As a Westminster resident herself since she began teaching at McDaniel two decades ago, President Julia Jasken has made it a top priority to reinvigorate a relationship with the City of Westminster and Carroll County. From hosting and participating in family-friendly events on campus and around town to taking a more visible leadership role around the county, President Jasken is leading the charge of expanding the Green Terror community off the Hill.
In spring 2022, President Jasken began a series of informal virtual gatherings, “A View from the Hill,” to provide current, emeritus, and honorary trustees with an opportunity to stay connected to what’s happening on campus, no matter where they live. Providing updates on recent successes, upcoming initiatives, and an opportunity for feedback and questions, President Jasken is investing in the wealth of knowledge and passion for the college that lives in those who have committed to McDaniel at the highest levels over the years.
In September 2023, the college officially unveiled the McDaniel Environmental Center (MEC), an outdoor learning lab developed by students to engage in hands-on educational opportunities in agriculture, conservation, and environmental sciences, as well as community building. The MEC consists of 30 acres of forested land, 20 acres of fields, and eight acres of student farming land. McDaniel received $2.3 million from the State of Maryland to fund educational environmental spaces, both at the MEC and on McDaniel’s campus. This includes renovations to the campus greenhouse and the transformation of Harvey Stone Pavilion into an outdoor living-learning laboratory.
The college also held its largest Earth Day celebration yet, featuring eco games, recycled crafts, live music, food, and more.