USM Today - Spring/Summer 2024-25

The AND SCIENCE of ART GETT ING

College admissions can feel stressful and overwhelming. We can help.

Milana Satanovsky '25 smiled as she and her fellow graduates concluded the 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 31.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Tim Eilbes

Director of Marketing and Communications

EDITOR

Pamela Seiler

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

Maria Harris

Creative Services Director

ONLINE EDITOR

Eric Schad

Marketing and Digital Communications Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

Brennan Checkalski

Visual Media Specialist

CONTRIBUTOR

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 12th grade. 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.

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in this issue

Getting Workplace Ready

Students gain valuable career readiness training through USM’s resumé writing and job interview workshop.

The Art and Science of Getting In

Get an inside look at college admissions, and learn how USM’s College Guidance office helps students find their best-fit school.

When Students Direct Their Own Learning, Everyone Wins

The Tower Project program celebrates its 10th year of giving kids autonomy and choice in their learning.

Athletic Hall of Fame

Meet the fourth class of Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

Celebrating the Joy of Music

Students from ages 3 to 18 showcase the musical talent they’ve been practicing all year.

8

10 20 26 32

from the head of school

Dear USM Community,

At University School of Milwaukee, we commit ourselves to cultivating excellence in learning, leadership, and citizenship—for every student, every day. This mission is not static; it demands innovation, reflection, and bold thinking as we prepare young people to thrive in a world of constant change.

This issue of USM Today brings that spirit of innovation to life. Our feature story takes readers inside our College Guidance program, where dedicated counselors partner with students to navigate the increasingly complex admissions process. You will read the stories of Ezran Anastas ’25 and Izze Keller ’25—two distinct journeys shaped by resilience and thoughtful support. The article also sheds light on evolving trends in college admissions, from essays that reflect an authentic voice and ways students can directly influence their admissions approach to how students discover their “right-fit” schools.

Throughout this issue, you’ll find further examples of USM’s forward-looking approach to education. Our students and faculty are embracing new ideas—whether it’s the innovative Tower Projects celebrating a decade of impact, expanded partnerships with Kinship Community Food Center that build empathy in our youngest learners, or students crafting vibrant art in our newly equipped ceramic studios, supported by the generosity of gifts to our USM Fund.

Across our divisions, we continue to evolve, with enhancements to educational technology, dynamic new internship and professional skills programs, thoughtful updates to Middle School grading practices, and campus improvements, such as the dining hall renovation, which will serve as a new hub for community life.

Each of these stories reflects a school that is alive with purpose, grounded in mission, and eager to help students stretch, grow, and lead.

Thank you for your partnership in this great work. I hope you enjoy the issue.

Steve Hancock Head of School

New School Leaders Ready for Fall

Kirstin Collins, Director of Educational

Technology

Kirstin Collins joins USM as the school’s new director of educational technology, after serving for 13 years in a similar role in the Cedarburg School District. Collins is adept in guiding and supporting educators through the adoption and integration of new technologies, with experience implementing 1:1 programs, establishing data privacy and cybersecurity protocols; implementing and managing the Canvas learning management system, and more.

“After a nationwide search, the ideal candidate was right in our own backyard,” said Head of School Steve Hancock. “Kirstin brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to partnering with teachers as we leverage technology in support of educational excellence at USM.”

Collins will lead the strategic vision, development, and implementation of innovative technology-based educational practices, and will serve as a key leader in shaping the use of technology across the school. She will lead efforts to ensure that USM remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

“Joining USM is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking educational environment,” said Collins. “I’m truly excited to work closely with faculty and staff, building upon existing strengths and integrating emerging technologies and innovations that support our mission and prepare students for an ever-evolving world.”

Spring Cum Laude Inductees

the Cum Laude Society this spring. Congratulations to (from left) Madelyn Hernandez, Eva Barth, Fiona Hernandez, Mia Darr, Joseph Berrien, Amelia Otjen, Jack Gilpin, Laya Sumithra, and Gabriel Ciralsky.

Jeremy Ehlers, Chief Financial Officer

Jeremy Ehlers is USM’s new chief financial officer, following an extensive search beginning in early 2025. Ehlers brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across both for-profit and educational organizations. For the past decade, he has served on the senior executive team at Open Sky Education—a national nonprofit that operates nine schools across Wisconsin and Arizona, with a $47 million operating budget, over 400 employees, and more than 3,500 students.

“Jeremy stood out in the interview process for his strong financial acumen, approachable demeanor, and clear enthusiasm for joining a vibrant school community,” said Head of School Steve Hancock. “I am confident he will be a tremendous asset to USM.”

Ehlers is skilled in navigating the unique financial challenges of the nonprofit and educational sector, while remaining committed to ensuring students and teachers have the resources necessary for a high-quality educational experience.

“I’m really excited to be joining the team at USM,” said Ehlers. “The school has created an incredible environment for learning with a proven track record of success. I look forward to being a part of the USM community and contributing to its future.”

Speakers Promote Mental Health

USM hosted REDgen speakers Lynn Lyons and Dr. Eileen KennedyMoore ( pictured ). Lyons spoke about managing emotions; Kennedy-Moore about friendships. REDgen is a local organization that fosters healthy lifestyles, and both were free and open to the public.

Nine seniors were inducted into

Podcast Promotes Teen Mental Health

In fall 2024, Autumn Heffernan ’25 (below, left) and Lizzy Thurow ’25 (below, right) were looking for a service opportunity when they learned of a podcasting role with Friendship Circle of Wisconsin. The podcast, called “Wish You Knew,” was entering its second season and Levi Stein, executive director of Friendship Circle, needed new hosts. Despite having no prior experience, Heffernan and Thurow embraced the challenge and jumped at Stein’s offer to co-host the year-long show.

Episodes were published every other week from September 2024 to June 2025, and they gave teens an outlet to hear their peers’ mental health journeys, and even share their own. Each episode was reviewed by an oversight committee of mental health professionals prior to publishing, and teens’ identities remained anonymous.

Along the way, the duo taught themselves audio recording and editing, learned to navigate sensitive topics with care, and created a welcoming space for authentic storytelling. “In almost every story, you can find something to relate to,” said Heffernan. “People have reached out saying they felt seen—and that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Honoring Silent Heroes

Chuck Taft, 8th grade American history teacher, participated in the National History Day Researching Silent Heroes webinar series. Taft researched and profiled an individual who is buried in an American military cemetery.

Students Publish Book of Latin Medical Terms

When aspiring doctor Eshaan Vasudev ’26 (above, right) realized his Latin studies significantly enhanced his understanding of medical terms, a lightbulb moment soon followed. If it helped him, it might help others, too. He teamed up with his brother Krish Vasudev ’24, and mentor Dr. Ronald Roessler to create “Arbor Medicinae: Latin Roots of Medical Terms,” published in January 2025. What began as a glossary soon evolved into an engaging book that blends medical terminology with stories from Greek and Roman mythology—like Prometheus’ regenerating liver, a myth that mirrors the liver’s real-life regenerative abilities.

To bring the book to life, they enlisted award-winning artist and Latin enthusiast Aida El-Hajjar ’27 (above, left), who illustrated over 40 detailed images. The book is colorcoded and organized by body systems to help readers make deeper connections between language and science. The first local publisher they contacted, HenschelHAUS Publishing, agreed to sign them. They showcased the finished book at the Wisconsin Junior Classical League convention in January, donating half the proceeds to support classical studies.

Authors Visit USM

Two authors visited USM this spring: Andy Griffiths, author of the Treehouse series, among others, and poet Charles Waters ( pictured ), author of “If I Could Choose a Best Day,” and more. They shared stories and ideas, and spoke about their inspirations.

SCAN TO LISTEN

New Grading and Assessment System Supports Student Progress

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, USM’s Middle School will adopt a standards-based grading (SBG) system for students in 6th through 8th grade. This transition follows several years of research, faculty collaboration, and the successful implementation of SBG in 5th grade during the 2022–23 academic year. It also aligns with grading practices in USM’s Preschool and Lower School, as well as with many K–8 schools nationwide.

SBG focuses on measuring student progress toward clearly defined learning goals—called standards— instead of averaging scores from various assignments. Rather than receiving a single grade in a subject (like a B in math), students are assessed on specific skills, such as “solves multi-step equations” or “interprets data sets.” This approach provides clearer, more actionable feedback on what a student knows and is able to do.

USM’s Middle School leaders chose SBG to increase grading transparency, promote academic growth, and help students build the skills necessary for Upper School success. Teachers use skill-specific assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing students to focus their efforts more effectively. Non-academic factors

Griffin, head of Middle School

and Brad Dunning, assistant head of Middle School, spoke to parents in spring about the new grading system.

like effort or late work are reported separately, providing a more accurate picture of academic achievement.

“SBG came out of USM’s strategic plan to cultivate excellence in learning and honor the range of learners we have,” said Elaine Griffin, head of Middle School.

