Husband and wife juggle schedules, life to earn UIU bachelor’s degrees

 

Judy (far left) and Terry Weter recently earned bachelor’s degrees in public administration through Upper Iowa University’s Independent Study program. They are pictured with their daughter, Ann.

For over 20 years, Judy and Terry Weter have worked in the local government sector. While Terry had earned an associate’s degree in 1990, Judy had not cracked a single textbook since graduating from high school in 1979.

However, personal satisfaction combined with the potential for advancement in the near future, spurred Judy and Terry to look at undergraduate options. Rising to the top of the list for its diverse learning experiences and lower tuition cost was Upper Iowa University.

The East Troy, Wis., couple juggled their careers and raising their teenage daughter, Ann, along with college. They found that combining UIU’s learning experiences fit their lifestyle and were convenient. Terry and Judy divided their undergraduate program between Independent Study, Online and attending classes at UIU’s Milwaukee Center.

“The biggest obstacle to completing our degrees was time,” said Judy. “Our house is small and I need absolute quiet to concentrate. I can’t tell you how many times I actually crawled out of bed, drank three oversize cups of coffee and fired up the computer for homework at 3:30 a.m. before going to work at 8 a.m.”

Judy said that several times Ann expressed her discontent with her parents doing homework. “But when we explained the need to stay employed, it put it into perspective,” she said.

The Weters are contemplating pursuing their master’s degrees at Upper Iowa University.