Class of 2026: Nicholas Henderson

As a History major, Nicholas Henderson is no stranger to reflecting on the past. He hopes that his time at McDaniel spent making connections in intramural sports, bonding with faculty, and training fellow ROTC cadets will help shape his future as he prepares to join the United States Army as a second lieutenant.

A male student in a military uniform stands on the steps outside of Roj Student Center.

Everything that has happened in the past builds upon itself and sometimes repeats. It is crucial to look back at the past to understand what might happen in the future.

Nicholas Henderson '26

In his own words

When I took my first step on the Hill, I was:: Nervous to start higher learning, apprehensive to stay close to home, and most importantly, excited to study what I was passionate about.
The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is:: A confident and hardworking young man ready to move on to the next chapter of my life.
Real-world experiences:: During my time at McDaniel, I worked within the Westminster community as a technology services intern for Carroll County Public Schools.
My aha moment:: An aha moment for me was realizing that it is crucial to take breaks and enjoy the little things in life during tireless hours of work.
Footprints I’m leaving on the Hill:: I want to be remembered as someone who cares about others, always leading by example. During my time in ROTC, I have done my best to leave the program better than it was and to prepare McDaniel cadets to become successful leaders in the U.S. Army.

Faculty or staff member who most influenced who I have become:: Ms. Latonya Banks and Mr. Robert Familetti with ROTC played a major role in helping me shape what type of leader I wanted to be. Dr. Jakub Zejmis and Dr. Stephen Feeley helped me push myself academically.
Best class ever:: The best class I took was Hands-on History with Dr. Bryn Upton. At the time, I was one of the first students to enroll in this class due to it being a trial run for a new Public History minor the History Department had been working on. We worked hand in hand with the Union Mills Homestead, gaining access to behind-the-scenes information and archives not open to the public.
Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel:: During my time at McDaniel, I was a part of the Green Terror Battalion ROTC program. I was involved in the Omega Upsilon chapter of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society. I also took part in many intramural sports such as ultimate frisbee and dodgeball.

A male student in a military uniform walks up the steps outside of Roj Student Center.

Took me totally by surprise:: I was totally taken by surprise how easy it is to make connections and build bonds with professors and faculty. Down the road, if I want to continue my education at the graduate level, I know that I will always have people to serve as references or to provide me with advice.
My favorite spot on campus:: My favorite spot on campus is sitting on the Adirondack chairs between Hill Hall and Hoover Library where I can enjoy the sunshine and read a book.
Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel:: The most mind-boggling thing I learned at McDaniel is how important history is in understanding the current world. Everything that has happened in the past builds upon itself and sometimes repeats. It is crucial to look back at the past to understand what might happen in the future.
My capstone title:: “A City Between Flags: Divided Allegiances in Civil War Frederick, Maryland”
What it’s about in plain talk:: My History capstone challenges the widely held belief that Frederick was uniformly loyal to the Union by examining the city’s divided allegiances during the Civil War. Many locals actively supported and sympathized with the Confederacy and not just the Union.
What's next:: After graduation and commissioning, I will spend some time relaxing with family and friends before going active duty in the Army as a second lieutenant.
How will you stay connected to McDaniel?: I will stay connected to McDaniel by remembering the great times and opportunities I had during my time here. I will also check in with the ROTC cadets I mentored to see how they are doing.
Are you the first in your immediate family to attend college? What has the experience meant to you?: I am the first in my immediate family to attend college. This experience has meant the world to me; I was able to push myself to the limit while simultaneously making my parents incredibly proud.

Nicholas exemplifies scholarship, leadership, and service. As battalion commander of the ROTC program, he leads and represents cadets across three institutions — McDaniel College, Mount St. Mary’s University, and Hood College — demonstrating exceptional responsibility and integrity.

Lt. Col. Jason Johnson, Professor of Military Science

Class of 2026: Nicholas Henderson

In his own words

About Nicholas