Group of people sitting at tables listening to someone speaking.

Celebration of Outstanding Adult Students

Each April, we celebrate and honor University of Wisconsin–Madison outstanding returning adult students at this event hosted by the Division of Student Life and the Division of Continuing Studies, University Special Student Services.

We honor

Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student award recipients

Adult Student Scholarship recipients

Badger Ready program transfer students and graduates

Event History

Returning adult student with frame that reads "I'm a Badger."

In 1981, just one year after the Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award was created, the first annual reception was held to recognize the commitment made by adults returning to complete undergraduate degrees while also juggling the responsibilities of work and family.

The first scholarship fund was established in 1992 to support single-parent undergraduate students, who were also included in the annual celebration. With additional donors, over 10 different scholarship funds are now administered through University Special Student Services to support and acknowledge adult students.

Starting in 2021, Badger Ready program transfer students and graduates were added to those honored at the reception. Badger Ready is a pathway program for degree-seeking adults who face barriers to admission as transfer students. Students in the program work to overcome those barriers with the ultimate goal of transferring to and graduating from UW–Madison.

The Division of Student Life and the Division of Continuing Studies are proud partners and supporters of adult students and their perseverance and commitment to lifelong learning.

Partners

Peg Geisler, Bucky, and Mary Rouse. — Geisler, Peg and Rouse, Mary

The Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award was created by now retired administrators, Mary Rouse and Peg Geisler. Rouse and Geisler continue to support returning adult students in the pursuit of degrees. As the women who started it all, we honor their contributions to adult students and this event.

We would also like to thank our other partners: