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UW-Stevens Point CIS major James Watry
James Watry

James Watry could’ve attended any school in the University of Wisconsin System. He had an impressive ACT score, two parents with prestigious U.S. Air Force careers supporting his decisions, and a strong desire to succeed in a technology-related field.
 
He chose the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
 
“With my ACT score I had options available,” said Watry, a first-year student from Bonduel, Wis. “I had been to Point for (the Central Wisconsin) Math League and track meets. I knew people who came here and said it was an awesome place. It’s relatively close to home and has one of the best technology programs around. I tell other people if you’re not comfortable at a huge college, Stevens Point is the perfect size.”
 
Watry, a computer information systems (CIS) major with a focus in network and information assurance, hopes to one day protect your virtual and electronic information from thieves and hackers.
 
“I want to make sure when you enter your credit card information on the Internet you know it’s safe,” he said. “I think helping people while I’m helping myself earn a living is a great way to build a career.”
 
Watry is one of about 50 first-year students with an ACT score of at least 30 at UW-Stevens Point, making him a university “Top Dawg.” The distinction provided him with an invitation to a reception with Chancellor Bernie Patterson, celebrating the group’s achievements.
 
“It was clear they want us to succeed here,” Watry said of university administration. “They told us we could be important leaders in the future, they know we can graduate in four years, and we can move on to make the world a better place.”
 
Watry said his favorite classes in his first semester have been CIS 110, which is an introduction to object-oriented programming class with Professor David Gibbs; and his Spanish course with Professor Daniel Breining.
 
Gibbs and “CIS 110 opened a whole other world of computers to me and I’m looking forward to what I’m going to be learning in the next three and a half years,” Watry said. “I’m really looking forward to my capstone course. That’s the kind of real-world application I’m looking for.”
 
Breining “teaches a lot like my high school Spanish teacher did, which means we’re always practicing,” he added. “Every day he’s helping us out and working on the vocabulary with us. He goes above and beyond to help and he’s always willing to take time out of his day, even if it’s not during his office hours. For him to be willing to take the time, I think is important.”
 
What can UW-Stevens Point offer you? Learn more about the campus life we offer including our majors and minors, and plan to visit us soon.
 
 
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