Mary Rouse served as Dean of Students from 1987-2000 as part of her nearly half century of employment at UW. As director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service, she worked to create mutually beneficial community-university partnerships and to find ways to help nontraditional students feel more welcome on campus. In an interview when she retired in 2015, she said, “I call myself a communitarian interested in the health and well-being of everyone in our community, whether they’re related to me or not, obviously with a huge emphasis on education and social justice.”
“I love what you do in Odyssey,” Mary Rouse commented, “but so much more could be done.” The university, she observed, should make sure students facing financial barriers and family responsibilities have more support on their pathways to degrees.
Short in stature, Mary Rouse made a giant mark on the UW and on Madison. Whether working to bring millions back into the neighborhood by offering free tax assistance to South Madison residents, launching blood drives to aid those with sickle cell anemia, or helping to establish awards for Returning Adult Students at UW, she saw her mission as targeting disparity and injustice and opening doors to opportunity.
Martin Rouse learned from his mother early on to respect people of all cultures and backgrounds and to work to aid those not always given a seat at the table. As Associate Dean & Director of Adult Career and Special Student Services in the Division of Continuing Studies, Martin worked with special students, visiting international students, and community adults, including refugees and veterans.
Martin also played a key role in supporting students in both the UW Odyssey Project and Odyssey Beyond Bars. The Badger Ready Program in University Special Student Services has become another pathway along with Odyssey to support non-traditional students who thought a college degree was out of reach. Since 2018 the program has seen over 30 proud graduates from UW-Madison. “Find a way to make it possible” seems to have been his mantra as he worked to clear obstacles for students battling a wide range of differences. “The Odyssey Project epitomizes the importance of the Wisconsin Idea,” he observes, “and it’s been an honor to work with students from this program as they continue their educational journeys.”
How does Mary Rouse feel about her son as he retires this spring from the Division of Continuing Studies after 26 years of service? “Proud!” she says, with eyes beaming. For both mother and son, action matters—action based on respect for others and a commitment to social justice. The UW Odyssey Project was delighted to honor mother and son with a Friend of Odyssey Award at last month’s graduation ceremony.