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College Chaplain

The college chaplain serves the entire McDaniel College community, offering inclusive care and presence to individuals of all religious, ethical, and non-faith traditions, and to all who seek purpose, connection, and deeper meaning in life. The chaplain provides relational and spiritual care that nurtures personal reflection, growth, and inspiration.

 

Rooted in McDaniel’s commitment to a transformative liberal arts education and a diverse, student-centered community of belonging, the chaplaincy contributes to the college’s vision of fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment.

Westminster Faith Community Resource Guide Campus Diversity and Belonging
McTeer-Zepp Plaza Fall

Chaplain Services The college chaplain provides a range of services to support the spiritual, emotional, and personal well-being of the McDaniel community.

One-On-One Spiritual Support

Confidential conversations for students navigating personal challenges, life transitions, grief, or big questions about purpose, identity, and faith.

Crisis and Grief Support

Compassionate care during times of crisis, loss, or trauma, whether related to death, illness, or emotional distress.

Interfaith and Multi-Faith Engagement

Support for students of all religious and non-religious backgrounds, and opportunities to explore diverse faith traditions through programs, conversations, and celebrations.

Worship and Reflection Opportunities

Seasonal services, prayer gatherings, and times for quiet reflection open to all, regardless of religious background.

Meaning Making and Vocational Exploration

Guidance in exploring purpose, calling, and values in both academic and personal life.

Community Building and Dialogue

Facilitation of courageous and inclusive conversations about belief, identity, justice, and belonging across differences.

Spiritual Life Student Leadership

Support for student-led spiritual life groups, leadership development, and initiatives related to justice, service, and faith expression.

Campus Rituals and Ceremonies

Leading and participating in campus traditions, vigils, memorials, and moments of collective reflection.

Referrals and Collaboration

Connecting students with additional campus resources and collaborating with faculty, staff, and student life offices for holistic student care.

Richard Smith '00 speaks at a podium.

Meet the Chaplain: Richard Smith ’00, Ph.D.

Richard Smith ’00, Ph.D., is dedicated to connecting with and supporting the various cultural and religious communities here on the Hill. He sees each student, faculty member, and staff member as a unique individual, and he values their voices and perspectives. With a background in chaplaincy and as a campus leader and professor of Sociology, Smith enjoys building a culture of empathy and care on campus.

Learn more about Richard Smith ’00, Ph.D.
Interfaith Service

Interfaith Events

While the college was founded with deep ties to the Methodist faith, McDaniel has since evolved to welcome and celebrate all religions and faith traditions represented by members of our community. We remain committed to hosting several interfaith events each year to celebrate all religious, spiritual, and ethical beliefs on our campus. 

Interfaith Celebration: Each semester, the various cultural and religious student organizations on campus gather to deepen their understanding of each other’s faiths and value to our community.

Interfaith Services: Each year, the college hosts one Interfaith Service to foster a deeper sense of community and belonging among those from varied faith and religious traditions. This has been held at Homecoming Weekend and at Parent and Family Weekend in the past, providing access to those members of our alumni and family communities who may only be on campus once or twice per year.

Interfaith Community Dinners: Several semesterly community dinners are held for employees to bring McDaniel faculty and staff members together and provide space for discussion and camaraderie.

Westminster Faith Community Resource Guide: For those looking for off-campus support within their specific faith community, we are pleased to offer this guide to faith based organizations in the Westminster community.

Westminster Faith Community Resource Guide
students pose under a banner reading "Fellowship of Christian Athletes"

Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light Religious and Cultural Festival

As part of the Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light event, the college chaplain and the Office of Student Belonging sponsor a Religious and Cultural Festival highlighting the winter, holiday, and religious traditions of McDaniel’s student groups. The 2024 Religious and Cultural Festival was represented by 15 student groups, including: Black Student Union, Catholic Student Association, Circle of Green and Gold, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Haus of Excellence: LGBTQIA+ Alliance, Hermandad De Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., Hispano-LatinX Alliance, International & Off Campus Programs, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Jewish Student Union, Levels of Excellence, Muslim Students Association, Remembering our Origins outside The States (R.O.O.T.S.), Silk Road Cultural Coalition (S.R.C.C.), and Women of Resilience, Tenacity, and Honor (W.O.R.T.H.). 

Learn more about Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light Student Groups on Campus
McDaniel Hall

Sacred Spaces The Meditation and Prayer Room

In addition to the chapels on campus, an Interfaith Meditation and Prayer Room is also available to all students, faculty, and staff of any religious or non-religious identity for prayer, reflection, and meditation. The room is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The room provides prayer rugs, a library with various books (Quran, Bible, Torah), along with other religious/spiritual resources. To learn more about the prayer room and how to utilize it, reach out to the Chaplain. 

McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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