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Dempsey Hall 345
800 Algoma Boulevard
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: (920) 424-0234 Toll Free: (800) INFO-UWO
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Student Profiles
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Marla Sayaovang, 27 Center for New Learning student Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) in Leadership Development Hometown: West Bend Married, two children |
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"I’ve been a full-time mom since high school graduation, staying at home with our children and running our home business. In the past, I’ve taken a few classes as I could fit them into my schedule. I discovered the Center for New Learning and looked into their program offerings. CNL has satellite programs at some regional technical colleges and two-year campuses, so I can earn my bachelor’s degree from UW Oshkosh by taking classes at UW-Washington County.
The accelerated, seven-week format helped me enroll full-time, yet allowed me to focus on only two or three evening classes at a time. Without this program, I wouldn’t have found the opportunity to complete my degree so quickly, much less so close to home and my family.
Going back to school today at UW Oshkosh is so convenient that there is almost no excuse not to. An education truly opens doors — and everyone deserves that opportunity."
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Anne Winslow, 38 Accounting Major Nontraditional Student Organization, treasurer Hometown: Allenton Married, two children, U.S. Navy veteran |
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"I earned my associate degree at a community college in Saginaw,
Michigan. Soon after, I joined the Navy, but I always wanted to go back
to school and finish what I had started. After getting married, having
two kids and serving six years in the service, I enrolled at UW
Oshkosh.
After 14 years, I had a level of maturity and wisdom about
life that I didn’t have during my first college experience. I may have
to work harder than some for my grades, but I believe the effort is
worth it because of the confidence and pride that I feel after
completing a class and doing well.
I’ve also found that being active in
student organizations like the Nontraditional Student Organization
(NTSO) and the Accounting Club has given me a connectedness and support
system that would be difficult to attain any other way."
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Rachel Ben-Ismail, 44 Earned an Associate Degree from Triton College in River Grove, Illinois; Bachelor’s Degree from National Louis University Hometown: Chicago, Illinois (currently lives in Oshkosh) Two sons |
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"I love working with kids. I started my career as a preschool teacher in
inner-city Chicago, but after my children were born I took some time
off to raise them. When my youngest son started kindergarten, I decided
it was time for me to get back to my passion — teaching.
I am currently
pursuing my teaching licensure in the PK-6 Elementary Education Program
and am working toward an ESL/bilingual certificate and a minor in
Spanish. School is definitely different the second time around. I
wasn’t sure what to expect. My first college experience involved a lot
of student activities, ski trips and fun experiences. I may have taken
my education a little for granted then. Not anymore.
I think with age
comes wisdom and appreciation. The courses have more meaning now, and I
find that I put more effort into them. Going back to school as a
nontraditional student has turned out to be one of the best experiences
of my life."
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Damion Drover, 31 Biology Major Earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Film from UW-Milwaukee Hometown: Oshkosh Engaged to be married |

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"I have a passion for growing organic fruits and vegetables and even
started a community garden in Oshkosh. I’ve always been attracted to
the outdoors, but only recently did I realize that I could make a
career of it.
Going back to school is a much different experience for
me this time around. Since I’ve matured, my outlook on life and my
appreciation for school has changed. I don’t think I would have taken
it as seriously or done as well 10 years ago. It has taken me time to
figure out what I want to be when I grow up, and UW Oshkosh has given
me the opportunity to explore my passion."
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Dawn Jensen, 42 Nursing Major Nontraditional Student Organization, vice president Hometown: Neenah Married with four adult children |
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"My husband served in the 1991 Gulf War and is a disabled veteran.
He’s spent a lot of time in hospitals, and I’ve learned a lot about
hospital care from assisting him. My goal is to be a critical care
nurse in an intensive care unit, where I’ll have hands-on time with
patients.
Having been away from school for 25 years, I was concerned about
going to college. Would I be smart enough? Would I still be able to
learn? The nursing program at UW Oshkosh has taught me about myself and
helped me build my confidence to know that I can do this."
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Ron Hobson, 52 Graduate Studies, MS in Mathematics Education Earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering; MBA from DePaul University Hometown: Green Bay |

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"I was an electrical engineer in the states of Washington and Illinois.
When I retired in 2002, I decided to change careers. Teaching has
always been something I’ve wanted to do full-time, so I enrolled in the
education program at UW Oshkosh.
The biggest hang-up for anyone my age
is the perception that they will be considered “strange,” if they go
back to school. After all, 20-somethings go to college and older adults
have careers. The people in the Adult Nontraditional Student Resource
(ANSR) Office helped me through this misconception and guided me
through my transition into student life."
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Blaine Nowak, 49 Accounting Major Hometown: Teresa Married, adoptive parent of neglected pets Works in financial sector in major metropolitan area |
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"I earned the position of plant manager in a contract sheet metal
manufacturing firm the old-fashioned way: through hard work and
experience. Business was booming in 2000, but then September 11, 2001,
brought production to a standstill. I had taken some business courses
here and there from other colleges and universities, but the experience
was not very rewarding. That changed when I enrolled at UW Oshkosh.
My instructors knew their disciplines and took the time to help me
develop my skills and abilities by encouraging me to conduct
independent research. Being able to dig into things on my own with the
guidance and support of the staff is what I expected from a university.
The quality of the instructors, the one-on-one mentoring and the
courses at UW Oshkosh have helped me get back on track."
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Silvia Campazzo
Received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Studies in 2007, and is currently working for a Master of Science in Education Leadership.
"Learning for me is the right path, and that's just my belief. In order to become a better person, to build character and help my kids, I study."
See more student profiles …
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