Student Profiles: Matt Lennert

Matt Lennert has already had a successful career, but something had been pressing at him for years: he hadn't ever completed his bachelor's degree. "I always felt 'less-than,'" he says. "Over the years, it built up and I finally decided I had to go back [to school]."

Matt Lennert

Matt had completed several programs at various art schools around the country, but he felt like he was missing out on the college experience so many people enjoy in their early 20s. He decided the only way to do it was to start at the very beginning. He enrolled in community college courses near where he lived in California. Once he'd completed 90 credits there, he started looking for a university at which he could complete his degree.

He started out studying graphic design. After all, he spent 20 years working in design and photography. However, he quickly discovered a passion for history and political science, and decided to veer in that direction.

"I had the GPA to get into almost any program I wanted," he says, "but the EDP was perfect for me … [because] I didn't have to choose between history or political science majors like I would have in other schools. The social sciences degree [through the UW Evening Degree Program] let me take classes in both subjects, as well as law and communication."

Most of all, though, he was thrilled with the opportunity to complete his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, while continuing to work at a job he loves. Now, at the age of 40, he's working on a double major in social science and communication, with a double minor in history and political science. He's also enjoying the college experience and camaraderie, joining his classmates at football games and other activities.

Once he's finished his bachelor's program, Matt intends to earn a master's degree and pursue an academic path that will allow him to use his talents and interests in screenwriting, history and law. Whatever he chooses to do, he's excited about continuing to be engrossed in learning.

"Coming to school is the best part of [my] day," he says. "It never fails; I get in my seat and within five minutes, my mind is on fire. I feel alive and inspired."

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