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Thomas Safago will graduate from UNK on Friday with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics. He will represent the College of Business and Technology as a Gonfalonier during the summer commencement ceremony. (Photos by Kollin Goff, UNK Communications)
By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY — When Thomas Safago reflects on his time at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he doesn’t start with the degrees he earned or the software engineering career he’s already begun.
Instead, he talks about the faculty members who always had time for questions, the classmates who became close friends, and the campus community that made three busy years pass far too quickly.
“This is the real college experience,” he said. “You can take classes and learn the material, but I don’t think it’s as useful without the people on the ground to support you.”
Safago will graduate summa cum laude on Friday with bachelor’s degrees in computer science and mathematics. He will represent the College of Business and Technology as Gonfalonier during the summer commencement ceremony, closing a chapter marked by academic achievement and meaningful connections.
Originally from Arizona, Safago moved to southern Nebraska with his family about seven years ago and attended Lawrence-Nelson High School. When he looked at colleges, UNK stood out because it was close to home, the computer science program was good, and the smaller class sizes were ideal for someone who values personal relationships.
“We have top-notch professors here,” Safago said. “The faculty work very closely with the students. It’s a more personal experience, and that makes the curriculum much better compared to a larger school. Instead of just listening to lectures and completing assignments and exams, you can interact with your professors, ask questions and search for answers together.”
As an added bonus, Safago received the Nebraska Career Scholarship, which provides up to $8,000 per year for students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as computer science, cybersecurity, healthcare, engineering, mathematics, industrial technology, psychology and veterinary medicine.
His interest in STEM fields began long before college.
“My father was a machinist, and when we were young he introduced us to computers,” Safago explained. “I wondered how they worked and I wanted to know everything about them. Looking back through human history, there have been inventions that have changed the world time and time again, but none have been as important or as fast as computers.”
This curiosity led him to coding in middle school, technology-focused classes in high school, and Future Business Leaders of America competitions in cybersecurity, computer problem solving, and digital media production.
At UNK, he found another way to pursue that passion while helping others do the same. As president of the UNK Cyber Club, he focused on creating opportunities for students to connect through networking events, game nights, potlucks and other social activities. The club also hosts guest speakers, giving members the opportunity to hear from professionals in various technology-related fields.
“I really wanted this to be a place where people could hang out and make friends,” Safago said. “I think it’s important for students to develop and take advantage of these opportunities. We are very fortunate to have such an environment for computer science students.”
Adam Spaniard
Adam Spanier, a lecturer in UNK’s Department of Cyber Systems, describes Safago as a “brilliant” student whose impact extended far beyond the classroom.
“Thomas brought a solid sense of leadership and camaraderie,” Spanier said. “As president of the Cyber Club and a key figure in the Cyber Systems Department student body, Thomas was always a calming presence and an inspiring role model for the underclassmen.”
He expects these qualities to continue to serve Safago well.
“The same things that set him apart as a student also set him apart as a graduate,” Spanier said. “Thomas learns quickly, he is curious, he is talented, and when he wants to solve a problem, the problem gets solved. … I wouldn’t be surprised if one day I could teach alongside Thomas, not as a student and mentor, but as a colleague.”
The skills Safago developed at UNK helped him land a software development internship at Grand Island-based Hornady Manufacturing in late 2024. He has since transitioned to a full-time position developing software that supports the company’s shipping, packaging and production operations.
“It’s just fun to be able to make something with your own hands that actually works and supports what other people are doing,” he said. “When you see something you write being used by people and they benefit from it, that’s when the magic comes out.”
As he prepares to graduate, Safago sees the beginning as both an end and a beginning.
“It is the culmination of my efforts, but also a reflection of the people who have supported me throughout my career here,” he said. “Without the great support of many friends and teachers, I would not have been able to do everything I have done.”
Looking to the future, he hopes to continue to grow in his career while finding opportunities to mentor others.
“I would like to do something where I can help others,” Safago said. “Whether I’m working with junior developers or one day teaching, I want to be part of a team that works together to share knowledge.”
Thomas Safago was president of the UNK Cyber Club and worked at Hornady Manufacturing in Grand Island while attending college.
https://unknews.unk.edu/2026/07/28/building-more-than-software-thomas-safago-leaves-unk-with-lasting-connections-and-a-promising-career/
