Our graduation ceremony celebrates students who have spent two semesters discussing challenging works of literature, history, philosophy, and art while cultivating their own voices through poetry and prose. Too often told that they are “not college material,” the Class of 2026 has proven that with the right environment, their gifts will grow.
If you’re interested in supporting this year’s graduating class, please consider donating below!
Additional Information:
Who: YOU! This event is free and open to the public.
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2025 from 6-7:30 PM
Where: This is a hybrid event and will be both in-person (Great Hall in Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.) and shown via Zoom: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/97589840028 (Meeting ID: 975 8984 0028; Passcode: Odyssey)
What: Be inspired by Odyssey student voices, remarks from Odyssey Director Emily Auerbach and our guest speaker, incoming Interim UW Chancellor Eric Wilcots, and award presentations to Mary Rouse and Martin Rouse. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided following the ceremony, along with music and Bucky Badger.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: We are aware that parking remains a challenge while on campus and can be very limited near Memorial Union. Please leave extra time in order to find parking, or consider utilizing the bus system, Ubers/Lyft, or carpooling. The link below can be used to look up parking garages before heading to campus. Thanks!
“Odyssey is the Wisconsin Idea in action: ensuring that the teaching and scholarship of UW–Madison have an amazing impact on our community. Through their own writing, these students are allowing their voices to be heard. By studying literature, students discover that they are not alone. Suffering, joy, love, humor, tragedy are all universal experiences, and these great works illuminate the human condition.”
— Eric Wilcots
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Special thanks to our graduation sponsors, including Custer Burish Financial Services, Summit Credit Union, Strand Associates, Madison Gas & Electric, TruStage Financial Group, and UW Credit Union.
“Our Class of 2026 is filled with people who have worked hard despite all the obstacles that have been put in their path to destroy them. We as a community have fought to make it to this point: our graduation. We have put forth the effort to fight for our dreams and jump-start our journeys to success. I can never put in words the indescribable joy and fire Odyssey sparked in my soul and in my life.”
Laura, Class of 2026
Class of 2026 graduates: Shakila, Paola, Lisa, Lilibeth