First-year student Lucy Madron Follows in Mother’s Footsteps While Forging Her Own Path
When it came time for Lucy Madron to choose a college, her mother, Gina Madron ‘94, a proud Rosemont College alumna, did not want to overly influence her daughter’s decision.
I didn’t want to push the idea of Rosemont on her at the time,” said Gina. "I wanted her to follow her own path."
However, during a beach trip in March of 2024 with fellow alumnae, Rosemont came up naturally in conversation.
I was talking about Lucy looking at colleges,” said Gina. "My good friend, Christyn Moran ‘94, asked if Lucy had thought about Rosemont and suggested she take a look."
Christyn Moran ‘94, also a Rosemont legacy with her mother, Dorothy Moran ‘65, was thrilled to help arrange a campus visit for Lucy and even joined her to tour the campus in person.
Lucy is just the type of young woman who I thought might succeed at Rosemont because it is a place where she would be known and valued for her many gifts that also would give her the freedom to explore her talents,” said Moran. "After all, it is place that lives out Cornelia Connelly’s mandate to, 'Be yourself, but make that self all that God wants it to be.'"
This conversation sparked a visit, leading to an unexpected connection for Lucy and Gina.
I didn't know what to expect because Lucy had a whole different path planned until she saw Rosemont. Then everything changed," said Gina.
It just felt right," Lucy said, realizing that Rosemont was where she could build her own journey.
Everything happened so fast," admitted Gina. "I thought, 'Is this really happening?' Within two weeks, Lucy was accepted and awarded an academic scholarship."
The Rosemont community is so special," said Lucy. "I'm glad I took it into consideration, and it’s even more meaningful that my mom and I share this bond."
It was more valuable to me to be known rather than go to a big university that is well-known," said Lucy. "I feel it immediately here. I walk around campus and see familiar faces, and all my classes are discussion-based, allowing for deeper connections with professors and peers that you would not get in a huge lecture hall."
Lucy is particularly enjoying her philosophy courses with Associate Professor of Philosophy Alan Preti. Her interest has led her to declare a philosophy major, with plans to pursue law school and specialize in real estate law.
In just her first semester, Lucy has become an active part of the Rosemont community. She is a member of the Honor's Program, started the Bible Study Club and serves as Vice President, joined the Student Government Association as a Student Action Committee member, and is co-leading an effort to revive Rosemont’s yearbook, The Cornelian.
Above photo: Lucy with her friend, Tori Jones. Lucy and Tori are working to revive The Cornelian.
I loved looking through the yearbooks and finding pictures of my mom," Lucy said. "When I learned it hadn't been produced in years, I wanted to help bring it back to life."
She finds Rosemont’s small campus an ideal environment to launch new initiatives.
I like to take the lead," said Lucy. "Everyone here has been so supportive. Knowing you can make an immediate impact as a first-year student is amazing—something that’s often harder to achieve at larger schools."
Moran notes Lucy’s many accomplishments in such a short time.
During Reunion/Oktoberfest Weekend, I saw Lucy on campus," said Moran. "She’s made a mark for herself on campus already and is clearly thriving here. Not bad for a first-year student just eight weeks in!"
A Shared Tradition with Her Mother
Gina reflects fondly on her own Rosemont experience.
A lot has changed at Rosemont, but its heart remains the same. The campus, the open communication with faculty and staff, and the mission are all still here," she shared.
As a commuter student, Gina balanced her studies with athletics, even serving as captain of the field hockey team. An art major, she earned an award for her senior art show.
Above Photo: Gina on Rosemont's campus with her Rosemont classmates
Above Photo: Gina and Christyn still get together with their Class of 1994 friends
Gina also shares a unique bond with her mother over her Rosemont years.
My mom didn’t have the chance to go to college," Gina explained. "But as a commuter, I studied at home, and she read almost every literature book I read. It was like she went to college with me—she was my study partner, and it made the experience even more meaningful. It’s like she earned it as much as me."
The Legacy Continues
When Lucy graduates, she and Gina will have the special opportunity to celebrate on stage together, as Rosemont has a tradition allowing legacy alumnae to present diplomas to their graduating family members.
It moved me to tears to see Gina and Lucy together on campus, knowing they’ll share the experience of being mother-daughter alums at Rosemont, just as my mom and I have," said Moran.
Naturally, Gina admits it was a big step seeing Lucy transition to college life.
I am over here worrying as any mother would," she said.
But Lucy reassures her: "I tell her, 'You raised me to be a strong, independent woman. I got this. I’m excited about my college journey—there are so many possibilities here, and every door that opens, I’m ready to walk through it.'"
Produced by Rosemont Marketing: Susan DiGironimo and Katie DuBoff