UW-Superior student Amber Heidenreich quickly found that UW-Superior exceeded all expectations

It’s often said the simplest decision can lead to the greatest reward. For UW-Superior student Amber Heidenreich, it was a love of sports that initially brought her to campus. While she’s built a solid resume as a two-sport Yellowjacket athlete, it’s been her experiences in the classroom and community that have brought the biggest prize.

Recruited to UW-Superior for her hockey talents, Heidenreich didn’t arrive on campus with positive or negative expectations for her education.

“I initially thought that it was a small school that would provide me with a decent education – nothing too special – with little resources,” she said.

That quickly changed for the native of Phillips, Wisconsin, as UW-Superior’s close-knit community allowed Heidenreich to discover everything UW-Superior offers and what makes campus such a special place.

“I was pleasantly surprised at the caliber of instructors within my program and their experience and passion for their teachings,” said Heidenreich. “My education at UWS has been more than I expected, along with my experience as a student-athlete. Not only that, but the connections and resources that are available through the staff and faculty at UWS are amazing, not only for its size, but for any school.”

The friendliness of campus was something Heidenreich even noticed on her first trip to UW-Superior. The visit even helped identify her future studies as a double-major in legal studies and political science.

“When I was first touring campus, there were some students who introduced to me the program,” she said. “I have always been an advocate, and I thought the best place to continue that would be in the legal field. This led me to my desire to go to law school, which influenced my choice in majors.”

In the classroom, Heidenreich has been motivated to succeed by the dive and determination of her instructors.

“I have most enjoyed the passion from my instructors,” she said. “They truly believe in what they are teaching, which makes each class that much more enjoyable.”

The small school atmosphere Heidenreich once questioned has since become a benefit with the ability for greater interaction and the ability to get to know her instructors.

“Nate LaCoursiere has been an amazing mentor and instructor during my time at UWS,” she said. “He has provided me with so many opportunities that I would not have ever had or considered without his encouragement and support. He goes above and beyond what most instructors do for their students.”

A member of both the Criminal Justice Honor Society and Pre-Law Society, Heidenreich has also been received the Newman Civic Fellowship, which recognizes and supports students who are committed to developing strategies for social change and solving societal problems. Each fellow chooses an issue of inequality or injustice to address and work toward positive change. This hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed by her instructors.

“Amber is a unique student,” said LaCoursiere, senior lecturer in the legal studies and criminal justice programs. “She is driven, talented, kind, empathetic and supportive of all those around her. She puts service to others first. She will be an incredibly formidable advocate. She is sincere and authentic, and given her level of preparation for my classes, she will be an attorney I would not wish to cross in the courtroom within the next 10 years.”

Heidenreich has also been involved with several activities that have taken her off campus and throughout the Twin Ports and beyond.

“I was supposed to present my summer research project that I conducted through SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) at a national undergraduate research conference in March, but it was canceled due to COVID-19,” she said. “I am planning to do a presentation on my internship work and experience with Duluth’s DWI Court, along with those I have worked with at the St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference in October.”

Heidenreich has also taken part in Research in the Rotunda in Madison, Wisconsin. This event highlights the work of undergraduate UW System students.

These accomplishments become even more impressive as a busy two-sport student athlete. Heidenreich is a member of the Yellowjacket track and field team and a forward for the hockey team, which, in her first three years, she has 16 goals and 23 assists in 80 games.

“I don’t believe that I would be nearly as successful both inside and outside the classroom without the support that UWS has given me,” she said.  “Also, the legal studies program is constantly evolving and adapting to make sure that it provides that best opportunities to its students, whatever their plans are after graduation. This is able to happen by hearing the opinions and suggestions of current students to see how they can do better for them.”

With more to experience at UW-Superior still in store for Heidenreich, her time on campus has quickly become a champion of everything a small but mighty university can provide.

“I would tell [future students] that going to a small school is not a bad thing,” she said. “We have just as many resources and connections as those going to bigger schools, plus you get to form closer relationships with your instructors. Everything seems more personalized and you will have all the support you will need, which is sometimes harder to find when attending a larger university. Also, there are so many opportunities outside of the classroom that you can take advantage of, which are not only memorable, but extremely beneficial to a practical, hands-on education.”