Odyssey alumni reflect on the power of writing
Five Odyssey alumni share their purpose in their role as writers and the power of using their words to change the world.
overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
Five Odyssey alumni share their purpose in their role as writers and the power of using their words to change the world.
Since 2015, more than 160 graduates of UW–Madison's Odyssey Project's core course have earned additional college credits through its sister program, Onward Odyssey. Two of its students share their experience with the program — and what they'd like to do next.
“It’s a sweep! When I nominated four amazing Odyssey women for prestigious Business Forum of Madison scholarships, I hoped all four would win the four adult scholarships — and they did!” says Odyssey codirector Emily Auerbach. In their acceptance remarks, Nicole Pecku ’09, Char Braxton ’06, Milli Lau ’14 and Lolita Phillips ’13 all pointed …
“In my role as the success coach for Odyssey during this pandemic, I have never witnessed so much suffering among marginalized populations,” notes Brian Benford. Just elected alder for Madison’s sixth district, Brian graduated from Odyssey’s Class of 2007 and went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from UW–Madison. Brian …
We love supporting graduates of our two‑semester jumpstart program as they go on to earn two‑year, four‑year and advanced degrees. In the photo collage above, you’ll see five of our alumni who earned degrees in 2020 despite the pandemic. None of them got to walk across a stage, and some never rented caps and gowns …
As a new member of the prestigious UW System Board of Regents, Odyssey alum Corey Saffold advocated to make Odyssey part of the agenda. Corey was joined on November 5 by Odyssey Codirectors Emily Auerbach and Kevin Mullen, Odyssey Beyond Bars Director Peter Moreno and alumna Keena Atkinson in presenting to the Board of Regents. …
After a childhood of homelessness, abuse and teen pregnancy, Shanita Lawrence found herself incarcerated at age 18 and separated from her young son. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for the obstacles I’ve overcome, good and bad,” Shanita observed. She was honored on November 21 with a Transformation Award from MOSES, …