Academic Symposium

For nearly 160 years, McDaniel College has been changing the lives of students from around the world, as well as right here in Carroll County. Founded as one of the nation’s first independent, coeducational institutions of higher learning, today McDaniel is a diverse, student-centered community committed to excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and professional studies. 

Join us in honoring the original research, scholarship, and creative achievement of McDaniel College students, faculty, and staff. You are welcome to participate in the full day or pop into a session that interests you. It’s your chance to see the liberal arts in action! 

The Academic Symposium is free and open to the public. Annual Academic Symposium Monday, May 5, 2025 | Sessions Scheduled: 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Not familiar with McDaniel’s campus? An Information Booth will be available throughout the day in Memorial Plaza to answer questions and provide directional assistance.

Sessions Schedule Download a Campus Map Request an Interpreter

Bernie Vogel of JeannieBird Baking Company with students under a sign saying "Welcome Students"

Phi Beta Kappa Lifelong Learner Award Community Networking Breakfast & Presentation 8-9 a.m., Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

Community leaders and partners are invited to join McDaniel staff, faculty, and students for a networking breakfast to recognize the college’s involvement in the region.

The 2025 Delta of Maryland Lifelong Learner Award from the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society at McDaniel College will also be awarded to Bernie Vogel of JeannieBird Baking Company.

Registration for the Community Networking Breakfast & Presentation is now closed.

“Like a Moth into a Flame: Reading Nature from East to West” Keynote Lunch with McDaniel College Budapest Professor Gábor Molnár, Ph.D. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center

Hear from Gábor Molnár, Ph.D., who teaches World Literature at McDaniel College’s European campus in Budapest, Hungary.

By examining the most significant moment of a moth’s life, Professor Molnár explores how cultural conventions shape our reading of nature and how old Middle Eastern literary traditions can deepen our understanding of modern Western texts.

Registration for the Keynote Lunch is now closed.

Spring Events Calendar

In addition to the Academic Symposium, please join our students, faculty, and staff as they participate in other academic and creative end-of-the-year events, which are open to the public. View the Public Events Calendar for additional events.

View the Public Events Calendar for additional events.

Snapshots from the 2025 Academic Symposium

A man in a white shirt stands at the front of a classroom in front of a projector screen, while an audience listens.

The Green Terror mascot holds a sign for the Academic Symposium while standing outside in front of a green tent.

A student stands at the front of an amphitheater classroom with an audience.

A group of students poses next to a poster about the Westminster Detective Library.

A female student in a black dress stands beside a research poster.

A student points to a poster board featuring research while a group listens.

A student with a laptop next to her speaks to group.

A female student stands at the front of a classroom, leaning over slightly to talk to people seated in the front row. A PowerPoint slide on screen behind her explains fractions.

A male student points to a research poster board while two people listen.

A large room of people seated around round tables with McDaniel College Budapest Professor Gábor Molnár at a podium in the front of the room.