USM Today - Fall/Winter 2019-20

| a magazine for the usm community

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TODAY

FALL/WINTER 2019–20

feature

A Job (and Career) Well Done

DOGGED DETERMINATION

LIBRARY REMODEL IS ONE FOR THE BOOKS

THE MAKING OF MACBETH

Homecoming 2019 At the all-school Homecoming pep rally in October, University School of Milwaukee teachers Shannon Peters and Fred Lange generously set aside their self-respect in the name of school spirit. Peters (Middle School Spanish teacher) and Lange (Upper School math teacher) were the last remaining contenders in the first-ever faculty pep rally dance-off. The entertaining spectacle was enjoyed by all—even hard-to-impress Upper School students. Although Lange took home the pumpkin trophy, all the contenders are winners in our book.

Watch a video of the dance-off, and see more Homecoming 2019 photos, at www.usmtoday.org/homecoming2019.

On the cover: Laura Fuller assisted kindergarteners and Andrew Stone, Lower School science integration teacher, with an experiment involving replicated germs and microbes.

Fuller will retire in June after nine years as USM’s head of school. Read more about her tenure on page 12.

in this issue A Job (and Career) Well Done Laura Fuller’s nine-year run as USM’s head of school comes to an end in June.

Ahead of her retirement, take a look back at her tenure and the incredible growth and transformation the school has enjoyed under her leadership.

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feature story

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Dogged Determination These USM students have taken their passions to the next level.

24 | Library Remodel Small updates lead to a big transformation in the Stratton Preschool/Lower School Library.

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28 |

40 cover to cover

04 | view from the tower

19 | in focus

28 | spotlight

The Making of Macbeth A small army of devotees spent months preparing for a three-day production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”

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Solid as a Rock Most people avoid lifting heavy things.

Eric Dawson ’99 has made a career out of it.

31 | locker room

34 | beyond usm

USM TODAY STAFF

2019–20 LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

HEAD OF SCHOOL

HEAD OF PRESCHOOL AND LOWER SCHOOL

Tim Eilbes, Director of Marketing and Communications

Laura J. Fuller

Michael Tauscher

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Pamela Seiler, Communications and Public Relations Manager

Gregg Bach

Stephen B. Guy

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

McDill

Stuart Cushman

Andy Gordon ’98

ONLINE EDITOR

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Eric Schad, Marketing and Digital Communications Manager

Elaine Griffin

Debra Pokel

PHOTOGRAPHY

McDill Visual Image Photography

USM Today is published by University School of Milwaukee twice per year. USM is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students from prekindergarten through grade 12.

Our editorial staff has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of information reported, and we apologize for any inadvertent errors that may have occurred.

To change your address, your child’s address, or to unsubscribe, please contact the USM Advancement office at 414.540.3339 or advancement@usmk12.org.

PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If you are still receiving your child’s USM Today even though he/she no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can send the magazine directly to him/her.

from the head of school

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early 36 years ago, I started out as a science teacher in my home state of Wisconsin.

Since then, I believe my career has been approximately one part strategy and three parts random luck! I spent 10 years literally living with my students and colleagues at a New England boarding school. Then, I became an administrator and had the chance to head the upper school of one of Florida’s largest independent day schools. After that, I served as a head of school at an all-girls traditional Episcopal school in Virginia. And now, after nearly nine years, I am ready to conclude my career here at University School of Milwaukee—and I am so incredibly grateful to finish my journey here, having come home again.

My time at USM has allowed me to draw upon all that I had learned in my previous roles, and we have come together as a community to grow this remarkable school into a nationally recognized and respected leader amongst independent schools. My husband, Tom, will also be retiring, and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to live and work on this impressive campus, in what represented a true 21st-century, modern-day family situation.

When I arrived at USM in 2011 as the school’s first female head, I dare say there seemed to be a mixture of excitement, interest, and perhaps even some trepidation about what this newcomer might do. My first real support came from my team—the administrators, faculty, and trustees. They inspired and supported me, and also held me accountable for understanding just how special this school really is. This was of course reinforced by the school parents, alumni, and even the students.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

I take great pride in having worked together with all of these individuals to make our school an even more remarkable place to raise and educate children. One of the things I am most proud of is the hiring of nearly half of our current esteemed faculty, as well as the hiring or promotion of more than three-quarters of our administrative team. I have watched how these individuals have integrated with our already accomplished, long-tenured faculty and staff to build the most effective group of professionals I have ever had the privilege to lead. We have achieved record-low faculty attrition by striving to create a supportive and predictable educational environment. Collectively, these are the people who make this school what it is for our students and their families, and it has been an incredible honor to lead them.

An important part of my job is to provide resources so that our faculty and staff can create the best-possible learning environment for our students. In addition to the pride I feel in having helped to create an innovative, education-centered strategic plan that will also culminate at the end of this school year—the objectives of which have developed as exciting strategic initiatives that continue to differentiate USM from all other local and regional schools—I am proud to report that, since my arrival, our generous donor community has contributed more than $42 million in philanthropic support for our school, including more than $10 million in support of the USM Fund, our school’s top giving priority. We have also grown our endowment by $10.3 million, and have many new and renovated spaces around campus to enhance student learning and our community. Thank you to all who have made this a reality!

I also feel great satisfaction with how we have strategically grown the school. USM has strong enrollment and also record-low student attrition, and we continue our work to admit and enroll mission-appropriate students. We have grown not just in numbers but also in creating an interesting and heterogeneous student body, truly diverse in terms of the students’ backgrounds, ideas, skill sets, and abilities. We have attracted academicians, artists, and athletes, all well-rounded, motivated, and interesting.

Our current students are at various levels of being prepared to join our already impressive alumni body and become living embodiments of our Portrait of a USM Graduate.

see their independence forming. I will not deny that the Wisconsin winters have factored into our personal decisions to retire, and we now have two grandbabies waiting for us to spend these cold months with them in sunny Florida. The rest of the year will find us happily ensconced in Wisconsin, where we currently have five of our children engaged in various stages of their own academic and professional journeys. We are excited to have purchased a small property north of Cedarburg where we hope to build a perfect little retirement home with just enough room for us and space for our children and grandchildren to visit!

Of course, there have been times when I’ve had to make difficult decisions to uphold standards for behavior, ethics, and performance that made some uncomfortable. Acutely aware of crises at schools throughout the entire country, I also had to make hard but important decisions about campus security and student safety. Throughout these trying times, the school’s trustees stood solid and unwavering in providing their support and wisdom as we worked to impress upon our students and families how important the concept of living by the Common Trust is, and why we believe students need to be held accountable when they inevitably venture off track from time-to-time.

Although it can be some of the most heartbreaking work of a school, holding students to ethical standards and expectations—while also working to ensure their physical and psychological safety and well-being—can be the most significant lessons we teach.

“USM is poised and prepared for what will undoubtedly be another progressive and exciting time in education as we continue to integrate technology with educational pedagogy.”

The dedication of this community to raising strong, educated, and ethical young adults, and to ensuring that the school is nothing less than all it can be, is exactly what has supported us in achieving the successes of recent years. I am confident that the next chapter for USM will be filled with inspiration and success. USM is poised and prepared for what will undoubtedly be another progressive and exciting time in education as we continue to integrate technology with educational pedagogy.

Overall, this has been good and satisfying work, and I am very grateful to have spent my career contributing as a teacher, administrator, and school head. Not once over the course of the past 30-plus years have I wondered what it would be like to do something different. I have remained interested, inspired, and dedicated to raising tomorrow’s learners, leaders, and citizens. I have been so thankful to come to work every day surrounded by smart people who are passionate, inspirational, energized, and dedicated to our students’ success and growth as good, ethical people. For this, I sincerely thank the entire USM community.

Tom and I now have the comfort of watching our six children reach a point in their lives where we can

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view from the tower

Our Culture of Generosity is Growing…

Thanks to you and Our Common Bond!

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Thanks to the generosity displayed by our school community over the past several years, USM’s Our Common Bond five-year fundraising campaign has surpassed its $27 million working goal six months ahead of its close on June 30! The school’s Board of Trustees kicked off this comprehensive campaign back in July of 2015 with goals of $15 million in support of capital projects, $6 million in endowment support, and another $6 million in annual support for the USM Fund.

Our Common Bond The School of Milwaukee The Campaign Campaign for University University School Milwaukee

Although we have achieved 100% of the campaign’s working goal, we still welcome your generous gift in support of an area that aligns with your interests. We look forward to including you among our campaign investors and recognizing leadership donors (commitments of $25,000 or more) on the Our Common Bond leadership donor wall (shown at left) adjacent to the Upper School entrance.

Please join us in supporting all areas of school life and providing USM with the ability to think big across our curriculum. Your support will ensure that USM remains the best school in Wisconsin as we develop learners, foster leaders, and prepare citizens throughout our entire student community.

Make Your Best Gift to Our Common Bond Today!

The future of USM depends on the generous support of community members like you! Help us improve our campus, grow our endowment, and strengthen annual support through our USM Fund by making a tax-deductible gift to the Our Common Bond campaign before June 30. Every gift, at every level, will have a positive impact on USM students for generations to come. You can learn more about the campaign at www.USMOurCommonBond.org and also make your best gift by clicking on the “Invest Now” button at the top of that website.

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Welcome Back

USM Ranked #1 Again

The USM Parents’ Association held its annual back-to-school coffee in Mellowes Hall to welcome parents on the first day of school. Many thanks to all who attended!

USM was ranked the best private K–12 school in Wisconsin by Niche.com.

The website also ranked USM as the best private high school in Wisconsin, the best high school for STEM in Wisconsin, and the best college prep private high school in Wisconsin.

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

view from the tower

Introducing Steve Hancock USM is pleased to welcome its ninth head of school, effective July 1.

for academic leadership at Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he worked from 2008 to 2014.

