Hayley Madden ’25 was among the student speakers who shared their stories at the 2024 Celebration of Giving.
University of Mary Washington senior Hayley Madden had an unforgettable experience while visiting England’s National Gallery on a faculty-led trip. An art history major, she presented her own research to her professor and classmates on French painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s “Self Portrait with a Straw Hat.”
“I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in my potential,” Madden said. The recipient of the Emil R. Schnellock Scholarship and other awards, she’s now applying to graduate art history programs in London. “You’ve made my Mary Washington education possible while helping to nurture my dream from a simple sketch into a vibrant masterpiece.”
Madden shared her story – including how she explored museums in nine countries while spending a semester in France and now helps her fellow students plan their own excursions as a Center for International Education peer advisor – at the Celebration of Giving on Nov. 21. Held in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom, this year’s event honored 200-plus donors who listened as students and administrators thanked them for supporting the University’s renowned study abroad program and the international students who live and learn at UMW.
“These pillars of the Mary Washington experience cultivate global perspectives and foster meaningful cross-cultural connections, yet can also be costly for our students,” Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Katie Turcotte said. “Your gifts help strengthen UMW’s reputation as a hub for international education and student success.” Read more.