Le Moyne Announces $2 Million Gift to Establish Professorship Honoring HR Leader Lynn K. Madden

Le Moyne College is proud to announce the Lynn K. Madden Professorship in Leadership and Human Resource Management, created to honor the enduring legacy of Lynn Madden, SPHR, the College’s former associate vice president for human resources. Lynn’s career was defined by compassion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the people who make up the Le Moyne community.

Widely admired for her smart, pragmatic and caring way, Lynn established Le Moyne’s first Human Resources Department and developed it into a world-class organization rooted in fairness and respect. For 30 years, Lynn served as a trusted advisor to Le Moyne’s leadership and inspired and motivated College faculty and staff to do their best work, while defending retirees and those staff and faculty she deemed more vulnerable in the workplace. After retiring, Lynn continued her advocacy by founding the Center for Aging Resources and Enrichment (CARE), a non-profit that provides resources to seniors and their families in the areas of healthcare, continuing education and physical and emotional well-being.

The new professorship, established through a $2 million gift from Mike ’71 and Lynn Madden will advance human resource education, ensuring future leaders are prepared not only with knowledge but with the values that Lynn championed throughout her career. “I’ve always preferred to work behind the scenes, so I’m deeply humbled by this honor,” said Lynn. “Human resources didn’t always have a seat at the table, and now it does – and this professorship will help ensure that future students understand just how critical that role is in any organization.”

“Lynn’s impact was felt not only in HR but across the entire College community,” said President Linda LeMura. “She understood that HR is about more than policies – it’s about people. Her career shaped Le Moyne’s culture in ways that will endure for generations.”

“This professorship reflects a shared commitment to student success,” said Jim Joseph ’83, Ed.D. ‘23, dean of the Madden College of Business and Economics. “Mike Madden was inspired by Wayne L’Heuruex’s ’80 generosity and support to reinvigorate the HR program and chose to honor his wife, Lynn, in a way that reflects her values. Her legacy will prepare our students to lead with both skill and empathy.”

Looking back on her career, Lynn shared simple but powerful advice for future faculty and students: “Be there for people. Listen first. Whether it’s benefits, retirement or life transitions, HR is about helping others navigate real challenges with empathy and fairness.”

Thanks to the Maddens’ remarkable gift, the Lynn K. Madden Professorship will ensure that future generations of students leave Le Moyne not just with technical expertise, but with the humanity that defines strong leadership.