From the Classroom to the Canopy: Garrick Bateman’s Journey

For many students, the transition from college to the professional world is a leap into the unknown. For Gonzaga alumnus Garrick Bateman, that leap landed him exactly where he was meant to be: deep in the forests of Colorado, managing complex ecosystems and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Finding the Right Path

Garrick’s journey began in the Environmental Studies and Sciences (ENVS) Department at Gonzaga University. While the academic rigor was foundational, it was the responsiveness and mentorship of the faculty that left a lasting impression. When a small group of students expressed a need for specialized technical training, the department listened.

"The fact that GU listened to the students when a bunch of us wanted a GIS  [Geographic Information Systems] class is something that I will always think about. I don't think that, at a larger university, a petition to add a course for 10 students or so would have gone anywhere, but at GU it did! And [I use the] software I learned at Gonzaga just about every day at work, so it really came in handy down the line."

Getting a Foot in the Door

After graduation, Garrick moved back to his home state to begin his career. With strong recommendations from his Gonzaga professors in hand, he secured a seasonal technician role at a local Conservation District.

While the initial work was entry-level, it provided the essential "foot in the door." When a full-time forester position opened, Garrick was already a known entity with the right departmental backing. Now two years into the role, he operates as a forestry project manager, handling everything from grant writing and project design to managing complex contractor operations.

High-Stakes Management

Today, Garrick’s "office" spans the rugged terrain of the Front Range. His current projects range from traditional logging jobs to high-altitude helicopter logging operations near iconic peaks. Working for a grant-funded organization allows him to operate with a non-profit mindset, focusing on land health and fire mitigation.

His work isn't just about the timber; it’s about education. Partnering with local outdoor learning foundations, Garrick translates his Gonzaga education into hands-on lessons for students, teaching them about fire management through live demonstrations that keep the kids (and the instructor) engaged.

Life Beyond the Trees

Garrick’s connection to the outdoors doesn’t end when he clocks out. He is currently on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado’s "14ers" (peaks over 14,000 feet), having already checked 40 off his list.

Between climbing mountains and planning a wedding in Ireland for next summer, Garrick remains deeply grateful for the community in Spokane that helped him find his footing.

The Gonzaga Impact

Reflecting on his trajectory, Garrick credits the personalized mentorship at Gonzaga for his current success. By fostering both technical skills like GIS and a passion for land management, the Environmental Studies & Sciences Department helped a student turn a degree into a calling.

"I can’t stress enough how great my experience was at GU... I think I found the exact line of work where I’m meant to be."