A native of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Hancock graduated magna cum laude from Lawrence University, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Violin Performance. He later earned a master’s in music education, with an emphasis in curricular design, from the University of Illinois.

He is adept at playing and teaching bridge and also enjoys cooking and playing tennis. Hancock and his wife, Stephanie, have two children—a daughter, Emily, 21, and a son, Clayton, 18.

On September 23, 2019, University School of Milwaukee’s Board of Trustees president, Steve Guy, announced the appointment of Steve Hancock as the school’s ninth head, effective July 1. Hancock was presented to the board by the head of school search committee as its unanimous recommendation, and he will succeed Laura Fuller, who is set to retire in June.

Over his 30-year education career as an administrator, teacher, and coach, Hancock has held increasing leadership positions at several other prominent independent schools. He currently serves as the headmaster at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, Tennessee, a role he has held since 2014.

Prior to that, Hancock was the assistant head of school

“I am humbled and honored to be the next leader of University School of Milwaukee,” said Hancock upon his acceptance of the position. “From afar, I have always greatly admired USM and its strong national reputation as a premier PK–12 independent school.

During my campus visits, I was energized to see the importance of community at USM in action. Stephanie and I are thrilled to be moving back home and are looking forward to developing new, lifelong relationships. USM has a very bright future and I look forward to building on its tremendous legacy.”

USM looks forward to introducing Hancock to the school’s many friends and supporters in the months ahead. More information about those opportunities, as well as Hancock’s experience as an educator, can be found online at www.usmk12.org/hancock.

Annual Report Now Available

Students of the Month

We are grateful to those who supported USM during our 2018–19 fiscal year. They are recognized in the 2018–19 Our Culture of Generosity Annual Report of Giving, which is available to view online at www.usmk12.org/annualreport.

Middle School teachers and administrators implemented a new students of the month award, in which four students (one from each grade) are recognized for being positive role models and leaders.

Visit www.usmtoday.org/newsbrief for more news stories.

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“Look for the Helpers” Ninth grade students viewed refugee crises through a variety of lenses over several months, both in their classes and with expert visitors—including a panel of young Milwaukee students with first-hand experience.

If Fred Rogers saw something scary on the news, he has remarked, his mother would reassure him by saying, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Upper School humanities teachers had that quote in mind when they selected “A Land of Permanent Goodbyes” as the assigned 2019 summer reading for 9th graders. The second novel by journalist Atia Abawi is about refugees escaping from war-torn Syria, and bridges the 9th grade English and World Civilization curricula. “In 9th Grade English we give them challenging literature in terms of language and content, and they are faced with harsh realities in World Civ,” said Emily Ihrke, Upper School English teacher. “But the idea that there are helpers, that we can be helpers, is really critical in balancing that message for 9th graders. We want to help them build their own resilience.”

Abawi visited University School of Milwaukee on Friday, Sept. 27 to discuss the book with students. Her visit was the culmination of a week of events in which 9th grade students explored issues related to refugees.

On Monday, Sept. 23, they watched a screening of “Refugee Kids: One Small School Takes on the World,” and on Tuesday, Sept. 24 they met with a panel of students from Milwaukee’s South Division High School who have come to the United States seeking asylum from Burma, Syria, and a number of African countries. “I think for 9th graders, seeing kids their age who have faced these challenges made the experience of refugees feel a little bit more real,” said Samantha Adey, Upper School history teacher. In addition, Erin Barbato, director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at the University

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of Wisconsin Law School, spoke to students about the various ways in which individuals can seek American citizenship.

“These kinds of experiences have always been some of the richest parts of being a student here at University School,” said Kate Gay, Upper School English teacher. “Students really enjoy having conversations with people who are experts, who have seen a lot and can share a lot.”

Author and journalist Atia Abawi (center) spoke with English students, including Marcus Prising ’23 (left) and Jackson LaManna ’23, about her novel, “A Land of Permanent Goodbyes.”

A panel of students from Milwaukee’s South Division High School spoke to the 9th grade about leaving their home countries to seek asylum in the United States.

Paul Tough Visits USM

Celebrating Fall

Best-selling author Paul Tough visited USM to discuss his newest book, “The Years That Matter Most: How College Makes or Breaks Us.” Tough has written extensively about education, parenting, poverty, and politics.

Preschool teachers and students hosted the second-annual fall festival in October. Children and their families enjoyed many fun activities, including a giant leaf pile to jump in, songs, snacks, and a special area for family photos.

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

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Welcome Mrs. Bolly and Dr. Haughton!

University School of Milwaukee welcomed two new members to the administrative team this past July: Susan Bolly and Dr. Gina Haughton.

SUSAN BOLLY

DR. GINA HAUGHTON

Susan Bolly has joined USM as the assistant head of Upper School, replacing Elaine Griffin, who was hired as head of Middle School. Bolly was hired from the Nicolet Union School District, where she was an economics teacher for more than 30 years. She is a Herb Kohl Educator Fellow and served as social studies department chair for five years. Bolly was also the administrative coordinator for Nicolet’s global scholars program and is a College Board Reader for the AP Economics exam.

Dr. Gina Haughton has joined USM as the director of student success. In this newly created role, Haughton focuses on support and guidance for all students new to USM as well as those current students who may need extra support.

Specifically, she assists the College Guidance office with support for these students as they prepare for college.

Bolly received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Marquette University, holds the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification in history/social studies, and has presented at USM’s annual Summer Spark innovation symposium for educators. She is the wife of Middle School Spanish teacher Todd Schlenker, and they have three children who graduated from USM: Claire ’07, Henry ’13, and Isaac ’14.

Haughton comes to USM from Cardinal Stritch University, where she was a member of their graduate program faculty and served as the chair of their master’slevel programs in teaching, inclusive education, and higher education student affairs leadership. Prior to that she served in Milwaukee Public Schools in a variety of roles. She earned a Ph.D. in Leadership through Learning for the Advancement of Service from Cardinal Stritch University, and holds a bachelor’s in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her son, Troy ’33, started junior kindergarten at USM last fall.

Fall Cum Laude Inductees

The Butterfly Effect

Congratulations to seniors Amogh Bhatnagar, Aidanne DePoy, Addison Elliott, Stephanie Guy, Rahul Mullick, Afiya Quryshi, Lucia Rondini, Lauren Schwab, Colten Webb, Elizabeth Wong, and Jose Zarate, who were inducted into the Cum Laude Society.

In September, Mike Engroff’s ’96 2nd grade class joined Andrea Burlew’s ’93 kindergarten class to tag and release Monarch butterflies—part of the students’ learning about the life cycles of different plants and animals.

Visit www.usmtoday.org/newsbrief for more news stories.

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Grandparents and Special Friends Day The annual event, sponsored by USM’s Parents’ Association, is a hit with friends of all ages.

University School is thankful for the many visitors who took a break from their Thanksgiving preparations to join us for Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Nov. 27. Guests gathered in the Marion and Verne Read Gymnasium for a short program before enjoying the rest of the morning interacting with students throughout all three divisions. Many thanks to school parents Shelly Farrow and Melissa Sheppard, who co-chaired the event.

Neil Mathews, grandfather of Tobias Mathews ’33, preserved the moment for posterity while visiting Susie Bach’s junior kindergarten classroom during Grandparents and Special Friends Day.

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National Merit Semifinalists

Raising Kids With Character

Congratulations to the following seniors, who were named 2020 National Merit semifinalists: Stephanie Guy, Lucia Rondini, Afiya Quryshi, John Dugan, Colten Webb, Emma Keuler, Rahul Mullick, Ritika Pandey, Addison Elliott, and Amogh Bhatnagar.

USM and REDgen welcomed Dr. Deborah Gilboa for the first speaker series event of the school year in September. Gilboa, known as Dr. G., spoke to students and parents about working collaboratively and developing crucial life skills.

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

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A Lasting Legacy Legacy students and their families enjoyed a special breakfast event in November honoring their commitment to USM. University School has a strong legacy family tradition, which we celebrate each year at the legacy family breakfast in November.

Currently, there are 162 USM students who have a family legacy of attending USM, meaning one or more of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents attended the school or one of its predecessor schools.

Members of the Slocum family, whose connections with the school go back five generations, attended the event along with many others. “We were pleasantly surprised when we found out that our granddaughters would be attending USM,” said Thomas Slocum ’72. “The surroundings have changed from when I attended, but we’re happy with the school.”

Added Andrew Slocum ’02, “Upper School has changed a lot, and Lower School has too, but the bones are the same. It feels great to walk around here; it brings back a lot of good memories.”

“ It feels great to walk around here; it brings back a lot of good memories.”

2019–20 legacy family students who attended the legacy breakfast event in November.

Critter Covers With the Zoo

Young Scientists at Work

Kindergarten students enjoyed a special visit from Erica Berndt, school instructor with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, who taught students about mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians.

The theme for this year’s 7th and 8th grade science symposium was “Our Changing Planet.” Through the project, students write a research paper, conduct a related experiment or project, and present on their findings.

Visit www.usmtoday.org/newsbrief for more news stories.

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Swimming with Sharks Eighth grade students Justin Altman ’24 and Aaron Van Genderen ’24 pitched their board game concept to Milwaukee moguls on “Project Pitch It.” When Justin Altman ’24 and Aaron Van Genderen ’24 developed the board game Down the Rabbit Hole last year, it’s unlikely they could have predicted presenting it to a panel of Milwaukee business moguls while being filmed for a television show. But that’s where they found themselves almost a year later, after being selected to present on a special student-edition episode of “Project Pitch It,” a “Shark Tank”-style television show that airs on WISN channel 12 in Milwaukee.

They competed against other middle- and high-school students from the Milwaukee area for a chance to win prizes and get advice and feedback directly from the moguls themselves.

