Ziga Ivanic
Ziga Ivanic
New West Technologies engineer and NU alum, Ziga Ivanic.
A star in two sports while at Norwich, Ziga Ivanic graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 2002. He went on to receive a masters degree in mechanical engineering from MIT, where he did research on automotive engines. Specializing in advanced transportation technologies, he is employed by the New West Technologies, a DC metro engineering consulting firm. Ziga is married to Natalie Ivanic, Class of 2004.
I was a hockey player all four years at Norwich. Balancing athletics with academics and still having a life on the side demanded time management. That is a very valuable asset, especially later on in your life. Discipline is another major skill that you learn as a student at Norwich. Although I was a civilian, discipline was still a big part of my college experience. January and February were especially intense. Whenever I had a day off from hockey, I’d play tennis or go skiing. And then there was Coach McShane. He not only demanded discipline on the ice from the players but also made sure you went to class and got your work done. He molds his players into responsible adults who are role models in the community.
Whether you’re in the Corps or you’re a civilian student, leadership is one of the main things you learn at Norwich. Whether you’re talking about academics and the times when you’re part of a team project, or if you are a member of a sports team and your teammates depend on you, you’re encouraged to contribute as a leader.
The main difference I saw between Norwich and my graduate school was the availability of teachers. At Norwich, they’re always willing to talk to you, not just in the classroom but just about anytime – and not just about schoolwork. You kind of take it for granted when you’re there. But once you’re at a different, larger school, it can sometimes take more than a week before you can meet with your faculty advisor. It’s also less intimidating to ask a question in a classroom with fewer than 20 students, compared to a classroom of more than 100.
It’s not just availability but also the personal relationships. I’m still in touch with some of my professors. They’ve become a part of our lives. Professor Tyner was a DJ and an MC at my wedding, and several other professors were invited. Our professors are not only our educators – they’re our friends.
