Class of 2024: Jordan Greene

Jordan Greene is a Cinema major from Baltimore.

When I took my first step on the Hill, I was: Excited. Going into college during the COVID-19 pandemic was a bit scary, but I was excited to get out of the house and take on something new.

The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is: Someone who has grown immensely since the last time I rang it.

Real-world experiences: I was able to participate in a McDaniel Sports Media internship where I learned the inner workings of sports production at the college level, and what it takes for sporting events to be streamed and produced. Also, in May of 2022, I and a few other singers from the College Choir got the opportunity to join with other college students from around the country to sing at Carnegie Hall.

My aha moment: I learned how important it is to have a few close friends who are there to support you, and who you can truly depend on — to have people around you that will push you and want to see you succeed.  

Footprints I’m leaving on the Hill: I am leaving my footprints in clubs like Ultimate Frisbee and Dangersauce, McDaniel’s improv troupe. I have served as president of both for two years. I am also leaving my footprints in Levine Hall, where I have been a part of almost every music group on campus and learned how to better myself as a singer and performer.

Faculty or staff member who most influenced who I have become: Director of Student Engagement Amanda Gelber has most influenced me over my four years. She has watched and helped me grow through sound advice and teaching me how to plan events with outside organizations, and she has been there for me always wanting to help and truly wanting to see me succeed.

Best class ever: Narrative Film Production with the late Professor Richard Brett was by far my favorite class I have taken. We got to create five different short films throughout the semester, and it let me use what I had been learning about film in my other classes in practical use. It was so much fun, and I created films that I will use in future resumes and portfolios.

Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel: Over my four years, I have been in a lot of clubs and organizations. I have served as president of the McDaniel Ultimate Frisbee team, chancellor of Dangersauce, and special events chair for Green Terror Programs. I have also served as a general member for clubs like the Jewish Student Union, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, McDaniel Photography Club, and McDaniel Barbell Club. I was also a part of McDaniel’s production of “Urinetown,” in which I played the character Bobby Strong. I also have participated and performed in multiple music groups here on campus like College Choir, A Cappella Ensemble, Voices of Praise, Gospel Choir, and Jazz Ensemble. 

Took me totally by surprise: How helpful and personable everyone who works at McDaniel is and how willing they are to help you get what you need to succeed here.

My favorite spot on campus: My favorite spot on campus is Big Baker. I love how big and open the space is. The echo when it is empty has made it one of my favorite spots to practice music. And don’t forget when the sunset comes through the giant windows perfectly.

Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel: That everyone is just trying to get through college, too. No matter how perfect or put together some students may seem, everyone has low moments and faces their own struggles throughout college. 

My capstone title: “Wait For You.”

What it’s about in plain talk: My capstone is a short film about a young songwriter who struggles to find inspiration until he meets someone who helps him through it.

What’s next: After graduation, I will be on the hunt for a job in the field of film or teaching music.

How will you stay connected to McDaniel? I plan on staying connected by keeping in touch with my mentors and helping out when and where I can.

If you received financial aid, what did that mean for you and your family? Financial aid is the only reason I was able to attend McDaniel, and I am extremely grateful for it. I would not have met the lifelong friends and mentors that I have if I did not come here. I have also been extremely blessed with music opportunities here that would not have been possible at a different school.