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Lechner aims to graduate, finally
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Also by Kate Maternowski:
- In-Depth: United by the outcome, divided by the process (September 21, 2006)
- In-Depth: 'We Conserve' shines light on campus conservation issues (September 28, 2006)
Related Stories:
- UW names new associate dean (February 5, 2007)
- Tuition hike draws ire (March 21, 2007)
- Staying in state could be money (December 12, 2006)
- Officials question existence of alleged 'brain drain' (March 26, 2007)
- Judge releases UW audit (December 6, 2005)
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by Kate Maternowski
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The term "super senior" is an understatement for Johnny Lechner.
After 12 years of college, the 29-year-old is primed to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater this semester —with three majors and three minors under his belt.
"What's not to like about college?" he asked. "The schedule's laid back, you're around all kinds of educated people. And we're all just broke college kids, too. It's not like the real world."
While Lechner boasts about the education he has received — his studies include theater, communication, liberal studies, health, women's studies and education — what really keeps him at UW-Whitewater is the social scene.
"I'm 29, but I'm lucky enough that I look young, feel young and have a young personality," he said. "I can definitely keep up here. In fact, I'm usually the one throwing the party."
The UW-Whitewater campus is the perfect size, Lechner said, and its underlying party atmosphere allows him to do some of his favorite things, which include "going out, cooking out and rocking out."
But within his extended stay at the university, Lechner has accomplished more than just extensive partying.
His proud accomplishments include a string of about seven years without a grade lower than a B, writing a play that was performed at the university, working as a university special-events coordinator, serving as the program coordinator for the Women's Center and founding the organization Men Against Sexual Assault and Violence.
With all he has done, Lechner maintains he would like to stay longer if he could.
"I'm just broke," he said. "I've got no more money. Trust me, if I had the money, I'd stay longer."
But after the Board of Regents passed what Lechner calls the "slacker tax," his bills began mounting even faster.
The tax doubles full-time tuition for UW System students who exceed 165 credits, or amass 30 more credits than their degree requires.
Since Lechner boasts approximately 250 college credits, what many have dubbed "The Johnny Lechner Rule" has been taxing on his wallet.
His name being unofficially tacked onto the System's rule is just a portion of the attention he received from his extended college stay; appearances on "Good Morning America" and "The David Letterman Show" have also boosted his celebrity status.
UW-Whitewater spokesperson Sara Kuhl said while Lechner is just one of many university members to receive national attention, the 12-year student has brought positive attention to the campus.
But Richard Brooks, professor and advisor at UW-Whitewater, was not as happy with Lechner's lengthy stay, as Brooks encouraged his advisee to finish up earlier, but noted he can "understand how [Lechner's] celebrity opportunity has distracted him."
Visits with Brooks, Lechner said, were particularly tough because it was like "having to convince my dad."
But the stay has been worth it, especially considering all the changes Lechner has witnessed as the years have gone by.
And according to Lechner, he has seen many transformations in the college scene since his long-gone freshman days.
"I started college in 1994, and it was before the Internet," he said. "I remember how different things were. Doors were all open, people were all just hanging out … and there was only one computer on the floor. People were just doing more stuff rather than goofing around on the computer. Sometimes now it's like pulling teeth to get people to come out."
But Lechner maintains the ever-changing environment, new faces every year and a never-ending list of things to do makes him love just where he is at.
So what is in the works for the soon-to-be graduate?
"That's a good question," he laughed.
While he has already been offered a job by National Lampoon, Lechner is considering other possibilities, like pursuing his music career, writing a book about his experiences and finishing a screenplay project.
"But who knows? I may end up working at McDonald's next week," he joked.
What Lechner does know is that he really wants nothing more than to stay at UW-Whitewater.
With a donation link on his website titled to his name, Lechner hopes to receive enough money to continue on for another year, but admits his college career is likely to wrap up in the next couple weeks.
