“The Unbreakable Bond That Guided Us Through This Journey”

Parkside grad and wife depart war-torn Sudan to earn degrees

The story of Osman Mukhtar, a recent UW-Parkside MBA graduate, and his wife, Rua Mohamed, is one of unwavering resilience and strong partnership. Both originally from Sudan, they recently reached significant milestones, with Osman earning his MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside this December and Rua completing her medical residency at Advocate Masonic Illinois Medical Center in the summer.

Their story is one of overcoming adversity, driven by love, determination, and the shared dream of building a better life for their family.

In May 2021, the couple made the difficult decision to leave Sudan, a country torn by political instability and war. Rua, a dedicated doctor, received an opportunity to pursue her medical residency in the United States in May 2021, a moment that would change their lives forever.

“My wife, a dedicated doctor, had long envisioned coming to the United States to pursue her residency,” Osman said. “Rua received her match result, which became a pivotal moment for us. We made the difficult decision to leave Sudan and pursue opportunities in the United States.”

While Rua arrived in the U.S. in July 2021 to begin her residency, Osman remained in Sudan, dealing with the deep impact of a personal loss. In August 2021, his mother passed away from COVID-19.

“Her loss was devastating and one of the most painful experiences of my life,” Osman said. “It was a challenging period, as I grappled with grief while ensuring that I stayed focused on our family’s plans for a better future."

In January 2022, Osman and their son, Yassin, reunited with Rua in the United States. They started a new chapter, facing the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country. As Rua pursued her medical residency, Osman began contemplating further education.

“A few months after arriving, I shared with Rua the idea of furthering my education,” he said. “She liked the idea and began encouraging me to take a bold step and return to school. Her unwavering belief in my potential motivated me to navigate the unfamiliar academic system.”

Osman, a seasoned engineer, pursued an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics at UW-Parkside. Despite adapting to an online education system, he found inspiration and strength in Rua’s own determination.

“I used my technical skills to assist her in organizing Excel data and preparing PowerPoint presentations, while her discipline and focus inspired me to tackle my studies with greater determination," he said. "She found many of the case studies in my MBA classes, particularly those exploring the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, very engaging and relevant to her own work in healthcare."

As Osman navigated his MBA coursework, his first experience at UW-Parkside left a lasting impression.

“My most memorable moment was my first day of class at UW-Parkside. As I logged into the online platform, I realized I was beginning an exciting journey of personal and professional growth. It set the tone for the rest of my time at Parkside,” he reflected.

The Mukhtar family's journey was further tested by the war that began in Sudan on April 15, 2023.

“The war reduced our home and city to ruins and impacted nearly 80% of Sudan,” he said. “It uprooted millions, leaving families torn apart and futures uncertain. For us, it meant not only losing the physical place we called home but also a profound emotional loss. The conflict made it clear that the decision to leave had been the right one.”

Despite these challenges, Osman found academic growth at UW-Parkside, particularly in a key class.

“Dr. Xue Ning had a significant impact on me,” Osman said. “The course, Technologies for Data Analytics, was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to refine my skills. Dr. Ning’s teaching style and guidance helped me build confidence in applying these tools to solve real-world data challenges. UW-Parkside provided me with a strong foundation.”

The Dec. 14, 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony at UW-Parkside was a cumulation of achievement and overcoming tremendous hardships for Osman and his family, and he expressed his appreciation for the support and encouragement found at UW-Parkside as he completed his MBA.

“This year, we both achieved our dreams," Osman said. "Graduating together in the same year is a testament to our love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond that guided us through this journey. It’s about the power of partnership and the belief that together, we can overcome any obstacle. Celebrating our achievements this year is a moment we’ll cherish forever—proof that with determination, love, and resilience, even the most ambitious dreams can come true.”

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national, and global communities. We are a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. The campus serves as a premier comprehensive public institution and a destination of choice, serving as a focal point of local, regional, and global progress.

Media contact:

Scott Rudie
Executive Director of Communication and Marketing
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
rudie@uwp.edu | (262) 300-9549