Two UW-Madison adult students will accept an award for continuing their education in the face of everyday challenges.
Shannon Davis and Natasha Pedone-Kahle received the Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award, according to a university press release. The UW-Madison Adult Career and Special Student Services office has offered the award annually since 1981.
After 12 years as a stay-at-home mom, Pedone-Kahle was accepted into the university’s School of Nursing and has since made the Dean’s List regularly, according to the release. Davis returned to school after dropping out at age 20 and will be the keynote speaker for the School of Social Work’s commencement ceremony.
In addition to succeeding academically, both women volunteer in the community. Davis has volunteered for a homeless outreach center and a community youth court.
“I look forward to advocating for policies that improve the lives of those who are too often voiceless,” Davis said in the release.
Judith Strand, associate dean and director of Adult Career and Special Student Services, said Pedone-Kahle and Davis overcame “enormous” barriers to receive a UW-Madison degree.
“They’ve had different life experiences than a typical undergraduate, and their presence greatly enriches the university environment,” Strand said in the release.
