Meghan McFadden '99 (far left) coaches cheerleading at Our Lady of Lourdes with two Scecina alumni. Scecina cheerleaders helped with their camp. |
Name: Meghan Eileen McFadden
Year of Scecina Graduation: 1999
College/University: University of Dayton
Degree: BA Communication (Public Relations)
Current Position: Development Coordinator for the IU School of Medicine/IU Simon Cancer
Center Employer: Indiana University School of Medicine
By Rose Branson, Donor and Alumni Relations Coordinator
One of the greatest strengths of a Catholic school is the community. You are a part of a bigger family where everyone knows everyone.
For Meghan McFadden ‘99, Scecina was right there with her during a difficult time in her life.
“A unique and life changing experience I had while at Scecina was the passing of my father the summer before my senior year. I remember the day it happened, almost every single person from my class showed up at my house that night,” says Meghan. “And they continued to show up for me that year. I was surrounded by love and support from my classmates and it helped me through my grief. That is an experience I will never forget.”
Growing up on the Eastside of Indianapolis and attending Our Lady of Lourdes, Meghan comes from a long lineage of Scecina graduates. Several aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of her family are alumni. Her mom, Mary Adams McFadden, attended Scecina her freshman and sophomore years, but finished at Our Lady of Grace after her family moved. Her two sisters are Scecina graduates: Amy McFadden Marack ’87 and Elizabeth “Beth” McFadden Brown ‘90.
She notes the caring teachers and teamwork learned through cheerleading as well as student ambassadors and the Arts. The many positive experiences Meghan had at Scecina led to her current passion and profession. She currently works for the Indiana University School of Medicine. “I am on a four-person team that fundraises for cancer research at the Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. My specific role is to manage our memorial gift campaigns, community-based fundraisers and several other odds-and-ends that the days may bring.”
Meghan is still involved with the Eastside community, specifically Scecina and Our Lady of Lourdes. “I have pride in Scecina! The school played such a positive role in my formative years, and I want that for others. I believe getting a wonderful education, participating in extracurricular activities and forming friendships of a lifetime is something children should experience. I love hearing about Scecina’s successes and I want to play a small role in making them happen.” Meghan also coaches cheerleading at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Finally, Meghan believes in the power of giving back and encourages others to do the same. “Get involved! Whether it is within the Scecina community or wherever you are in life now. I love that you can always find a Scecina alum coaching a sports team, volunteering at festival, as a board member, singing at Mass, etc. This is what makes us great!”