"Unless some sort of miracle happens, yes, I am graduating this year," he said.
Graduation or not, one thing Lechner knows is set in stone: the party.
Anonymous (April 20, 2006 @ 12:27pm):
What I don't understand is the new policy. Who in the world is this hurting? If someone wants to take classes the rest of his/her life, where's the harm? They're learning. They're contributing in the sense of helping, even mentoring other students. When senior citizens do this, we call it Elderhostel or "lifelong learning" and rave about what a great thing it is.
From the university's point of view, this guy's a cash cow: Money coming in to the U, but hardly anything going out. He's proven he's a successful student, doesn't need remedial work, etc. Covey would call this "win-win."
The ONLY negative factors I can envision--neither of which seem to pertain here--would be:
1. If he's keeping others from getting a certain class necessary to graduate. Not the case, apparently.
2. There's an argument to be made from a student development point of view: that this individual needs a little push, that his development is being neglected. Nonetheless, people still have free will and can make a free choice, even if it's "wrong."
I say good for him!
Anonymous (April 20, 2006 @ 6:39pm):
Yeah, but it's Whitewater, not Madison. I could probably get three majors and three minors from Whitewater in four years.
Ryan Scannell (April 20, 2006 @ 6:55pm):
I strongly disagree with the above anonymous comment. Wisconsin taxpayers subsidize UW tuition. By staying in college for so long, Lechner has unnecessarily cost the taxpayers extra money. Lechner is not a "cash cow," as the above commentor argues. Rather, he is a strain on the UW System. Wisconsin taxpayers pay for a considerable portion of the UW System with the intent that students will graduate in 4-5 years.
If Lechner wants to be a perpetual student, a real life Van Wilder, then he should go to a private school instead of a public school. Nevertheless, I bet Lechner would be an interesting guy to meet.
Anonymous (April 21, 2006 @ 1:11pm):
Enough of the high-road garbage. If you're going to come down on someone for staying in school for 12 years, what of the person in there for 12 minutes, drugged up and flunked out? The drain, in the end, is the same - like it or not. I'd rather someone with a 'B' average do what he wants than have a flunky with no average be forced to do what he doesn't want. I say kudos to Sarge - question authority and refuse conformity. Folks like RS apparently prefer you not think on your own but instead be driven by the worry of being a "drain". -CP
Anonymous (April 21, 2006 @ 2:37pm):
How about graduate school for another 12?
Anonymous (April 21, 2006 @ 5:43pm):
The bottom line is, if you go to a university for 12 years and end up with nothing more than bachelor's degrees, you are a failure.
Anonymous (April 21, 2006 @ 7:05pm):
Hey John! Why don't you think about working in admissions promoting the college? That way you can stay in the environment you like and ACTUALLY GET PAID DOING IT!
It's fun, you can still be around students!
OR, be an RA (Resident Advisor)...or some type of coordinator...I'll bet you could still take continuing ed classes to continue your ongoing learning process :-) You could probably pay out of pocket for them vs. borrowing more money if you have income as well.
Keep your creative energy flowing! You don't have to give into the "typical" role of a 29 yr. old..but what is typical anyway?
Be YOUNG as long as you dream to be young. Age is a number, LIFE is the accumulation of experiences we have.
You might just want to move somewhere new, as each new place you go will broaden your horizons...Whitewater may actually be stifling you ..perhaps it's a safey net, and safety gets boring...you did try many things while you were there, good for you, but PLEASE remember that it's only when you step outside of the box that you can really discover what you're worth!
BEST TO YOU! Good luck in all of your other endeavors.
James Kloehn (April 21, 2006 @ 11:21pm):
Bah. I've known Johhny for a few years now. One thing I can say is that if Johnny thought what he was doing was hurting someone, he wouldn't have done it. I think reality did set in when he realized he was eating up student loan dollars, which is why he stopped using them a few semesters back. I never met a friendlier person on the UW-W campus, and I feel strongly that he has helped far more people there than those he has hurt. Johnny was right about one thing, he will probably be working at McDonalds next week... or the Olive Garden if they'll take him back!
