Celebrating 50 years of adult learning
In celebration of 50 years of Adult Education, Upper Iowa is proudly recognizing the accomplishments and achievements of alumni who have graduated from the Self-Paced, Online, or Center learning experiences, all of which stemmed from the original Coordinated Off-Campus Degree Program, launched in 1973. New stories will be added to this page, UIU.EDU/50years.
About Upper Iowa’s Self-Paced Program
The Self-Paced degree program, designed in 1973 to provide educational opportunities to working adults wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree, has helped nearly 3,500 UIU alumni achieve their educational goals during its 50-year span. The program also created a blueprint for UIU’s foray into other expansions in adult- focused education.
Stories
Bob Williams ’76
Despite an already established career and no shortage of experience, Robert “Bob” Williams ’76 found himself passed over for promotion again and again while working in Delaware’s state government in the 1970s. Describing himself as “highly qualified except in the area of education,” Williams’ frustration eventually turned to motivation and…
Reinald Carter ‘75
After many years spent working for others, Reinald Carter’s motivation to earn a degree as a non-traditional student stemmed from his desire to sit for the CPA exam and start his own accounting firm. Upon researching options as to how a working, married, father of three would also find the…
Ed Spring ’76
Who knew air-conditioning could be so important? For Ed Spring ’76, a desire to get out of the sweltering Jacksonville, Florida heat turned into a 50+ year career in aviation. Spring was stationed as a Marine in Jacksonville in 1954 and wasn’t sure what his military assignment might be. When…