Under SBG, report cards will highlight progress in individual skills across subjects using categories such as “exceeds,” “meets,” “approaches,” or “needs support.” For example, an English grade will be broken down into areas like vocabulary, grammar,

MathCounts Takes 2nd

The 2025 MathCounts

and reading comprehension, offering parents and students a more detailed view of learning progress.

To support a smooth transition to the traditional A–F grading system used in Upper School, 8th grade teachers will help students understand how their standards-based feedback would translate into letter grades. “Let’s support kids in having a true and transparent understanding of what they know,” said Griffin. “Then we can have heartfelt conversations about the habits they need to work on so they are prepared for Upper School.”

A Home Run Field Trip

Kindergarten students enjoyed a special field trip to American Family Field to see physics in action. They learned about the retractable roof, studied Bernie’s slide and various ramps, and visited other behind-the-scenes locations.

team (from left) Sam Yuan ’29, Niki Wagner ’29, Mishee Singh ’30, Jiyan Singh ’30, and coach Sonal Shah, took 2nd place at the state competition. Jiyan advanced to nationals, where he finished 37th out of 224.

Elaine

(left)

Math Family Fun Night Adds Up to a Great Time

The second annual Math Family Fun Night, held in January, featured brain-twisting puzzles, interactive exhibits, a large-scale version (created in USM’s own Middle School makerspace) of the game Rush Hour, and various group games, all designed to help kids and adults have fun and enjoy math together. More than 100 attendees, including Lower School and Middle School students and families and several student volunteers, enjoyed the evening, which was hosted by Assistant Head of School Amy Hand and USM faculty.

“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm our community has for mathematics,” said Hand. “The Olson Commons had the energy and buzz of a party—and it was all grounded in kids and families gathering to celebrate the beauty and fun of mathematics.”

Celebrating Holi at USM

The Upper School South Asian affinity group hosted a Holi celebration in May. Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated by throwing colored powder and water, accompanied by music and dancing.

A Night of STEM

Middle School faculty and administrators hosted a STEM Night in April, where families learned about the extracurricular opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) that are offered to Middle School students.

Young Scientists on the Rise

Upper School students ( from left) Anand George ’26, Eashan Anne ’26, Eliana Igwike ’26, and Angela Wang ’26 participated in the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, competing against 1,700 young scientists representing more than 60 countries, regions, and territories across the world.

George earned Third Award in Biomedical and Health Sciences at ISEF for his project titled “Combining Single Cell RNA Sequencing with Functional Analysis: An Analytical Pipeline to Optimize Selection of CAR T-Cell Therapy vs BITEs.”

In addition, George competed at the 63rd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in April in Virginia, presenting the same research project. He joined 245 high school students who qualified for the national competition by submitting and presenting original scientific research papers at JSHS regional competitions, held at various locations throughout the country.

Pulitzer Prize Finalist on Resilience

A team of Middle School students won the Red Lobster Ocean Sustainability Challenge in May, in which middle school students from around the country were challenged to demonstrate how they would use science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to create a solution to protect and restore oceans.

Ben Raphael ’30, Sam Yuan ’29, Viraj Kamath ’29, and Sophie Kouklin ’29 (pictured, from left) entered the competition with the eco-friendly sunscreen they developed earlier in the year as part of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. The sunscreen is made of all-natural ingredients and does not damage coral reefs. After competing in FIRST LEGO League regionals and sectionals, and winning the state championships, the team advanced to the world competition in April, where they won the “Gracious Professionalism” award.

Each member of the grand prize-winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid, three-day trip to Los Angeles to meet leading ocean innovators at AltaSea; free team registration to the 2025-26 FIRST LEGO competition season; and a STEAM kit for hands-on learning. In addition, USM will receive $1,000 for the purchase of science supplies.

Getting Down to Business

Kindergarten students completed their economics unit by creating class-wide businesses, including a popcorn shop, café, ice cream shop, and carnival. The businesses take weeks to develop, and students create ads, products to “sell,” and more.

Meg Kissinger, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author, spoke at USM about the importance of resilience and minimizing shame surrounding mental health issues. As the 2025 Cindy Zautcke Memorial Speaker, her visit was free and open to the public.

Getting Workplace Ready

USM’s resumé writing and job interview workshop provides students with valuable career readiness training they can use immediately.

It’s hard for a teenager to wake up early on a Saturday morning—even harder when they’re doing it to attend a resumé writing and job interview workshop at school. But while they might start the day feeling tired and a little apprehensive, after a few hours, they leave with newfound confidence and a solid resumé.

The annual workshop is open to USM students in grades 10, 11, and 12, and includes resumé writing seminars and mock interviews with parent volunteers. Attendees also heard a presentation on workplace etiquette and expectations from USM trustee and parent Julie Gilpin, who has a 20-plus year career in human resources and recruiting, and who leads the workshop.

“A lot of times students walk into the room thinking they don’t have anything to write on a resumé,” said Gilpin. “But even if they don’t have formal job experience, almost all can speak to working on a team, handling conflict, persevering through adversity, and communicating well. Sometimes they just need help knowing how to articulate those things on a resumé or verbally in an interview.”

Skye Pannu '27 (right) greeted parent volunteer Yulia Jigalina.

Parent volunteers, who bring a wide range of educational and professional expertise, meet individually with students to review their resumés and offer advice, and then to conduct mock interviews. Students practice verbally summarizing their skills and abilities, as well as using appropriate eye contact, body language, and firm handshakes.

“I’ve never been in an interview before, so it was really helpful to get feedback from the different volunteers on what I was doing correctly and incorrectly,” said Calder Ely ’27. “And the resumé writing was really helpful, too. I think my draft resumé was probably a paragraph when I walked in, but by the end I had like a page and a half.”

The workshop is required for participation in the school’s Internship and Shadowing program, which launched in 2009 and differentiates USM’s Upper School from area high schools. It provides sophomores, juniors, and graduating seniors with summer internships and job shadowing (both medical and non-medical) opportunities created by school parent-affiliated companies and other organizations. Previous internship and job shadowing experiences have occurred in engineering, finance, journalism, computer science, entrepreneurship, environmental fields, product development, sports management, graphic design, social media, robotics, software development, and many more medical and nonmedical fields.

In addition, the Internship and Shadowing program also hosts Lunch and Learn events throughout the school year, in which students are invited to eat their lunch with leaders and industry experts to learn more about specific fields of employment. Recent lunch and learn events have covered the judicial system, government and public policy, dentistry, and psychology.

For Ely, the experience paid off. Not only did he pursue a computer science internship with Beta NXT, he used his resumé and interview skills to successfully obtain a summer staff position with Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Strategies for Bouncing Back

The Upper School and Middle School REDgen student chapters hosted resilience weeks, which included events, activities, and meetings to promote conversations around resilience and mental health.

Collegiate Athletes Honored

Eight seniors will play collegiate athletics this fall, and they were honored in spring. Congratulations to (from left) Brayden Becker, Ethan Feldner, Joe Berrien, Brock Miller, Luke Langlois, Bella Grenier, and (not pictured ) Annie Norman and Bryce Irwin.

Yale Whiffenpoofs Visit USM

The Yale Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a capella group, visited USM in March. The group, hosted by Margy Stratton ’84, performed for Upper School, held a workshop, and gave an evening performance.

Interim Upper School Head Named Joe Eason has been named interim head of Upper School for the 2025-26 school year, having taught in that division’s History department for 16 years. He also serves as varsity cross country and track and field coach.

Check Mate

At the 2025 State Scholastic Chess Championship, USM, the defending state champ, tied for second place with Green Bay Catholic, while regaining the state title of bughouse champions. For the eighth year in a row, USM’s chess team won the City Chess Championships.

Honoring Veterans

Eighth grade students hosted the 14th annual March to the Memorials event, in which students march 8,000 collective laps around the Middle School car circle (the equivalent distance to Washington, D.C.) to raise money for veteran organizations.

Julie Gilpin spoke to attendees about workplace etiquette.

The AND SCIENCE of ART GETT ING

When it comes to college admissions, students, parents, and guardians often feel like they have little control over the process. In reality, they have more than they realize. The key is to stay calm and trust the process.

There’s a well-known secret in the world of college admissions that many know but few will discuss: admission decisions are not always fair. You may know someone who was denied acceptance despite meeting or exceeding the college’s average GPA, test scores, and academic rigor for incoming freshmen. You might also know someone who was accepted despite having a GPA and test score far below the average.

The truth is, college admissions is a highly subjective endeavor. At the root of it are admissions officers whose directive is to admit students who advance the university’s institutional priorities—which change frequently. Applicants have no idea what the priority is for any given year, or their likelihood of aligning with it.

