Class of 2025: Madge Myers
One day in her future, Madge Myers will become a criminal prosecutor, and she began her career journey at McDaniel with majors in Political Science and Writing & Publishing, plus a minor in Criminal Justice. She deepened her repertoire with multiple internship experiences — including with a congressman and an advocacy group. A four-year field hockey student-athlete, she’ll graduate with a lifelong community built here on the Hill and with an inner strength honed during her college years.
"My first-year roommate, Sadie Bowman, is still my roommate (all four years!) and my best friend! We met each other basically by chance, and it’s so exciting to me that this is a bond we will have forever as a result of DMC 101C."
In her own words ...
When I took my first step on the Hill, I was:
A sophomore in high school, attending a McDaniel field hockey clinic in the pouring rain! Despite the downpour, I knew it was home for me right away.
The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is:
A more mature, more empowered version of myself, proud of all I have done in just four years and surrounded by lifelong friendships I have created.
Real-world experiences:
My sophomore year, my sorority sister and McDaniel alum Peri Odenwald ’22 connected me to an internship with Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. This amazing experience allowed me to see behind the scenes of important policy work and how the government closely interacts with constituents. My favorite part was being able to go to Capitol Hill to meet with the congressman and understand the inner workings of a political career. I also interned during my junior year and served as an editorial manager for an advocacy group. I was able to connect with the national nonprofit RepresentUs and advocate for bipartisan issues that I’m passionate about, like election transparency and ranked choice voting. Currently, I’m a part of a fellowship dedicated to Title IX and empowering female athletes from a legal perspective. I was referred to this opportunity by my assistant field hockey coach and have been learning so much about an area of law I was unfamiliar with previously.
My aha moment:
I had a rough month my junior year involving some personal loss and the loss of a leadership position that was central to my identity. It forced me to confront how I perceived myself, and I ultimately was able to grow as a person in numerous ways. I realized that my value as an individual extends past what is on my resume and is also in mental strength and the loyalty I have to others.
Footprints I'm leaving on the Hill:
I want to be remembered especially for the work I have done with McDaniel’s Greek Life. I’ve served as chapter president of Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) and co-president of the Panhellenic Council while also spending five semesters on AST’s growth team. Through my efforts, we’ve updated bylaws, revised recruitment rules, hosted retreats and workshops, and created a social media presence for Panhel again. I’ve also been able to play an integral part in maintaining AST as the largest Greek organization on campus, even being fortunate enough to accept a national award for Growth and Retention Excellence at our national convention on behalf of our chapter.
Faculty or staff members who most influenced who I have become:
I have been heavily influenced by both Associate Professor Kate Dobson and Senior Lecturer Vanessa Flora-Nakoski. Dr. Dobson was my advisor for my Writing & Publishing capstone and has given me so much counsel and advice regarding my post-graduation plans. I’ve learned so much about who I am as a writer, advocate, and person in general from Dr. Dobson. Flora-Nakoski is my boss at the Writing Center, but I have also taken two classes with her. She’s shaped my view of writing, taught me how I can further assist others in writing, and served as a role model for me through her passion for the Writing Center.
Best class ever:
My favorite class I’ve taken has to be Constitutional Law with Assistant Professor Mongiello. He’s a great professor, and I loved being able to delve into the complexities of Supreme Court cases.
Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel:
I am in Alpha Sigma Tau, serve on the Panhellenic Council, and work at the Writing Center. I also have played all four years on the field hockey team. I’m treasurer for the Pre-Law Society, part of the Honors Program, am in six honors societies, and represent field hockey in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). For SAAC and the Panhellenic Council, I create some of the social media content!
Took me totally by surprise:
My first-year roommate, Sadie Bowman, is still my roommate (all four years!) and my best friend! We met each other basically by chance, and it’s so exciting to me that this is a bond we will have forever as a result of DMC 101C. I was also surprised by how much I both loved and used my color-coded Google calendar! It was a lifesaver.
My favorite spot on campus:
I love the North Village quad! I lived there junior year and would spend time lying in the sunshine — hanging out with friends or doing homework.
Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel:
Grammar is in the eye of the beholder and way more complicated than I initially thought. Through my Grammar and Usage class as well as my work in the Writing Center on linguistic diversity, I was able to learn so much about the English language and its complexities.
My capstone title:
My Political Science capstone is titled “The Success and Failure of Political Protest Over Time: An Analysis of the Impact of Factors in Social Movements.” My Writing & Publishing capstone was a portfolio where I created a website to showcase my work.
What it’s about in plain talk:
My Political Science capstone analyzed five political protest movements in history to break down what makes protest a success or failure. My Writing and Publishing portfolio demonstrates past writing I’ve completed within academic, creative, and multi-modal disciplines to present myself as a versatile writer.
What's next:
I plan to take a gap year after graduation, hopefully working for the government as a legal assistant or paralegal, before applying to law school in the fall. My goal is to become a criminal prosecutor.
How will you stay connected to McDaniel?
I’m looking forward to field hockey’s alumni game this spring and attending future games in the fall. I’ve made so many connections with younger students, especially within my lineage in AST and field hockey.
Do you have a family member who also went to college on the Hill? What does that family legacy mean to you?
My grandma, Joan Appler M.S. ’75, received her master’s degree from the college, and McDaniel sent her a hat when I was admitted! She was so excited for me to attend her former institution, and I am proud, too.
About Madge
