“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, cheered on by hundreds of supporters and Bucky Badger himself.
Iconic UW-Madison mascot Bucky Badger stood on his head and posed for photos with graduating students and their families. UW-colored red and white flowers and balloons also reminded students they were earning introductory humanities credits from one of the top universities in the world. Photo boards of 21 years of Odyssey students, from 2003 to 2024, lined Great Hall, letting new students know they were joining a multigenerational community devoted to their continued educational journey.
Many students used metaphors to describe their two-semester experience. “Odyssey is a kaleidoscope of colors—intricate, unexpected, and beautiful,” noted Andrea. Giana added, “The beauty of Odyssey is that today I have confidence, I have direction, and I understand my core self. Odyssey is a compass that directed me to my true north.”
Read news coverage of the event, and click the buttons below to read our Graduation Oracle introducing all 30 of our students and view a recording from the ceremony. Scroll through the photo gallery of joyous moments from the ceremony below, captured by Odyssey alum Hedi Rudd.
Special thanks to our graduation sponsors, including Custer Burish Financial Services, Madison Gas and Electric, Strand Associates, Summit Credit Union, and UW Credit Union.