“This is a great opportunity to practice public speaking and get that experience they need to be confident speakers,” said Brian Markwald, 7th grade social studies teacher. “When they’re giving their pitch, there’s nowhere to hide.”

To see the outcome of Altman and Van Genderen’s pitch to the moguls, you’ll have to tune in to season four of “Project Pitch It,” starting on Saturday, Feb. 8. It airs in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin at 10:30 p.m. on WISN TV channel 12, for nine weeks. Episodes are also available at www.ProjectPitchIt.com.

The inspiration for the board game, which they developed as part of their 7th grade economics course last year, came from Van Genderen’s love of detective novels as a child. “I used to read a lot of ‘Hardy Boys’ and we realized there weren’t a lot of games for little kids that used deductive reasoning,” he said. Players pick a card and work as a team to go around the board and uncover tiles, and check to see if the card matches that tile. The goal is to find a card with no matching tile, which is the one the rabbit took.

The game was part of the entrepreneurship project in the 7th grade economics course, in which students create an idea for a new toy or significantly alter an existing toy. The project teaches students about entrepreneurship, including developing an idea and producing a prototype, but it also incorporates a written and verbal “pitch,” requiring all students to present their projects to parent volunteers, much like what Altman and Van Genderen did for the show.

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Justin Altman ’24 (left) and Aaron Van Genderen ’24 on the set of “Project Pitch It,” as they present their board game to Milwaukee moguls (from left) David Gruber, Dr. Debbie Allen, Jerry Jendusa, and Peggy Ann (not pictured).

T Hoys eadline for Good Goes Here

USM Lunches on National News

Aashi Body copy Sinhagoes ’24 won here. the “Best Playful Learning Concept” category and $500 for her toy, Rescue Buddies, at the Chicago Toy and Game Expo in November. The toy teaches children about plastic pollution and its effect on marine life.

USM’s tradition of assigned seating at lunches sparked a national discussion after it was covered on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” The idea was deemed by many to be an innovative and positive program.

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

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From Trash to Treasure An eco-friendly sculpture, created last year out of 1,500 water bottles by USM students and teachers, has found a permanent home in Discovery World’s Freshwater Sustainability Lab.

CHRIS WINTERS | DISCOVERY WORLD

When Lower School and Middle School students and visual arts teachers created their eco-friendly water bottle sculpture during the 2018–19 school year, they never imagined it would be permanently installed anywhere. In fact, after its tour of various Milwaukee locations in the summer of 2019, it was supposed to be dismantled and recycled. But that changed when John Emmerich, vice president of exhibits and audience engagement at Discovery World in Milwaukee, learned about the project.

Emmerich was contacted by Monique Charlier, executive director of Black Box, which supported the project. She told him about the sculpture and asked if Discovery World might be interested in displaying it temporarily. “When we were talking it through,” Emmerich said, “it became clear there wasn’t a long-term home for it.”

As luck would have it, Emmerich was looking for a student-created instillation to hang in Discovery World’s Freshwater Sustainability Lab, which features 15-foot windows overlooking Lake Michigan. “We always wanted to display something in that space, but we were waiting for the right opportunity,” he said.

Created out of 1,500 plastic water bottles, the sculpture represents the number of bottles thrown away every second in the United States. Emmerich was excited to have a piece that aesthetically enhances the space while supporting the conservation, education, and freshwater sustainability work that is conducted in the lab.

After ironing out the details, the sculpture was installed in the lab on Oct. 8, 2019. Emmerich, and others at Discovery World, were thrilled with the results. “The spirit of the sculpture is to reduce our consumption of plastic, and it conveys a powerful message to anyone standing in that space,” he said.

“To have it live on at Discovery World and continue to drive awareness is really exciting.”

Discovery World hosts upwards of 75,000 school group visitors every year, and the Freshwater Sustainability Lab hosts more than 10 camps every summer. USM students and teachers have been invited to see the lab and discuss their work with museum visitors.

Microloans for Macro Change

Students Earn First Place

Seventh grade students developed arcade games as part of their economics unit and then invited 1st through 4th grade students to play them for 25 cents each. The money raised was used to make a microloan through the KIVA organization.

Congratulations to seniors (from left) Shailesh Desai, Qiufeng Rui, Colten Webb, and Amogh Bhatnagar who earned first place at a computer programming competition at Milwaukee School of Engineering on Nov. 22.

Visit www.usmtoday.org/newsbrief for more news stories.

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A Job (and Career) Well Done Laura Fuller is set to retire following nine years as USM’s head of school.

When Laura Fuller arrived at University School of Milwaukee in 2011, she was given the charge to build upon a very good school and make it an even better one. Hired as the school’s first female head, she was seen as a strong leader, excellent collaborator, and wonderful listener—qualities that have been valuable assets for her during her nearly nine years leading the school.

As she counts down the final months ahead of her retirement in June, she has earned a deep sense of satisfaction and peace as she has progressed in a career that evolved from science teacher to department chair to division head and, ultimately 13 combined years as a head at two schools, including USM. Her Laura and Tom Fuller. husband, Tom, who has served as the school’s director of transportation since 2012, will be joining her in retirement, and the couple plan to split their time with their extended families in both Wisconsin and Florida in the years ahead.

USM has experienced transformational success in many areas during her tenure, with some of the highlights featured in this story. Her collaboration with so many in the USM community has led to many remarkable achievements, and what follows is just a brief snapshot of some of the accomplishments for which she will be remembered.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

Mission and Strategic Planning Upholding the mission of the school while advancing it through collaborative strategic planning is one of a school head’s most important roles. USM has been held in high regard for decades, and the head of school’s responsibility as caretaker of that reputation is not taken lightly. Fuller has embraced that charge, showing great care and respect for the school’s history while finding innovative ways to move USM forward and continue to meet the needs of a new generation of students.

At the forefront of these efforts was the creation of an innovative strategic plan in 2013 that addressed the school’s excellent academic experience while embedding a culture of leadership for faculty and students. This plan—created in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, and deliberately designed to conclude in 2020—more formally introduced the concepts of global education and engagement, professional leadership, and innovation.

It also focused on the importance of providing students with experiential

learning components to ensure vital hands-on experiences necessary for a true and demonstrated understanding of concepts, skills, and ideas.

In addition to this work, Fuller oversaw the school’s most recent reaccreditation process. USM’s accrediting body, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), conducts its required review process every seven years. As part of the process that led to USM’s reaccreditation in 2014, Fuller—along with trustees and her administrative team—reviewed and made modifications to the school’s mission statement to ensure it was appropriately fine-tuned to address the needs of 21st-century student learning.

As she gets set to hand the reins of the school off to Steve Hancock, Fuller is also overseeing USM’s self-study year ahead of its anticipated reaccreditation in 2021.

Laura Fuller’s First Opening

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A Job (and Career) Well Done

Community Building USM has a long and proud history as a strong community. Each school head has added their own unique touches in his or her tenure to add to that reputation. Fuller cares deeply about what happens in the classroom and where students matriculate, but she also cares just as much, if not more, about the USM community and the students’ lives outside of the classroom.

One of the first things Fuller did upon her arrival was to enhance and add to the opportunities for students of all ages to interact and share in the collective school experience. New and enhanced events such as the opening day ceremony, all-school homecoming pep rally, masquerade march, and senior send-off event—among others—added a refreshing new dynamic to the student body, energizing school spirit and encouraging comradery among students of all ages. During the 2014– 15 school year, Fuller led the year-long, community-wide celebration of “50 Years of USM” to commemorate the school’s opening in 1964. Over the

years, her support has led to many student projects and communitybuilding activities in which the school’s youngest and oldest students have opportunities to get to know and learn from each other.

Fuller also worked hard to ensure that families are intimately involved in their children’s educational experiences.

In 2013, she unveiled USM’s parentschool partnership document, which includes USM’s expectations of parents as well as expectations parents should have of the school. It focused on areas such as philosophy, respect, the right to privacy, financial responsibilities, and expectations around communications and participation in the school community.

In creating this document, Fuller made an ongoing commitment to ensure the most positive experience for every student and to strengthen the bond between the school, students, and their families.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

Alumni coffee, November 2013

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Holiday Shops, O

Academic Excellence USM is probably best known for its strong academic programs and student preparation for some of the best colleges and universities in the country.

Fuller has taken great pride in the achievement of the school’s students and graduates, thanks in large part to the passionate and committed faculty— more than half of whom were hired by Fuller—who are not only experts in their individual fields but also possess a hunger for learning and continued improvement. In addition, she has hired or promoted more than three-quarters of the current administrative leadership team, all of whom collaborate with each other and the faculty to keep USM at the top of its game.

One of the most significant results of the school’s 2013 strategic plan was the development of capstones for each of the three divisions. Tower Project, as these capstone experiences are known, feature student-centered, teachermentored, and school-supported experiential learning that encourages students to pursue personal interests while enhancing critical skills.

Preprimary classroom visit, Januar y

As another example, USM now also offers four unique and distinctive transcript designations—in global studies, independent science research, innovation, and social issues and service—two of which were introduced during Fuller’s tenure and continue to distinguish USM graduates in the college admission process.

Overall, the curriculum has continued to evolve for the benefit of the students as the school remains committed to blending traditional academics with innovative pedagogies. The success of these changes is seen in the highest test scores in the state, unmatched Advanced Placement results in the Upper School, countless student awards and distinctions, and, of course, the college acceptance and matriculation lists for each graduating class. It is also found in USM’s portrait of a graduate statement, created during Fuller’s tenure, which recognizes the school’s commitment to developing learners, fostering leaders, and preparing citizens.

