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
July 20, 2026
F&M Experts Weigh in on Wildfire Air Quality
As Canadian wildfire haze blanketed the mid-Atlantic last week, local news sources turned to experts at F&M for air quality and public health insights. Professor of Geosciences Robert Walter '75 has been monitoring Lancaster’s air-quality index via a sampler machine atop of the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center.
July 17, 2026
F&M Celebrates Record-Breaking Year of Philanthropy
Alumni, parents, foundations, and friends committed $43.6 million in support of Franklin & Marshall College’s students, faculty, programs, and endowment during the 2026 fiscal year, which concluded on June 30.
July 16, 2026
Decoding the Genome: F&M Public Health Alum Investigates Hantavirus
Anna Catherine Grady ’19 arrived at F&M with veterinary school aspirations. A few public health courses later, she discovered a love of research and a holistic approach to the discipline that reoriented her career path.