overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
“I’m happy to say that Wisconsin is now on board with offering credit-bearing courses to students in prison,” Moreno said. “There’s a tremendous demand for them. When we finished the English 100 class this last fall, many of the students came up to me and the instructor, Kevin Mullen, and said, ‘Okay, this was wonderful. …
During December’s University of Wisconsin–Madison graduation ceremony at the Kohl Center, Chancellor Becky Blank singled out Umaima and her family for special mention (watch the video here). A refugee from Iraq, Umaima graduated from the UW Odyssey Project in 2016 with her mother and brother, also at UW now, while her younger siblings attended Odyssey Junior. …
Isthmus, February 20 2020
Every February, we broaden our understanding of Valentine’s Day by asking Odyssey students to start an essay with “I love.” Here are samples from the past decade, including many focusing on the joy of learning: “I love Odyssey, doing my homework, and finding freedom of mind in my classroom.” —Faustin, 2010 “I love discussion because …
Students in the Odyssey Class of 2020 met on January 22 to start off the second half of our two-semester course. They read from the January Oracle featuring their writing from December. All students had to make a case for why they should be allowed to continue in the program. Jyneeva (above, left) wrote that …
“I took this class to become a better writer with the hope of helping others soar. It has helped me to become a better father, son, and person as a whole. At the end of the day, I can look in the mirror and be proud of who I am and the direction I’m headed,” …
Thanks to American Family Insurance’s generous donation of 30 tickets, Odyssey students enjoyed a mesmerizing performance of Hamilton last month at the Overture Center. Reviews and photos came pouring in: “The story of Hamilton reminded me of the struggles and achievements of a lot of the students in the Odyssey Project, myself included, and the legacies we …
“Odyssey is an expression of the Wisconsin Idea, where education is accessible to all citizens and learners,” said UW–Madison Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning and Dean of Continuing Studies Jeff Russell. “By allowing access, Odyssey creates a transformative learning experience for the students, their families, and the community at large.”
The cross-currents of the stories from students in UW–Madison’s Odyssey Project reflect the beat of daily life, sometimes fraught with emotion, sometimes light, carrying meanings that entertain and inspire listeners.
The recent charity gala at the Madison Club benefiting the Odyssey Project was a smashing success in every way! Over 240 guests joined us for a heartfelt celebration of Odyssey’s impact, a fun evening with old and new friends, and a phenomenal fundraiser. Best of all, they experienced the power of love, hope, justice, and …