While it may seem as if they have no agency in whether or not a college accepts them, applicants do in fact have a fair amount of control over the system. Yes—grades, test scores, and extracurriculars matter when it comes to college admissions. But so do the personal statement, the essay and, perhaps most important of all, the schools to which the applicant applies. There are any number of strategies to employ and choices to make that can help to maximize a student’s chance of getting that coveted acceptance letter.

And that’s where USM’s College Guidance counselors come in. While they can’t guarantee outcomes, they can provide individualized support and advice for students and their families. They can help students choose courses that will give them the greatest advantage, within reason, on an application. They can help families navigate difficult questions about college costs, applications, early decision vs. early action, and more.

USM's robust team of three full-time counselors means students get individual attention starting in 9th grade. Students are known, valued, and celebrated in the College Guidance office just like they are in their classrooms. The team’s work to facilitate the deep soul searching and growth that happens in Upper School not only makes for a more compelling application, it gives students a launchpad to success after college.

As a college preparatory independent school, USM prepares students for admission to, and success in, colleges and universities. But it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed as the admissions landscape grows more complex and tuition more expensive. Keep reading for an inside look at college admissions in 2025, and how USM’s College Guidance office helps students find their best-fit school.

STUDENTS HAVE MORE LEVERAGE THAN THEY THINK, and

it

starts with a GOOD LIST.

When it comes to college admissions, many things are beyond a student’s direct control—except for where they choose to apply. That’s where their college list comes into play. Taking the time to build a well-crafted, well-researched college list puts the student in the driver’s seat. Ideally, a good list results in a range of options to choose from, all of which align with a student’s academic profile, preferences, and financial considerations.

Students have a wealth of data at their fingertips through resources like Naviance, YouTube, college websites, and the robust Common Data Set website. Through research, prospective students can learn their likelihood of being admitted, their likely aid (financial or merit) package, and which factors the admissions committee values most on an application. Before they even apply, students should know their likelihood of being admitted and a close approximation of cost. Taking the time to research and build a solid list will pay dividends well beyond the first acceptance letter!

A Good College List Is: Balanced

Having a variety of “reach,” “target,” and “likely” schools increases the likelihood of having multiple acceptances to choose from, allowing you to select the best fit and increasing your chances of receiving financial aid or scholarships.

Not too big, not too small

Typically, a good list has eight to 12 schools. Students are encouraged to apply to more than five schools but less than 15. Remember, each application requires thought and intention, and schools typically charge an application fee.

Well-researched

What appeals to you about the schools on your list? Size? Location? Academic programs? Cost? Student life? The more research you do, the better feel you will have for a school and its potential fit, and the more detailed and specific you can be on your application.

Evolved

At USM, students begin building their lists the second half of sophomore year, with guidance from their counselor. By the fall of senior year, their list has likely evolved and changed, which is an indication of more effective research and clarified goals.

Vetted

USM’s College Guidance counselors know these schools almost as well as they know the students who apply to them. The team visits 15 to 20 colleges per year, and are in constant communication with college admissions officers—many of whom they know on a first-name basis. They are a wealth of knowledge and can point students in the right direction.

She Got Rejected by Her DREAM School.

College Admissions Timeline

9th Grade: Build Your Foundation

And it was the best thing.

()

The minute Izze Keller ’25 stepped onto Wake Forest University’s campus, she knew it was the one.

“It was perfect,” she said. “I felt like I was meant to be there.” The private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina accepts only 22% of applicants, but Keller felt confident. She applied early decision after spending weeks on her application with input from Brian Hendricks, one of three full-time college guidance counselors at USM, to make sure she was highlighting her strengths.

Several weeks later she got an email that her admissions portal had an update. She knew it meant the decision was ready. Her mom joined her, phone in hand, to record the moment. But it was not good news. “It wasn’t even a deferral; it was a flat-out rejection,” said Keller. “I started crying. I felt so defeated. I thought it was the end of the world.’”

When Keller shared the news with Hendricks at school the next day, he was sympathetic. But he told her not to lose hope. “He reminded me that there were other schools on my list. He helped me shift my thinking.”

Keller had applied to nine other schools, including one—Miami University of Ohio—on a whim because it waived the application fee and didn’t require a separate essay. Hendricks encouraged Keller to take a closer look at the school. He knew she would thrive in the close-knit community and enjoy the 23 miles of hiking trails on campus. He also knew it had a great pre-med kinesiology program—Keller’s intended major.

The more she learned about the school, the more she liked it. By the time she got the decision—accepted—it was a serious contender. Miami pursued Keller aggressively, awarding her a scholarship that lowered the cost of tuition by nearly half. In addition, she was admitted into an accelerated program to earn her bachelor’s in kinesiology and master’s in athletic training in just five years—something not offered at Wake Forest. “To know that I could have a job after college working as an athletic trainer with my master’s degree is really exciting,” she said.

A few weeks later, she toured Miami with her parents and loved it. A conversation with the school’s equestrian coach about potentially joining the Division 1 team sealed the deal. “Even if I don’t end up joining the team, just having the option to pursue a pastime I love is so cool.”

After the tour, she bought a sweatshirt from the campus bookstore. “I had that feeling again,” she said. “Like this is where I’m meant to be.”

Her Choice: Best Fit or Most Selective?

Like many students at USM and beyond, Keller was tempted to enroll at whichever school had the lowest acceptance rate. There’s a widespread misconception that exclusivity equates to prestige. For Keller, that meant she needed to choose between Miami (a better overall fit) or UW-Madison (a lower acceptance rate). “The only thing really drawing me towards Madison was that acceptance rate,” she said. “It’s tough to get in there. Turning down something like that, when it’s an achievement to get in, is hard.”

But her parents and college guidance counselor encouraged her to enroll where she would be happiest, knowing that happiness—more than an acceptance rate—would have the most impact on overall success. “I visited Madison but I just didn’t have that same feeling that I had at Miami. And that’s kind of what solidified my decision.”

• Get acclimated to Upper School: learn to advocate for help and develop organizational and time management skills

• Establish good homework routines

• Sign up for extracurriculars and start earning service hours

• Get matched with your College Guidance counselor

• Take the PreACT

• Register for next year’s classes with help from your counselor if needed

• Think about plans for summer— will you work? Volunteer? Take summer classes?

10th Grade: Narrow Your Focus

• Continue goal setting and reflection

• Receive training on college search software

• Take the PSAT

• Attend 1:1 meetings with your counselor; discuss testing options and potential career/ major interests

• Start building your college list

• Register for next year’s classes with help from your counselor

• Consider transcript designations or other academic projects to enhance your resumé

• Attend resumé writing and job interview workshop (also offered to juniors and seniors)

Summer:

• Take practice SAT and ACT tests to identify strengths and areas of improvement

• Volunteer or find a job

• Consider visiting a college

TUITION IS EXPENSIVE.

Merit Scholarships Can Help

But, here’s the catch:

Not all colleges offer merit scholarships, and some offer more than others (see below). Supplied largely by the colleges themselves, merit scholarships are not dependent on income, do not need to be repaid, and can substantially lower the cost of tuition.

Applicants are far more likely to receive a merit scholarship if they are above the average academic profile for admitted students (often the top third or half of the applicant pool). The more desirable the applicant, the more money a college may be inclined to offer. Some schools are under more pressure to enroll admitted students—they, too, might be inclined to offer more merit aid.

This is where research comes into play. Starting junior year, USM students gain access to college list creation software that provides information on which schools offer merit scholarships, and for how much. It also includes information on the total cost of attendance for thousands of colleges and universities, as well as the percentage of need a particular college can typically meet, the percentage of non-need students who receive scholarships, and the average amount of merit awards. Students are encouraged to look at this information and consider cost when building their lists of schools.

SHOW ME THE MONEY: Schools, Scholarships

PRIVATE SCHOOL A

Annual tuition: $67,210 Acceptance rate: 85.9% Merit scholarship amount:

PRIVATE SCHOOL B

Highly selective* colleges where Class of 2025 students were admitted:

Bates College (13%)

Boston College (15%)

Boston University (11%)

Carnegie Mellon University (11%)

Colgate University (12%)

Cornell University (8%)

Davidson College (14%)

Dartmouth College (6%)

Emory University (11%)

Georgetown University (13%)

Grinnell College (13%)

New York University (9%)

Northeastern University (6%)

Northwestern University (7%)

Pomona College (7%)

Princeton University (5%)

Tulane University (15%)

University of California-Berkeley (12%)

University of California-Los Angeles (9%)

University of Chicago (5%)

University of Notre Dame (12%)

University of Southern California (10%)

Vanderbilt University (6%)

Washington University in St. Louis (12%)

Williams College (10%)

*Colleges with acceptance rates of 15% or less; corresponding rates listed in parenthesis

ACT, SAT, OR NEITHER?

They can help an application, but students who are not great at taking tests have options.

