In May, 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger received his bachelor’s degree in international marketing of fitness and business administration from the University of Wisconsin Superior (UW-Superior).[1][2] the California movie star took interest in the the northwestern Wisconsin campus when Rhea S. Das, now-retired professor of psychology at UW-Superior, invited him to come as a "guest lecturer." One thing led to another, and the university encouraged him to come and get a degree while serving the campus as a "cooperating faculty member," a position that enabled the university to offer Schwarzenegger in-state tution. [1][2] Schwarzenegger agreed to the offer because he wanted to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree.[1][2] As he said in the General Essay, included in his application for admission, “An important part of my life philosophy is to finish everything I start.”[3]
When, in 1979, at age 31, the actor and bodybuilder began his studies UW-Superior,[1][2], he had a good start on his degree. Between 1970 and 1975, he had already been a student at Santa Monica College and at the University of California Los Angeles,[2][1], where he had completed 88 credits of class work, yet had been unable to complete his degree because of promotional tours and his film career.[3] Additional degree credits had, upon admission, been provided by UW-Superior for Schwartenzegger's "life experience as a fitness expert."[1][2]
An Extended Degree Program student at UW-Superior, Schwarzenegger studied by way of by way of snail mail correspondence,{cite book|last1=Schwarzenegger|first1=Arnold|title=Letter to Carolyn A. Petroske|date=March 26, 1980|location=University of Wisconsin,[4] though he occasionally came to Superior for personal visits with professors, to take exams, and to conduct workshops.[2][1] It took the Hollywood star less than a year to complete all of his degree requirements. He graduated in May, 1980.[2][1]
Schwarzenegger last visited his alma mater in 1996, when he accepted an honorary doctoral degree for his efforts on behalf of the Special Olympics and Inner City Games.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Finkelmeyer, Todd. "Campus Connection: Superior List of Famous Alumni?". Madison.com. Madison.com. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Leeds, Jeff; Bates, James. "A Degree of Fame for Each". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ a b Schwarzenegger, Arnold. General Essay. University of Wisconsin Superior Special Collections, University Archives.
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