WAUKESHA – Even if his achievements had not been outstanding, the 2004 Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha could be honored for his persistence. David Weber, Waukesha, enrolled at the campus in 1986, earned his associate degree in 1988, and has never left. He will be recognized at the annual Honors & Degree ceremony, at which students also receive their associate degrees and academic honors. It will be held Thursday, May 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on campus at 1500 N. University Dr., Waukesha.
After he graduated from Waukesha Sou th High School, Weber, unlike anyone in his family before him, headed for college. In fact, he got an older brother to sign up at the same time. He had vague visions of becoming a writer and focused on the school close to home for the training. Within two weeks of arriving on campus, however, the young man who had toyed with clunky computers at home was working in the computer lab, and he was enthralled.
He wrapped his mind around an evolving science and parlayed that interest and knack into the director’s position. He went from lab assistant to manager and from limited-term-employee to academic staff.
When Mike Murphy, the former computing services director, who oversaw a much smaller operation, left UW-Waukesha, Weber applied for his post. Having just completed his Associate of Arts & Science Degree, Weber could not claim the same academic credentials as the other applicants, but he had both the computer and campus knowledge. In a rapidly evolving field, those meant more than in-depth studies of old technologies. He received an academic appointment as the director of the computer lab in 1989.
The continual changes in computer technology still demand attention, so his studies have not ceased. Most of his resources no longer are in print, however; he researches emerging technologies largely online now.
At UW-Waukesha, Weber succeeded in doing exactly what he wanted: “I liked the educational foundation, the environment, and the professors. I didn’t want to leave.” Before the computer center was moved and expanded to 5000 sq. ft. in1992, Weber was asked for his input, and the final configuration matches his design almost perfectly.
With the floor constantly shifting beneath him in his profession, he has found stability in his personal life. In 1997 he and wife Jenn stumbled upon the start-up, non-denominational church, RiverGlen, and in 1998 David was baptized. His frequency of attendance switched from about twice a decade to nearly weekly. Both he and Jenn are very active with the community, and he has assumed the duties of coordinator of the church’s nursery. “I like children,” the father of 11-year-old Meghan and 8-year Kelson affirms.
They are among the reasons he likes his job so well. “I have the flexibility to spend time with my family,” he says.
Weber is a big advocate of a liberal arts education. “It’s important, especially if you don’t know what you want to do. You get a broad understanding of the world and find out where you fit in.” He found his niche at UW-Waukesha.
This is the 22nd year the Friends & Alumni Association has chosen to honor a former student who has outstanding academic, civic, or professional accomplishments. To be eligible, alumni must have completed their studies at UW-Waukesha at least 10 years ago and have contributed to the campus during student years or beyond.
UW-Waukesha has the largest enrollment among the 13 freshman-sophomore University of Wisconsin Colleges. For information about programs, admission or financial aid, contact the Student Services office at (262) 521-5200 or visit the Web at waukesha.uwc.edu.
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