Madonna University 75th Anniversary

At Madonna University’s 75^th birthday party, on September 22, 2012, students, faculty, staff, and members of the community came together to celebrate. Our guests enjoyed games and prizes, and reminisced about Madonna’s long history in Livonia.

The Writing Center, in Rm. 1403, invited our guests to write a paragraph about one of their specific memories of Madonna. The following posts are their responses:

Pro-Life Rally by Jennifer Wakenell

My most vivid memory of Madonna University was the opportunity to speak at a pro-life rally. I was able to share my personal story with an enthusiastic crowd. It was moving to see people passionate about protecting life. There were blue and pink balloons and a banner to spread our message. It was a very cold day in January, but everyone was able to warm up with hot chocolate after the speeches.

Kind People by Unknown Author

My favorite memory of Madonna is coming to orientation, where everyone was so helpful and kind to us. We felt like a member of the Madonna Family already. Thank you.

Meeting New People at Madonna by Unknown Author

My favorite memory is my first day at Madonna. I met many new people. The teachers are all very nice and caring. I can’t wait for the rest of the year!

Happy Memories of Madonna by Donna Barnes

My best memory of Madonna University is graduating in December 1989 and participating in the 1990 graduation ceremony with my daughter Laura, who went across the stage right after me. The next year my other daughter Jennifer graduated from Madonna, and the following year her husband graduated from Madonna. I have worked at Madonna for 28 years, and it has been a big part of my life. I love the friendly atmosphere.

Meeting My Husband at Madonna by Jennifer F. Morse

My most vivid memory of Madonna University is when I met my husband. I actually first saw him in the library.  He was so handsome. He has blond hair and blue eyes and a very muscular build. I was working, shelving books, when I saw him, and he just about took my breath away. I never in a million years figured we would end up together. Later in the semester, I was at the cafeteria with a friend of mine who piled both our meals on her tray and was carrying it through the lunch room. That’s when I saw him again.  He was staring at the tray piled with food, aghast!  The woman I was with was very thin, and I can only imagine that he was thinking, “How can she eat all that?" I took my shot and spoke to him, saying that it wasn’t all just for her, and we were sharing. That was my in; I finally got to meet the handsome man who had stolen my heart in the library. Little did I know then that we would get married and still be together today.

Carrying for Two by Vern Morris

My most vivid memory of Madonna University is spending a year in the dorm. One day, I sat in the lunch room and my future wife came up with a friend and sat down. Her friend was carrying two lunches and we asked if she was hungry. I got a good laugh when she said she was carrying for two and meant another student, not a baby. It was a good way to break the ice as I was a new student in the dorm, but older than most of the students.

Big, Happy Family by Emonuie Harris

A most vivid memory at Madonna University is when they played the video PowerPoint in the gym and showed all the students and staff being very active and looking like a big, happy family. It was a very nice video.

Excited to Be Here by Carl Seitz

As a new student with Madonna, I am very excited to be a part of the birthday celebration. I started at Madonna during summer semester 2012 through University Center at Macomb Community College. This semester I started my core classes for Emergency Management and really enjoy my instructors.

How Sweet It Is by Selena McQueen

I got to eat cotton candy. I got to eat cake. I got to see the hospital. I saw a nurse. I want to be a doctor.

Happy birthday! by Unknown Author

My most vivid memory is the 75^th birthday bash. What an exciting opportunity to familiarize myself with the facility, and I was able to do it with my family. The games and food were great. Happy birthday, Madonna, and many exciting years to come.

Blast from the Past by Alumni, Class of '64

Dear Madonna Students: What a time to get educated in 2012! At 82, I would love to come back for a re-education. You all are so lucky to be here. Grab it and hold on to your Madonna education. You make the world a better place! God bless you all!

Sign to My Future by Unknown Author

Driving by, I saw a sign: Madonna College. What could I do? I stopped in to find out what my future could be. Lost and walking around, a peaceful hearted person found me and directed me to admissions. I signed up and went on. My life will never be the same.

Fun at Madonna by Unknown Author

Today we had so much fun at Madonna! Kids played games, got to see the nursing station and see a dummy in a hospital bed talk! They had a blast! We also did cheerleading. It was so much fun.

Fun at Madonna by Unknown Author

Today we attended the Madonna 75^th birthday celebration. We played a bean bag toss, got balloon animals, got fun pictures taken, and participated in many other fun activities. Our daughter’s favorite activity was getting a unicorn painted on her face. My favorite, so far, was making origami boxes and cranes.

Happy birthday, Madonna! by Unknown Author

Today I went to Madonna University for its birthday party. We got a bingo sheet that had all different locations on it.  We had to go to the place and then someone would mark it off.  I am going to remember this day.

Yay, Madonna! by Unknown Author

Madonna is the best college, and they will do everything at the 75^th birthday today. In celebration, they have welcomed the public.

Celebrating Madonna by Unknown Author

Today I came to celebrate Madonna with hundreds of people just like me. We felt the rain outside, but were brightened by the energy of learning the wonders of people. I was taught to meticulously fold paper to create a bird. I saw young children writing in Chinese. The many faces of Madonna reminded me that many people like me have been here before and have felt the wonder of learning.

Thanks, Madonna! by Dawn H.

Madonna University is celebrating its 75^th birthday today. In celebration, they have welcomed the public to join the festivities and have fun on this day. We appreciate it very much!

Making a Madonna Memory by Jenna Kobeissi

My most vivid memory of Madonna University is Madonna’s 75^th birthday bash; it's a lot of fun. I got my face painted and got a balloon animal.  I also took some pictures in the photo booth. I will remember this forever.

P.S. I’m ten!  J