In Memoriam Margaret J. Madden

Bidding Farewell

PCDS mourns the passing of Margaret “Peg” Madden, who served as Head of School for PCDS from 1986-1995.

PCDS was just 25 years old upon Mrs. Madden’s arrival— often a critical turning point in a young school’s trajectory. Having come from schools that were 100+ years old, Mrs. Madden understood what needed to be done to take PCDS to the next level, and she had the Board of Trustees’ support in making difficult changes to offer a superior academic experience. Arriving at a time of transition for the School, she navigated change with patience and strength; reflecting on her years at PCDS, Mrs. Madden said in 2016, “It wasn’t always easy being the academic ‘fixer’, and I had to make some unpopular decisions, but I’m very pleased if it’s paid off. It sounds like the School is healthy and strong; hurrah to all of you!”

During Mrs. Madden’s tenure at PCDS, the School’s endowment doubled, enrollment increased by 30%, new classroom buildings were built, the wash was developed into playing field space, and the Alumni Association was established. In addition, Mrs. Madden’s legacy is felt through the Senior Speeches she implemented as a graduation requirement in 1990 (along with the eponymous US Senior Speech award bestowed annually upon a graduating senior).

These words by Peg Madden during her time at PCDS perhaps best sum up her feelings about our School: “The voice of a teacher presenting a universal concept; the sound of a child’s laughter; a question thoughtfully posed by a student; an expression of compassion for someone’s hurt; an exclamation of sudden understanding; a greeting of friendship between students, between faculty, and between students and faculty; voices cheering on team members; voices raised in song—all these and more represent the sense of caring and dedication to learning to which PCDS is committed.”

Mrs. Madden, we mourn your passing, and honor your legacy.

Margaret J. Madden in 1993

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“Peg was hired to ‘professionalize’ our School—to take it from its infancy, where it was just trying to stay afloat financially, to young adulthood, where we would be valued as a bona fide college prep experience. Though the task was monumental, she was unyielding in her efforts and her commitment. Today, we have Peg Madden to thank for our reputation as the top academic school in the state, and one of the best in the country.” — Andrew Rodin, Head of School

“The ultimate professional, Peg always worked in the best interest of the School. She also had a keen sense of humor! I remember a Blue & Gold pep rally when she convinced me to dance with her in the middle of the gym, much to the delight of everyone but myself (that was the longest five minutes of my life!) Peg always had a good time, and we thank her for making our school a better place.” — Bob Kosower, Associate Athletic Director and faculty member since 1978

“Peg Madden had moxie! Serving as PCDS’s first and only female Head of School attests to the quality of her character, particularly with respect to our then-fledgling independent School in the desert southwest.” — Paul Schweikher, 40-year faculty member and college counselor

“A strong and decisive leader, Peg elevated science in the curriculum and made sure the faculty performed at the level expected of them.” — Shoshana Tancer, Advisory Trustee

“Peg Madden left her legacy at PCDS through bringing more quality faculty to the School, improving the US facilities, enhancing standards through a stringent accreditation process, and implementing a curriculum to set us apart as a premier day school in the Southwest. She was a force to reckon with.” — Susan Bansak, Advisory Trustee