2025 SAYPO AWARD WINNER: MADELINE GARVIS SMITH ’14
We are thrilled to recognize Madeline Garvis Smith ’14 as the recipient of the 2025 SAYPO Award. This award honors an active young alumna who pursues excellence in her career while representing St. Agnes with distinction in the community. Presented annually by the St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization, it celebrates alumnae who exemplify leadership, service, and spirit.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Madeline is a leading voice in Houston’s rescue community. She received the Social Influencer for the Animals Award from Citizens for Animal Protection, honoring her powerful advocacy through her platform @madtotherescue. Through her social media presence, she spotlights animals in danger of euthanasia for space who are in urgent need of foster homes, facilitates rescue and foster efforts, and raises awareness across Houston and beyond. She speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves and has saved the lives of countless animals.
Madeline also served on the Houston Mayor’s Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, helping to shape Houston area shelter policies. An oncology nurse with Memorial Hermann, she balances her medical career with hands-on animal advocacy, supporting multiple rescue organizations.
A lifelong servant leader, Madeline is a former SAYPO Board member, a former St. Agnes Alumnae Board member, and a consistent supporter of St. Agnes. Her dedication to service and justice is part of a proud family legacy—her mother, Ruey Farley Garvis ’87, is an alumna, and her father, Matthew Garvis, graduated from Strake Jesuit.
