Each graduating senior follows a unique path that ultimately leads to the stage to receive their diploma. For many, that path takes the familiar route of four years spent on campus. While every student’s college experience is shaped by dedication and effort, Jeff LaSee’s story is exceptional—not because of where he earned his degree, but because of the heart, grit and meaning behind his journey.
“I was an art kid with long, purple hair in a really small town,” reflects LaSee. “There wasn’t a lot of opportunity there for me.”
His parents worked factory jobs, and while he says they didn’t discourage him from going to college, it wasn’t something that was top of mind for him as a teenager. Now, at 44 years old, LaSee is the first member of his family to graduate from college, recently earning his Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, all while working full-time, raising a family and completing his degree online.
“Anything is possible for anyone, but it was a lot of work,” said LaSee. “It’s a lot of time and commitment. It’s not fun being the old guy taking classes when your peers did it 20 years ago!”
As a teenager growing up in the small town of Abbotsford, Wisconsin, Jeff often felt like he didn’t quite fit in. He didn’t enjoy high school and admits that if there had been a way to skip it, he probably would have.
“I was directionless,” admits LaSee. “I played trombone in the high school band and bass guitar in jazz band, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I enrolled at a tech college after high school, but I was bored and left after a year.”
From there, he bounced around the country, working primarily in retail jobs and playing in bands with friends. He landed in Virginia, where he met the president of a software company who hired him, and that’s where he was introduced to supply chain management.
"I woke up one day at 27 and thought, ‘Man, I need to get some kind of education,’" LaSee reflected. "I eventually moved back to Wisconsin and earned an associate degree in business management in 2016 from Madison Area Technical College (MATC). I took a job at Alliant Energy, but everyone there kept telling me I needed more education."
LaSee was excited when he learned that UW–Platteville had a robust business school that he could attend online, and that it was affordable. However, as is often the case in life, things changed again.
"My mother died, and my son was born in the same year," said LaSee. "My attention was elsewhere, and then when COVID hit, it was overwhelming trying to navigate working full time from home during the pandemic and taking classes."
When he was ready to return to his studies, he reached out last summer to an advisor and learned he needed several more credits to graduate. That’s when he was connected with Dr. Jodi McDermott, assistant dean with the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, who encouraged him to explore UW-Platteville’s Professional Studies program.
“As with most returning students, Jeff was looking for the most efficient route to earning his degree,” explained McDermott. “Two things helped accelerate his path: he switched to the Professional Studies major, which is flexible enough to incorporate all the courses he had already completed, and we re-evaluated some of his transfer credits to allow them to count toward his degree.”
McDermott gave him both the opportunity and the encouragement he needed to stay on course.
“She basically removed obstacles and made it so I could save a good year of my life,” said LaSee. “She really helped me out and we put together a plan. The online aspect gave a certain amount of flexibility that you can’t have in a traditional college experience.”
LaSee believes that returning to school later in life was the right decision for him. He finds it easier in some ways now, as his work ethic has significantly evolved since his late teens. Those closest to him are quick to express their admiration, often saying they were in awe of his dedication.
“It was clear watching Jeff finish his degree that juggling adult life and school on a non-traditional path is significantly harder,” said his wife, Kara Pennoyer. “I don't think many people can juggle adult responsibilities, a demanding full-time job and parenting while going to school but he made it work. I am so very proud of him.”
LaSee works as a supply chain analyst for an industrial parts distributor in Sun Prairie and finds fulfillment in his job. He’s also considering returning to school for a master’s degree.
“At 44, with a lot of work experience, the degree shows my commitment to continuous improvement,” said LaSee. “It’s a way to keep growing, learning and improving my skills. To my employers, it shows I’m not resting on my laurels.”
On his graduation day, with hundreds of other students celebrating on campus, LaSee felt blessed to be surrounded by his family, who had supported his journey every step of the way.
“My mom would be over the moon,” smiled LaSee. “She was afraid I wouldn’t even graduate high school. So, to think that I’m graduating from college would have meant a lot to her!”
LaSee has worked incredibly hard, and now, in a full-circle moment, his father attended his graduation to be there for him.
"I am very proud of Jeff, and I know his mother would be, too,” said Ray LaSee. “I am glad I could be here for the both of us to see him graduate."
LaSee’s story is the kind of story that resonates far beyond geography and where one physically earns their college degree.
“I’m excited to see our six-year-old son, Arlo, watch Jeff get his diploma at commencement because he’ll understand what all the hard work has been for and hopefully feel inspired for his own future,” said Pennoyer.
All UW-Platteville’s students bring value to the university community, whether they’re in classrooms daily or taking another path. However, LaSee’s story reflects the very spirit of what commencement is about: perseverance, family, love and legacy.