Professional Degrees and Certificates, University of Wisconsin-Madison

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON

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

October 2025

A lifelong learner who rewrote the rules

From rural beginnings to a trailblazing career in higher education, Marge Engelman defied expectations with creativity, courage and a deep commitment to learning.

At 98, she reflects on a life filled with degrees, advocacy, fiber art — and even a bra flag that challenged norms. A pioneer in adult education and senior learning, Engelman’s story is a vibrant reminder that curiosity and persistence can shape a legacy. Discover how she inspired generations and continues to do so today.

UW CHEP celebrates first graduates

Fifteen incarcerated students earned associate degrees through UW–Green Bay at Oakhill Correctional Institution, marking a milestone for the UW Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (UW CHEP). The initiative expands access to college across Wisconsin prisons, fostering reentry success, workforce readiness and stronger communities.

Badger Ready helps adult learners reclaim academic dreams

Eight years after leaving college due to struggles with coursework and a sense of direction, Donovan Brendler found new purpose through Badger Ready. Designed for adults with past academic challenges, the UW–Madison bridge program offers personalized support and a path to degree completion — empowering students to return, succeed and transform their futures.

Featured Continuing Education course

Dementia: Exploring Grief and Loss

November 12, 9–11 a.m. | Live online

Coping with loss is a major aspect of the experience of living with dementia, and of providing care, support or companionship to someone experiencing it. This course offers an understanding of loss and grief that is uniquely associated with dementia, as well as effective, evidence-based approaches to coping with it. Learn more & register >>

Coming up

Start anytime	How Music Works: The Tools of Music Theory, an online continuing education course
Nov. 1	Priority application deadline for fall admission to Badger Ready, a bridge program for returning adult students
Nov. 4	Teaching Transferable Skills and Work-integrated Learning from Middle School to College workshop begins
Nov. 6	Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions fall conference begins
Nov. 11	Webinar: Program Overview of Online Engineering Graduate Programs
Nov. 15	Application deadline for Badger Precollege Mini Band Clinic and teacher retreat
Nov. 19	Labor Forward Forum — free and online — hosted by the School for Workers
Dec. 4	Mastering Modern Presentation Skills continuing education course begins
Dec. 8	School for Workers residential institute on collective bargaining begins
Dec. 15	Deadline to apply to UW–Madison Online for Jan. 2026 start

From the archives

student Janice Kressin (in wheelchair) meets with her instructors in 1953. Extension Division director, Lorentz H. Adolfson, standing, center; and University President Edwin B. Fred, seated, right.

Photo: UW Archives

Correspondence courses were an essential part of continuing education at UW–Madison for many years. In this photo, correspondence student Janice Kressin (in wheelchair) meets with her Extension Division instructors in 1953. Extension Division director, Lorentz H. Adolfson, standing, center; and University President Edwin B. Fred, seated, right.