Many colleges, including The Ohio State, Brown, Tennessee, and Dartmouth, have reinstated testing requirements after going test-optional during the pandemic. Despite their limitations, standardized tests—more than grades alone—can be a reliable predictor of college success. They also provide a common metric for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.

Both ACT and SAT tests are widely accepted, so which one should a student take? That depends. “We strongly encourage students to take a full practice test for both the ACT and SAT,” said Liz Jackson, USM’s director of College Guidance. “Colleges don’t have a preference and only want to see a score from one or the other, so we typically recommend that students commit to whichever test they scored highest on during the practice exam.” Students who don’t have a clear winner should speak with their counselor for personalized guidance.

While it’s true that tests are an important factor in admissions, a student’s value as a college applicant—and human being—cannot be reduced to a number. College essays, course load, extracurricular activities, and where they apply are factors that can set their application apart, and that they can control.

ACT

Length of test: 2 hours, 55 minutes plus 40-minute essay (optional)

Subjects covered: English, math, and reading (science is optional, although students are still encouraged to take it, especially if they are applying to a highly selective school)

Average time per question: 40–60 seconds, depending on the section

Math section: Covers more topics but not as in-depth

Flexibility: Students can skip questions and return to them later

Format: Paper or digital

SAT

Length of test: 2 hours, 14 minutes

Subjects covered: Math and verbal, each comprising 50% of the score

Average time per question: 71 seconds for verbal, 95 seconds for math

Math section: Focuses heavily on algebra-related concepts

Flexibility: Students cannot skip questions, but will be directed towards an “easy” or “hard” second half depending on their performance in the first half

Format: Digital

College Admissions

Timeline

11th Grade: Deepen Commitment to Interests

• Work with your counselor to decide which (if any) standardized test to take

• Request letters of recommendation

• Attend the Case Study Night to learn how admissions committees evaluate applications

• Register for college mini-fairs and college rep visits at USM

• Register for next year’s classes with help from your counselor

• Attend financial aid workshops hosted by College Guidance

• Continue revising your college list

• Attend junior seminar in spring semester, where you will fill out the Common Application step-by-step

• Pursue leadership roles in extracurriculars

• Take AP tests

• Attend rising senior family night to prepare for the year ahead

• Conclude SAT or ACT testing by the summer

Summer:

• Start writing your application essays

• Finalize your college list

• Visit colleges

• Pursue volunteer, internship, or work opportunities

ChatGPT CAN’T Write Your College Essay.

Community service work has played a major role in Ezran Anastas’ ’25 life. For the past six years he’s worked for several nonprofits and held a variety of roles, including chair of the committee on governance, finance, and evaluation on the Milwaukee County Youth Commission. He’s even lobbied state legislators for youth mental health policies.

His experience with nonprofits allowed him to see when things worked well, and when they didn’t. An organization’s ability to deliver on its mission, he learned, is greatly impacted by proper financial management. He realized that a degree in accounting for a career in nonprofit management could combine his love of math with his desire to help others. He just needed the right business school to help him get there.

Ezran applied for direct admission to the Wisconsin School of Business at UWMadison—a risky endeavor since it is the university’s most selective program. If he didn’t get in to the business school, he wouldn’t get in at all. But he had other business schools on his list and knew he would have options if Madison fell through.

As he began working on his Madison essay, Liz Jackson, director of College Guidance at USM and Anastas’ counselor, encouraged

him to deeply research the school and its offerings. He found specific courses he’d like to take, as well as service opportunities that incorporated financial management. The Wisconsin Idea, or the belief that education should influence people’s lives beyond the classroom—a core value of the University of Wisconsin—deeply resonated with Anastas. The more he learned, the more excited he got. “It just felt like, this is who I am. This is why I want to go to Madison.”

In his essay, Anastas was able to incorporate his research and clearly articulate how Madison’s specific program offerings, combined with his demonstrated passion for nonprofit work, made his acceptance into the business school a mutually beneficial partnership. His deep research cemented his desire to attend UW-Madison and also enhanced his essay, making him an attractive candidate for admissions.

For Anastas, the time spent researching the school and working on his essay paid off. He gained admission, but more importantly, he knows it will be a good fit. “It’s not about how a school is ranked, or where your parents want you to go; it’s about you and where you want to go with your life. You’re going to be there for four years, and you want to make sure you’ll like it.”

What Separates a GOOD Essay from a GREAT One?

In his essay for the Wisconsin School of Business, Anastas described his passion for community service (his past), connected it to specific courses offered at the school (his soon-to-be present), and illustrated how they could help him in his career goals (his future). From an admissions standpoint, it was a slam dunk. “The through line to his past, present, and future made his essay really amazing to me,” said Jackson.

But what if, like most teens, a student doesn’t have a specific passion or career in mind? “Being undecided is perfectly acceptable and even expected, but being uninterested is not,” said Jackson. “You need to be able to speak about things you want to learn more about.” For example, a student might describe how a unit on the civil rights movement during AP History sparked their desire to learn more about social justice—something the school to which they are applying is well known for. Or, if a student has no idea what major they want, perhaps the college has resources to help. “Students don’t need to have all the answers,” said Jackson. “But they need to articulate why they want to attend that particular school, and the more specific they can be, the better.”

College Admissions Timeline

12th Grade: Home Stretch

• Work with your counselor to decide if you’ll apply early decision, early action, or regular decision (see pg. 18)

• Edit and finalize essays

• Finalize and submit applications (early decision due Nov. 1; regular decision due in early January)

• Complete the FAFSA (opens Oct. 1)

• Schedule and prepare for interviews (if needed)

• Consider and compare financial aid awards, working with your counselor if you have questions

• Celebrate your acceptances but don’t take rejections personally.

• When you make your final decision, update your online portal and inform your counselor

After spring break:

• Complete next steps to finalize your acceptance

• Attend Commencement

• Thank everyone who helped you on your journey!

What’s Your STRATEGY?

Much like a game of chess, there’s a strategy to college admissions. The courses you take in high school, essays you write, activities in which you participate, standardized test scores you submit (or don’t submit)—they all tell a story on your application. But when you submit your application is as much of a strategy as what to include on it. The options listed below are the most common deadlines, although it’s important to know each college’s specific options, due dates, and preferences.

EARLY DECISION

For students who are absolutely, positively confident in the school they want to attend, applying Early Decision (ED) can be a great strategy. But, the decision is binding: If you are accepted, you’re expected to withdraw all other applications and submit your deposit.

Benefits:

» A pplicants receive a decision usually by December

»S ome colleges have higher acceptance rates for ED applicants

»S tudents can still apply early action or regular decision to other schools as a back up

Drawbacks:

» S ome schools offer little to no merit aid for ED applicants

» T he decision is binding; the only way an applicant can be released from the commitment is if the financial aid award offer (released in spring) is insufficient

» A pplication materials (test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation) are due in early November

» A ccepted students are not able to compare financial aid offers from other schools until spring, when offers are released

» S tudents can only apply to one school under ED. Doing otherwise could result in all acceptances being revoked

EARLY ACTION

Less restrictive than ED, Early Action (EA) is a great way to show a school you’re interested and receive a decision early in the process.

Benefits:

» S tudents receive a decision by January or February

» S tudents can apply EA to more than one school

» S ome colleges have higher acceptance rates for EA applicants

» T he decision date of May 1 allows students to compare offers before committing

Drawback:

» A pplication materials (test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation) are due in early November

REGULAR DECISION

The vast majority of students who apply to an institution will do so through Regular Decision (RD). Be sure to thoroughly research each school’s application options, and talk to your counselor.

Benefits:

» A pplication materials are not due until early January, allowing more time for preparation and test retakes if needed

» S ome schools offer more merit aid to RD applicants

Drawbacks:

» Decisions are not released until mid-March or early April

» S ome colleges have lower acceptance rates for regular decision applicants

» B ecause RD is typically the largest pool of applicants, it’s often the most competitive

Class of 2025 Seniors to

USM College Counselors:

MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

We celebrate the below faculty and staff members who have retired after many years of dedication and service to USM.

Kate Gay 31 years

After a remarkable three decades of teaching in USM’s Upper School English department, Kate Gay is trading in her grade book for retirement and time to pursue other interests, like traveling, sailing, and working at Tricklebee Cafe. Gay is proud of being a “maverick”—one of four teachers who launched the Tower Project program at USM (see page 20), and also an originator of the round table pedagogy at USM. “I’ve appreciated working with creative, smart colleagues in the English department and all of the opportunities to travel and pursue professional development through the Think Big grant,” she said.

