![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2022\/04\/John-Riordan_250x300.jpg\")
\u201cThe Master of Science in taxation really embodied all the things I wanted to learn about the business side of the law. That\u2019s what made me pursue it,\u201d Riordan said. \u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to do this. It was a lifetime dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
After working for two major pharmaceutical companies and serving on pension boards in several countries around the world, Riordan came to UWM in 2012. His two daughters were grown and out of the house, so he and his wife decided it was time. He drove from northern Illinois three or four nights a week to attend class and persevered through medical issues that interrupted his studies at times.<\/p>\n
Once he completed a certificate program in state and local taxation law at UWM, he pursued the master\u2019s degree in taxation. (That program is no longer offered at UWM.)<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t mind the drive except when it was snowing, I-94 was under construction and there were a lot of trucks. I\u2019d just get out of the way and hope for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of the students and some of his professors were younger than him, but Riordan didn\u2019t blink at that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really liked the instructors,\u201d Riordan said. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t just read the tax law; you\u2019d have to come to class and apply it. That\u2019s a real education.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the pandemic hit as he was nearing the finish, he was disappointed but not fazed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always believed that it\u2019s not how many times you get knocked down, it\u2019s how many times you get up that counts.\u201d<\/p>\n
He appreciated the efforts faculty made when the pandemic hit, switching to virtual classes. \u201cI would absolutely endorse UWM as an excellent school,\u201d Riordan said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2022\/04\/Kachellek_250x300.jpg\")