Ken Ogorzalek
A college schedule is quite demanding, but balancing soccer and academics never seemed to be a problem for me. I always loved the challenge. For four years, I played on UWM’s Division I NCAA soccer team while maintaining a 3.8 GPA as a civil engineering student. All of my time spent traveling on the bus for away-games was devoted to studying and homework. The other guys on the team teased me, calling me nicknames like "The Professor." But these names were given through respect for my hard work, only to inspire me more. I also rubbed off on many of my teammates, like I was their father figure for academics. Without the support of the team, my professors, and loved ones, I would not be as successful in my academic and athletic endeavors. My professors in particular helped me succeed. When class topics were unclear to me, I knew I could go to them, and they would make every effort to keep me up-to-date. I highly value the personal relationships I have with many professors - not only as teachers, but as friends.
"For four years, I played on UWM’s Division I NCAA soccer team while maintaining a 3.8 GPA as a civil engineering student."
Ken Ogorzalek, Civil Engineering
Why I chose UWM: I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and I had the opportunity to play with one of the best soccer teams in the Midwest region. When I visited UWM it gave me a personal feeling unlike a larger school, and I went with my instinct. To this day, I have no regrets.
My most influential experience in the college: The research I conduced with Dr. Chris Papadopolous. I worked with him one-on-one for two semesters. We researched theories to model a real-life cable and then tested our theory in a computer program and with an experimental model. I learned a great deal from Chris, but he’s also a professor I could go out and have dinner with. I definitely see us keeping in touch in the future.
What I see myself doing in the future: I am seeking research funding from the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program through the National Science Foundation. I am interested in structural research and potentially focusing on earthquake engineering. Ultimately, with this background, the ideal job for me would be designing bridges.
