Spring graduate Korey Garceau found a hub of opportunities at UW-Superior

For students, there can be just one or several reasons they choose to attend a university. For Korey Garceau, the University of Wisconsin-Superior checked all the right boxes.

“I chose to attend UW-Superior for its highly regarded transportation and logistics management program,” he said. “There are very few programs like it in the country and I really enjoyed the very personal, community-oriented feel of the university.”

UW-Superior’s unique location was also a factor for the Manitowoc, Wisconsin, native.

“Lake Superior was also a major draw as there is truly something special about living next to the Great Lakes, specifically the greatest of them all,” he said.

A transportation and logistics management major with a minor in Spanish, Garceau let his interests help to guide his area of study.

“I’ve always been drawn to the transportation industry, specifically the air and maritime sectors,” he said. “Early on, I found a hobby in taking photos of Great Lakes freighters, such as those which sail into Superior and Duluth daily. Because of this longtime interest, choosing my major was an easy decision.”

That decision turned out to be a great choice as UW-Superior’s small class sizes enabled Garceau to connect with both classmates and instructors.

“What I enjoyed most about my classes were the relationships I was able to form with my professors and classmates,” he said. “My professors took the time to get to know every student, and worked to create an experience in which each of us were best able to learn. Even outside of the classroom, our professors cared about us and only wanted the very best for their students.”

The relationship forged with his professors helped Garceau, who is president of the

Transportation and Logistics Club, secure two unique internship opportunities.

“Through the recommendations of my transportation and logistics management professors, I was able to secure internships in Milwaukee at Lake Express, LLC., and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority,” he said. “I worked in an operational setting at the former and an administrative setting at the latter. I feel that through these very different opportunities, my understanding of the transportation industry became well-rounded and that I am better equipped to find a career in the field.”

Garceau is especially appreciative for the connections he made both in the classroom and throughout campus.

“Richard Stewart and Daniel Rust of the transportation and logistics management program have played a tremendous role in my time at UWS,” he said. “They helped me grow in my knowledge and passion for transportation of all modes. Jeanette Pucheu was also very impactful to me, as she took her love for Spanish-speaking cultures and reflected that in her courses. I’d also like to acknowledge Kathy Behn from Chartwells, because a visit to the dining hall is always a highlight of anyone’s day thanks to her care for the students.”

Outside of the classroom, Garceau is a member of the UWS Curling Club, which won a bronze medal at the 2023 USA College National Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio.

“Not only have I been exposed to a wide array of subjects at UW-Superior, but I have learned valuable life lessons about diversity, teamwork, leadership and more,” he said. “With the support of peers and instructors, I have grown as a student and as an individual. Thanks to UW-Superior, I have gained skills that I will use for a lifetime, both in my career and personal life.”

Set to graduate May 20 with more than 600 fellow students, Garceau is thankful for his time on campus.

“UW-Superior may not be as large as many other universities, but it provides endless opportunities,” he said. “From traveling to Long Beach and Jacksonville with the transportation and logistics management program, to winning back-to-back bronze medals at College Curling National Championships, I have been more than blessed during my time at UWS. I am so proud to soon be able to call the University of Wisconsin-Superior my alma mater.”