Anonymous (April 24, 2006 @ 4:13pm):
This guy seems like he is living the life. The life of a pedophile!! Get a job and enter the world you pervert.
Anonymous (April 24, 2006 @ 11:03pm):
Most of the people who go to college and live on campus are at least 18. some people start college at 16 or 17, but that's usually the acception and not the rule. there's nothing in the article that suggests that Lechner was staying on at the university to prey on young girls, anyway, so I think that the above comment is in bad taste, not to mention unfounded.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 2:55am):
nice work fist on son! by the fistfull! keep fisten!
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 8:24am):
that kid is an idiot
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 9:38am):
Why doesn't he go to graduate school? If you get funding or TA, it's mostly free...
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 9:46am):
Why would you not go on to get a Masters Degree or a Ph.D.?
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 10:14am):
Johnny, you are the best, how about a rusty trombone party later this week???
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 10:14am):
As a professional student with 7 years of college, I would urge him to continue on as long as he likes. One can never have enough knowledge.
Dara Fann
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 11:03am):
As Johnny is required to pay the out of state tuition rate, he is not a drain on anyone.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 11:22am):
www.johnnyLechner.com is such an incredible website. I just spent the first half of my work day browsing through it and dreaming I was still in college. Lechner is pure hero material. Wherever he goes, I shall follow...
nater kane (April 25, 2006 @ 11:25am):
van wilder anyone?
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 12:16pm):
Can't he find some kind of employment with the University that would allow him to stay in a different role? Sounds like he'd make a pretty good advisor or professor to me!
Sherry Stevens (April 25, 2006 @ 12:21pm):
I think that what Johnny did was great. So what is he used alittle more of the peoples tax dollars. There are so many people in the world today that have the ablity to go to college and do great things. This young man just decided to stay alittle longer than the rest, he has a GREAT education that will get him far in the world today. It's not like he just sat around all day doing nothing. Look at his achivements not the time spend. I say GOOD JOB young man...may you have great luck in whatever career path you choose weather you work at a fast-food place or you write a noble peace prize book.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 12:25pm):
hes taking up space for other new students and straining the UW system. the state is billions in debt, he was oblivious to the hurt he is doing. I would not call him malicious, but seriously, I agree with the person who said he could be an RA or something. There are TONS of jobs on campuses where you connect with hundreds of students, you get paid and the state isn't subsidizing your education. The problem is worse at madison, where competition to get in is really tight, so they want people in and out. Not sure what whitewater is, but i'm betting its pretty much the same. UW schools are great and a great deal, let another poor kid get in and get his chance.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 1:00pm):
What a freaking loser.....
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 1:13pm):
loser!!!
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 2:30pm):
Timmy Johnson says hello
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 3:36pm):
With mind-numbingly easy majors such as theater, communication, liberal studies, health, women's studies and education, Johnny does not have "a great education that will get him far in the world today" unless he plans to be a teacher. I mean, c'mon -- liberal studies? That's like majoring in high school!
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 5:13pm):
two words, man: GRAD SCHOOL. I been in grad school since 1994. College, it's a way of life, though I'll get the Ph.D. in 2007, but then I got the life of a professor to look forward to...
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 9:07pm):
12 years and only 250 college credits? In four years a student *should* have at least 124 credits. He took an average of a little over 10 credits a semester?! What a slacker. He should have closer to 372 credits.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 9:37pm):
That mo fo is a crack up! - jamie
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 10:25pm):
This guy's a piker. I had a cousin, a fellow named Cyrus Butt, dead lo these many years, who remained as a student at the Madison Campus for about 40 years. The deal was that he had a trust fund that supported him as long as he was in college, soooooo.... In his case, he completed his degree. He completed a number of them, in fact, including a law degree. I suspect that there are still a few people in Madison who remembr him, because he became very much a local character.
