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Lifelong Learning: News & opportunities from the Division of Continuing Studies.

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June 2025

Returning Adult Students at Memorial Union

Celebrating UW–Madison’s outstanding adult students

On April 24, faculty, staff, donors, family and friends gathered at Memorial Union to recognize dozens of the many returning adult learners at UW–Madison. Now in its 45th year, the Outstanding Adult Student Celebration and Reception awards scholarships and recognizes returning adult students who are continuing or completing their undergraduate and graduate degrees while juggling work, family and other commitments. For many of these students, studying at UW–Madison represents years of overcoming a host of challenges, from self-doubt and addiction to health and financial setbacks.

Award-winner Ivanna Ceballos said that returning to school had been anything but easy. “Like many of us who take the nontraditional path, my academic journey was not linear.” After working for eight years, she returned to the classroom while balancing a variety of challenges. “I’m proud to say I’ll be starting a master’s program this fall, and if all goes as planned, I’ll begin law school here next year, too.”

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Bill Richardson with play button to video

Summer Music Clinic makes life-changing impact

When Bill Richardson attended his first UW Summer Music Clinic as a 15-year-old in 1958, he could have never predicted how the week-long program would change his life. In this short video, Richardson shares how the precollege program (now in its 96th year!) led to a UW scholarship to study trombone, a stint with the U.S. Marine Band and ultimately back to his alma mater as a professor of music.


Morgan Ramsey making W infront of Roman Colosseum

Summer Term course in Italy examines food sustainability

A two-week study abroad experience made a big impact on rising senior Morgan Ramsey. Students in UW Sustainable Food Systems in Italy and the World explored connections between human health, agriculture and environmental sustainability. Ramsey said the experience provided invaluable perspective. “Being immersed in Italy’s food culture — where sustainability, culture and community are deeply intertwined — allowed me to see firsthand how different societies approach food systems and health.”

More stories from the Division of Continuing Studies

Featured course

Spanish 0

Multiple start dates in July & Aug. | Live online

This mini-course sets you up for success with a slow introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish. Guided by an experienced instructor and proven strategies for adult language learners, you’ll develop a solid foundation of practical knowledge using common phrases and building blocks to start speaking Spanish right away.
Learn more & register >>

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Coming up

July 8 A Coach Approach to Work Performance Feedback course begins
July 14 Popular 4-week Summer Term session begins
July 14 Fundamentals of Project Management course begins
July 15 Deadline to apply to UW–Madison Online for Sept. 2025 start
July 31 Program overview and career outcomes webinar: Industrial engineering accelerated master's programs
Aug. 20 Application assistance webinar: College of Engineering accelerated MS programs
Anytime School for Workers offers on-demand institutes for union members and workers

From the archives

English professor Helen C. White (far right) poses outside Memorial Library with Robert Brome, Marian Kennedy, Vincent Nchami, Walter Domaghho and Curtis Gwynne

Photo: UW Archives

English professor Helen C. White (far right) poses outside Memorial Library with her creative writing class from the summer of 1954. Pictured with White are Robert Brome, Marian Kennedy, Vincent Nchami, Walter Domaghho and Curtis Gwynne. Read more >>