed McDaniel College’s Chief Information Officer with responsibility for the leadership, vision, strategic planning and overall management of technology and information services to support the teaching-learning mission of the College and its effective administration. She has served as interim CIO since May. » Full Story

- A professor’s offhand remark, “Your textbook is your security blanket,” inspired Art major Chloe Watson ’07 to hand-sew a bright red quilt made of biohazard bags stuffed with shredded biology textbooks. Watson is among five honor students displaying their artwork at the Esther Prangley Rice Gallery now through March 23. » Full Story

- When Rachel Decosse ’07 eats lunch with her Phi Mu sorority sisters, it’s more than a social exercise. Her observations are research for her Philosophy Capstone project about the inner workings of teenage girls, what she calls an “honor culture,” or a “girl world.” » Full Story

- Several faculty members have accepted administrative positions in McDaniel’s newly established Center for Faculty Excellence. Created with a $200,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Center supports faculty development and new programs in two areas critical to the success of a revised curriculum to begin in fall 2007: The Sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies Colloquium (SIS) and the Junior Writing Experience. » Full Story

- As he skulks in a doorway overgrown with weeds, Damon Norko, as Edgar Allan Poe in the DC Comics graphic novel “In the Shadows of Edgar Allan Poe,” looks positively frightening. So, it’s hard to imagine him leading a classroom of middle-school English students. Yet Norko, who is earning his master’s-level teacher certification through McDaniel’s BEST program, plans to do just that when he graduates in May. » Full Story

- Four members of the McDaniel College field hockey team have been named to the 2006 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) National Academic Squad. Carolanne Bianco ’07 and Stephanie Capps ’07 joined Michelle Fluty ’09 and Emily Ardolino ’10. To become a member of the squad, a student-athlete must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 through the fall semester of the 2006-07 academic year. » Full Story

- In keeping with its own ethical standards, McDaniel College follows the guidelines set by its professional association when measuring alumni giving participation rates. Period. » Full Story

- Margaret Louise Lau ’28, of Mitchellville, celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 20. The former basketball, tennis and volleyball player still fondly remembers her days as a college athlete. » Full Story

- The 150-voice National Christian Choir (NCC) will perform at McDaniel College 4 p.m. March 24 in Baker Memorial Chapel. The event co-sponsored with the Westminster Ministerium is free and open to the public. For more information, call the National Christian Choir at 800-599-4710 or view its website at http://www.nationalchristianchoir.org. » Full Story

- The spring issue of The Hill is lush with inspiring stories for the season. Find out why global-warming expert Kevin Harrison remains optimistic about the future, despite the dire consequences of climate change. Learn about the creative process of avant-garde poet Jesse Glass ’79. Meet phenomenal Maya Redfearn ’02, who continues writing and performing in plays after suddenly losing her sight last year. » Full Story

- The McDaniel College Department of Art and Art History presents “freshly picked EYEdeas,” a collection of work from departmental honor students, March 6-23 in the Esther Prangley Rice Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

The Kathryn E. Wentz Undergraduate Student Show will be held March 27-April 13. The artists’ reception will be held 7-9 p.m. March 27 in the Rice Gallery. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors compete in this juried show featuring sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, painting, computer graphics and other media.

» Full Story