2014

Donor reception,

Commencement, May 2015

May 2014

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A Job (and Career) Well Done

Arts and Athletics While USM has always had strong fine arts programs, Fuller has been committed to helping elevate the programs to another level, especially when it comes to recognition and awareness. She worked with fine arts faculty to develop the annual Arts Live event, which began in 2014 and brought together the visual and performing arts as an all-day showcase of USM student works and talent to members of the community. In addition, Fuller collaborated with fine arts faculty to design and create the best new and enhanced arts facilities possible as part of the Our Common Bond fundraising campaign. This work led to the creation of the Abert Tooman Center for the Arts, Werner Family Art Gallery, SardasTrevorrow Family Band Room, Stratton Family Orchestra Room, and Hammes Family Theatre Lobby, and other new spaces, in addition to significant enhancements to the Virginia Henes Young Theatre.

mber 2015

Homecoming pep rally, Septe 16

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

sing, All-school holiday December 2016

USM’s athletic program also has a rich tradition of excellence while offering a no-cut athletic policy to ensure students are able to participate fully in the many sports offered. The Wildcats have won 26 individual and team state championships since Fuller’s first year at the school in 2011. Fuller has also made a strong commitment to the Middle School athletic program and the youth sports programs offered by the school, including Milwaukee Winter Club hockey and LaxCats lacrosse.

Soon after her arrival, her commitment to create the Pennington Athletic Complex allowed the school to host WIAA playoff competitions—bringing increased awareness and visibility to the school and its programs.

The addition of turf playing fields for Ken Laird Field and Liz Krieg Field, enhancements to Alfred James Stadium and Polly and Henry Uihlien Sr. Ice Arena, and development of Don Forti Stadium have also paid significant dividends for USM’s student athletes.

Our Common Bond groundbreaking, May 2017

Diversity and Inclusion USM believes that a diverse and inclusive community—among students, families, and the faculty and staff—is a necessity in developing learners, fostering leaders, and preparing citizens, and Fuller is a big proponent of that belief. Her view has been that, for graduates to be best-prepared for the opportunities of a diverse world ahead of them, the school must provide a recognition of, and respect for, diverse backgrounds and experiences.

While this is understood as a shared responsibility of all the adults in the school community, it is Fuller’s role as head of school that has been bestpositioned to drive those efforts.

The push for cultural competency in the entire PK–12 curriculum has been an important one led by Fuller. While racial and ethnic diversity plays a key role in this work, Fuller has also championed the recognition of other forms of diversity, including socioeconomic status, religion, and sexual orientation.

This is critically important to maintaining a learning community where students

learn to think broadly, critically, and independently, and where the uniqueness of every individual is celebrated.

The creation of inclusive assemblages such as the SEEK (Speak, Engage, Empower, Know) Diversity committee and PI (pluralism and inclusion) group during Fuller’s tenure have expanded the breadth and depth of conversations around diversity and inclusion—to the benefit of everyone in the USM community. In addition, the recent creation of a new director of student success position (see page 7 for more) was intended to ensure that all students—especially those new to USM—receive appropriate support and guidance throughout their educational journeys. All of these efforts have been driven by Fuller’s belief that the school has a critical responsibility to create a vibrant culture that is reflective of the world students will help to shape upon graduation and beyond.

Beam signing, November 2017

Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Novem ber 2017

Jack Olson ’67 Commons de dication, August 2018 17 17

A Job (and Career) Well Done

A Culture of Generosity Outcomes such as those mentioned previously are only possible thanks to the support of our school’s generous donor community. Since Fuller’s arrival in 2011, USM has made remarkable strides in its fundraising efforts, receiving more than $42 million in gifts. With the school having completed a significant fundraising campaign just a few years prior to her arrival, Fuller began her tenure with several important affinity fundraising projects, including the creation of several new full-tuition endowed and annual scholarships to help support students with significant financial need and several significant athletic facility enhancements.

Fuller also gave the USM Fund significant attention, ensuring that this annual giving effort was positioned as the school’s top fundraising priority. Overall, the USM community has given more than $10 million through the USM Fund since 2011, and these annual gifts have helped fund the gap between tuition revenue and the total cost of what the

school spends to educate its students.

In 2012, Fuller also formalized a more tangible specialized program with the USM Fund for the parents of each year’s graduating seniors to support an opportunity themed around a specific enhancement to the school special to that class. These senior giving opportunities have led to an increase in both number of donors and funds raised.

As she concludes her career, Fuller has overseen the successful completion of the school’s largest single fundraising campaign in its history, Our Common Bond, which led to the creation of the Lee Community Room, Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration, Jack Olson ’67 Commons, Werner Family Art Gallery, and Abert Tooman Center for the Arts. In addition to these capital projects, this comprehensive campaign raised funds to grow the endowment and also included the USM Fund. It just recently surpassed its $27 million working goal with several months remaining until its conclusion and Fuller’s retirement.

Farewell to Mrs. Fuller!

In the weeks ahead, information about our plans to celebrate Laura Fuller’s retirement will be shared on the USM website and through various communications to the entire school community.

Be sure to watch for details. We also invite you to share a memory, story, or well-wishes with Mrs. Fuller online at www.usmk12.org/fuller.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

in focus

Dogged Determination These University School of Milwaukee students have taken their passions to the next level—combining countless hours of practice with their innate abilities—to achieve greatness.

Kabakchieva with Scotty (left) and Kinder.

GABBI KABAKCHIEVA ’20 Agility Dog Training Gabbi Kabakchieva’s ’20 passion for agility dog training sprung from an unlikely source: boredom. As a 12-year-old, she Googled “obstacle course for dogs” when her family adopted a dog from the Wisconsin Humane Society. “I watched a few videos and thought, ‘that’s so cool, I’m going to do that with my dog,’” she said. She built some equipment at home, but soon discovered it was harder than she expected. “We were really bad at it because I didn’t know how to train him,” she said.

Kabakchieva convinced her mom to let her take agility training classes, and from there her passion escalated.

She started competing at trials and soon found herself at her first national competition at the American Kennel Club Junior Agility Competition, in 2016. There, she and her rescue dog, Scotty, finished 4th cumulatively in the excellent junior division.

“Initially, my mom wasn’t thrilled with my agility stuff. She thought I would quit after six months,” said Kabakchieva. “But after that junior nationals placement I think she thought, ‘this kid is really good and genuinely wants to continue.’ So she was more supportive after that. She even let me adopt another dog.”

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Kabakchieva, her mom, and her dogs have since traveled all over the country and even the world competing at agility competitions, including the Westminster Kennel Club’s Masters Agility Championship in New York City. They drive to Madison, Wisconsin two to four times per week to practice at an agility training facility there, often not getting home until 10 p.m., and spend their weekends competing or practicing. Kabakchieva also teaches classes at the Milwaukee Dog Training Club and participates in horseback riding, too.

Kabakchieva trains her dogs herself, which is an aspect of the sport she enjoys. “I like working with all the different mentalities they have,” she said. “Some dogs are really soft and you constantly need to be building them up, and some dogs are really hard, and you have to set rules for them. And some dogs can’t focus at all and you have to work on building their focus and their ability to be engaged with you all the time.”

Scotty is nearing retirement age, but he will always have a special place in Kabakchieva’s heart. “I feel like I owe a lot to him,” she said. “He’s been so forgiving of every mistake that I’ve made. He’s just such a good dog. Sure, my dogs might not be as genetically suited for agility as other breeds, but I’m not in it for the ribbons. I do it because I love the sport and I love how happy it makes my dogs and me.”

LARA SPANIC ’20 Precision Rifle Shooting The first time Lara Spanic ’20 fired a precision rifle, as a 16-year-old in 2018, she was hooked. She loved how it narrowed her focus and challenged her mental stamina, but, most of all, she loved the sound of the bullet hitting the metal target. “It’s really fun to hear the steel go ‘tink,’” she said, “especially with the delay. I’ll shoot and then hold my breath, waiting to hear if I hit it.”

Soon after she started, Spanic began shooting competitively at matches throughout the Midwest and quickly made a name for herself in the male-dominated sport. At a recent match in Canada, Spanic hit a bearshaped target that was 1,400 yards away. She was one of only three competitors to hit the target (out of 121), and the only one to hit it twice. “That was my best match yet,” she said. “People were calling me ‘bearslayer.’ It was fun.”

Precision rifle shooting is much more involved than simply pointing at a target and pulling the trigger. The competitor has to hold the rifle steady and always be conscious of safety, while also calculating forces like wind and gravity (called bullet drop), in a small window of time—usually 90 seconds. Spanic has learned to quickly and accurately judge wind speed 20

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

using environmental cues like blowing grass, tree branches, or rain, and she uses a formula and an app on her phone to gauge bullet drop based on the target’s distance. “There’s definitely skill and technique involved, but you really don’t know if you’re correct until you send a round down range and test it out,” she said.

For Spanic, who trains three to four hours per day with hopes of making the 2024 Olympics, mental training is just as important. “The thing I really had to work on was accepting failure,” she said. “Being able to move past mistakes and learn from them, instead of dwelling on them.”

in focus

TATIANA MARICH ’25 Sewing and Fashion Design Tatiana Marich ’25 discovered her love of sewing at age 3, while a student in Muffie Browne’s prekindergarten class.

“We used a sewing machine in class to make little bean-bag bird pillows and I loved it,” Marich said. A few years later, she discovered the television show “Project Runway,” in which fashion designers compete to create clothes while being restricted by time, materials, and themes. “I’d watch the show and write down all of the challenges and try to recreate them using paper because I didn’t know how to sew dresses back then,” she said. “That’s when I wanted to learn how to make clothes myself.”

Marich began taking sewing classes in 4th grade.

She has a dedicated space in her family’s basement, where she spends upwards of 12 hours every weekend sewing dresses, jackets, and pants, including a flipsequined jacket that her mom wore to a fundraising event. “That was probably the hardest thing I’ve made because the fabric was really thick and heavy, so I had to use a leather needle and specialty scissors, because the fabric would have damaged my fabric scissors.”

