DePauw Stories

Molly Madden’s positive experience at DePauw made contributing time and treasure to her alma mater “a no-brainer.”

The 2018 graduate serves on the GOLD Alumni Board for DePauw, made up of graduates of the last decade, and contributes financially to support the Environmental Fellows Program, the Philosophy Department, the Biology Department and Ullem Campus Farm. 

“I had such a wonderful experience at DePauw that giving back was a no-brainer,” she said. “Especially with the pandemic, I know that current and prospective students could use as much financial assistance as possible. I like to donate to organizations and departments that were impactful for me while at DePauw.

 “I spent a lot of time on sustainability efforts while on campus, and the staff and fellow students were so passionate, helpful and inspiring. The Philosophy Department was a close-knit group, and each philosophy professor I had really encouraged me to be creative and bold and to put my best work forward.”

Madden, a law school student at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and a major felony intern at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, said her career goal is to participate in criminal law reform. “DePauw really sparked my passion for justice, taught me how to be a leader and the importance of playing a part in shaping the world around you,” she said.

Leading initiatives on campus kept her from being afraid of taking charge in her professional life and graduate career. “I knew that I was academically and personally going to be able to take on getting my MPA and JD at the same time because of my full schedule while at DePauw,” she said.

In addition to volunteering on the GOLD Alumni Board, Madden stays civically engaged by spending time with the little sister from Big Brothers Big Sisters that she met while at DePauw, helping victims of domestic violence obtain protective orders through the Protective Order Project at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and serving on the board at Girls Incorporated.  

Madden, who majored in environmental biology and philosophy at DePauw, recently earned a Master of Public Affairs degree, in addition to studying law. She said some of her most memorable experiences at DePauw were being involved in sustainability efforts on campus, being a cheerleader and being a member of Alpha Phi.

“My work with sustainability allowed me to put my passion for environmental justice into practice while also meeting some of the most inspiring and fun people on campus,” she said. “Being a cheerleader brought me some of my closest friends in the world and encouraged my lifelong school spirit. I had a lot of agency in leading the cheerleading program and advocating to get the squad resources that it needed. My time in Alpha Phi was truly invaluable; it not only gave me leadership experience, but it also taught me how to be a good friend and sister.”