McDaniel students meet with elected officials during Maryland Independent Higher Education Day

A group of six students from McDaniel College accompanied by McDaniel College President Julia Jasken and Matthew Mongiello, assistant professor of Political Science, participated in “Maryland Independent Higher Education Day” in Annapolis, Maryland, on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The McDaniel students from Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Wicomico counties, as well as Baltimore City, visited with their elected officials.

“Maryland Independent Higher Education Day,” organized by the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA), brings together college students and administrators from Maryland’s independent colleges and universities to recognize the partnership between the institutions and the State of Maryland. A declaration by Governor Wes Moore commended the institutions, including McDaniel, for their contributions to workforce development, scientific discoveries, global competitiveness, civic participation, and service to the community.

The event included presentations and meetings with elected officials to thank them for their strong support of Maryland’s independent colleges. Maryland State Senator Craig Zucker of Montgomery County, chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, received the 2023 MICUA President’s Award. 

“For almost 250 years, Maryland’s independent colleges and universities have partnered with the State to increase educational opportunities, expand college access, and support local businesses,” according to MICUA. 

“Today, Maryland boasts a distinctive and diverse array of private, nonprofit institutions of higher education that are committed to serving the public missions of education, research, and the advancement of knowledge.”

McDaniel students included:

• Danielle Carter, a junior Political Science major from Rockville, Maryland  

• Gabbie Gladden, a senior Political Science major from Baltimore  

• Haylee Hylton, a sophomore Political Science major from Essex, Maryland  

• David Newman, a senior Political Science major from Lanham, Maryland  

• Allie Scharnberger, a senior Political Science major from Kensington, Maryland 

• Max Sweeney, a senior Philosophy and Political Science major from Delmar, Maryland