Marich also sketches designs, and sews pants, bags, and pillows, but perhaps her favorite thing to make is collared, button-down dresses. “I love making collars because I think they’re so interesting,” she said. “When you see a collared shirt you don’t always realize what goes into them. But when I make them I think, ‘wow, this is so cool.’”

While she hopes to complete a fashion line by the time she graduates from USM, she doesn’t necessarily want to pursue fashion in college. “I really love math and science, so I could see myself majoring in something like that, and continue doing fashion on the side.”

HERSH SINGH ’24 AND ARADH KAUR ’26 Chess Hersh Singh ’24 was just 7 years old when his grandfather taught him the basic rules of chess as a way to occupy him during the long Wisconsin winters.

“His first tournament was here at USM, and he did well, so we took him to another tournament,” said his father, Dr. Dalip Singh. “He kept doing well, so we kept taking him to more tournaments.” To say that Hersh picked up on the game quickly would be an understatement.

Today, Hersh and his sister, Aradh Kaur ’26, have traveled all over the world representing the United States at chess tournaments. She trains virtually with a Hungarian coach, while Hersh trains virtually with two coaches, both grand masters based in Chicago.

As an 8th grader, Hersh is ranked as an expert, with a rating of 2,095 (the best player in the world is rated at 2,870). Both siblings practice nearly every day and consistently play three- to four-hour games, but for different reasons. Aradh enjoys the puzzle-like challenge of figuring out the next move, while Hersh’s favorite part is winning.

g.

What would their dad think if, one day, the children told him they didn’t want to play chess anymore? “I think it’s up to them,” said Dalip. “But I would never say that,” added Hersh.

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Thank you for supporting USM’s Culture of Generosity!

In 2018-19

A faculty-tostudent ratio of 1:10

your support helped USM achieve:

16 fine arts performances and concerts

45 varsity, junior varsity, and Middle School athletic teams

Year-long capstone projects in all three divisions

Highlights from 2018–19:

100

%

1,034

OF USM FACULTY AND STAFF DONATED TO THE USM FUND

TOTAL DONORS

24

GIFTS OF $100 OR LESS

24

%

OF STUDENTS RECEIVED NEED-BASED AID

266 %

334 DONORS OUTSIDE OF WISCONSIN

PARENTS OF ALUMNI WHO SUPPORTED USM

14

%

ALUMNI WHO SUPPORTED USM

Thank you for supporting USM’s mission of providing an exceptional PK–12 independent school education.

Thanks to you, more than $1,500,000 in annual gifts supported our students and school in 2018–19. www.usmk12.org/usmfund 22

USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

When Supporting USM is Automatic For James Shovers ’11, supporting USM through a monthly recurring gift both feels good, and does good.

After graduating from USM, Shovers went on to pursue a degree in finance at Wake Forest University.

From there, he landed finance-related roles at firms in Atlanta and then Milwaukee before finding his current position in private equity at Winona Capital Management in Chicago. Shovers felt that his USM education prepared him well for college and his career.

“One thing that’s great about USM is that writing is core to the curriculum,” he said. “Given this strong foundation in writing, I felt extremely prepared for the challenges of college academics.”

“I owe a lot of who I am today to my positive experience at USM.” Shovers valued his USM experience and education so much that he was inspired to support the USM Fund through an automatic recurring gift via a monthly charge. “USM was a huge part of my youth,” he said.

“It’s where I first took challenging classes that helped me develop a great work ethic, where I made lifelong friends, and where I played a ton of sports. I owe a lot of who I am today to my positive experience at USM.”

James Shovers ’11 and his sister, Elizabeth (Shovers) Weinman ’07.

James Shovers ’11 has many great memories from his time as a University School of Milwaukee student.

But one that stands out is being a part of the WIAA state championship hockey team in 2010. “That is a great memory for sure,” he said. “I really liked being part of such a great team and community. I’d wake up early and skate with my friends before school started, and that’s a really cool way to start the morning. It’s pretty unique to have a hockey rink right on campus.”

Individuals who support the USM Fund, like Shovers, are vital to the school’s operation, day in and day out. Gifts of all sizes truly make a difference for USM students. “It’s important to me to set a schedule and include USM in my finances every month. USM is something that shaped who I am, and I’ll continue to support it for the foreseeable future.”

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in focus

Library Remodel Is One for the Books Books take center stage in the newly updated Stratton Preschool/Lower School Library, but they’re not the only things that benefit from the remodel. Subtle tweaks and a showstopping mural wall make for a warm, inviting space that continues to be a favorite amongst students and faculty.

T

he Stratton Preschool/Lower School Library, it’s fair to say, needed a refresh. The much-used and much-loved space hadn’t seen major change since the mid-1980s when a gift from the Stratton family supported renovations as the school’s south and north campuses were unified. “The library needed to be updated to make it more usable for parents, students, and faculty,” said Preschool and Lower School Librarian Judy Clegg. Thanks to support from the Parents’ Association and other funding sources, the new space is much more functional, flexible, and welcoming.

One of the first items the team, which included Tara Christian, director of interior design at Uihlein/Wilson – Ramlow/Stein Architects, accomplished was to pick a theme for the space. “We quickly settled on a woodsy, forest theme,” said Clegg. “It ties together the school’s focus on outdoor education and our beautiful campus, and we thought everybody could identify with a forest.”

From there, subtle changes like new carpet, paint, lighting, and shelving added up to make a big impact in the space. “Libraries are changing, but we know with this age group it’s still all about the books,” said Christian.

Work was completed last summer, just in time for the start of the school year. “When students first walked in they would say, ‘Wow! This is amazing!’” said Clegg. “And parents too, they don’t want to leave when they walk in. They just want to stay in this welcoming, tranquil space.”

Because it’s the first thing visitors see when they walk in, Christian wanted this wall to be impactful. However, a metal HVAC grill in the middle of the wall interrupted the visual. Thanks to alumna and current parent Rory Foley ’95, who hand-painted the grate, it now blends in with the surrounding forest scene.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

in focus

The gradation of color in four shades, which get darker as you walk closer to the mural, invokes a sense of walking deeper into a forest, while blue paint on one side of the room and green on the other plays up the asymmetry of the space.

Previously, the beams were covered by fluorescent lighting and easy to miss. New LED wall-washing fixtures mounted behind the beams light the wood decking of the ceiling, providing brightness without covering the architectural feature.

The team wanted lighting that invoked a sense of flight and movement.

Christian and the architect met on site with the electrician to place each light by hand, making sure they were irregular distances away from each other and the walls.

The child-size chairs have a fun surprise: animal shapes carved into the backs. Christian opted for wood chairs stained blue, which contrasts with the wood shelving and ceiling.

The team intentionally selected carpet with distinct water and grass visuals, and they liked this carpet’s asymmetry, which is less restricting for furniture placement. The cushion underneath the carpet is comfortable underfoot and helps with acoustics.

Lower, curved shelves make it easier for small children to reach books, and for light to enter the room. Casters on some of the shelves and the circulation desk make the furniture easy to move aside to accommodate larger groups that often gather in the library.

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Holiday Shops 2019 celebrated its 43rd year in grand fashion. In addition to fabulous shopping, the Preview Party offered many one-of-a-kind auction items and experiences for patrons to bid on. The three days of shopping that followed proved worthwhile for the vendors, who donated 15% of their earnings to USM. Many thanks to all who contributed their valuable time, talents, and patronage.

Save the Dates!

Be sure to join us for the 2020 Preview Party on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and continue shopping with us from Thursday, Oct. 29 to Saturday, Oct. 31.

Visit www.holidayshops.org for updates and additional information throughout the year.

From left Dr. Camellia Eshoa Affi, Dr. Aboud Affi, Jan Dyke, and Abigail Dyke.

From left Ruth Peterson; Anne Wangman; and Niven Kingwill, vendor hospitality committee member.

Paul Hickerson (left) and Taz Landry.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

From left Tom and Laura Fuller, head of school; Debra Pokel, Parents’ Association president; and Mike Pokel, trustee.

in focus than More

2,500

ded s atten 19. r e p p sho s 20 y Shop Holida

from eds helped e c n l pro 019 Tota hops 2 ore tha S m l y o a o d Holi the sch n r a e

.

0 0 ,0 0 5 1 $

Mor e tha n

140

Sumanjeet Batra (left) and Sumeeta Krishnaney ’92, trustee.

vo pare lunteer pare nts o staf f alumn nts, f, an i d stu , faculty help , d ent e Holi d make s d 201 ay Shop 9 po s ssib le.

From left Charles Domer, Britton Domer, Jaclyn Ness, and David Ness.

Aaron Gardner ’96 (left); Kate Markgraf (center); and Stephanie Gardner ’96, decorations lead.

From left Heather Erlandson ’92, Holiday Shops coordinator; Stephanie Radtke ’96; Sarah Holbrook; and Samantha Adey, Upper School history teacher.

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spotlight

The Making of Macbeth The Upper School’s recent performance of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” evolved from a few actors on stage to a full-fledged theatrical production, with the help of a small army of volunteers.

T

he real magic of a theatrical performance, one might argue, doesn’t happen on stage.

It happens behind the scenes—when volunteers are painting and building the set, actors are memorizing lines, and technicians are designing the lighting. The finished product is a culmination of Herculean efforts from all walks of the University School of Milwaukee community.

The first performance of “Macbeth” was held on Oct. 24, 2019, but planning had been underway months in advance. Mark Edwards, Upper School drama teacher and the show’s director, held auditions in May and selected his cast before the end of last school year. Over the course of the summer, Edwards exchanged set design ideas with Joshua Miller, theatre technical director, who was hired in July. Upper School Administrative Assistant Mark Conner, who also serves as USM’s costume maker, began his research in the summer and completed the bulk of his sewing by mid-September, in time for cast fittings.

