During the week leading up to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, “Milwaukee Independent” documented Crowley’s intense balancing act, capturing moments that blended the responsibilities of public office with the pressures of completing a college degree.
Between December 10 and 15, Milwaukee Independent followed Crowley through a series of daily engagements, including policy meetings, community visits, and study sessions. Crowley, who served as Milwaukee County’s top elected official while finishing his coursework, had maintained a packed schedule that seldom relented.
These images offer a behind-the-scenes look into the overlapping worlds he navigated, one requiring civic leadership as he met with advisors and constituents by day, and the other demanding academic focus as he attended classes and reviewed lecture notes by evening.
As an adult learner and a public figure, Crowley juggled policy deadlines, political demands, and family duties that extended well beyond a typical student workload. His personal story also highlighted how education does not always follow a linear trajectory, and how community leaders continue their growth through the learning process.
The photo essay provides an authentic look at those final days, just before Crowley’s graduation, and the ceremonial highlights of his academic achievement. The collection of images attempts to show a leader managing the County’s business, connecting with the community, and his campus studies.
It was precisely this duality — the public official and the student — that made Crowley’s final days before commencement so noteworthy. Milwaukee Independent’s documentation presents an unfiltered portrayal of a person striving to finish a long-held personal goal while upholding the responsibilities of a public position. The images underscore that success.
An extensive interview with County Executive David Crowley can be found separately that shares personal insights into his academic journey.
Crowley received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on December 15. As the personal milestone was finally reached and celebrated in the public space, “Milwaukee Independent” was a witness to the event and Crowley’s work over those proceeding days. It would be the last time for his academic pursuit to take place against the schedule of his professional responsibilities.
The experience, captured in candid images, underscores his belief that learning, service, and leadership could be intertwined, even under the most demanding conditions. That philosophy, combined with the words Crowley delivered during his Commencement Addresses at UW-Milwaukee and MATC, also serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and education.
Highlights from his keynote speeches are included here as an inspiration for others to pursue their goals while contributing to their communities.
PERSEVERANCE AND RESILIENCE
“You, the Class of 2024, are a testament to resilience. You began your higher education journey during one of the most challenging periods in modern history—the onset of a global pandemic. Yet, through uncertainty, setbacks, and immense pressure, you persevered. You are here today because you refused to let anything hold you back. This is your moment, not just to celebrate, but to reflect on the power you’ve discovered within yourselves. Together, let us honor the resilience that brought us here and imagine the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.”
RETURNING TO EDUCATION
“I’ve always believed in the power of education, but today — today, I’m living proof that it’s never too late to go back to school and chase your dreams. But it takes a village to accomplish big things, and I’m truly grateful for everyone in my life who has helped get me here today. I still remember walking into class for the first time as a returning student—sweaty, anxious, the feeling of being old. Constantly asking myself, ‘Why did I do this?’ It was a challenge juggling family, County government, and school work all at once. But I am here because I have one of the greatest support systems anyone could have asked for.”
REFLECTING ON HIS UPBRINGING
“My story, like so many of yours, is one of perseverance. I was raised in Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code, which is notoriously one of the most under-invested communities with the highest percentage of incarcerated Black men in the entire country. My family faced evictions, unstable housing, mental health challenges, and addiction. But as I look into the crowd today, I’m reminded that I’m not the only one who has endured challenges along the way. There are countless people who need to hear that they can rise above their circumstances and succeed.”
HIS FATHER’S WISDOM
“When I was a kid, my dad told me, ‘Everything you know, I can fit on the smallest corner of a piece of paper, and everything you don’t know, I can fill the ocean with.’ And honestly, when I was younger, the answers weren’t always clear. And one of the things I definitely didn’t know was what the heck he meant by that. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized you don’t know what you don’t know, so it’s important to never stop learning. And I’ve learned that it’s not enough for people to just hear the words ‘you can do it’ – they need to see it in action.”
BOUNCING BACK FROM FAILURE
“In 2016, I lost my first election. But I didn’t let that setback define me. I got back up, rallied alongside my loved ones, and ran for office again. I was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly later that year. In 2019, an opportunity to make a bigger impact on my community presented itself. All I could remember was something a local leader, Dr. Howard Fuller, said to me when I was a teenager: ‘Sometimes you have to leap before you look.’ And you know what? I did. And on May 4th of 2020, I was sworn in as the youngest Milwaukee County Executive in history, becoming the first African American elected to the role.”
WHY EDUCATION MATTERS
“The truth is our community is only as strong as the investment it makes in its people. And that investment pays off in ways we may not see today, but we will see in the future. To the people of Milwaukee County—whether you’re graduating today or you’re still a few years away from walking across this stage—I want to say this: you have the power and the resilience to make your dreams a reality. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been through, or what challenges lie ahead of you. If you work hard, if you believe in yourself, and if you commit to pushing forward, you can achieve anything. Never give up, because your dreams matter.”
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
“As many of you know, being a parent comes with a great sense of responsibility. For me, it’s about ensuring my three daughters see firsthand that no goal is too big, no dream is too far-fetched, and no challenge is too tough to overcome. When I decided to return to school, I wanted my kids to know that it’s okay to start over, to reinvent yourself, and to challenge yourself—even when life feels overwhelming. All I want is to be the person they look up to and say, ‘If my dad can do it, I can do it too.’ For all the parents here today, whether you’re receiving a degree or cheering on your loved ones, I know you understand this feeling. You’re not just earning a degree for yourself; you’re doing it for the next generation.”
ADDRESSING EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY
“It’s imperative we keep working to end the stigmas, the biases, and the assumptions about the ability of people to return to school, particularly at an older age in life. Because look, it should not be this hard. It should not be this difficult to receive a high-quality education in our nation. More people—from all walks of life—should have access to the tools that guide us to success. And frankly, opportunity should not be as rare as it has become today, especially for our most vulnerable. No matter how many degrees you have… our respective levels of education should not divide us—they should bring us together and make our state better.”
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
“From early childhood education, to our K-12 schools, to higher education, to workforce development, mentorship, financial aid, and so much more… we must invest in our people. Because it’s not enough to simply talk about education—we need to invest in it at all levels. The truth is our community is only as strong as the investment it makes in its people. And that investment pays off in ways we may not see today, but we will see in the future.”
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“Success isn’t just about what we achieve for ourselves; it’s about how we use our success to lift others up. President Teddy Roosevelt once said, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ Every one of us is here because someone believed in us, supported us, or gave us an opportunity. Now it’s your turn. Be the mentor, the advocate, the community leader who ensures that others have the chance to succeed. Let your legacy be one of giving back, building bridges, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.”
SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN A TIME OF MISINFORMATION
“At a time when misinformation is rampant… And at a time when the truth is questioned by many, including those who are in power… Don’t give up on seeking the truth. Because the one thing we all know is… Truth IS power. As you leave this place today, carry with you the belief that you can—and that you will—make a difference. I know that every day is not easy. I understand the complicated moment we find ourselves in this country. And I recognize it’s going to take real work to help many in our communities heal and find their light.”
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
“The world awaits your brilliance. Be bold in the face of challenges. Be kind in the face of differences. Be curious in the face of uncertainty. The future belongs to those who dare to shape it. We all have the ability to create the life we want and to help others along the way. You’ve already proven your strength, your courage, and your resilience. Now, it’s time to take that energy into the world. To the Class of 2024, may your legacy be one of courage, compassion, and endless curiosity. Congratulations! The best is yet to come!”
