Maddie (on the right) volunteers with SMU Alumni during Homecoming
For Maddie Vanderlinden BA’24, staying involved with Saint Mary’s University was a natural next step after graduation—and a meaningful way to stay connected.
After completing her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Intercultural Studies and French, along with a minor in Asian Studies, Maddie built a strong sense of community through her involvement with SAGA (Students Acting for Global Awareness), the French Society, WUSC (World University Service of Canada), and as a Welcome Weeks Leader—connections that made her experience unforgettable.
Today, she continues that connection as a member of both the Alumni Council and the Young Alumni Committee, roles she stepped into immediately after graduating.
“I chose to continue volunteering with SMU as a way to stay connected after graduating,” she shares. “I had such a positive experience during my time there.”
For Maddie, volunteering is about supporting students and helping foster the same welcoming environment she experienced. She’s especially enjoyed attending cultural events like Caribanza and believes it’s important for alumni to show support for student societies and the work they do.
We are very grateful to Maddie for her continued involvement and the energy she brings to the SMU community.
Her advice for students and new graduates:
“Getting involved before you graduate makes the transition to alumni engagement much easier—but it’s never too late to start.”