Daily Pioneer News

Derek Lorbiecki of West Bend, will graduate from UWP with degrees in criminal justice and geography.

PLATTEVILLE-Spending four and one-half years intrigued by cartography, studying cultural geography, urban development and other topics in geography, Derek Lorbiecki has finalized the map of his college career at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and begun mapping his future in the geographical information systems (GIS) industry.

Lorbiecki, a West Bend native, will graduate from UW-Platteville with degrees in Criminal Justice and Geography.

Lorbiecki originally came to UW-Platteville in pursuit of a degree in criminal justice.

"I wanted to become a police officer, but later realized that I wasn't as drawn to the field as I had originally thought. I changed my focus to geographical information systems," said Lorbiecki.

Lorbiecki wants to start his career with a job in geographical information systems (GIS) or cartography, eventually becoming a GIS manager or senior systems analyst in GIS. Geographical Information Systems consist of computer mapping, urban planning and other elements of design. He plans to move wherever he can find a job, but would eventually like to return to his roots in the midwest.

In his free time, Lorbiecki enjoys camping, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing and generally spending time outdoors. While at UWP, Lorbiecki played football for the Pioneers and held a variety of part-time jobs during his college career.

He offered advice to underclassmen and those considering attending college.

"Nothing is set in stone. Just because you belong to a certain group or major doesn't mean that you can't change," advised Lorbiecki. "One year of your life in the grand scheme of things doesn't make a whole lot of difference." Lorbiecki's motto, or way of thinking through college has been "don't worry about the small things, brush it off and move on."

"I received an overall excellent education," said Lorbiecki. "I didn't feel like I was a number at UWP."

For Lorbiecki, graduation means his contribution to society on a professional level.