F&M Stories
Senior Spotlight: Mary Grace Meland
As they prepare for their May 9 Commencement Ceremony, Franklin & Marshall seniors look back at their four years on campus — and what's next.
Major: Music
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Activities: John Newman Association, Chamber Singers, Brooks College House Hall Adviser, Jazz Ensemble, voice lessons
What was your most memorable moment or time at F&M?
My most memorable moments were when my fellow music majors and I performed modern and postmodern pieces in our MUS 480 capstone class with John Carbon, our fearless leader. Whether it was a piece by fellow seniors Zach Fried or Brendan McShane or professional composer Terry Riley, it was always a unique musical experience.
What did you enjoy most about the College?
I am so grateful for the community that Music Department faculty members foster among their students. The camaraderie in the department between both majors and non-majors was special -- especially the interactions that occurred in the music lab. That space holds a place in my heart because of the memorable moments that happened there with my many musical friends. My professors' passion for their work and interest in their students helped create this community, and I am thankful for their hard work and dedication.
What are your plans for after graduation?
The only definitive plan I have is to keep singing, hopefully in a church setting and at lots of weddings.
Related Articles
August 5, 2026
Shaping Policy and Careers: F&M Alumni Share Opportunities in Government
Erin Corrigan ’22 is helping to plan initiatives at the highest levels of state government just a few years after graduation, thanks to advice and support from her F&M alumni mentor, Trustee Akbar Hossain ’13. “F&M alumni are here to help support you,” she said. “It’s F&M’s culture to help lift up the next generation.”
August 3, 2026
‘Edinburgh, the Isles, and Beyond’: Eleanor Metz ’27 Shares Her Journey Exploring Scottish Archaeology
Eleanor Metz ’27 long dreamed of exploring archaeological sites across the United Kingdom. The F&M anthropology major made this a reality, not once, but twice. “Studying abroad involved taking a risk and moving out of my comfort zone, but it has been the most formative part of my college experience,” Metz said.
July 30, 2026
F&M Receives $2.8 Million in State Grants for Campus Construction Projects
Franklin & Marshall College is the recent recipient of four Pennsylvania grants totaling nearly $3 million to support construction and infrastructure projects on and adjacent to campus.