overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
CELEBRATE THE GROWTH OF THE CLASS OF 2026! You are cordially invited to attend the inspiring and memorable graduation ceremony for students of the UW Odyssey Project Class of 2026! Please join Odyssey staff, alumni, and supporters in celebrating students’ successful completion of six UW credits following two semesters studying challenging works of literature, American …
On May 18, students in full caps and gowns, diplomas in hand, turned their tassels and celebrated the completion of their degrees at Oakhill Correctional Institution. Governor Tony Evers congratulated the graduates, shaking their hands. The bachelor’s degrees awarded at Oakhill and Stanley Correctional Institution this spring are the first that any UW has awarded …
“Odyssey opened my mind, strengthened my confidence, and reminded me that it is never too late to grow, learn, and start a new chapter,” said Jackie (pictured left) of this year’s graduating class. This growth was evident as 29 students shared powerful words and inspirational experiences at the podium at the UW Memorial Union on …
“This was the most amazing and eye-opening experience I have ever had,” said Adrianne, and classmate Mickey noted, “I am grateful that Odyssey built a bridge that helped me return to education. We will all rise.” The Class of 2025 did all rise on May 7 — literally rising to the podium at the UW …
“Why vote?” asked Odyssey alum Blanca Laine, calling on fellow indigenous people to exercise a freedom denied their ancestors. In an effort to encourage increased voter participation and the understanding of voting, the Odyssey Project invited students, alumni, and the Madison community to come register to vote, get information about where and how to vote, …
Most of the military veterans in this year’s Odyssey Beyond Wars class never got to attend their high school commencement, so the graduation celebration of the first OBW was a particularly special occasion, marked by laughter, some tears, and overwhelming feelings of accomplishment. Odyssey Beyond Wars students each delivered powerful 5-minute stories of overcoming addiction, …
“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 …
On Wednesday, October 11, Black composers Bill Banfield and Patrice Rushen, along with Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra CEO Joe Loehnis and other staff members, visited our Odyssey class and engaged in conversation with the Class of 2024. Then, on that Friday, current and past Odyssey students had pre-show pizza at Ian’s, attended pre-show and post-show talks …