- Name:
- Nick Wagner
- Major:
- Environmental Engineering
- Year:
- Graduated May 2006
- Home:
- Howards Grove, WI
I chose to attend UWP primarily for the engineering program, but also for the "comfortable" atmosphere the university offers in all aspects of operations. From the classrooms and faculty/student interaction, to the dorms and on-campus activities, UWP reminded me of my hometown. I feel that choosing UWP to receive my career preparation is one of the smartest decisions I have made to date. The classroom development that UWP offers in conjunction with the "real world" experience of a co-op and internship gave me everything I need to jumpstart my career.
My co-op and internship provided me with hands-on experience with the design and construction of civil and environmental engineering projects. The projects that I had the opportunity to work on included investigating a sanitary sewer system, aiding in the design of a wastewater treatment facility, inspecting the construction of a water distribution facility, and many administrative, financial, and correspondence type tasks.
There is much more to college than classes, tests and papers. The experiences I gained throughout my time at UWP are priceless. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is the smartest thing anyone can do as an undergrad. The leadership opportunities, community involvement, and personal advancement that I gained from Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity alone is enough to justify the tuition bill.
As an environmental engineering student I had the opportunity to work on many independent study projects under the supervision of Dr. Mike Penn. These projects included a Wisconsin Sanitary Sewer User Charge Survey, an inflow and infiltration study for the city of Platteville's sanitary sewer collection system, and a study of phosphorus concentrations in farm cattle waste to determine potential treatment options. Dr. Penn has played an integral part in my, as well as many of my fellow students, educational success.
I have worked on campus as a Student Chef for 4 years now. Cooking is, and always will be, a passion of mine so getting paid to do it works out pretty nice for me. The campus job provided me more than the monies for rent and pocket change. It enhanced my leadership, organizational, and time management skills that I will use in my future endeavors.