Menomonie, Wis. – Among the class of 828 undergraduate students who crossed the commencement stage at University of Wisconsin-Stout on May 4, five College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management students were recognized by faculty and staff as inspiring graduates whose stories represent what it is to be Stout Proud.
The graduates shared their university experiences, setbacks and successes in UW-Stout’s Inspiring Graduate Q&A series:
Gervase Thompson , B.S. applied science and B.S. mechanical engineering, Brule
Emma Flemke, B.S. food science and technology, Red Wing, Minn.
Conrad Klem, B.S. in mechanical engineering, Menomonie
David Tesar, B.S. computer science, Lety, Czech Republic
Kat Schlauderaff, B.S. digital marketing technology, Chaska, Minn.
Inspiring Graduate: Gervase Thompson, mechanical engineering; applied science
During his five years at UW-Stout, Thompson excelled both in academics and athletics, balancing the demanding lifestyle of a student athlete.
As an Honors College student and outside linebacker for the Blue Devils football team, he maintained a 4.0 grade-point-average while earning dual degrees in applied science and mechanical engineering, with a concentration in physics
For his academic achievements, Thompson was one of 48 senior student athletes this spring who received the UW-Stout Scholar Athlete Award. He was also one of 10 UW-Stout senior football players named to the 2024 National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Hampshire Honor Society.
Thompson is seeking a career outside of the Midwest.
“There is still so much left in the world for me to see, and my education here at UW Stout has prepared me well to venture out into the world,” he said. “Stout has molded me to be an effective, hands-on problem solver. The polytechnic education model was an important factor in my educational experience.”
Inspiring Graduate: Emma Flemke, food science and technology
Transferring to UW-Stout during the pandemic was challenging for Flemke. It was hard for her adjusting to campus, navigating a new school system and meeting other students.
But by joining clubs and making connections with her peers and professors in the food science and technology program, she began to feel a part of the campus community.
Flemke was hired before graduation at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, in Menomonie.
“My Stout experience has changed me by giving me the tools to work toward my professional goals and aspirations. It has created opportunities for me to grow and try things out of my comfort zone,” she said. “With the smaller class sizes, I found it easy to grow connections with professors and work toward my goals and interests.”
Inspiring Graduate: Conrad Klem, mechanical engineering
Klem was able to complete two bachelor’s degrees in five years and was hired before graduation.
He earned his B.S. in physics at UW-La Crosse in 2022 and transferred to UW-Stout, beginning in the mechanical engineering program as a junior. Through his classes, he gained an interest in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Klem will soon be starting his career as a system specialist at Midwest Mechanical Solutions, an HVAC engineering company in Golden Valley, Minn.
“My education at Stout was very eye opening and gave me a deeper understanding of what engineering is and made sure I was prepared to enter the workforce,” Klem said. “The hands-on experience in the labs, the internship and capstones helped prepare me very well for the future.”
Inspiring Graduate: David Tesar, computer science
Throughout his time at UW-Stout, Tesar struggled with a fear of failure. He was also challenged by his lack of confidence in speaking English, especially in public speaking.
He overcame his fears and challenges through perseverance and positivity and by seeking leadership roles and involvement opportunities on campus. Tesar received the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year award at UW-Stout’s annual Leadership Awards this spring.
“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,” he said.
Tesar will soon move out west to begin his internship as a technical support engineer this summer at Veradka, in San Mateo, Calif. He will then find a full-time career.
Along with his computer science degree, he has concentrations in cybersecurity and secure software development, and minors in mathematics; computer networking systems and design; and information security management.
Inspiring Graduate: Kat Schlauderaff, digital marketing technology
Schlauderaff is passionate about marketing, social media, and content design and was extremely curious about web building, computer programming and analytics.
She came to UW-Stout for the digital marketing technology program to explore these aspects.
And although there were a few times when she considered transferring to a larger school in a warmer climate, she stayed for the community.
“What always kept me grounded at Stout is the amazing people I met. Because the school is smaller, it feels like a cozy environment that I belong in,” she said. “I truly was able to spread my wings and learn about who I am.”
Schlauderaff immersed herself in campus involvement opportunities from Chamber Choir and the Devil Tones acappella group to University Theatre, the Innovative Digital Marketing Association student organization and University Housing, serving first as a resident adviser and then as hall manager.
Schlauderaff served as commencement speaker at the CSTEMM ceremony.
She hopes to move to a big city like Seattle, New York City or Chicago and work in search engine optimization, web development or product management for a company that she is passionate about.
UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
