Take Pride in Being a Transfer Student: Madison Kenyon ’23

The first time Madison Kenyon ’23 stepped foot on the Heights, she felt at home. Madison, who earned an associate degree in business administration and management from Onondaga Community College, was eager to continue her education in a small, nurturing environment. She sensed that Le Moyne was just that. The Cicero, N.Y., native made it a point to talk to multiple students and alumni, people she knew she could trust to tell her what life as a Dolphin would be like. They affirmed her initial impression that Le Moyne was a caring community, and that the College would provide her with an array of opportunities that would support her growth. Madison made the leap and has not looked back.

“I came straight to Le Moyne and I’ve loved it ever since,” she says. “I’ve worked hard here, but I’ve also felt supported. It feels good to reflect upon how my relationship with the College has evolved.”

A marketing major with a minor in arts administration, Madison is a familiar presence in many corners of campus. She is involved with both the Dolphin Green and Gold Fund, a student-managed investment fund that is currently valued at approximately $1.2 million and Heights Global Marketing, another student-run entity, this one dedicated to helping various organizations build and promote their brands. The former allows Madison to continue to develop her presentation and research skills, while the latter serves as a wonderful creative outlet for her. She also serves as the vice president of the College’s chapter of Tau Sigma, the national honor society for transfer students. In addition to her responsibilities as a student, Madison, a self-professed “hockey nut,” serves as the merchandise coordinator for the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch. She hopes to continue to work in professional hockey following her graduation from Le Moyne in December.

As she reflects on her time at the College, Madison says she has come to appreciate the ways in which Le Moyne’s Jesuit, Catholic heritage is shaping her education and, by extension, her future. The values that have been nurtured within her have allowed her to make sound, ethical decisions and to look at things more holistically. To that end, Madison encourages other transfer students to broaden themselves and to make the most of every opportunity. She is quick to note that “it sounds overwhelming, but it’s really not because you have so many people who are ready to support you.”

“Sometimes transfer students don’t take as much pride in it as they should,” she says. “[To me] it feels very special to be able to accomplish all of the things you have in a shorter time. I’ve only been here for about two-and-half years, and I’ve been able to do so much more that I thought I would be able to do … thanks to the environment and the support that I’ve had.”