Learner stories
Whether you’re returning to school or just getting started, there are a variety of lifelong learning paths you can take to meet your goals through continuing studies.
Graduate Q&A: From first-gen college student to global career
For Manny Avila, going back to school was about more than a degree — it was a promise kept. Motivated by his family, he returned to college with UW–Madison Online…
Information master’s student leads pioneering research at School of Nursing
Ever since moving from Chongqing, China, to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison for his bachelor’s degree, Jinghao Zhou has been impressed by the university and its home city. “I quickly…
Student-led landscape tours bring awareness to First Nations’ history and culture on campus
Student-led landscape tours bring awareness to First Nations’ history and culture on campus
Jul 28 2025
Photo credit: Althea Dotzour, University of Wisconsin–MadisonFrom left to right, tour leaders Kane Funmaker, undergraduate student and Ho-Chunk Nation tribal member, and Abbey Woldt, undergraduate student and Ho-Chunk Nation tribal…
Graduate shares how online bachelor’s boosted her career – and her confidence
Kristy Jorgensen When we say our graduates achieve their goals, we mean it. Case in point: Kristy Jorgensen. A first-generation college grad, working mom and member of the Wisconsin National…
Summer research offers insights into brain health and medical careers
Summer offers a powerful opportunity for discovery. Whether you’re exploring countries far from home, taking a course in an unfamiliar subject, or completing an internship, the summer months offer a…
Summer student balances class, career, community and continent-hopping
Isadora Collins is seizing every opportunity Summer Term has to offer. Between a full-time internship, an online course, international travel and volunteer work, she’s packing her summer with experiences that…
Congrats to our most recent grads!
Earning a college degree is always worth celebrating. But for adults balancing jobs, families and other responsibilities, returning to school is more than an achievement — it’s a triumph. We’re…
Q&A with award-winning returning adult students
From a childhood gift igniting a lifelong passion for science to witnessing the heroism of healthcare workers during a global pandemic, the journeys of Dora Aranda, Jennifer Halvorson, and Norman…
Going back to school as a working engineer: How to make it work
Wondering what it’s like to earn your engineering master’s degree online while working full-time? For many students, it means continuing their day-to-day routines—going to work, caring for family, and fitting…
Sustainability study in Italy makes big impact on rising senior
A little can go a long way when it comes to studying abroad. While some students opt to study overseas for a whole semester or year, you can pack a…
4 reasons student athletes say Summer Term is a slam dunk
Whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, or volleyball, there’s one thing that Wisconsin athletes can all agree on: Summer Term gives them the flexibility to complete their courses when it works…
Episode 35: Library & Information Studies MA Alum Student Spotlight
Library & Information Studies alum, Lauren, shares how career services at UW–Madison helped her navigate a career pivot and land a fulfilling role as an instructional designer. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sat2PVYXrGuBxv7uKKRuU Transcript ALISSA…
MS Information student Rahil Virani contributes to UW–Madison Alzheimer’s research
Data skills can open unexpected doors. Rahil Virani, MSx’25, knows this firsthand. Before coming to Madison, Virani was a software developer tackling coding projects while living in Mumbai, India, a…
International precollege programs build skills, confidence and connections
For high schoolers across the globe, studying in the U.S. may seem like a faraway dream. Thanks to the Wisconsin International Precollege Academy (WIPA), WIPA Online and other programs for…
A lifelong love affair with language
For Jeannette Eichholz, language learning is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifelong passion that has shaped her career, emboldened her travels and deepened her connections around the world.…
45th annual winners of returning adult student awards epitomize Badger spirit
This year’s Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award winners, Chikara Crooks and Ivanna Ceballos, share a powerful common thread: each is working to become the kind of support and inspiration…
Students, alum share benefits of engineering accelerated master’s programs
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineering students looking to advance their careers quickly are turning to the College of Engineering’s accelerated master’s degrees. With an accelerated master’s degree in engineering from UW–Madison,…
Unique internships and special projects elevate grad student experiences
Through University of Wisconsin–Madison Professional Degrees & Certificates programs, Fatima Abdul Rasheed discovered a new career, and Natasha Sanchez hopes to advance in hers. Due to strong industry partnerships, the…