Sherry Koconis 31 years

As the Preschool and Lower School administrative assistant for 31 years, there was no problem too big or small that Sherry Koconis couldn’t solve. She will be best remembered for making kids feel welcome, safe, and loved. When asked by their teachers to share a favorite memory with Koconis, students happily recounted visiting the office to get their birthday badges, talking about “Pizza Popcorn Movie Nights,” and learning how to split a banana in half. She is looking forward to traveling, volunteering, playing Mahjong, tackling sewing quilts, beading, and auditing classes at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Lisa Drost 6 years

After 20 years of teaching and six years of working in USM’s daycare, Lisa Drost retired in October 2024. Drost, whose son, Aaron Drost, is maintenance lead at USM, created a love of learning in all students she taught, and connected with families and colleagues. In retirement, Drost is embracing slower mornings, good books, creative crafts, weekends at the cabin, and working at her future stepdaughter’s boutique in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. “I miss the daily connections, but I cherish the memories and carry that passion with me into this next chapter,” she said.

When Students Direct Their Own Learning, Everyone Wins

Tower Projects at USM celebrated 10 years this spring. Open to students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades, the groundbreaking program lets students pick what they want to study, helping them gain real-world skills in the process.

YEARS OF TOWER

When she was 3 years old, Rachael Schneck ’22 was diagnosed with a language disorder. “Other than a few basic words, I really couldn’t talk until I was about 5,” she said. As she got older she realized that her disorder made her different from other students. But, with support from her parents and her speech language pathologist, she began to see that difference as a strength. “Even though it might take me longer to finish an assignment, it’s helped me to be more diligent in my work. We need different-thinking people in the world. It’s how we come up with new ideas.”

By the time she reached Upper School, Schneck embraced her learning difference and wanted to explore it further. Enrolling in the Tower Project course her senior year allowed her to do just that. Tower Projects are semester- or year-long projects available to students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades, and are based on the students’ own interests and curiosities. During the course, students meet with teachers and mentors to define and refine their topic, conduct research, create presentations, and stay on track throughout the project. By the end, they have developed and deepened their confidence and competence in many skills—research, writing, problem-solving, public speaking, and more. In 2024-25, Tower Projects celebrated its 10th year.

Schneck spent her senior year conducting research on neurodiversity, and even interviewed her own speech language pathologist to learn from an expert in the field. “It was amazing to have this full-circle moment and to go from being a child and having no idea what my schooling would even look like, to now, talking to her about how being neurodivergent has made me a better person. It was really amazing.”

Tower Project utilizes experiential learning, which is a cyclical process of research, application, and reflection. It gives students autonomy and choice, encourages risk-taking, and provides flexibility. “It’s their opportunity to tell their teacher what they feel is important for them to learn,” said Laura Blanchet, Lower School Academic Resource Center math specialist and one of four original Tower Project founders. “That ownership drives this project for the kids. It’s why we see such success in their projects, because the students want to invest time and effort into them.”

At the end of the project, all students—even those in 4th grade— submit a research paper and give a presentation to the USM community and members of the public. Schneck remembers being most nervous about the question-and-answer portion. What if someone asked a question she couldn’t answer? “To this day I still

Many thanks to the following current and former teachers who originally implemented Tower Projects at USM: Laura Blanchet, Kate Gay, Rebecca Schwartz, and Dr. Laurie Schleicher.

remember, someone asked me about the genetics of neurodiversity. I explained that, based on my research, it’s believed that neurodiversity is what drove some people to explore the world and expand civilization. I was thrilled that I remembered important information from my research. The presentation was a test of my knowledge, but also a reassurance that I knew what I was talking about.”

After graduating in 2022, Schneck enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is pursuing a communication major and studying the science of hearing and talking. She chose the major initially because she had a strong understanding of the field. “But as I took more classes, it felt like I was continuing my Tower Project research. I realized I am very passionate not just about neurodiversity, but about helping people who were like me as kids.”

Legacy That Lasts

Your legacy can shape generations to come. By including University School of Milwaukee in your estate plans, you ensure that future students benefit from the same exceptional education, values, and opportunities that helped shape today’s learners.

Not only do planned gifts play a vital role in the financial health of the institution, they could allow you to redirect assets that would otherwise be subject to taxes. Whether through a bequest, charitable trust, or other planned gift, your support helps sustain USM’s mission and strengthens the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.

Contact us today to explore the many ways in which you might best achieve your charitable goals. Leave a

Contact Vanessa Nerbun, chief advancement officer, at 414.540.3330 or vnerbun@usm.org, or visit www.usm.org/plannedgiving.

John Ladky ’70 has lived in Atlanta since 1982 but has never forgotten growing up in Shorewood and Fox Point along Lake Michigan. A former lawyer, he currently works in real estate and runs a furniture business, and is focusing on how his resources might provide students with the same educational opportunities he had. “Milwaukee is still, in so many ways, my hometown,” he said. “So, I wanted to support USM and honor the positive experience and teachers I had there.”

John has chosen to include USM in his estate plans, leaving $1 million in his will to support the creation of an endowed scholarship—the Ladky Family Scholarship Fund—to include recognition of his brother Jim ’74 and sister Mary ’77. “I don’t have children myself, so I’ve never paid a tuition bill.

Alumnus Invests in the Future of USM Students with $1M Planned Gift

I feel I have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to support USM students by providing tuition assistance. This school gave me so much, and I want to give back now that I am in a position to do so.”

John hails from a family of six, and he and his siblings each received a private school education from grade school through college and graduate school. “My parents and grandparents, who established an educational foundation, were very civic-minded and generously supported community causes. They also believed in the in the value of education, both public and private.”

John attended Milwaukee University School for kindergarten and returned to USM for Upper School. Drawn by the school’s strong commitment to foster

the strengths of each student, he found a home at USM. He enjoyed the supportive environment, forming lifelong friendships and competing in both swimming and tennis, his favorite sports.

“USM wasn’t just a school to me—it was a place I enjoyed going every day to have fun, learn, and compete in my sports,” John recalls. “I had incredible teachers who inspired me, like Mary “Peetie” Basson and Peter Straub MCDS ’61, who encouraged my enjoyment of reading and writing. Jim Norris, my swim coach, fostered my love of swimming so much so that I swam in college and now at Georgia Tech, where I am the oldest member of a masters swim team. And of course, Jim Laing, who made me into a better tennis player than I thought possible.”

John earned a bachelor’s degree in government at Colby College before earning his law degree at Marquette University. His career led him to Atlanta, where he built a successful business, but he never lost his connection to USM. He remained in touch with many USM alumni, often returning to attend reunion events, and has hosted alumni events at his home in Atlanta, including one this year in April.

John hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire fellow alumni to consider planned giving. “You don’t have to be a billionaire and give a building to make a difference,” he said. “I want others to know that planned giving is an option for everyone. Even a modest gift can have a significant impact.”

John Ladky ’70 (second from left) hosted an alumni event at his home in Atlanta in April, and was joined by (from left) Leah Wabiszewski, assistant director of annual giving; Adam VanderVeen ’01; Porter (Parker) Hutto ’68; and Steve Hancock, head of school.

Boys Tennis Wins Team State

USM’s boys’ tennis team won the 2025 Division 2 team state championship, USM’s first since 2015, on Saturday, June 14. The team, which entered the team tournament as the top seed, triumphed over Altoona, 5-2 in the championship match, following a 7-0 victory over Edgewood on Friday, June 13.

Oliver Boyd ’26 won his match at the number-one position, and Deven Sharma ’27 was victorious in his match at the number-two position. They both competed at the Division 2 individual state tournament in Madison one week earlier, along with Hayden Baum ’25 and Henry Ji ’28.

The Wildcats’ doubles teams, meanwhile, swept the team tournament. Miles Gourlay ’25 and Jack Gilpin ’25 won their match at the number-one doubles position, while Beckett Stratton ’25 and Will Merluzzi-Hitler ’26 played to victory at the number-two position. Matteo Gaggion ’28 and PJ Heiny ’28 also contributed with a win at the numberthree slot. Gourlay and Gilpin placed 2nd in doubles at the 2025 Division 2 individual state tournament, while Stratton and Merluzzi-Hitler also competed in doubles play.

Gymnastics Competes at

State in First Year

In their inaugural season, the USM gymnastics team, competing as a co-op with Shorewood High School, advanced to the WIAA Division 2 state gymnastics meet in March, following a 2nd place finish at the team sectionals.

Representing USM at state were ( from left) Nina Harris ’26, Josie Merluzzi-Hitler ’26, Poppy Fetherston ’27, and Gabi Ortiz Fleet ’26, who were a part of an entry that placed 10th in Division 2, with a total score of 130.900. Merluzzi-Hitler and Ortiz Fleet competed in all four events, while Harris competed in bars, floor, and vault and Fetherston competed in the floor routine.

In individual competition, Ortiz Fleet claimed 16th in the all-around with a score of 34.817. Merluzzi-Hitler took 20th in the all-around competition with a score of 34.400. “I am thrilled with the success of our gymnastics co-op,” said Tim Williams, director of athletics. “In their first year, our girls have experienced incredible success and deserve a ton of credit.”

Miller Scores 1,000th Point

When Brock Miller ’25 drained a threepointer against The Prairie School on Friday, Feb. 21, he became the newest members of USM’s 1,000-point club. “It was just a really special moment,” Miller said. “It’s something I’ve worked toward for so long, and when the shot went in, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

When the big moment happened late in the first half, head coach Andy Fitzgerald signaled for a timeout, giving Miller and his teammates a chance to soak in the moment.

“It was really special to see how excited my teammates were for me,” Miller said. “It was a big individual milestone, but it was also a team moment.”

Bella Grenier Wins State Track Title; Team Places Second

The girls’ track and field team completed a historic season in June, with Bella Grenier ’25 (pictured, top right) earning an individual state championship—USM’s first since 2003—in the 3,200-meter final and setting a new school record at the Division 2 WIAA state track and field meet. Annie Norman ’25 earned a 4th place finish in the same 3,200-meter run. In addition, the girls’ team earned its first-ever team state trophy at the meet in June, finishing in second place just three points away from the title.

The state meet also saw the USM girls’ 4x800-meter relay team of (pictured below, clockwise from bottom left) Anastasia Marich ’26, Norman, Grenier, and Cate Kohli ’27 finish less than a second behind the first-place finishers in that event (while also besting the former staterecord time).

The girls’ team finished with five podium finishes in the three races they competed in. Grenier and Norman finished second and third, respectively, in the 1,600-meter run, both with sub-five-minute times that bested the previous school record time. Kohli and Marich also both competed in the 800-meter event, and Neva Miner ’26 competed in discus. Overall, the girls improved significantly from their 25th-place team finish at state the previous year. The team’s impressive showing at state followed championships in both regionals and sectionals this spring.

On the boys side, the 4x100-meter relay team of Geno Cooks ’26, Sam Eason ’26, Ethan Feldner ’25 and Donovan Ford ’26 wrapped up their season in the prelims, and the 4x800meter relay team of Owen Birchall ’25, Austin Jarmuz ’27, Beckett Newman ’28, and Kiran Siddalingaiah ’25 finished in 15th place in the finals.

Girls Ski Takes Second at State

USM’s girls’ ski team took 2nd place at the WIARA Division 2 Wisconsin State Ski and Snowboard Championships, the second consecutive year that the ski team competed at state, having won the state championship last year.

Seven USM skiers raced in the meet as part of a statewide field of more than 140 competitors: Mia Darr ’25 (27th), Marina Wigdale ’25 (31st), Marlies Westveer ’26 (49th), Sophia Torinus ’25 (90th), Clare Holton ’27 (103rd), Simrin Patel ’27 (127th), and Addie Darrow ’26 (146th).

In slalom, USM took 2nd place in the division and 11th place overall; in giant slalom, USM took 3rd place in the division and 12th place overall; and in super-g, USM took 4th place in the division and 14th place overall. Combined overall, USM finished 2nd in Division 2 and 12th overall.

Boys Golf Competes at State

The boys’ golf team competed at the 2025 Division 2 state team and individual championships, held at University Ridge Golf Course in Verona, Wisconsin in June. USM finished the team championship in 6th place with a score of 671. In individuals, Sullivan Mellowes ’25 (pictured left) was USM’s top scorer in 9th place, at 156. Other individuals participating at state included Brayden Becker ’25 (T-14th; 159), Cyrus Laterman ’26 (T-30th; 172), Henry Bechthold ’26 (T-46th; 185), and Theodoros Dimitropoulos ’26 (48th; 186). This is the second consecutive year the team competed at state, after finishing in 7th place last year.

Meet the Fourth Class of Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Established in 2016, USM’s Athletic Hall of Fame commemorates exceptional athletic performance and accomplishments by former student athletes, coahces, teams, and distinguished contributors. Inductees are selected by a committee and will be added to the Hall of Fame wall, named in honor of Henry “Chip” Uihlein Jr. MCDS’63, and located in USM’s Quadracci Lobby.

ATHLETES

JOSH BAKER ’12

As a three-sport athlete in baseball, basketball, and soccer from 2009 to 2012, Baker earned a total of 12 varsity letters. In 2012 he received the Henry H. Uihlein Sportsmanship Award for outstanding athletic achievement and character; was named to the First Team All-State high school baseball team; and received the state player of the year award. Baker was captain of the baseball, basketball, and soccer teams during his senior year, where he earned First Team All-Conference honors in all three sports he played, and was an instrumental member of the 2010 state championship baseball team.

TOPE AWE BERRY ’03

Berry excelled at volleyball, basketball, and track and field and was the captain of the track and field team during her junior and senior years. She also served as the captain of the volleyball and basketball teams as a senior. In 2003, she earned the Marion Chester Read Sportsmanship Award for her abilities and leadership on the field. She earned First Team All-Conference honors her senior year in track and field. She was part of the state championship 4x100 meter relay team and held the USM record for shot put (39’-6 ¾”) and discus (116’-11”).

PORTER JONES ’96

He was an integral member of USM’s 1994-95 conference championship hockey team, but Jones is perhaps best remembered for his skills in tennis. He was a WISAA state champion an unprecedented four times, and was ranked the top singles player in the state from 1993 to 1996. He was the team’s MVP all four years, and served as captain in 1995 and co-captain in 1996. He held a 58-9 record in singles tennis, and was undefeated his junior and senior years. At Duke University, he helped the tennis team advance to the NCAA quarterfinals in three of the four years he played there.

HENRY LEADINGHAM JR. MCDS’62

At Milwaukee Country Day School, Leadingham accumulated 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. He ran varsity track beginning in 8th grade, and competed in 10 or more different track and field events. He excelled in football as the primary receiver in Ken Laird’s passing game; earned Midwest Prep All-Conference honors his junior and senior years; and was named “honorable mention” for the all-state football team in 1961. He was named one of four metropolitan Milwaukee top prep stars of the year in 1962, and matriculated to Lake Forest College, where he played football and ran track from 1963 to 1967.

ATHLETES con't

KATE ELSNER LILEK ’75

Lilek accumulated 13 varsity letters while participating in four sports during Upper School—a rare accomplishment. From 1972 to 1975, Lilek led the Wildcats to victory in field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and softball. She was named captain of the field hockey, basketball, and softball teams her senior year, earning team MVP honors in each of those sports. Lilek matriculated to the University of WisconsinMadison where she played—and later coached—field hockey. In 1982, Lilek returned to USM to teach art and coach field hockey and girls soccer, roles she held for 12 years.

TEAM

FOOTBALL TEAM

The 1974 football team was one of the most successful teams in USM’s history. Under the coach Charlie Kerr, the team went undefeated with a 9–0 record during a time when the Midwest Classic Conference was considered particularly challenging. Known for their great sense of competitiveness, camaraderie, and coachability, the team dominated under captains Joe Pembroke ’75, Les Heintz ’75, and Kevin Delimat ’75. Highlights include their 32–14 victory over St. Louis Country Day School, a notoriously tough opponent, as well as an 18–14 victory over perennial conference contender, Martin Luther High School, to win the conference title.

COACH

TOM “BUTCH” RICHARDSON Richardson coached a variety of sports during his 40-year teaching career at USM, but he may be best known for his long tenure as USM’s varsity track and field coach, a role he held from 1972 to 2007. His team won the WISAA State Class “C” Championship in track and field in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979. He also led the Wildcats to the WISAA State Class “B” Championship in 1991, and state runner-up in 1992, and accumulated several conference championships. In September 2012, USM’s track was dedicated as the Tom “Butch” Richardson Track in recognition of his significant contributions.

DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTOR

USM BOOSTER CLUB

Founded in the late 1990s by USM parents, including Susie Read and Peggy Grebe, the USM Booster Club has played an influential role in promoting school spirit, positive school culture, and a sense of pride and excitement around the school’s athletic programs. From selling concessions to providing spirit items for pep rallies and organizing team celebrations, the dedicated Booster Club parents have helped positively transform the culture of the USM community for decades. Each year, Booster Club members dedicate hundreds of hours and generate revenue that supports athletic programs in Middle School and Upper School.

Save the Date

The 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11. Visit www.usm.org/hof for more information.

"Practically Perfect in Every Way"

When Mark Edwards, USM’s Upper School drama teacher, chose “Mary Poppins” for the spring musical, he knew it would be a big production. At two hours and 20 minutes, the show requires immense collaboration between the actors, the live musicians, the set pieces, the lighting and sound technicians, and the dancers. The months of preparation resulted in three nights of magic that were “practically perfect in every way.”

The set of “Mary Poppins” worked almost as hard as the actors. The living room, kitchen, and nursery were the musical’s three main spaces, all built by students. The large, heavy pieces were mounted on wheels so they could be spun around for a quick set change, or moved off stage. For Taylor Adams, theatre technical director, small details like trim work on the walls and a pile of logs next to the fireplace are key to making a period piece look realistic. “They just make it feel more like an actual home,” she said.