The actors started rehearsing on the first day of school (Aug. 27), but the work wasn’t over when rehearsals ended. “I’d spend several hours every night working on my lines,” said Connor Findlay ’22, who played Macbeth. “I’d walk around in my room or actually walk outside at like, 1 a.m. just to get it in my brain.” Added Margaret Rankin ’21, who played Lady Macbeth, “Shakespeare is difficult to memorize, and you also have to understand what you’re saying and add meaning to it.”

When the show is over and the final curtain has fallen, the students must feel some relief, right?

“Actually, I’ll feel sad when it’s over,” said Findlay.

“Me too,” added Rankin. “We have so much fun. The sense of community and the bond you feel with your cast, I don’t get that anywhere else.”

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

9/3 Rehearsals were held every day, and Mark Edwards (far left) worked closely with students to understand the words and their meanings. Actors also worked to identify their characters’ personalities, back stories, motivations, and flaws.

10/23 From left Edwards helped actors Connor Findlay ’22 (Macbeth) and Alyssa Howe ’23 (Young Siward) perfect their sword-fight choreography while Neil Dogra ’21 (Sergeant) got a trial run with his stage makeup.

10/22 Asher Bosworth ’22 was the show’s sound technician.

Here, he practiced cueing up music, sound effects, and adjusting the audio levels during rehearsal.

spotlight

9/5 Mark Conner sewed the costumes at home on nights and weekends, starting in late August.

Making costumes is more time-consuming than renting them, but it adds creativity and builds a collection of costumes for future shows.

10/25

9/17 Joshua Miller, theatre technical director, sketched out a set design for Charlie Reinders ’22 (center) and Alex Horton ’23 to construct. The set was intentionally dark, with earth tones meant to invoke feelings of insecurity, greed, and death.

9/18

Months of planning, rehearsals, and line memorization boiled down to three final performances. Here, Macbeth (Connor Findlay ’22) grappled with the implications of killing Duncan, while Lady Macbeth (Margaret Rankin ’21) passionately persuaded him.

10/22 Lighting designer O’Neil (center) created the lighting for the show, which was a key set component. O’Neil programed the lighting board and trained Jacques Blashka ’22 (left), who served as the board operator for all three performances.

Once the costumes were near completion, Conner held fittings with each cast member. Here, he worked with Madeleine Megal ’21 (Macduff). “I like the costume analysis part of it,” said Conner. “The way you can use color and materials to connect two characters together.”

10/10 Members of the production staff (from left) Philip Shuler ’15, scenic painter; Joshua Miller, technical director; Shane O’Neil, lighting designer; and Mark Edwards, director, held a meeting on set.

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spotlight

Middle School Presents “Matilda the Musical” Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s classic, “Matilda,” came to life on stage in November.

Directed by Middle School Drama Teacher Katie Gonring, the performance was supported by a cast and crew of more than 70 students, as well as a pit orchestra of 11 student musicians. Here, Griffin Grebe ’24 (left) and Nora Markwald ’24 play Matilda’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood. For a complete list of all who participated in the production, visit www.usmk12.org/matilda.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

locker room

USM Competes at State CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS TENNIS

Mya Hartjes ’23, Drew Stephens ’22, and Thomas Stephens ’22 represented the University School of Milwaukee cross country team by running as individuals in the 2019 WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 2 at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Hartjes took 11th place in the girls’ race, with a time of 19:26.0.

Drew Stephens took 17th place in the boys’ race with a time of 16:55.7, while his twin brother Thomas took 73rd place at 17:29.1.

The doubles teams of Stephanie Guy ’20 and Grace Gridley ’20, and Rebecca Daskal ’22 and Kala Siddalingaiah ’21, represented the USM’s girls’ tennis team at the WIAA Division 2 Individual State Tournament last October. Seeded second in the tournament, Guy and Gridley made it all the way to the semi-finals but lost to third-seeded pair Jensen Christensen and Grace Tostrud of Monroe, Wisconsin.

The loss put Guy and Gridley into the match for third place in the state, where they defeated Rylee Teuteberg and Alex Strum, 6-2, 6-4 to place third.

“We are so proud of Mya, Thomas, and Drew, not only for their race performances but for how they conducted themselves in such a high-stakes meet,” said Eric Pilling, USM’s head coach. “The state meet can be intimidating but Mya, Drew, and Thomas kept their composure and focused on what got them there: smart racing with a strong second half.”

Hartjes ’23

Daskal and Siddalingaiah began the tournament with a victory, defeating Sophie Roundeau and Katie Metcalf of East Troy, Wisconsin, 6-0, 6-1 in the opening round on Thursday evening. They met their match against the tournament’s top-seeded team, Erika Curtin and Ellie Macksood of Xavier, who won the second round match by a score of 6-4, 6-4.

Guy ’20

Gridley ’20

USM Receives Award of Excellence USM was one of 27 schools in the state to receive the 2018–19 Award of Excellence from the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). It is the second time the school has received the award, which recognizes achievements in sportsmanship, ethics, integrity, leadership, and character.

“To be one of 27 schools in the state to earn this award is a huge honor for USM,” said Director of Athletics Luke Houdek (pictured). “I am so proud of our student athletes, coaches, and athletic department personnel, whose actions have been recognized and awarded by the WIAA. We take education-based athletics seriously at USM, and this award is proof.”

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locker room

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony University School of Milwaukee has a long-standing tradition of athletic achievement beginning with its three predecessor schools: Milwaukee Country Day School, Milwaukee Downer Seminary, and Milwaukee University School. That tradition, and the many people who contribute to it, were honored at the ceremony for the second class of Athletic Hall of Fame inductees on Oct. 12, 2019.

“While we always lead with academics, we know there is a powerful and strong link between academics and athletics,” said Head of School Laura Fuller in her opening remarks.

“We believe wholeheartedly in educating the whole student, and that means academically, athletically, artistically, and ethically.” Visit www.usmathletics.org/halloffame for more information about the inductees.

Tony Fritz, athletic coach and physical education teacher for 14 years at USM, and Hall of Fame inductee.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

Kate Elsner Lilek ’75 (left) introduced Alice Fajen Chang ’70, who accepted the Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of her mother, the late Alice Kieckhefer Fajen MDS’44.

Patrick Mc Gahan (left) and Lily Brennan peruse old yearbooks.

From left Elizabeth (Cyganiak) Stuckslager ’91, Hall of Fame inductee Sarah Cyganiak ’94, Anne Cyganiak, and Ted Stuckslager.

locker room

From left Jeff Servis ’69, Alex Miller ’79, and Hall of Fame inductee Pepi Randolph ’79.

Hall of Fame Inductee John Stocking MCDS’57 (center) with his grandsons Will Stocking (left) and John Stocking.

Congratulations to the following members of the 2019 USM Athletic Hall of Fame Class: Student Athletes ROBERT “BOBBY” JAKE MUS’40 ALICE KIECKHEFER FAJEN MDS’44 JOHN STOCKING MCDS’57 JIM BELL MUS’58 EUGENE “PEPI” RANDOLPH ’79 KAREN HARTWIG ’86 SARAH CYGANIAK ’94

From left Jenny Jansen ’84, Hall of Fame inductee Karen Hartwig ’86, and Margy Stratton ’84.

Distinguished Contributor AUDREY ARNDT

Teams 1947–1950 MCDS FOOTBALL TEAMS

Coach TONY FRITZ

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beyond usm

Class Notes

’40s

’70s KIP JACOBS ’74

DONALD W. BAUMGARTNER MCDS’49

received the 2019 Bravo!

Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award presented by BizTimes Media. Baumgartner is the founder of Milwaukee-based Paper Machinery Corp. He is pictured at right with BizTimes founder Dan Meyer.

’50s ANNE (NELSON) WEISSMAN MDS’54

would like to share the following note with the MDS class of 1954: “Sorry to miss our party. I have been so busy that I literally ran out of my body’s central energy and collapsed in my doorway, breaking my right hip.

Five weeks later (mid-July 2019), I am on my feet with a walker and OK. Please remind all our 83-year-olds to be aware of that empty feeling.”

joined his fellow alumni and friends at the wedding of Mark Hansen’s ’74 daughter. Pictured from left John “J.S.” Stephens, Burt Bartlett ’74, Mark Hansen ’74, Kip Jacobs ’74, Lisa Kaiser, Jill Jacobs, Gunnar Gundersen, Lisa Gundersen, and Carla Bartlett ’78.

STEPHEN FARWIG ’75

returned to campus on the first day of school (Aug. 27) to speak with 8th graders about the history of the 8th grade stairs, because the class of 1975 was the first to use them.

ROBERT C. LEVIS MCDS’59

wrote and published a book, “#Jubilee Fever 2020.”

’60s DOUGLASS H. BARTLEY ’65

has written and produced a prodigiously researched and drolly humorous four-volume study of the U.S. Constitution (plus a fifth short volume of additions): “The Kiss of Judice: The Constitution Betrayed.”

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CHRISTINE (CEE CEE) L. WILMANNS ’79

wrote, “I was so sorry to miss my 40th reunion. I heard from Nancy (Hoff) Covert ’79 that it went quite well.

My horse work is very involved with little time off, just as it was in high school. I so much, on a daily basis, cherish all my years (kindergarten through Upper School), at University School! Yes, times were different then, but the individual attention I got was the foundation of who I am now. Believe me, I was ‘extra help’ before, during, after school and summer classes! I am a proud product of USM’s firm belief of good education and kindness to the ‘nth degree.’

beyond usm

’80s MARGY STRATTON ’84

Carol A. Carpenter MDS’57 enjoyed her 80th birthday party in September, which was attended by alumnae from the MDS class of 1957. Pictured are: Fran (Kretlow) Bedore, Julie (Teipel) Carpenter, Karen (Kansteiner) Cleaver, Connie (Wegmann) Fox, Gay (Spiess) Grumhaus, Marguerite Huth, Judy (Wetzel) Kern, Connie (Evans) Kolster, Jane (Reuter) Lauerman, Joan Levine, Fay (O’Neill) Mosle, Pepper (Read) McCulloch, Barbie (Wigdale) Nelson, Susan (Garlick) Paslov, Kate (Luedke) Yost, Nancy (Anderson) Dusenberry, and Carol Carpenter.

received the 2019 Women of Influence: Community Supporter award from Milwaukee Business Journal for the time, energy, and resources she has devoted to support the community.

