UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Admissions

Joey Wilinski

Why did you choose to attend UWRF?
I had a sister who attended UWRF. I visited her while I was still in high school and became familiar with campus.  I received scholarships for two colleges in Iowa which I visited, but just did not feel the friendliness or “at home”.   I decided to start my first two years at River Falls and then transfer to the U of M, but ended up staying at River Falls and getting my Biology degree.

What was your most memorable UWRF experience?
My fondest memories involve the people I met and the things I did with them:  hanging out in the Student Center in between classes, the fact that studying for Organic Chemistry in the library is a full time job for three months, how studying for Advanced Physics was so much more interesting in a group, how fun it was playing intramural sports like broomball, water polo, volleyball and softball, and the fact that there is a River Falls Rodeo and that cowboys/cowgirls live in Wisconsin.

But, probably my single most memorable experience, which also epitomizes my UWRF experience, was having mono my freshman year and going to Chemistry class one day. Dr Bruce Murray, recognizing that I was sick, came up to me right before class and told me it was okay to go back to my dorm and rest. He would make sure I wouldn’t miss anything.   

What was your favorite course at UWRF? Why?
I really enjoyed all my Biology courses and especially courses taught by Professor Mark Bergland.  Anatomy and Anatomy lab were my two most favorite and I still know all the cranial nerves based on the acronym “On Old Olympus Towering Top, a Finn and German Viewed A Hop".  I also really enjoyed Mammology and spending quality time out by the Kinni trapping and tagging meadow voles.

How did your degree prepare you for your current profession?
I used my Biology degree when I graduated while working for the State of Minnesota at the county level as an Environmental Health Specialist.  I  helped local businesses manage and dispose of their hazardous waste in environmentally friendly ways, and in accordance with state and federal  laws. Environmental Health was a newer profession that was developing and my degree allowed me to be qualified to get this type of position.  My time spent learning and maturing at River Falls gave me the professionalism and confidence to work with business owners to help them understand the laws of nature and of man. In my current profession, I do all of our environmental permitting for air emissions and hazardous waste in addition to all other duties associated with being an owner of my own company.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering UWRF?
Visit campus (especially in the fall) and feel the warmth of the campus life.  Once on campus, get involved in activities that interest you. It’s a great way to learn and meet all sorts of people.  There is a whole different experience waiting for you besides academia. 

Career Highlights/Awards/Recognition (list):
Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD)
Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID)
WI National Kitchen and Bath Designs to Reality Contest 2005 and 2008 - Top 3 placing
UWRF Alumni Board 2013 to present
Fox Valley Technical College Design Class Advisor 2012 - present
Fox Valley Technical College Advisory Board 2011 - present
Service League of Green Bay Back to School Store Chairperson/Committee 2009 - present

Joey Wilinski
Joey Wilinski,
Manager/Designer, Wilco Cabinet Makers, Inc

Major/Year
Biology, Bachelor of Science - 1985

Hometown:
Eagan, MN

Current Residence
:
Green Bay, WI

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Contact Us

Admissions Office
103 Rodli Hall
admissions@uwrf.edu
715-425-3500
M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.