Inspiring Graduate: David Tesar (’24)
- Hometown: Lety, Czech Republic
- Degree: B.S. Computer Science
- Concentrations: Cybersecurity; Secure Software Development
- Minors: Mathematics; Computer Networking Systems & Design; Information Security Management
Throughout his time at UW-Stout, international student David Tesar struggled with a fear of failure.
“Computer science is often complex and left me wondering which class might be too much,” he said.
He was also challenged by his lack of confidence in speaking English, especially in public speaking, which he faced by seeking leadership roles and involvement opportunities on campus and by placing himself in public speaking situations.
Tesar overcame his fears and challenges through perseverance and positivity and received the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year award at UW-Stout’s annual Leadership Awards this spring.
He earned his B.S. in computer science on May 4, along with 1,037 graduates.
He has an internship as a technical support engineer this summer at Veradka, in San Mateo, Calif., and will then find a full-time career.
How well has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field and why?
Stout prepared me to take on challenges and learn from others as well as myself. With opportunities coming from all sides, one has to pick which path to follow. I chose to put myself out there and embrace diversity while getting the most out of my options.
I was able to take on challenges and accept leadership, and the involvement and commitment changed me for the better, allowing me to express my ideas and be creative in terms of event planning and improving the experience of my fellow students as well as my own.
The polytechnic approach works really well with computer science and cybersecurity, as it emphasizes learning through labs and similar practical experiences.
Stout is fortunate to have some of the most incredible instructors I have ever met. They encourage outside-of-class learning as well as ignite passion in their students for their own respective fields of study.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
I served as the club president for the International Club and Collegiate Cyber Defense League. I have also been involved in Information Security Professionals, UW-Stout Cheer and Stunt, University Housing and Habitat for Humanity.
At this spring’s Leadership Awards, I was honored with an Outstanding Student Leader of the Year award, as well as Student Staff Team of the Year as a member of University Housing’s North Campus housing staff team and Student Organization Event of the Year for the International Club’s annual International Night.
In my field of work, clubs like the Collegiate Cyber Defense League and the Information Security Professionals have introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals who encourage learning and improvement in the field.
With CCDL, our cyber teams won several competitions, including Wisconsin CCDC state titles. UW-Stout took fourth place among 13 national teams, and No. 1 among Wisconsin teams at the National Centers of Academic Excellence Cyber Game in spring 2023.
Each of these clubs and organizations has made a significant impact on my Stout experience in different ways. Without being involved in such, I would have frankly missed out on so many great memories.
I would also like to highlight the #YOUAREWELCOMEHERE international scholarship and the Stout University Foundation, without which I would never have ended up at Stout.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
Seeing the impact of the International Club, as well as my work in Housing, on people’s college experience is gratifying. Observing the results of the work we put in as a team, reflected in the experiences and memories of others, is a pretty sweet reward.
