Daily Pioneer News

Evan Stanek, UWP 2003 December graduate.

PLATTEVILLE - Becoming involved, meeting new people, making friends and finding one's place in life is what attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is all about according to UWP student Evan Stanek.

Stanek, originally from Gordon, is a senior graduating in December with a major in electrical engineering and an emphasis in communications and electronics, and power.

Stanek originally chose to enroll at UWP for numerous reasons. Attending an in-state institution with an affordable tuition rate was important to Stanek. UWP also offered an exceptional engineering program and was located far enough away from home for Stanek to find his own place.

"I am glad I came [to UWP]," Stanek said. "It never crossed my mind to transfer. I found my place and my group of friends."

During his four and a half years at UWP, Stanek has been involved in numerous organizations and activities. For three years, he has been a member of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society, and has served as corresponding secretary for four semesters. This position has left him responsible for keeping members informed of various events through email and other methods, updating the organization's web page and other assorted activities.

Staying involved with his major, Stanek has been involved with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Stanek has also committed numerous hours as a volunteer at the UWP campus radio station, WSUP. When he first joined the staff, Stanek performed the functions of technical operations. Since then, he has spent the last four semesters on the music staff and currently hosts a Wednesday night show titled, "The Upbeats and Beatdowns", featuring the tri-states best Ska and punk music genres.

Becoming involved off-campus has also been a large part of Stanek's college career. While attending UWP, Stanek has been a member of Intervarsity Leadership. Through this organization, he has participated in several outreach programs including a trip to Tepic, Mexico and the inner city of Milwaukee.

Playing in a band has also been a part of Stanek's experiences at UWP. After learning how to play bass guitar, Stanek became a member of the band, Faraday. Stanek said that being able to play in a band and having a crowd of people show up to play in front of was a lot of fun and has become one of his favorite memories.

"If you make the effort to get involved, you can meet people, make friends and find your place," Stanek said.

Stanek's parents reside in Gordon with the family dog, Dusty. His brother currently attends missionary school in Kansas City, Kan.