User:Prlitecky/Most Famous Alum, University of Wisconsin Superior

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). 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. Schwarzenegger agreed to the offer because he wanted to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree. 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.”

When, in 1979, at age 31, the actor and bodybuilder began his studies UW-Superior,, 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,, 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. Additional degree credits had, upon admission, been provided by UW-Superior for Schwartenzegger's "life experience as a fitness expert."

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, though he occasionally came to Superior for personal visits with professors, to take exams, and to conduct workshops. It took the Hollywood star less than a year to complete all of his degree requirements. He graduated in May, 1980.

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.