UWO alumnus: When higher education opens doors - UW-Oshkosh Today

October 13, 2026 - 01:57

Phil Hanegraaf, a 1981 graduate, built a distinguished career in urban and transportation planning before retiring. His path through higher education was not straightforward, though. For years he struggled with an undiagnosed learning disability that made reading and writing unusually difficult. He did not know the source of his frustration until he visited the Campus Success Center.

That visit changed everything. Staff at the center recognized signs of dyslexia and helped him understand how his brain processed language. With proper support and accommodations, Hanegraaf found strategies that allowed him to keep pace with his coursework. The assistance did not lower standards. It gave him tools to meet them.

He credits that moment with opening doors he once thought were closed. After graduation, he went on to work on complex projects involving city planning and public transit systems. The skills he developed while learning to manage his dyslexia, such as persistence, creative problem solving, and self advocacy, served him throughout his career.

Hanegraaf now speaks about his experience to encourage students who face similar challenges. He points out that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a practical step toward success. His story highlights how campus resources can transform a student's confidence and future. For those who feel stuck, he offers a simple message: support exists, and it can make a lasting difference.