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News from the President's Office

Special Welcome Message from our 10th President, Dr. Julia Jasken

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Otto J. Guenther '63, chair of the McDaniel College Board of Trustees, introduces Dr. Julia Jasken, who delivers a special message to students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and the community, as she becomes McDaniel College’s 10th president on June 1, 2021. Dr. Jasken has dedicated nearly her entire professional life to higher education and most notably to McDaniel, beginning in the classroom in 2003 as an English professor. Over her tenure at McDaniel, Dr. Jasken has assumed increasing responsibility in administrative positions, including serving as the college’s executive vice president and provost.

Messages to the Community

  • A Message from President Jasken

    I am pleased to share the news that the McDaniel College Board of Trustees has elected alumnus Bruce H. Preston '75 to serve as board chair, following the passing of Otto J. Guenther. Bruce has been an active member of the McDaniel community since graduation and has served as a member of the college’s Board of Trustees since 1995. I look forward to the opportunity to work with him in this new capacity.

  • Important message from President Jasken

    I am deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic loss of a member of our McDaniel family, first-year student Dillan Krebs. We offer our deepest condolences to Dillan’s family, friends and loved ones. Dillan began attending McDaniel this fall and planned to study in our accounting economics program. Details surrounding Dillan’s death are still being determined. This type of tragedy affects all of us. We will keep the campus informed as more information becomes available.

  • Nominations for Commencement Speakers

    Beginning this year, we are inviting our campus community to nominate the Commencement speaker in hopes that this will continue as a yearly practice of the college. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees may all participate in this nomination process, although suggestions must be received by November 15 in order to be considered for the upcoming ceremony. The final selection will be made by the college’s leadership.

  • Otto J. Guenther '63, Board Chair, passes away

    It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our courageous Board Chair, Otto J. Guenther, passed away on October 13 at the age of 80. Otto’s servant leadership has left an indelible mark on this institution and everyone who had the honor of knowing him. As we mourn the loss of this incredible leader and friend, may we always remember his strong character, warm personality, and the excellent example he set of how to lead a life well lived. Our thoughts are with his wife, Jan, and the entire family at this difficult time. A special remembrance in honor of Otto is being planned for Homecoming this weekend and a celebration of life is being planned for November 15. Additional arrangements will be shared once they become available.

Contact the President's Office

Email: presoffice@mcdaniel.edu

Phone: 410-857-2222

Roj Student Center
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157

Media Inquiries

Media inquiries should be directed to:

Cheryl Knauer
Director, Public Relations
cknauer@mcdaniel.edu
Office: 410-857-2294
Cell: 443-487-1645

Selected Speeches and Statements

“Women Leading Transformation” at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)’s Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day held in Washington, D.C. February 8, 2022.

"Introduction Convocation." President Julia l. Jasken presiding. The Robert Joshua Gill Center. Friday, August 20, 2021, 3:00 p.m.

“Leading as Wom*n.” Keynote speaker. HERS Wellesley Institute. June 2019.

“The Role of Alumni in Vocational Discernment.” College of Independent Colleges (CIC) NetVUE Conference. Louisville, KY.

“Mission-Driven Innovation at McDaniel College.” with President Roger Casey. Securing America’s Future Workshop. Council of Independent Colleges. Westminster, MD.

“Cost Containment for Mission Driven Innovation.” with Professor Pam Regis. CIC Institute for Chief Academic and Chief Student Affairs Officers. San Antonio, Texas.

President Jasken in the News

View a selection of articles and interviews highlighting President Jasken.

View Media Highlights

Contact the President's Office

Email: presoffice@mcdaniel.edu

Phone: 410-857-2222

Roj Student Center
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157

Media Inquiries

Media inquiries should be directed to:

Cheryl Knauer
Director, Public Relations
cknauer@mcdaniel.edu
Office: 410-857-2294
Cell: 443-487-1645

McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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