Six students who graduated from McDaniel College on May 23 with a major in Elementary Education or minor in Secondary Education along with one graduate student who is completing the Master of Science in Teaching program were named Teachers of Promise by the Maryland State Department of Education. McDaniel’s Education program boasts an almost 100% retention rate for early-career educators who are still working in the profession after five years.
Funding received by Frederick County Public Schools through the State of Maryland’s Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program to partner with McDaniel College provides an opportunity for conditionally-licensed special education teachers to enroll debt-free in McDaniel’s post-baccalaureate certificate program.
Emily Brynes M.S. ’24, who graduated from McDaniel with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, was named the Carroll County 2026 Teacher of the Year, making her eligible to be chosen as the 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year and move on to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.
Social Work major Nicki James '26 was presented with the 2026 Top 100 Women Scholarship by The Daily Record, while Tracy Imm '87 was inducted into the Circle of Excellence. This is the second consecutive year that a McDaniel senior earned the prestigious award, further highlighting McDaniel's commitment to developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities.
McDaniel College announces its spring 2026 dean's list, recognizing full-time undergraduate students for outstanding academic achievement. Highest honors are earned for a semester grade point average of 3.90 or higher, high honors for a grade point average of 3.70-3.89, and honors for a 3.50-3.69 grade point average.
Among family and friends, 388 bachelor’s candidates crossed the stage to receive their degrees on Saturday, May 23, during McDaniel College’s 156th Commencement ceremony. Robert Pick ’92, P’25, current McDaniel College Trustee and executive vice president and chief information officer for Tokio Marine North America, addressed the graduating class, talking to them about the twists and turns of professional life, the value of a liberal arts education, and the adaptability required to take advantage of opportunity. An Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree was also awarded to Dr. Péter Sótonyi, rector of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, Hungary.
At McDaniel’s 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony, 332 students celebrated the achievement of earning their master’s degrees, conferred from 17 programs. Three special awards were presented during the ceremony: two student awards were given to master’s degree recipients, while a faculty award was presented to a senior online graduate adjunct lecturer in Educational Leadership.
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, McDaniel has once again earned a silver Military Friendly® Schools designation and been recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly® School. McDaniel has been consecutively recognized among the nation’s top schools for military and veteran students since 2009.
News, experts, trends, research, interesting classes and fascinating people. It’s all here at McDaniel College – let us help you find what you’re looking for.
For media requests, contact the Office of Communications and Marketing:
Cheryl Knauer
Director of Public Relations cknauer@mcdaniel.edu Office: 410-857-2294 Cell: 443-487-1645
External Filming/Photography Policy
McDaniel College will consider requests from individuals and organizations who want to film or photograph any of the college’s properties and main campus.
Please complete the McDaniel College Filming/Photography request.
