The De Anza College Business Department has much to boast about with a staff with so much experience. Take instructor David Stringer as an example. Not only has the time he spent in the business world made him a great teacher, but his life experiences have shaped him into a compassionate, strict, sincere and inspiring man.
After graduating from James Lick High School in San Jose, he volunteered for the Navy in order to join military service, as opposed to being drafted, during the Vietnam War. His two missions were serving as a Goodwill Ambassador to the Vietnamese, and taking servicemen for tours of the Middle East during their rest and relaxation time.
“It was a great time for me because I learned to mature while serving,” he said.
Subsequent to his service, he spent 13 years in the business world doing the jobs he lectures about in the classroom today. He managed a large pesticide company, set the prices, conducted market research and increased sales.
At a newspaper in the Pacific Northwest he worked for the advertising department and, at one point, even ran the marketing campaign for a candidate running for State Senate.
Stringer finally decided to make the switch to teaching upon realizing how essential his own business professors had been to his success. “It was obvious that they loved what they were doing, and I felt the impact that they were having on my life,” he said.
He dove in headfirst into De Anza’s Business Department, serving as the Department Chair for 20 years and two terms as the Dean of the Business and Computer Departments. His main motivation in holding these titles was to make sure the programs kept up with the ever-changing business world and help prepare students.
Stringer has experienced his impact on students. However, the two stories that stick out in his mind is when he recognized and fostered the potential of two of his students.
With suggestion and encouragement from Stringer, one went on to become successful in a computer firm, and the other to obtain his MBA and Ph.D. at Harvard.
Both students felt so grateful for his support that they returned to campus to express it in person; one even made him a personalized plaque of appreciation.
He attributes this compassion for students to his son Brian, who has Down’s Syndrome. “He has had a great impact on my life because he gives so much love,” said Stringer. “He has taught me how to love others and to care for them as I never knew before.”
When he’s not teaching, he can be found spending time with his wife and son, or enjoying the great outdoors, whether fly fishing or golfing.
Luckily for De Anza, it sounds like we’ll be able to keep Professor Stringer around for a while because he has become quite attached. The diversity of the students and their passion for learning is still “thrilling” to him.
“The greatest impact in my educational experience was while I was attending a community college,” said Stringer. “I hope that I will be able to impact the lives of my students and help them to pursue their dreams as I was helped.”