Doc
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 11:41pm):
He still did not get a way to make a living. Dumb ass!
Anonymous (April 26, 2006 @ 12:20am):
one kid staying 12 years is not going to hurt the taxpayers, jackass
Anonymous (April 26, 2006 @ 4:40am):
noble???
Anonymous (April 26, 2006 @ 1:41pm):
Heh heh, more power to Johnny. I wish I would've stayed in uni for a bit longer than 8 semesters. College life really is the best time in a person's life. Those who don't go onto higher education can't really begin to understand the huge opportunity to experience a fun and care-free, apart from the finances but there are student loans!, lifestyle that only exists around college campuses.
Hey Johnny, ever heard of a Master's or a Ph.D.? You want to be around college students you would do well to go on and get a Master's then a Ph.D. and then become a college prof. That has to be one of the best professions out there...
Anonymous (April 26, 2006 @ 7:02pm):
um, you must mean "may you have great luck in whatever career path you choose WHETHER you work at a fast-food place or you write a NOBEL peace prize book."
Anonymous (April 26, 2006 @ 10:52pm):
Go Johnny Go!!!!
Anonymous (April 27, 2006 @ 1:59pm):
Has he never heard of Graduate School? With all that time and effort he could have gotten a graduate degree and had an actual shot at having a decent career.
Anonymous (April 29, 2006 @ 12:54pm):
glad he enjoyed himself and i hope he is able to get on with his life.
but you just need to grow up. he needs to get on with his life. i think he had a good run, but now its time to get a job and settle down, meet a special someone, have children, be part of a society.
people say you're a friendly guy and don't like to hurt people, so i think your twelve years at a university was a good influence.
good luck in life
D H (April 30, 2006 @ 9:08am):
"he has a GREAT education that will get him far in the world today"
He is graduating barely having a 3.0 with majors in theater, communications, and liberal studies. He also has minors in pre-school education, health education, and women's studies to fall back on from a second rate state school. Most of his accomplishments are matched in 4 years by people in any of the above majors and then they still have another 8 years to contribute in another way. If it all works out for him great but most likely when he's 40 has no savings and no career he will look back at his college days with sadness.
Anonymous (April 30, 2006 @ 10:08am):
Lechner sounds like an interesting person, but I have no idea how 12 years in undergrad could be any fun. I spent about 5 1/2 years (changed my major late and picked up a minor) and was more than happy to leave. All my good friends had already moved on, and I felt that it was time I joined them. I can imagine that he could be a sort of all-wise mentor for some undergrads, and being in that revered position may add more appeal to his situation. I hope that all this publicity helps or has helped his transition into the job market. Like the saying goes, "there's no such thing as bad publicity".
june simms (May 1, 2006 @ 4:36pm):
I don't understand the problem or why this young man requires headline news. I just isn't news. I know several young men and women who have been going to college for many years and haven't yet earned a degree. I know a male - age 30 who doesn't expect to graduate for another year or two. A female I know is age 28 and is a junior. She's looking toward graduation by the time she is 31. Both of them use grants, loans, and work in order to pay the bills. I do know both of them are school junkies and love to keep on learning. And some of their friends are in the same category - permanent students. Do they party and have fun. Like Lechner, yes, they do. But then those of us who have graduated long time ago - well, I'm always up for a party. One doesn't need to be a college student for that! LOL
Anonymous (May 1, 2006 @ 7:07pm):
thats great...all that her learned but man the attention he is getting, come on. i graduated in 5 years: 2 majors a president of an organization and a member of another, an internship and another job, 160 credits...I could have easily did that in less time.