“The opening of Acts I and II are probably my favorites from the show,” said Edwards. “Both require dialog that is precisely timed to music and space, with characters moving in, out, across, and around stage simultaneously. There’s an intensity and a tone to it that I love. They are incredibly difficult to do.”

In February, prior to opening night, cast members were visited by professional actor Michael Dean Morgen, who played Mr. Banks in the first and second national tours of “Mary Poppins” and is a friend of Head of School Steve Hancock. The Waukesha, Wisconsin native talked to Upper School thespians about acting as a career and also provided dialect help.

USM Brings Bikini Bottom to the Stage

Middle School thespians performed “The Spongebob Musical,” based on the animated comedy television series, to a packed house this spring. The production was a colorful and comedic romp to save the citizens of Bikini Bottom from an active volcano. The show was directed by Katie Gonring, Middle School drama teacher, with a full ensemble of student actors, student theatre technicians and set designers, and student and adult musicians.

Molding Opportunities from Clay

Upper School students demonstrated their love for throwing clay to a captive audience of Preschoolers.

Throwing clay on a pottery wheel is not as easy as it may look. It requires practice, skill, concentration, and a fair amount of serendipity. “You could fail four times in a row to even just center the clay on the wheel,” said Holden Groenwoldt-Dietrich ’26 (pictured above, right). “But then the next day you could crank out four bowls in a row that are really good. It just depends.”

Groenwoldt-Dietrich, and his friends Benjamin Naples ’26 (pictured above, left) and Theodoros Dimitropoulos ’26, were hooked on the potter’s wheel after using it for the first time in 9th grade. They loved it so much that they began practicing on the wheel in their free time, sometimes together as a group, other times on their own. “Throwing is something that we all really connected with,” said Naples. “We put a lot of effort into what we’re doing, and we treat it seriously.”

Upper School Art Teacher Andrea Worthey took notice, and invited the three students to give a pottery wheel demonstration to eight classes of prekindergarten and junior

kindergarten students. Not only would it be a great opportunity for cross-divisional learning, but they could earn service hours as a requirement for their National Art Honor Society membership.

At first, the boys were nervous about being able to concentrate on throwing while also giving a demonstration to young children. But when they saw how excited and interested the younger students were, it got a lot easier. “They seemed like they were having fun and pretty interested,” said Dimitropoulos. “I thought it was fun.”

In spring, the boys approached Worthey about starting an AP 3-D Art and Design class at USM, which is a year-long class that requires a final portfolio of 14 finished pieces of different mediums. “I told them it’s a college-level class, and they would need to be dedicated because it’s not easy,” said Worthey. “But they wanted to do it, and they all signed up for it for fall.”

They plan to continue their demonstrations to Preschool students next year, too, and hope to take it a step further by teaching them how to make pinch pots out of clay. And if careers as professional ceramicists don’t work out, they could look into teaching. “I told them they would make very good teachers because they’re very patient,” said Worthey. “And it’s doing what you love, plus showing others, which is exciting.”

New Kilns Enhance Programming

USM’s kilns serve almost every single student in the school, so when they began failing in late fall of 2024, the situation required urgent attention.

It quickly became apparent that purchasing new kilns would be more cost effective than continuing to fix ailing, outdated equipment, so Worthey submitted a capital request for consideration. Stuart Cushman, chief operating officer, reviewed her request and, thanks to the USM Fund, was able to approve it within a few days.

The USM Fund—the school’s annual giving program— supports every area of USM life, from supplies and equipment to tuition assistance. Because tuition alone does not fully cover what it costs to educate each student, the USM Fund is vital to bridging that gap. “The USM Fund makes it possible for us to address unexpected issues like needing new kilns, among other things,” said Cushman. “It directly supports the student experience and enhances our programming.”

The two new kilns, purchased locally, were installed during winter break and ready to fire up when students returned in January. They are controlled via an app, allowing Worthey to set a specific temperature and be alerted when the firing is over. Unlike the old kilns, these can be serviced by USM’s own maintenance team, making them more cost effective to maintain and operate. Worthey and Cushman expect them to last 20 years or longer. “I love these kilns,” said Worthey. “They are faster, easier to use, more efficient, and can handle more complex firings. Most importantly, they give students more options for projects.”

Celebrating Visual Arts

The school-wide, fourth-annual Gallery Night was held on April 25. The visual arts celebration featured artwork from students in prekindergarten through 12th grade, various hands-on workshops, and food trucks.

Van de Sype Cucu Named Finalist

Vivian Van de Sype Cucu ’25 was one of four finalists in the state-wide Bolz Young Artist Competition, and performed in a free concert broadcast live on PBS Wisconsin in March. She is attending the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University this fall.

Teachers Elected to WAEA

Art teachers (from left) Izzi Buikus, Mandy Culver, and Andrea Worthey were elected to serve on the Wisconsin Art Education Association (WAEA) board of directors at various levels. They will serve as links between art educators and students, and the WAEA.

New Youth Poet Laureate Named Angela Wang ’26 is Milwaukee’s third Youth Poet Laureate—the second from USM. High school juniors from Milwaukee County applied, and three finalists competed at a juried competition in May at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Branch.

Heffernan Earns Civic Music Award

Autumn Heffernan ’25 was awarded the Civic Music Milwaukee High School Award by the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee. Heffernan, who plays the flute, was nominated by Stephanie Hancock, director of bands at USM.

Scholastic Art and Writing Winners

A total of 64 Upper School students and one Middle School student won 162 awards from the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. The awards included 13 Gold Keys and 23 Silver Keys in art; 34 Gold Keys and 35 Silver Keys in writing; and many honorable mentions.

Celebrating the Joy of Music

The Virginia Henes Young Theatre was packed with visitors throughout the month of May as students in all divisions gave a variety of year-end performances. “It was a joy to see so many students of all ages perform and showcase their talents,” said Steve Hancock, head of school. “It was clear, based on their energy and passion, and on the strong attendance by their families and others, that the performing arts are thriving at USM.”

First and 2nd grade choir concert.

Upper School band, orchestra, and choir concert.

Middle School band and orchestra concert.

Preschool through kindergarten Music Together concert.

Class Notes

’60s

Jim Sensenbrenner MCDS’61, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin, was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of WisconsinMadison during the school’s commencement in May. Sensenbrenner earned his juris doctor degree from UW-Madison in 1968.

Hack Noyes ’66 submitted the following note: “Over my years of being involved with the school, I have gotten to know Mike Williams ’71 (second from left) and Steve Becker ’64 (second from right). Mike invited us to lunch, and I suggested that we invite history teacher John “J.S.” Stephens (right). We all talked about SO MANY things: students, teachers, USM’s fabulous plays and musicals (he always attends, where I often see him), changes in teaching today, and more. The lunch lasted three Diet Cokes for me, and 2.5 hours of fun!”

Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 was awarded the USM Alumni Service Award during the 2025 Reunion Weekend to honor her long-standing service to the school in various volunteer and leadership capacities, including vice president of USM’s Board of Trustees, and director of advancement, where she led fundraising efforts for USM’s $45 million The Next Generation campaign.

’70s

Mark C. Hansen ’74 is serving as lead counsel and lead litigator for Meta in the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against the company. Hansen is a partner at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick in Washington, D.C. Hansen also hosted a USM alumni regional event at his law firm in May. Following the event, guests were invited to join the 8th grade class and Chuck Taft, 8th Grade American Studies History Teacher, on their tour of the

National Mall as part of the annual class trip to Washington, D.C.

Kip Jacobs ’74 was USM’s Class of 2025 Commencement speaker. Jacobs taught many members of the Class of 2025 as their 7th grade science teacher in 2019-20. “Most people say practice makes perfect, but nothing is perfect,” he said. “So it is better to say that practice makes permanent. Time, hard work, and bit of perseverance and practice will allow you to get better at anything.”

Carl Meyer ’76 was profiled in the Wall Street Journal for his annual 100 Holes for Our Heroes fundraiser for veterans. Since 2008, Meyer has golfed 100 holes every Fourth of July at Chenequa Country Club in Hartland, Wisconsin. To date, he has raised roughly $1.8 million in support of Hire Heroes USA, an organization that helps veterans find meaningful jobs in the civilian workforce.

’80s

Raj Bhala ’80 was interviewed by journalist Kara Swisher for her podcast “On With Kara Swisher.” The episode is titled “Trump’s Tariffs: Chaos, Confusion & Consequences.” In addition, Bhala was awarded a University Distinguished Professorship, a significant honor that reflects the recipient’s valued accomplishments and contributions to the university and the field. Bhala is the Brenneisen Distinguished Professor in the University of Kansas School of Law and an expert in international trade law.

Bruce Lee ’81 launched a podcast, called “The Disruptors,” that dives deep into the lives and minds of visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are revolutionizing industries and shaping the future.

