University of Wisconsin–Madison
Returning adult student sitting at a table with a guest.

Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award

The Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award recognizes returning adult undergraduate students whose exceptional determination and perseverance have enabled them to pursue their academic work and to contribute to the community as demonstrated by their leadership and service.

The 2026 winners

For more than four decades, the Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student award has recognized UW–Madison undergraduates who return to complete their degrees while balancing work, family, and community commitments.

This year’s remarkable award winners, Leslie Wright and Michael Rozier, exemplify the spirit of returning adult learners at UW–Madison.

Read about their accomplishments
Leslie Wright
Michael Rozier.

Annual Celebration of Outstanding Adult Students

2026 Reception program

Call for nominations

Nominations for the 2027 award will open in late 2026. Students must be graduating in May, August, or December 2027.

Eligibility

  • To be considered for the award a student must be:
  • currently enrolled at UW–Madison as a senior undergraduate degree candidate who began or resumed university work after a significant interruption (usually 5 years) in their formal education
  • earning a first undergraduate degree, with a cumulative GPA which reflects academic success
  • anticipating graduation in May, August or December of the current year
  • a new nominee having not been considered for this award previously

Want to nominate a student?

Nominations for this award are accepted from December through mid-February each year. UW–Madison faculty, staff, students, and members of the community may submit nominations to the University Special Student Services during that time using our online nomination form.

Nomination form

Past award winner stories

Support this award

The Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award is supported in part by the American Association of Women – Monona/Madison branch. Gifts of any amount to the AAUW – Madison Fund for Excellence are both welcome and greatly appreciated.

Donate online