Class of 2022 seniors honored with academic, activity, and leadership awards
On the eve of their graduation, McDaniel College seniors in the Class of 2022 were honored with academic, activity, and leadership awards. Prior to the event, the graduating seniors were led by McDaniel President Julia Jasken through Ward Memorial Arch.
Members of McDaniel’s graduating Class of 2022 were honored May 20 on the eve of their graduation from the college with academic, activity, and leadership awards at the Senior Investiture and Honors Convocation.
Assistant Professor of Art Chloe Irla '07 was announced as the surprise faculty speaker
Prior to the event, McDaniel President Julia Jasken led the students through Ward Memorial Arch, mirroring the “Out of Darkness into Light” Candlelight Processional that welcomed the students into the McDaniel community.
Provost Rosa Rivera-Hainaj presented the academic awards and Dean of Students Liz Towle presented the activity and leadership awards.
Jessia Marie Avila, a Political Science and Marketing major, received The Mary Ward Lewis Prize as the outstanding female member of the graduating class, while Andrew Gabriel Witten, Business Administration major, was awarded The Bates Prize for the outstanding male graduating senior. Read more aboutThe Bates Prize and Mary Ward Lewis Prize winners.
Students involved in academic and leadership organizations were also recognized. These groups included Phi Beta Kappa, Dorsey Scholars, College Scholars, Global Fellows, Omicron Delta Kappa, Trumpeters, and The Edge Experience Program, as well as the first six students graduating as National Security Fellows.
Assistant Professor of Art Chloe Irla '07 was announced as the surprise faculty speaker. As a member of the Class of 2007, Irla says she never anticipated she would be speaking to fellow graduates 15 years later as a faculty member. While she knew at the age of 17 that she wanted to be an art professor, she says she, like many women, has fallen victim to imposter syndrome throughout her life.
“I’ve had moments when I questioned whether I belonged in the company of all of these distinguished faculty,” she said. “But I have to mute that voice and remind myself that I’ve earned this privilege through focused, persistent work.” She urged the members of the Class of 2022 — “especially the young women out there” — to never doubt their successes and to instead celebrate them.
“Know that the person you are now is not the person that you’ll be forever. I didn’t know back then how resilient I’d become or how much McDaniel would continue to play a supportive role in my life.” - Assistant Professor of Art Chloe Irla '07
Irla’s McDaniel journey was winding, beginning with her parents meeting and falling in love on the Hill in the 1970s. Ultimately, she’s ended up here time and again. “Your path and journey will be different from mine, but we will always have this place in common,” she said. “The occupants and aesthetics of this place will continue to change, but your mark on this campus will be here forever.”
