In this special series of Darlington Connects blogs, we are excited to share the inspiring stories and impactful work of those in our Darlington Community who embody Darlington’s mission of "Service Beyond Self." Today, we hear from class agent, Darlington staff member and parent of alumni Madge (Brown) Crawford (’84).
Madge's connection to Darlington is a blend of legacy and dedicated volunteer service to the Darlington Community.
Madge’s journey at Darlington began long before she entered fifth grade. Her great-grandfather, Dr. George B. Smith Sr., served as a long-term chairman of the Board of Trustees, and her father, Henry Brown (’51), dedicated years to teaching, coaching, and serving as a dorm parent at Darlington.
Madge was a Darlington student from grades 5-8, but her family moved to Atlanta before her freshman year. It didn’t take long for Madge to realize that Darlington was where she truly belonged. After a heartfelt conversation with her father, it was decided that she would return to Darlington as a boarding student for grades 11-12.
“Coming back felt like coming home,” she fondly recalls.
Her high school years were marked by a close-knit community and lasting friendships. With only one girls' dorm, the female boarding students formed close friendships. She continued a strong bond with the Davidson family by regularly staying with them on weekends.
Jim Van Es’s math class left a lasting impression as well. He was known for giving nicknames and, to this day, he affectionately refers to her as “Marvelous Madge.”
“He was tough but respected by students,” Madge shared. “He made math come to life and made everyone feel special.”
After graduating from Darlington in 1984, Madge pursued a degree in marketing from the University of Georgia and later graduated from The National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta. In 2003, she returned to Darlington once again but this time as a staff member. She has since worked in various roles, including the Upper School library assistant and in college guidance.
As a long-standing class agent for the Class of 1984, Madge has been instrumental in keeping her classmates connected to each other and to Darlington. “Being a class agent is a great way to volunteer,” she said. “It allows me to give back to a place that has given me and so many others so much.”
She also served on the Alumni Council from 2008 to 2014. "It was rewarding to work alongside alumni like Stephanie (Smith) Walker (’83) and Mary Kate (Vick) Fuller (’84)," she said. "Those years on the Alumni Council also allowed me to build relationships with fellow alumni from various classes.”
A highlight of her Alumni Council experience came from her involvement in planning and executing Alumni Weekends. “Helping behind the scenes, preparing bags, organizing the events – it all gave me a greater appreciation for the work that goes into making Alumni Weekends so special,” she said.
Madge, along with classmate Chris Jefts (’84 LD ’15), has been busy planning their 40th reunion, set to be celebrated during Alumni Weekend 2024. They’ve planned an exciting weekend, including gatherings both on campus and off.
Perhaps Madge’s favorite Alumni Weekend was the one where she reconnected with her friend, Cooper Crawford (’83), at his 10-year reunion. Madge and Cooper were friends during their Darlington days and she jokes that Cooper dated her friends. Their paths crossed again at his 10th reunion, leading to them dating and getting engaged just six weeks later. Now married for over 30 years, Madge and Cooper have continued the Darlington legacy by raising their sons, Asa (’13), Will (’16), and Hank (’20), all proud Darlington alumni.
Madge’s Darlington story is one of legacy and service to the Darlington Community.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Darlington Connects series, where we celebrate those who embody Darlington’s mission of "Service Beyond Self."
