Annual Academic Symposium celebrates research, mentorship, and discovery

McDaniel's Academic Symposium on Monday, May 4, highlights the original research, scholarship, and creative achievements of McDaniel students, faculty, and staff, with this year’s theme, “Pass on What You Have Learned.” Plus, Cody Knipfer ’15, senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Space Commerce, presents "Shooting for the Stars, Together” during a special keynote lunch.

Green Terror mascot holding a sign for the Academic Symposium that reads "Happening Now! Head to the info booth in Memorial Plaza for details!"

McDaniel hosts the college's annual Academic Symposium on Monday, May 4. The day-long event from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. showcases the liberal arts in action with presentations highlighting the original research, scholarship, and creative achievements of McDaniel students, faculty, and staff.

The theme, “Pass on What You Have Learned,” celebrates research, mentorship, and discovery, with various academic departments represented throughout the day, including American Sign Language, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics and Business Administration, English, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, History, Kinesiology, Mathematics and Computer Science, Nursing, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Theatre Arts, and World Languages, Literatures & Cultures, among others.

View the  Academic Sessions Schedule

Special events in conjunction with the day:

Community Networking Breakfast & Presentation of the Phi Beta Kappa Lifelong Learner Award Advance registration is required.

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 2026 Delta of Maryland Lifelong Learner Award from the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society at McDaniel College will also be awarded to Steve Moore, owner of Westminster’s specialty running store Run Moore.

View full details and register to attend.

Cody Knipfer ’15, senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Space Commerce

Keynote Lunch with Cody Knipfer ’15, senior advisor for the Office of Space Commerce – “Shooting for the Stars, Together” Advance registration is required.

Hear from McDaniel alum Cody Knipfer ’15, who is currently senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Space Commerce. Knipfer graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies and went on to earn a master’s degree in International Science and Technology Policy, with a specialization in Space Policy, from the George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute.

Read full details and register to attend.

View full details and the complete Academic Symposium schedule