This story was originally published by the Bennington Banner on October 22, 2025.
CASTLETON – On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Vermont State Colleges will present the Making a Difference, Making a Living (MADMAL) conference, a statewide event designed to inspire and connect students, alumni, faculty, and community partners. Through TED-style presentations, speakers will share how their educational experiences have shaped meaningful careers, opened doors to opportunity, and contributed to vibrant communities across Vermont.
Held at The Hub CoWorks in downtown Rutland and streamed live via Zoom, with satellite viewing sessions at VTSU and CCV campuses, MADMAL will feature speakers who are embedded in Vermont’s communities. Alumni and local leaders will share how their educational journeys have shaped meaningful careers and opened doors to new opportunities, affirming the enduring value of a Vermont State Colleges degree.
This initiative is supported by the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, which invests in projects that engage systemwide stakeholders, promote interdepartmental and inter-campus collaboration, and advance the strategic priorities of the Vermont State Colleges System. MADMAL reflects the spirit of this fund by bringing together voices from across the system to celebrate shared purpose and student success.
The event will include a welcome address from Treasurer Mike Pieciak and a keynote address by Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project.
“The Chancellor’s Innovation Fund was established to ignite bold, collaborative ideas that move our system forward and strengthen connections among campuses, faculty, and students—all in service of Vermont’s future,” said Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Beth Mauch. “The upcoming MADMAL conference exemplifies this mission. By bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders, it will demonstrate the transformative power of higher education to meet community needs and address real-world challenges.”
Confirmed speakers include Pieciak; Vermont House Representative John Kascenska, a former faculty member and Dean at VTSU Lyndon; Mauch; Vermont Deputy Attorney General Robert McDougall, VTSU Lyndon alum; Chu; Vermont Cannabis Control Board Commissioner Julie Hulburd, VTSU Johnson alum; Vermont Gas Systems Director of Public Affairs Dylan Giambatista, CCV and VTSU Johnson alum; Everwell Consulting CEO Kelly Mesler, VTSU Castleton alum; and Libby Duane Adams, Chief Advocacy Officer and Co-Founder of Alteryx, VTSU Castleton alum.
The event will also feature distinguished guests, including Community College of Vermont President Joyce Judy and Vermont State University President David Bergh, among others, introducing the speakers.
“This conference is a celebration of what’s possible when education meets purpose. We’re bringing together voices from across Vermont to show that no matter your background or your path, higher education can be the launchpad for meaningful work and lasting impact,” said Jessica Duncan, VTSU Director of Career Development and Innovation and MADMAL project lead.
MADMAL is free and open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual attendance option will be available via Zoom. The link to join will be provided following registration. Full details are available at www.madmalvt.org.
