Matt Haigler is the first student to enroll in the new Energy Systems Engineering Degree Program and will serve as president of Associated Students of UW for 2009-2010

Energy Systems Engineering Program Signs First Student

August 10, 2009 -Matt Haigler from Laramie is expected to be the first student to graduate with an Energy Systems Engineering degree from the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science. A former mechanical engineering major, Matt decided to switch his major to ESE because of his interest in the energy industry. Especially interested in energy policy, economics and law, Matt believes that ESE will provide the extra business and technical studies he needs to focus on a career in energy policy.

With plans to graduate in May 2010, Matt looks forward to the change. “Energy policy is my interest because we can tailor the program and tie into any other program such as energy research and renewable resources, law, economics and different aspects of energy efficiency,” says Haigler.

With the helpful advice and mentoring from some of the College faculty such as Dr. Dick Schmidt (international engineering advisor), Dr. Paul Dellenback (mechanical engineering), and support from Matt Caires from the Dean of Students office, the UW experience has offered many opportunities for strengthening social relationships and studying internationally.

Matt was recently elected president of ASUW for academic year 2009–10. He is the recipient of the Western Heritage Scholarship for academic year 2009–10. He serves as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity on campus and is active within the Laramie community. In addition, Matt is involved in the UW Student Leadership and Civic Engagement group and was one of the coordinators of “Poke’s Vote,” a campaign to help provide voter education across campus. He participated in the Engineers Without Borders (EWB-WYO) Guatemala project and is interested in other opportunities through international engineering and EWB-WYO. He is an active fund raiser for Albany County Safe Project, Children’s Miracle Network, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure through his fraternity, SAE.

Matt grew up in Laramie and contributes his success at UW in part to his parents Mike and Kelly Haigler Cornish, step-mom Gwen Haigler and sister, Megan who is also a UW student. Matt’s mom, Kelly, is also a graduate of UW (B.S. College of Business 1997, and M.P.A. from the College of A&S 2004). According to Matt, going to the University of Wyoming was a natural decision based on his support of the Wyoming Cowboys, and appreciation of the UW campus and Laramie community.

“I thought of other universities for college but I have been a Cowboy football fan all my life, missing only about five games,” says Haigler. “Since I grew up in Laramie, it was an easy decision to attend school here and it allows me to continue being part of the UW and Laramie culture including the concerts, games, arts and other events on campus.”

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