The Importance of the Fund for McDaniel

The Fund for McDaniel is a critical fundraising priority. Through the Fund for McDaniel, we ensure that your gift goes right where it’s needed most — right when it’s needed most — to guarantee that current students experience the high-quality and impactful education we're known for. Your Annual Fund gift supports the entirety of the McDaniel experience, contributing to the areas of the College that directly affect day-to-day life for our students on campus.

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Students with professor in Kinesiology lab.

The Impact of the Annual Fund

Making a Difference

Annual fund dollars are spent in a way that mirrors how the college's dollars are allocated. And no matter what fresh challenges each school year brings, the following four areas will always require the bulk of the college's resources:

The Learning Experience

We're proud of the investment we make in the academic experience that is the heart of McDaniel College.The largest percentage of the college's funds each fiscal year goes towards things like classroom equipment and resources, seminars, guest lecturers, faculty support, and the library — the things that support McDaniel's academic experience and ensure it remains among the best in our peer group.

Financial Support for Students

McDaniel College's commitment to need-based financial aid for students that provides support regardless of socio-economic background is only possible because of your gifts. Many of the students on our campus couldn't be here if it weren't for the financial help that the college provides. Funding from McDaniel augments federal and state scholarships, grants, and loans to create realistic pathways to college graduation for all students.

Life at McDaniel

At McDaniel College, we know that preparation for the world beyond the college is an essential part of the experience. Student organizations, athletics, counseling, advising, tutoring, the Merritt fitness center — life at McDaniel is more than classroom learning. The college is committed to providing students with a high-quality, comprehensive residential experience, and that includes supporting things like the Student Governance Council, multicultural programming, and on-campus wellness services.

Campus Enhancements

Many of our current and prospective students remark on the beauty of campus and the quality of the college's infrastructure. As the college grows, enhancements to our buildings and grounds and technical resources like wi-fi become necessary. Support from the Fund for McDaniel gives us the flexibility to meet these changing needs.

Students walking around downtown Westminster during McDaniel Local.

A Record Class More Students, More Need Supporting Our Students

The Fall 2019 freshmen class was the largest in the college's history. With this increase in students, we also develop increased needs that include financial support and infrastructure development. The Fund for McDaniel is a critical part of ensuring we have the financial flexibility to meet the college's needs in real-time. Due to the close-knit campus community, our faculty and staff are able to suggest improvements that improve the quality of the student experience. With the help of the Fund for McDaniel, we are able to respond.

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Recent News for Alumni

Alumni create scholarship program for Glen Burnie High School graduates studying at McDaniel

Alumni couple Bryson and Carol Popham, who both graduated from the college in 1973, created the Mildred R. Popham Scholarship in honor of Bryson’s mother. Up to four $10,000 annual scholarships will be awarded starting in the 2025-26 academic year to graduates of Glen Burnie High School in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, with preference given to students planning to major or minor in Education.
Homecoming 2024 celebrated on the Hill

Alumni, students, families, and community members came together to celebrate Homecoming 2024 with various alumni events, as well as by cheering on the Green Terror. Homecoming traditions, including the presentation of the Homecoming Court, awarding the James Brant Memorial Cup, and naming the winners of the Letters on the Hill contest, took place during pre-game of the Homecoming football game, as well as the reveal that the college plans to renovate the outdoor track and field facility at Kenneth R. Gill Stadium.
Seasonal concert features students, alumni, faculty, and community musicians

Organized by Senior Adjunct Lecturer Shelley Ensor, “McDaniel for the Holidays” features McDaniel students, alumni, and faculty, as well as community members, in a program celebrating the holiday season. The free performance takes place Sunday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in Baker Memorial Chapel.