Board Member Spotlight

Dr. Julia Jasken

Director
McDaniel College
jjasken@mcdaniel.edu
McDaniel College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1867 as Western Maryland College. We’re a community of 1,600 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students who come from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognized as one of the Colleges That Change Lives.
My first job was a Hostess at Hardees.
My grandmother was a schoolteacher. From an early age, I was inspired by her work ethic and her focus on education. I have always wanted to help people learn and I love having the opportunity to do this each day.
When I founded the Center for Experience & Opportunity at McDaniel, I hoped that it would become the hub for critical experiential learning opportunities for our students. Over the past decade, the CEO office has guided students through meaningful experiences throughout their four years, including high-impact opportunities both on campus and in downtown Westminster. I’m especially proud of the community partnerships that are embedded into the CEO’s mission, like local internships and civic engagement opportunities.
It’s too difficult to pick one favorite, but my family loves Gotham Comics on Main Street. We’ll frequently walk downtown, grab a coffee or treat from American Ice Co. Café, and then head down to talk with Mr. Keith.
I’m grateful for McDaniel’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster, where our students can serve as volunteers or interns in support of the BGCW mission. One highlight of this partnership is the annual holiday party, where the McDaniel representatives dress up as Santa Claus and elves and bring holiday cheer and gifts to the students at the club.
When I’m not at the office, you might find me grabbing a bite to eat with my husband somewhere in Westminster, heading to an athletic practice or competition for my sons, or taking our dog Kira for a walk around the community.
I’m enjoying the Freakonomics podcast right now because it always encourages me to see things for a unique vantage point.
Ants Marching by The Dave Matthews Band
“Keep hope alive.” – Freeman Hrabowski
Being a member of the Chamber allows me an opportunity to make connections, both personally and professionally. I’m deeply committed to further connecting the McDaniel College and Westminster communities, and many new ideas and initiatives have been implemented thanks to connections through the Chamber.