Stratton is the founder and executive producer of Milwaukee Reads, has worked with United Way’s Emerging Readers program, and is a founding co-chair of United Way’s Emerging Leaders program. Stratton ’84 conceived the United Way’s Philanthropic 5 Awards in 2007 to honor community leaders. Here, she is pictured with Erica Lofton ’19 (right), who won the Philanthropic Youth award in August. Stratton also serves on the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation board and is a former USM Parents’ Association president.

upcoming events upcoming events upcomin Alumni Family Ski Heiliger Huegel Ski Club, Hubertus Saturday, Feb. 8

Calling All

Lovebirds

We asked for alumni to share their real-life USM love stories, and we were thrilled with the responses! Many thanks to all who contributed. To read them, or to submit your own, visit www.usmk12.org/lovestories. Whether you dated in high school or re-connected later in life, we’d love to hear your story!

Alumni Night at the Theatre University School of Milwaukee Thursday, March 5 Alumni Paddle Tennis Town Club, Milwaukee Friday, March 6 For more details and to RSVP, visit www.usmk12.org/alumni.

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’90s

RAJ CHETTY ’97

OPPORTUNITY INSIGHTS

MIKE DE SISTI

DR. LOUELLA B. AMOS ’95

was recently featured in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article about how she, along with a team of doctors at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, helped uncover that vaping may be behind hundreds of serious lung injuries and as many as six deaths across the country.

Amos is a pulmonologist at the hospital and assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

won the A.SK Social Science Award 2019, which is awarded by the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, and includes a $200,000 prize. Chetty was awarded for his research on poverty and social mobility. Chetty recently appeared on Amanpour & Co.; watch the interview at www.usmtoday.org/chetty.

ANDY GORDON ’98

and his wife, Melissa, welcomed their second child, Harrison James Gordon, on Sept. 18, 2019. Big brother August was very excited to meet his little brother!

JOHN U. OLSON ’95

(back row, far left) and his wife, Elin Blakstad ’95 (back row, second from left), visited USM with their family on a recent visit to Milwaukee from their home in Norway.

JONATHAN J. BERTRAM ’99

and Meghan Bledsoe-Horton Bertram ’07 welcomed Jonathan Carter Bertram on April 2, 2019. “He’s our first and only (so far, lol), weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces and was delivered at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” he said.

LAURA (THICKENS) THUROW ’96

received the 2019 Women of Influence: Mentor award from Milwaukee Business Journal for her outstanding leadership at Baird, where she serves as director of wealth solutions and operations. Thurow volunteers at Milwaukee’s The Gathering, and is a board member of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, TEMPO, and the CFA Society.

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’00s NADYA E. PEREZ-REYES ’02

has been named legislative policy advisor for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Perez-Reyes previously worked as an attorney with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Juvenile and Mental Health Office. She also worked in the state public defender’s Washington County and Ozaukee County trial offices, representing both adults and children.

beyond usm

KATHERINE H. MORSE ’03

married Topher Riley on Aug. 31, 2019 at their home in California. Liz Gallun Krieg ’79 and Keeley Wright Davis ’03 were in attendance.

Alumni Visits The USM Alumni Association had a great time catching up with alumni this fall—be sure to check out our upcoming events on page 35. We hope to see you soon!

CHICAGO

ALUMNI COFFEE

Reunion Weekend | June 19-20, 2020 Mark your calendars for this year’s Reunion Weekend! Catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and reminisce about your years at USM. Visit www.usmk12.org/reunionweekend or call 414.540.3328 for more details.

June 19 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. Summer Soirée at Milwaukee Country Club

June 19 | 7 p.m. Class of ’70 50th Reunion Dinner at Milwaukee Country Club June 20 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Joe Lubar ’08 Alumni Baseball Game, Campus Tours, Food & Froth Beer Garden, and Class Celebrations

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beyond usm

HEATHER (NEUWIRTH) LOVEJOY ’04

married Nick Lovejoy on May 27, 2018.

CHARLES F. WRIGHT ’04

MICHAEL SENDIK ’07

married Veronica Quintern on July 5, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. From left T.J. Hauske ’08, Chris Terris ’08, Michael Sendik ’07, and Read Servis ’08.

married Victoria Dickens on Aug. 17, 2019 at Fox Point Lutheran Church. They celebrated with family and friends at Milwaukee Country Club.

TOMMY SCHLOEMER ’08

submitted the following photos after a recent alumni get-together:

MICHAEL SARNOSKI ’06

is directing a movie, called “Pig,” starring Nicolas Cage and Alex Wolff. Sarnoski co-wrote the story that the script is based on. Cage plays a truffle hunter whose beloved foraging pig is kidnapped.

MICAELA C. WHITE ’06

married Patrick Bomhack on June 23, 2019. The ceremony took place at the bride’s family home and they celebrated with family and friends.

CRISTINA M. COSTANTINI ’07

won an Emmy in 2019 for her documentary, “Science Fair.”

The film won the audience award at Sundance and SXSW, and is currently streaming on www.nationalgeographic.com.

Costantini visited USM in October 2018, where she discussed the film and shared clips with students.

From left Wyatt Schloemer, Hayley Schloemer, Summer Schloemer, Tommy Schloemer ’08, Grace (Hauske) Robbins ’08, Andrew Robbins ’04, and Everett Robbins.

MELANIE (JONES) WEBER ’07

married Colin J. Weber ’07 on June 22, 2019 at the Sherman Library and Gardens in Newport Beach, California.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

From left Summer Schloemer, Tommy Schloemer ’08, T.J. Hauske ’08, and Adeline Hauske.

beyond usm

It’s Just Lunch When USM’s tradition of assigned seating at lunches gained national attention, alumni were invited back to see for themselves how school lunches have—or have not—changed since they were students. Each alumna/us was seated at an Upper School table and had a chance to connect with students and swap stories.

Any noticeable changes? “The new Jack Olson ’67 Commons is a beautiful space to eat lunch in,” said Samantha Crownover ’87.

Bill Webb ’69 (left) joined Kyle Wagner ’22 (center) and Asher Bosworth ’22 for lunch.

From left David Mai ’14, Samantha Crownover ’87, Djdade Denson ’14, Burt Bartlett ’74, Chris Cooper ’14, and Bill Webb ’69.

Stephawn Easley ’21 (left) and Eloise Hayden ’23 (center) spoke with Samantha Crownover ’87.

Alumni Salute to Service In an effort to recognize and honor alumni who have previously served or are currently serving our country, the Alumni Association is creating an alumni veteran registry and a service recognition program that will include a memorial, reflection, and appreciation space on campus. It is our hope that this program will provide a space for all our community members—veterans and non-veterans alike—to pause and remember the sacrifices made in service to our country.

So that we may honor those alumni, please contact the Alumni office with your name, military branch, and service years. We know that there are members of the USM community who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, and we encourage you to share those names as well. Please visit www.usmk12.org/veterans to learn more.

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beyond usm

Between a Rock and a Strongman Eric Dawson ’99 has always been fascinated with feats of strength. Growing up working at his family’s limestone quarry business, Lannon Stone Products in Sussex, Wisconsin, he would lift heavy boulders for fun.

He spent summers mining decorative field stone—a physically demanding job involving pulling rocks out of the earth with sledgehammers and crow bars. By the time he enrolled at USM for his freshman year of high school, his strength and large stature made him a valuable asset on the varsity football team.

Dawson thrived on the football field under then-head coach Don Forti, whom Dawson credits with instilling a love of physical fitness. “Coach Forti gave me a passion for strength training and physical fitness that’s led me down my whole career path,” said Dawson. “Outside of my dad and my grandfathers, he’s the man who’s had the biggest influence on me—still to this day.”

After graduating from North Dakota State University in 2003, where he also played football, Dawson applied his passion to various careers including teaching and personal training. While working as a personal trainer in Boston, he was introduced to Strongman events during a visit to a specialty gym. “I walked in, fell in love with the place, and hired a coach that same day,” he said.

Strongman events are international strength competitions in which contestants pick up, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. They are scored on time, reps, or maximum weight lifted. The objects can be anything from 1,000-pound tractor tires and giant rocks to kegs, cars, and even refrigerators. The heavier and more awkward the objects are to lift, the better. “It requires a lot more skill than you would think,” said Dawson. “You have to manipulate your body around the implement to lift it overhead, know how to grip the object, etc. There are plenty of guys who are stronger than me, but I’ve been able to win by analyzing my lift and maximizing myself.”

Dawson opened his own gym, called Titan Barbell, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, more than five years ago.

The gym is outfitted with a plethora of Strongmanspecific equipment, but he trains individuals of all athletic abilities. “Outside of top-notch coaching and equipment, my biggest goal is to have an environment where people feel comfortable training, pushing each other, and having a good sense of community.”

But does his gym have any heavy rocks? “Oh yeah,” he said with a laugh. “We’ve got a lot of them.”

Dawson and his wife, Angel Williams ’99, live in Medford, Massachusetts and have two daughters, Olivia and Goodie.

Dawson held these two, full-sized pick-up trucks with a combined weight of 10,000 pounds for 38 seconds.

In the Húsafell stone-carrying event, the trick is to walk quickly—but not too quickly. “If you go too fast you run the risk of tripping, but you obviously don’t want to go too slow,” said Dawson. “So you have to flirt with that line and move fast but be in control.”

