A native of Greenlawn, N.Y., Madelynn Murray is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an operations management and marketing double major with a minor in entrepreneurship.
Murray was nominated for this series by Assistant Director – Career Services Center Minda Watson and Assistant Professor of Operations Management Caroline Swift, who said, “Madelynn is a high-achieving senior that I’ve had this year. She is a stellar student and engaged citizen.”
Watson said, “I would like to recommend Madelynn who is an unbelievably exemplary individual and is an exceptional representative of what Lerner strives for our students to be. It has been my privilege and honor to work with and learn from her.”
In this profile, Murray shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Murray: Wow, I’ve definitely grown so much! I came into college as a finance major, unsure of where I fit on campus and hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. Fast forward to my senior year, and I’m now a double major in operations management and marketing, having served as president of Alpha Kappa Psi and as a member of the Lerner Student Advisory Board – and I wouldn’t change a thing. The clubs and organizations I’ve been part of at UD have helped shape my academic journey, clarify my career path, and truly make the University of Delaware feel like a second home. UD has given me some of my best memories, closest friends, and most transformative experiences, and I’m forever grateful I chose to spend my college years here.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Murray: One of the biggest challenges I faced was the initial transition into college life. I struggled with being far from home, dealing with roommate issues, and not feeling involved on campus. It was tough, to say the least. After about three weeks on campus, I realized something had to change. I made a commitment to turn my college experience around. First, I moved to a different dorm, which made a huge difference in my day-to-day comfort. Then, I decided to rush the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi (spoiler alert: I got in!). I also joined several other on-campus clubs. It was all about putting myself out there and being open to new experiences. If I could give my past self any advice, it would be to be patient and not put so much pressure on everything being perfect right away. UD offers so many opportunities and it’s really up to you to take the initiative and make the most of them.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Murray: My favorite experience at UD was serving as the president of the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. Leading a chapter of over 120 leadership-oriented undergraduates was no easy task – it definitely came with its challenges but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Through this role, I developed a wide range of valuable skills that I’ll carry into my future career, from public speaking and delegation to conflict resolution. It was a true hands-on leadership experience. I’ve always had the drive to pursue leadership roles, but with my rocky start to college, I wasn’t sure if that would be possible at UD. However, I’ve learned that with unwavering work ethic and persistence, you can achieve absolutely anything. There’s truly been no other experience in my life quite like it.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Murray: Minda Watson! I’ve had the privilege of interning at Lerner Career Services since my sophomore year, and I’ve been fortunate to work under Minda ever since. She has been one of my greatest supporters at UD and, without a doubt, the best boss I’ve ever had. Minda has had a profound impact on me – offering invaluable career and life advice, and always being there as a supportive, listening ear. Being part of the LCS team has truly been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my time at UD, and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities they’ve provided me over the years!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Murray: I’m incredibly honored to have been nominated by a faculty member as an outstanding member of the Class of 2025. Throughout my four years at UD, I’ve consistently set goals to stay focused and motivated. To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means never settling for less and always striving for excellence even in the face of obstacles or doubt from others. My time at UD has shown me that you can truly accomplish anything if you stay determined and believe in yourself, and I hope to carry that mindset with me throughout the rest of my career.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Murray: Get involved! If you really want to make the most of your college experience, it’s essential to step out of your comfort zone – join clubs, apply for internships, and take every opportunity to put yourself out there. I also highly recommend going a step further by pursuing leadership positions. These roles not only help you stand out in a competitive job market, but they also teach you invaluable skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills that you’ll carry with you well beyond graduation. At the end of the day, college is truly what you make of it. The more you invest in your experience, the more rewarding it will be.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Murray: Following graduation, I will be working full-time at JPMorganChase in Wilmington, Del. as a Chase Leadership Development Program Analyst!