LHU senior, student-athlete reflects on time at The Haven

Some students begin their studies in university with the plan to discover what they want to pursue as a career. Others, like Madalyn Dydynski, who is graduating this spring with a degree in business administration with a concentration in management and marketing, have known their whole lives what they were meant to do.

Dydynski has always known that she has wanted to pursue Human Resources as her future career. "My dad was actually the person who opened my eyes to the world of human resources, so I knew from a young age that business administration was something I wanted to learn," Dydynski said. "I settled on the management and marketing tracks because I fell in love with the field of human resources and felt that these tracks would best suit me in my education."

During her time at The Haven, Dydynski's most memorable experiences came from her time playing on the softball team. "My favorite thing about Lock Haven is the Athletic Department," she said. "We are truly like family. All the teams and coaches support one another on and off the competitive platform and it shows in the culture of our program."

"I felt like I had a second family with the softball team from my first visit, which is truly a blessing," she added. "We truly support and appreciate each other on and off the field. Our team likes to call this Mudita, which means having joy for one another's success and well-being. We push each other to do our best in the classroom, as well as with our coaches, who keep a close eye on our grades."

Dydynski's most memorable experience while playing softball at LHU was when her team won the PSAC Championship during her freshman year in 2019 and advanced to the regional tournament. Apart from softball, Dydynski was also a representative on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee on campus.
During her time at Lock Haven, Dydynski has had the honor of being named a 2019 PSAC Champion, NFCA and PSAC Scholar Athlete and has been named on the dean's list.

Following graduation, Dydynski plans to move to the Hamptons, where she has accepted a full-time position as a human resources and accounting assistant at Cape Resorts in Sag Harbor, New York.
"I'm very excited for what's in store for me after graduation," Dydynski said. "I truly believe that playing college athletics and receiving not only my education, but many great experiences from Lock Haven, have prepared me for this next chapter in my life."

"I really appreciate the education and life lessons The Haven has given me," she added. "The memories and experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart. I cannot thank my family, coaches, teammates, professors and campus community enough for all their love and support over these past four years."

Madalyn Dydynski, left, with two of her LHU softball teammates.