Student stories

Online graduate Manny Avila posing for a picture beside a shelf holding trophies and framed certificates

Graduate Q&A: From first-gen college student to global career

First-gen student Manny Avila's inspiring journey from UW–Madison Online graduate to senior treasury analyst at Zendesk. Learn how his BBA launched a global career and boosted his confidence.

Read full post
Professional headshot of Kristy Jorgensen in front of Wisconsin State Capitol building.

Graduate shares how online bachelor’s boosted her career – and her confidence

Boost your career! UW–Madison online grad Kristy shares how her bachelor's degree increased her confidence & opened new job opportunities.

Read full post
Rachel Kane posing for a graduation picture

Congrats to our most recent grads!

We’re proud to celebrate 36 graduates of UW–Madison Online who pushed through challenges, stayed the course and earned their bachelor’s degrees this spring and summer.

Read full post
Badger graduates in caps and gowns

A new class of Badgers earns  UW–Madison Online bachelor’s degrees

Completing a degree is no small feat—but doing so entirely online? That’s a testament to unparalleled dedication, discipline and resilience. This past December, a dozen extraordinary students joined the ranks of University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni by completing their degrees through UW–Madison Online.

Read full post
Amanda Sauri kneels next to her young son against a light brown backdrop

Finding college success in recovery

Explore one UW–Madison adult student's inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and how recovery shaped her academic and personal growth.

Read full post
Manny Avila

Manny Avila

A single dad with a demanding job, Manny found time and energy to complete his degree and set an example for his son.

Read full post
John sitting at his computer in front of a large window

Online student laser focused on finishing his Badger bachelor’s degree

Read about John Gloeckler finishing his Badger bachelor’s degree as a returning adult student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Read full post
Joey sitting next to his van and surfboard with a foldout table and his laptop

Creative entrepreneur sets sights on finishing bachelor’s in business – online

Check out Joey Nicgorski's story of how he ended up at UW–Madison Online to get his bachelor's degree in marketing.

Read full post
A smiling Manny and his son working on a laptop

First-generation returning adult student boosts career potential, makes family proud

Learn how Manny Avila is making time in his busy home and work life to pursue an online bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Read full post
Kristy and her family looking over her coursework

Busy mom, military member pursues Badger dream with online degree

Read about how Kristy Jorgensen is fulfilling her Badger dream with an online bachelor's degree from UW–Madison.

Read full post
Bucky Badger statue in graduation garb

Online bachelor’s degree offers former Badger a second chance

An online degree from UW-Madison gives a former Badger a second chance at earning his bachelor's and boosting his career.

Read full post
Dan Barry on his phone

Community college transfer student proud to be a business Badger

With two decades of experience in real estate, Barry started in spring 2022 in the UW–Madison Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Administration–Management program, one of five UW–Madison fully online bachelor’s degrees currently available at UW–Madison.

Read full post
woman on her tablet in front of a window

UW–Madison Online: Educational access for returning adult students

In 2020, at age 29, Knutson enrolled in the new program to finish her bachelor’s degree — fully online — while continuing to manage other life commitments. It hasn’t been easy, but she made the Dean’s List her first semester back to college after a 12-year break.

Read full post