overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
“Because of Odyssey Beyond Bars, I found hope and the pathway to becoming a better man and father,” wrote one incarcerated learner at Oakhill Correctional Institution. So much has happened in the five years since Odyssey Beyond Bars (OBB) launched its first transformational UW composition course at Oakhill. We have more courses in more prisons, …
Taken at a Madison Club luncheon for The Business Forum of Madison, the photo above shows four new scholarship winners (from left, Andrea White ‘23, Giana Mason ‘24, Sally Phelps ‘24, and Thedora Smith ‘21) cheered on by previous winners Ngina Ali ’16 and Nicole Pecku ‘09. Sally also won a Women in Focus scholarship, …
Woman of Distinction When she applied for Odyssey in 2009, Keena was homeless and sleeping on the floor of a barbershop with her young son. Fifteen years later, Keena is not only a successful entrepreneur with a UW bachelor’s degree but also the recipient this month of a prestigious 2024 YWCA Woman of Distinction award. …
The Wells Family: A Legacy of Learning Across Generations “Returning to school after a 76-year hiatus is no small feat!” writes Mary Wells, Odyssey Class of 2007, about her 92-year-old mother. “It takes courage, determination, and a strong belief in oneself.” Mary credits Odyssey Senior classes with “opening the door to Mom taking the next …
Anna was nine years old when her mother and uncle completed Odyssey, and she has fond memories of finding her own voice in Odyssey Junior. She was overjoyed to receive an acceptance letter from UW–Madison for the fall! We celebrate Anna and other Odyssey and Odyssey Junior alumni heading to UW, thanks to the support …
“Thank you, Odyssey,” said Cierra, “for creating an environment where dreams are nurtured and futures are shaped,” and Lucas noted, “Odyssey helped remind me of my worth and power, and I’ll forever be grateful for this gift.” Cierra, Lucas, and 28 classmates took the stage of Memorial Union’s Great Hall for a triumphant graduation celebration, …
“I’m glad I could use getting old as an excuse to raise money for the UW Odyssey Project,” quipped 95-year-old Bob Auerbach, “and I plan to do it again for my 100th!” For two hours on April 12th, Bob greeted hundreds of family members and friends, scientific colleagues and former students, donors, and Odyssey staff …
Odyssey Rocks Day of the Badger! For the past few years, Odyssey has finished in the top ten on the leaderboard for the Day of the Badger, a spirited day of giving (and some good-natured competition between campus groups) that celebrates UW–Madison pride and philanthropy. This year was one for the record books! Odyssey, the …
We did it! YOU did it! Odyssey met its million-dollar match goal! We thank Pleasant Rowland and Diane Ballweg for their generosity and our donors for helping ensure Odyssey’s future. We reached our goal in the nick of time, thanks in part to development director, Jenny Pressman, pictured left (flowers) with her son, supporters and …
“Superlative” was one of the vocabulary words students learned this year, and we can use many when talking about our record-breaking year: we had the BEST attendance ever for our core class, the MOST alumni classes offered, the BIGGEST number of programs, the YOUNGEST AND OLDEST students, the LARGEST gifts…and more! Looking back at 2023, …