Anonymous (May 1, 2006 @ 7:14pm):
The comments I've heard from the media reporting on this have shown a clear cultural bias that his choice to enjoy the college lifestyle for a number of years was waste becuase he wasn't out working (ie, producing, consuming). It is clear America values its people for what they produce and consume. We are so dollar-oriented. There does not seem to be any significant expression from "the establishment" that quality of life is made up of other things as well. I think he made choices to enhance his quality of life. For him, the environment he was in, the friends he had, the lifestyle he could lead, led to a very high quality of life, much happiness, joy, personal fulfillment. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm sorry that we have to translate him into dollar signs and reduce that experience to taxpayer dollars and a balance sheet in order to relate to it. It's a shame that our great American culture has gotten so far from valuing any of the things that are really important. When all is said and done, whether he makes millions or stays in low-wage jobs for the rest of his life, he will die a happier, more fulfilled man for having taken the time to "smell the roses", to challenge his mind, to make so many wonderful friendships. I say "more power to him" and his detractors should "get a life"!
Anonymous (May 2, 2006 @ 2:56am):
I went to whitewater five years ago and it was still the same antics as today with Johnny Lechner...Nice guy...ok talent...
My biggest question is: Why spend 12 years in college and not make it worth it...meaning get your masters...doctorate?? He had time to really make something of himself. OR...how about giving back to the community by volunteering...or by raising money for something.
Sorry Johnny, you'll go be forgotten as soon as you graduate...the story ends there.
Anonymous (May 3, 2006 @ 10:06pm):
i've started to raise money for Lechner but it seems as if i won't be able to help out in time. Sorry buddy
Anonymous (May 4, 2006 @ 12:03am):
Johnny's a douche... end of story
Anonymous (May 5, 2006 @ 3:36pm):
yea and now hes gonna end his noble crusade by taking money from whoevers dumb enough to donate to his "college fund," I cant believe the media hasnt called him out on that, its almost as bad as "save toby."
Anonymous (May 10, 2006 @ 5:06pm):
The "slacker tax" seems to be geared at him when in reality many students that change their major could fall into the same situation. Also, what about double majors? Should I be ashamed that I got a double masters degree at a different university?
Karen
Anonymous (May 11, 2006 @ 2:57pm):
Johnny needs to GROW UP already! It's great that he is afforded the opportunity to go to college, but he is obviously afraid of getting out into the real world and establish himself. Selling belly button lint on E-bay is a tell-tale sign of his immaturity. Also, asking for donations from people to help HIS cause is very self-centered. NPD comes to my mind when I think about it. THanks for the venting room.
Anonymous (May 12, 2006 @ 7:18pm):
It's really a question of physical (and mental health). I wish I could be like Lechner, have the nice healthy body he has, and be able to do all those things at 29. Right now I'm 34 and due to severe physical ailments can no longer do all the fun stuff he does, so I say to him life is precious, don't let societal pressures distract you from what you love. Stay in school forever.
Anonymous (May 21, 2006 @ 3:30am):
To the person above who said that Johnny should be an RA, I have a response. He was an RA...twice as a matter of fact. And both times he was fired from his job.
Anonymous (May 25, 2006 @ 11:33am):
At least the bastard is happy, and I doubt that he will look back on his carefree youth and the amount of nubile poon he got as something to furl his brow about when he's 40. Everyone that's been hatin' on this dude is sorely jealous that they don't and didn't have the balls or ovaries to take the road less travelled. The man has accomplished a rare thing in this world, finding something that makes you happy and not f*ckin' it up. The fact that what makes him happy is not going to be available anymore as a lifestyle to him might be a pretty bad breakup, but since he knows how to be happy I doubt he'll have trouble finding his happy place somewhere else in the world. F*ckin' excelsior dude, do what makes you happy.
Anonymous (May 25, 2006 @ 3:27pm):
I know peeps that have been in school for 4 years and should be doctors by now but still dont even have a 2 year degree. At least this dude did something in that time span. Why is everyone bitchin bout him when there are worse things in the world then a dude whose been in school for 12 years?
