Commencement

156th Commencement Ceremony 2026 Commencement

Graduate Ceremony: Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 2 p.m. Event information will be added to this webpage as it becomes available. Please continue to check this webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Commencement Speakers

Undergraduate Ceremony

The 2026 Undergraduate Commencement speaker is Robert Pick ’92, P’25, current member of the McDaniel College Board of Trustees and executive vice president and chief information officer for Tokio Marine North America. Pick graduated summa cum laude from the college in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and completed an additional two years of doctoral coursework and reading.

Graduate Ceremony

Ochieng’ K’Olewe, the L. Stanley Bowlsbey Endowed Chair at McDaniel College, provides remarks during the graduate ceremony. K’Olewe has served as coordinator for elementary and secondary certification for the M.S. in Teaching program, formerly Better Educators for Students of Tomorrow (BEST), and has supervised teaching candidate interns. He currently advises undergraduate secondary education minors in addition to teaching in both the undergraduate department and graduate program.

Additional Commencement Events

Four cadets in a row hold up a hand while reciting their oath at Commissioning.

Friday, May 22, 10 a.m. ROTC Commissioning Ceremony Baker Memorial Chapel

McDaniel’s Green Terror Battalion Army ROTC program hosts its Commissioning Ceremony at 10 a.m. May 22 in Baker Memorial Chapel with seven graduating students from McDaniel being commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Retired Col. Andrew Dziengeleski ’96 is the guest speaker. Dziengeleski served as a senior lecturer at the Defense Security Cooperation University and a guest lecturer at the USMC Security Cooperation Planner Course. He also contributed analysis to the Modern War Institute.

students in graduation regalia walk under the historic stone arch among a display of purple lavender.

Friday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. Senior Arch Processional Baker Memorial Chapel

At 6 p.m., graduating seniors will take part in the traditional "Arch Walk," through Ward Memorial Arch prior to the Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation.

students in graduation regalia pose with awards

Friday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation Baker Memorial Chapel

The annual Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation takes place at 6:30 p.m. May 22 in Baker Memorial Chapel. Graduating seniors receive academic, activity and leadership awards during the ceremony, including the Bates Prize and the Mary Ward Lewis Prize for the graduating seniors with the best undergraduate records.

Cap & Gown Orders

Order your cap, gown, and everything you need to celebrate your achievement.

Order by April 8, 2026 to ensure delivery and best prices!

All commencement participants are required to wear the traditional black regalia.

Shop Regalia

Show your Spirit!

Commencement marks the start of the alumni journey. Celebrate the moment or surprise your favorite grad with alumni gear from the Campus Store.

Visit the Spirit Shop

Media Requests

Contact the Office of Communications and Marketing:

Email: ocm@mcdaniel.edu
Phone: (410) 857-2290

Commencement Speaker Nomination

McDaniel College solicits potential Commencement speakers who exemplify the mission and values of the college and have made distinguished and notable contributions to society through scholarship or service. Suggestions must be received by Oct. 10 in order to be considered for the upcoming ceremony.

Nomination Form

Recipients of the Argonaut Award post on stage with Board of Trustees Chair, Bruce H. Preston '75 and President Julia Jasken

Special Awards Presented During the Commencement Ceremonies

Undergraduate student awards: Argonaut Award, given to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade-point average, and The Edith Farr Ridington Writing Award for the best paper by a graduating senior.
Graduate student awards: The B. Jill Brooks Hodge Professional Development Award, given to a graduate student who has demonstrated academic excellence with a strong compassion for individuals with special needs and an interest in serving the deaf or disabled, and The Joan Develin Coley Award for Excellence in Education, awarded to a graduate student with the best record in the study of literacy theory and practice.
Faculty awards: The Ira G. Zepp Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing inspired classroom work and dedication to students, and the Shelton Adjunct Faculty Award, given to an adjunct faculty member at the graduate or undergraduate level whose teaching demonstrates a commitment to excellence and genuine care for students.

Award winners are not revealed until the ceremonies.

Celebrate your Graduate with a Personalized Gift

McDaniel College Jewelry collection Inspired by the college's iconic architecture and symbols.

Celebrate their graduation by gifting a piece of jewelry from the NEW collaboration between McDaniel College and Kyle Cavan. Each piece is meticulously crafted, offering a blend of timeless elegance and collegiate pride. With customizable options for necklaces, bracelets, and cufflinks, you can make the piece as special as your 2025 graduate!

Shop the collection now!

photograph of an illustrated map of McDaniel College

McDaniel College Illustrated Map collection Featuring the college’s landmarks and memorable spots

Help them remember their time on the Hill forever with a colorful watercolor illustrated map of their favorite campus spots NEWLY designed by Stephanie Madsen Art. Prints can be customized with your student’s name and class year for a personalized touch. Tea towels, tote bags, stickers, magnets, mugs, and blank note cards are a great way to thank those who supported your student on their academic journey!