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

beyond usm

was awarded a scholarship from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism to pursue a Master of Science in Journalism specializing in politics, policy, and foreign affairs reporting.

She moved to Washington, D.C. for this opportunity and is looking forward to covering news for broadcast, print, and digital at Medill’s Washington newsroom.

’10s BENJAMIN D. FLORSHEIM ’10

was elected mayor of Middletown, Connecticut in the Nov. 5, 2019 election, becoming the youngest mayor in the city’s history. Florsheim is a Wesleyan University graduate and previously served as an outreach assistant for U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

AUGUST E. FRITZ ’10

married Megan Roehrich on Oct. 5, 2019.

EMILY (SCHUETT) HELLER ’10

married Luke Heller.

DJDADE J. DENSON ’14

ANA MARTINEZ-ORTIZ

KELLY G. CANNON ’09

was recently featured in a Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service story titled “Four Graduates You Should Know and Will Likely Work for One Day.” Denson graduated from Marquette University in May 2019 with a degree in environmental engineering.

ERICA L. LOFTON ’19

received the Philanthropic Youth award as part of the United Way’s Philanthropic 5 Awards event held in August.

Lofton was recognized for her tireless work with peer support and youth advocacy issues, and girls’ leadership. In 2015, Lofton was invited to the White House to accept the Champion of Change Award for building bridges between youth and law enforcement from President Barack Obama.

GRACE PETZOLD ’19

(pictured below, far right) was recently featured in an episode of “Wisconsin Life” for the nonprofit organization Graceful Wakes, which she founded in 2015 with the help of her parents, Wendy and Andrew. Graceful Wakes holds adaptive water ski clinics throughout the state and brings increased accessibility to the sport of water skiing. Visit www.usmtoday.org/ petzold and scroll down for the video.

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In Memoriam We celebrate the lives of the following alumni and friends, whose deaths were recently shared with us.

We are thankful for their friendship.

1930s Anne Crosby Green MDS’32 Oct. 28, 2018 Alameda, Calif.

Caryl Lanholff Greenman MDS’39 Nov. 14, 2014 Madison, Wis.

1940s Susan Luhman Benn MDS’45 May 18, 2019 Deerfield, Ill. John J. O’Brien MCDS’45 May 16, 2018 Fond du Lac, Wis. Barbara Robinson Hickey MDS’46 March 23, 2019 Madison, Wis. Monte F. Huebsch Jr. MCDS’46 July 21, 2019 St. Helena Island, S.C. Charles E. Jordan MCDS’46 March 6, 2012 Milwaukee Nancy Ward Bauer MDS’47 March 3, 2018 Three Lakes, Wis. John Dolan MUS’47 April 13, 2013 Raleigh, N.C.

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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2019–20

John L. Fried MUS’47 May 23, 2019 Milwaukee Winogene A. Weix Kile MDS’47 Nov. 9, 2018 Oconomowoc, Wis. Doris Rogers Kuhns MDS’47 May 25, 2018 Montecito, Calif.

Susan Stephens Morley MDS’47 Aug. 20, 2018 San Jose, Calif.

Norbert B. Enzer MCDS’48 June 8, 2019 Ann Arbor, Mich.

Olaf I. Rove MCDS’48 March 15, 2019 Gresham, Ore. Jackson M. Bruce Jr. MCDS’49 May 28, 2019 Milwaukee Leroy W. Grossman Jr. MCDS’49 May 19, 2019 Grafton, Wis. Ann Lindsay Remus MUS’49 Nov. 6, 2016 St. Joseph, Mich.

Ray Strehlow MCDS’49 July 17, 2019 Milwaukee

1950s Josie Arp de Silva MDS’50 Sept. 5, 2014 Davenport, Iowa Carolanne Goetsch Flieller MDS’51 July 13, 2019 Milwaukee Edward T. Gerhardy MCDS’51 Oct. 6, 2019 Denver Mary Sawyer Orth MDS’51 Aug. 16, 2019 Oshkosh, Wis. Julie Middleton Carroll MDS’52 Aug. 6, 2017 Ann Arbor, Mich.

Sibley M. Kopmeier-Havlick MDS’54 2019 Houston Frederick Madison Jr. MCDS’55 June 3, 2019 Lodi, Wis. Gary P. Grunau MCDS’57 Sept. 25, 2019 Milwaukee Charles M. Klotsche MUS’59 May 23, 2019 Palm Beach, Fla.

beyond usm

1960s Candy Brumder MUS’64 Aug. 10, 2019 Hamilton, Mont.

Russ Haviland III ’69 June 28, 2019 St. Louis

1970s Anastasia M. Chehak ’71 July 13, 2017 Edmond, Okla.

Lynn E. Miller Nichols ’73 June 20, 2019 Paradise Valley, Ariz.

1990s Frederick R. Klug ’90 Aug. 26, 2019 Mequon, Wis.

Friends Daniel E. Argall April 23, 2019 Cedarburg, Wis. Father of Brenna Argall ’98, Alyssa Tozzi ’00, Evan Argall ’02, Lacey Yee ’03, Claire Argall ’06, and Brigitte Argall ’09

Audrey H. Arndt passed away on Oct. 6, 2019 at the age of 95. She began her career in 1945 during World War II as a member of the Women’s Army Corps as chief clerk at McCaw General Hospital, near Ft. Walla Walla, Washington. After being honorably discharged in 1946, she went to work for Milwaukee Country Day School as secretary to the headmaster, remaining in that capacity until she retired from University School of Milwaukee in 1992, after 46 years.

Her service to the school went far beyond the expected, and she contributed in myriad ways to the school after her official duties were completed each day. In a volunteer capacity for athletics, which included evenings, weekends, and holidays, she contributed as a statistician, scorekeeper, and the primary contact for various news sources. Arndt regularly attended both home and away athletic events to cheer on her beloved teams, which further demonstrated her loyalty and support for the student athletes.

In 1991, USM established the Audrey Arndt Award, which is given to a staff member in recognition of length of service, esteem of coworkers, high level of skill and performance, attention to detail, loyalty to the school, and commitment to young people. In 2019 she was inducted into USM’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Arndt typified what the school strives for in its students: hard work, dedication, kindness, friendship, and devotion. She will be dearly missed.

Former headmaster for Milwaukee Downer Seminary and University School of Milwaukee, Richard S. McKinley III, passed away on Nov. 26, 2019 at the age of 93. Additional coverage of his life and contributions to USM will appear in the Spring/Summer 2019­–20 issue of USM Today.

Updated as of Nov. 1, 2019.

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a look back

The Evolution of College Admissions By Susan Zarwell ’87

I

the fall semester of 1986, I was in my senior n year at USM and, like many of my peers, considering a list of five or six colleges, all liberal arts schools, mostly in hard-to-get-to small towns. A few of my friends looked at UW-Madison, which they could attend for well under $10,000 a year. After I sent off postcards, each college mailed a paper application that I dutifully fed into our family’s Smith Corona typewriter to complete. I took the SAT once and had only one letter of recommendation. My loving parents never asked to read over a single page of the stack that I sent off sometime in January.

Ultimately, the habits I developed as a USM student—self-reflection, a healthy skepticism of first impressions, and open-mindedness—contributed to my college choice, helped me adapt to college life, and still guide me now as one of three college counselors at USM. Today, however, the application process is much different. By the end of their junior year, our students will have taken three practice standardized tests with access to over 40 hours of test prep. In recent years, more than 80% of USM seniors have submitted at least one application (and three letters of recommendation) electronically by Nov. 1. Students routinely request that many people review their applications before submission, and most will use the Common Application, which only a handful of us did in 1986.

Back in high school, I was a firm proponent of staying true to one’s self, but as a counselor, I understand how students can be influenced by others. The brand strength of particular colleges and enrollment trends definitely impact student and parent behavior, and not always for the better. Instead of looking within and nurturing individual strengths and interests, many families feel the need to bow to external pressures. The recent “Varsity Blues” scandal, in which wealthy parents participated in bribery and test-cheating schemes in exchange for their children’s entry to highly selective schools, proves that.

In many ways, college admissions in 2019 doesn’t feel at all like it did in 1986. And yet, the very same questions asked of me in USM classrooms that helped me make a sound college decision are the same questions we find ourselves asking students and families as they negotiate this different terrain now: Why do you want what you want? What are your obligations to yourself and others? What forces should shape your decisions? How do your decisions benefit you and the common good?

Who goes to college, where they go, and how they get there may be changing, but the purpose of an education—especially a USM education—has not: to build better selves and citizens.

Susan Zarwell ’87 is USM’s director of college guidance.

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a look ahead

Team members from left Divya Rao ’27, Grace Chen ’27, Liliana Espinosa ’27, Simrin Patel ’27, Bianca Ladd ’27, and (not pictured) Maya Callaghan ’27.

Members of team “The Girls Are Back in Town” practiced for their FIRST LEGO League Challenge, which is a competition that engages children ages 9 to 14 in research, problem solving, coding, and engineering. Here, the girls used their iPads to write code that they uploaded to their robot via Bluetooth, and the robot then completed various missions on the board for points. The challenge required teamwork, trial-and-error, patience, and communication, and will prepare them well for USM’s FIRST Robotics team, which is open to students in grades 9 through 12.

SUMMER I.D.E.A.S. AT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MILWAUKEE

HALF-DAY & FULL-DAY CAMPS ACADEMIC & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AGE 3–GRADE 12 | JUNE–AUGUST

Registration opens February 2020

WWW.USMK12.ORG/IDEAS

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 1025

Even with all of the activity happening on Opening Day, a simple balloon still captivates.

Seniors Evan Guttormson ’20 (left) and Quinn Thompson ’20 (right) can’t help but enjoy Sebastian Ficks’ ’32 enthusiasm.

Photo by Jessica Michels, Upper School art teacher