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Big dreams lead to big career, big family for UWO alumnus

by | Oct 9, 2013 | Alumni News, Headlines

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus Jeffrey Koga ’04, of Neenah, spent his college years dreaming big.

Today, with three majors, eight children and a successful career at Oshkosh Corporation, his big dreams have come true, making Koga a recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award for 2013.

Koga served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending UWO as a nontraditional student. Married to his wife, Keysha, raising three children and preparing for another on the way, Koga still took 21-plus hours of classes each semester while working as an intern at Oshkosh Corporation.

He also was involved in Beta Gama Sigma, made the Dean’s list all nine semesters, received multiple scholarships and was active in the Institute of Management Accountants  and the American Production and Inventory Control Society. He worked tirelessly to graduate suma cum lade with a 3.953-grade-point average.

“Jeff never seemed to tire,” said Michael Godfrey, UWO department chair of marketing and supply chain management. “I attribute Jeff’s incredible ability to multitask to the great support from Keysha, parental guidance and his experience with the U.S. Marines.”

After graduation, Koga worked as a systems and process assurance auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers and then joined Oshkosh Corporation. While there, he held positions in accounting, program management and operations management.

Koga’s dedication to the Oshkosh Corporation has pushed him up the leadership ladder. He now serves as the associate vice president of integrated product support for Oshkosh Defense. He also leads the global Oshkosh Defense aftermarket support network in the U.S., Mexico, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa and Far East.

Koga established aftermarket operations throughout the U.S. and in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Okinawa and Mexico. In addition, he deployed with the Oshkosh Defense team to lead a maintenance operation in Afghanistan, setting up military vehicle service centers near war zones.

“Jeff displayed tremendous personal courage and selflessness as he deployed with the Oshkosh Defense team to ensure this maintenance operation was properly established,” Oshkosh Defense president John Urias said. “Ultimately, the work performed at this facility helped to save many lives of our brave men and women conducting operations in Afghanistan.”

Koga has dedicated his life to his country, his career and his family. He enjoys spending time with his wife, his seven sons and his daughter, while also coaching flag football and participating in Boy Scouts and the Knights of Columbus.

“From a holistic viewpoint, raising a family of 10 with my lovely wife, Keysha, is my greatest success,” Koga said.

He is recognized for his hard work inside and outside of the office. Urias praises Koga’s success academically, professionally and personally.

“We at Oshkosh Defense consider it a true honor and privilege to work with a professional of Jeff’s caliber. Without any doubt or hesitation, Jeff Koga is most deserving of your Distinguished Young Alumni Award.”

Koga and nine other award winners will be honored at a the annual Alumni Awards Program Friday evening as part of  UWO Homecoming 2013. They also will have the opportunity to watch the Homecoming football game from the press box at Oshkosh Sports Complex on Saturday. Award winners will be recognized on the field during halftime by Chancellor Richard Wells.

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