There’s something incredibly moving about hearing someone speak from the heart about a place that changed their life. During a recent conversation between Franklin University Switzerland (FUS) student Alexandria Fraser ’26 and alumna Madeline Weinfield ‘10, the magic of Franklin wasn’t just remembered — it was felt. It rippled through the screen in the laughter they shared, the nostalgia in Madeline’s voice, and the resonance of two Franklin stories separated by time, but joined by experience.

This is what makes Franklin more than a university — it’s a place that weaves people’s stories into something timeless.

When Franklin Finds You

Madeline’s story begins in the most Franklin way possible — a curious brochure in the mail, a spark of wanderlust, and a spontaneous leap of faith. “Franklin kind of found me,” she said, reflecting on her last-minute decision to trade a traditional American college path for the promise of a small international campus nestled in the hills of Lugano. That decision, she admits, shaped everything that followed.  

For Alexandria, the path was also unexpected. What began as a summer course blossomed into a full academic commitment — and a personal mission. Now in her third year, she’s pouring her energy into interviews and podcasts aimed at demystifying the business world for fellow students — a response to the very guidance she once wished she had.  

Lugano Memories and Midnight Pastries

When asked to recall her most cherished Franklin memories, Madeline’s voice lit up with quiet joy. It wasn’t the grand milestones she remembered first, but the small, golden moments — poetry nights, mountain hikes, spontaneous bakery runs at midnight. “Who needs a pastry at midnight? No one,” she laughed, “but we felt we did at the time.”

That’s the beauty of Franklin — it turns the seemingly ordinary into something unforgettable. Alexandria related instantly. “Everything is better outside,” she said, describing impromptu coffee-fueled study sessions in the grotto and how even the act of learning transforms under the sun, surrounded by mountains.

Travel that Transforms

Franklin’s signature Academic Travel experiences also left deep imprints. Madeline’s journey to India, a literature-focused trip to Paris, and a serendipitous Academic Travel course in Munich became defining moments. It was in Munich, she said, where she first truly learned to travel alone — navigating public transit, getting lost, finding confidence. That same trip brought her to the street where her grandmother once lived before fleeing Europe during World War II — a deeply personal moment made possible by a caring professor and an unexpected detour.

“That’s what’s so beautiful,” Alexandria chimed in. “You never know what one trip, one class, or one conversation will open up.”

The Writer Emerges

After graduating, Madeline moved to New York City and worked in publishing before transitioning into the nonprofit world. Along the way, she returned to her literary roots and is now a full-time freelance writer covering culture and travel for publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Condé Nast Traveler— often drawing on the global perspective that Franklin gave her. “All the writing I had to do at Franklin really prepared me,” she said. “It gave me a confidence and clarity about the kind of life I wanted, even if I didn’t know exactly how I’d get there.”

A Love Story, Too

And yes — there’s a love story. Madeline met her husband at Franklin. Same class, same orientation. Their story weaved through years of togetherness and distance, and eventually, back to Lugano — where they returned in 2024 for the first time since graduation. “Everything came back in a giant wave,” she recalled. “I think I experienced every emotion possible in four days.”

That return wasn’t just personal — it became professional too. Madeline wrote about Lugano for Vogue, sharing the charm of the place that shaped her heart and career. She even bumped into another Franklin alum from the 1970s — a serendipitous reminder of how far the Franklin family reaches.

Why 55 Years Matters

As Franklin celebrates its 55th anniversary, Madeline’s reflections remind us that this milestone isn’t just about longevity — it’s about legacy. “It shows that Franklin has proved itself,” she said, “that it’s changed lives across generations.”

The real power of this university lies not only in its academics or location but in the community it creates — one that spans cities, countries, and decades. “Franklin is a school where you fall in love, make lifelong friends, study hard, and truly live,” she said. “If you’re thinking about going back for the reunion — do it. You won’t regret it.”

Making the Most of Franklin

To current students, Madeline offered heartfelt advice: Connect. Explore. Say yes. “Ingratiate yourself into the community. Don’t just stay on campus. Meet people of all ages. Babysit. Volunteer. Learn the city. You’ll never have a time like this again.”

And for anyone unsure of what’s next? “You don’t need to have it all figured out,” she said. “Just know the kind of life you want to lead — and let Franklin give you the tools to build it.”