The University of Wisconsin Computer Sciences program is churning out a lot of talent for area employers, according to a panel discussion at the monthly Wisconsin Innovation Network luncheon held Tuesday at the Sheraton hotel.

More than 25 percent of computer sciences graduates stay in Wisconsin, according to Mark Hill, chair of the department.

“We are one of the top-ranking programs in the country,” Hill said. “We’re working hard to educate students in computational thinking. We’ve also done lots of entrepreneurial efforts, and we’re seeing a great return in investment (in Wisconsin).”

Specifically, Engineering Director of Google’s Madison office James Laudon mentioned that UW-Madison plays a heavy role in its recruiting efforts.

“Without UW-Madison, there wouldn’t be a Google office here,” Laudon said. “We rely very heavily on UW-Madison grads, as about two-thirds of our employees come from the university.”

4490 Ventures Principal James Crawford agreed, saying there’s something “great and different” about the talent produced by the program.

“UW-Madison graduates have a down-home, modest work-ethic that’s hard to beat,” Crawford said.