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UW-W awards students advanced degrees

WHITEWATER — Janesville native Josh Bolton, one of 291 students receiving a master's degree Saturday at the UW-Whitewater, enters the world of work armed with a degree and determination.

Bolton, now living in Milton, did not take the path most traveled.

After graduating from Craig in 2000 and graduating from UW-Madison with a political science degree in 2006, he enrolled in law school at Thomas M. Cooley in Lansing, Mich., a one-semester experience.

"It just wasn't for me," he said. "There was too much ego stuff going on."

Whitewater provide Bolton with an immediate opening into communications.

"I know I made the right choice," he said. "Now, it's a matter of using this education when the right opportunity presents itself."

UW-Whitewater will hold separate commencement ceremonies Saturday for undergraduate and graduate school students.

John Stone, UW-Whitewater dean of graduate studies, said separate ceremonies are the result of more graduates. Whitewater grants more master's degrees than any of the 11 four-year campuses outside Madison and Milwaukee.

"Separate ceremonies also provide a distinction for the UW-Whitewater graduate school culture," he said.

Peggy Corning of Beloit stands out as someone who makes opportunities out of challenges. She will receive her second master's degree Saturday after losing her job at the top of her career climb.

"I had an MBA, but after losing my job at Alcoa, I decided to look into the area of school finance," she said. "I will receive a Master of Science in Education in School Business."

Corning's Whitewater education already has paid off. She is the coordinator of human resources in the Sheboygan School District.