Hack Noyes ’66

Kip Jacobs ’74

Carl Meyer ’76

Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68

Class Notes

Bill Zito ’82, general manager and president of hockey operations for the Florida Panthers, earned the storied Stanley Cup once again after the team won the National Hockey League championship in June, their second in two years.

Fred Haberman ’84 and his classmates Marty Broan ’84 (left) and Margy Stratton ’84 (right) reunited at a memorial service for Fred’s mother, Carmen, who died in February.

Margy Stratton ’84 reconnected with alumni and former teachers representing many eras of USM history, who were gathered for the Upper

School Honors Assembly in May. They are ( from left) Susan Zarwell ’87, assistant head of Upper School; John “J.S.” Stephens, retired Upper School history teacher; Will Piper ’96, assistant director of alumni relations and reunion giving; Joe Eason, interim head of Upper School; Rosie Lyons, retired head of Upper School; Stratton; Steve Breummer, retired Upper School history teacher; Mary “Peetie” Basson, retired Upper School English teacher; and Charlie Housiaux ’02, Upper School dean of students.

Adam Ciralsky ’89 wrote an in-depth article for the February 2025 issue of “Vanity Fair” titled

“Inside America’s Most Unconventional Counterterror Squad,” which profiled Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism. In addition, season two of “The Recruit,” the show for which he is an executive producer and is loosely based on his work at the CIA, will premiere on Jan. 30, 2026 on Netflix. “The Agency,” a show on which he is the consulting producer, was released on Paramount+ and Showtime in December 2024.

Lindsay Stevens ’89 was given the USM Alumni Impact Award during Reunion Weekend 2025 to honor her work in the greater Milwaukee

community, including founding Rock the Green, a nonprofit and pioneering zero-waste music festival, and serving as board member of the Kopmeier Family Fund, helping to allocate strategic funds to more than 60 nonprofits annually.

’90s

Will Darling ’92 and Anwar Floyd-Pruitt ’95 each displayed artwork in the first-ever Alumni Art Show held in the Werner Family Art Gallery on campus. Alumni who were on campus for Reunion Weekend 2025 were invited to view the unique and colorful pieces.

Bill Zito ’82

Fred Haberman ’84

Margy Stratton ’84’84

Lindsay Stevens ’89

Will Darling ’92

Dr. Wendy Jepson ’90 and her collaborators were awarded a $4.6 million grant by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to launch a national center of excellence in environmental justice and humanities at Texas A&M University. Jepson holds a university professorship in the Department of Geography at Texas A&M, where she has been on faculty since 2003. She is a fellow of the American Association of Geographers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fulbright Scholar, and an AAAS Leshner Fellow. Jepson leads several research projects and institutional initiatives on water insecurity, environment, and sustainability, and has generated over $9 million in grants and awards from the National Science Foundation, private sources, and internal awards to support her research program.

Kitty Loos Thomas ’90 was named chief of staff to the president and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund in March. “The WWF-US team is incredible and I’m excited to be a part of WWF’s vital conservation work,” she wrote.

Osi Aniakudo ’91 (Right) returned to campus with his son, Trey (center), to visit Fred Lange, his former

Upper School math teacher and chess coach. Aniakudo was the USM chess team captain in 1991.

Will Piper ’96 spoke to 4th grade students in April about the history of USM, including cultures and traditions from the predecessor schools that continue on at USM today. Piper is USM’s assistant director of alumni relations and reunion giving.

Raj Chetty ’97 gave the first lecture in a new series of lectures hosted by Yale University President Maurie McInnisas. The series will bring a leading expert to campus each semester to share ideas and inspire critical thoughts on complex topics, particularly as they related to higher education. Chetty, a renowned Harvard University economist, spoke about factors that determine economic mobility.

’00sHisonni Johnson Mustafa ’01 won an Emmy award for his work on the documentary “Legend Has It: The Remarkable Rise of Stephen McCain.” In addition, he served as the 2025 commencement speaker for the College of Southern Nevada. Mustafa graduated from CSN’s film program with honors, and is well

known for his breakout feature film “Take Out Girl,” a drama that earned over 20 awards and was picked up by Hulu after making waves at more than 50 film festivals.

Colleston Morgan ’03 was named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40. Morgan is the executive director of City Forward Collective, a Milwaukee organization that seeks to eliminate educational inequities and ensure every child has access to a great school. Morgan also serves as a USM trustee.

George Baumann ’04 was named a Vistage 2025 Leadership Award Finalist. Baumann (right) is president and CEO of Great Lakes Industrial, and has led the company through remarkable growth and transformation. Baumann received the award from Stacy Terris (left), parent of Christopher Terris ’08 and Vistage chair executive coach.

Jonathan Smucker ’04 was named a 2025 Excellence Awardee by InvestmentNews for Advisor of the Year (Midwest). Smucker is a partner and portfolio manager at Marietta Investment Partners, a boutique investment firm in Milwaukee.

Dr. Wendy Jepson ’90

Osi Aniakudo ’91

Hisonni Johnson Mustafa ’01

Colleston Morgan ’03

George Baumann ’04

Class Notes

Emily Vruwink ’04, along with Andy Gordon ’98, played in a Milwaukee Winter Club coaches game at USM. They also coach atoms and mites teams together for the MWC.

Jeffrey Koenig ’06 was awarded a Meritorious Conduct Award from the Milwaukee Police Department after providing lifesaving first aid and CPR to a gunshot victim prior to the arrival of emergency medical technicians, and supporting an officer on the scene. “Your display of courage and selflessness during this incident was heroic and should be commended,” wrote Jeffrey Norman, chief of police.

Cristina Costantini ’07 directed “Sally,” a film about astronaut Sally Ride, which played during the Milwaukee Film Festival and was sponsored by Susan A. Lubar ’76. It explores Ride’s professional achievements and her personal life, including her 27-year relationship with her life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, and is now available for viewing on Disney+ and Hulu.

Ashley Heun ’08

and The Moonlight Tavern, which she co-owns with her husband, were named one of 20 supper clubs across the state chosen to take part in the NFL’s Taste of the NFL Draft charity event. They served their signature

parmesan-crusted salmon at the NFL Draft held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in April.

Blake Pindyck ’08 currently works as a postdoctoral fellow with the United States Olympic/ Paralympic Committee. He has worked in the field of elite athletics for 10 years, including an internship with the University of Denver’s student-athletes and eight years in professional baseball with the Milwaukee Brewers. In these roles, he worked with athletes on enhancing their on-field performance and providing clinical mental health services. He is currently licensed as a professional counselor and certified through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology as a certified mental performance consultant.

Michael Luckey ’09 was unanimously appointed as the next county administrator by the board of supervisors for Jefferson County, Wisconsin. The role serves as the chief administrative officer and is responsible for implementing the policies adopted by the Board of Supervisors and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county’s 680 employees. Luckey lives in Lake Mills, Wisconsin with his wife and daughter.

’10s

Mohsin Khan ’10 married Dr. Marina Sharif (both seated in center) in May, with several alumni in attendance, including (standing, from left) Fitz Stratton ’10, Jeff Levy ’10, and Peyton Stanford ’10, and Claire Stratton (seated far left) and Dr. Saira Khanna ’10 (seated, far right).

Forrest Florsheim ’12 is a chef at Penny, a raw bar and seafood counter in New York City’s East Village. Penny was named a James Beard Award finalist for 2025 and a top 10 best restaurant in New York City by The New York Times. He’s pictured with Holly Morse, retired Upper School Spanish teacher (left) and Liz Krieg ’79, retired director of College Guidance (right)

Tyler Parks ’12 shared that The Parks Group at Graystone Consulting was ranked 19th in this year’s Barron’s Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams. “It’s an honor to be recognized among this exceptional group of our peers,” he wrote. “Special thanks go out to our amazing clients for helping to make this accomplishment possible!”

Ishan Sinha ’12 visited campus in December to connect with his former teachers Fred Lange (left) and Drew Mullen (right).

Megan (Waples) Edwards ’14 married Phil Edwards in Milwaukee’s Third Ward in September 2024. They ran collegiate cross country and track and field at Emory University and currently live in Brooklyn, New York, where Phil works in tech and Megan is a physical therapist.

Alyssa Bilkovski ’16 won both the men’s and women’s NCAA March Madness Bracket Challenge hosted by the USM Alumni Association in March. She received a prize pack featuring Wildcat gear for her accomplishments. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Captain John Ostermeyer ’16 (Left) recently completed advanced flight training and received his wings of gold as a naval aviator. Ostermeyer graduated on the Commodore’s List with Distinction, the Department of the Navy’s highest award for achievement in academics, flight performance, and overall conduct in the advanced flight curriculum. Ostermeyer is now serving at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego’s North County, where he is training to fly the KC-130J aircraft with VMGR-352 of the Third Marine Air Wing.

Emily Vruwink ’04

Forrest Florsheim ’12

Blake Pindyck ’08

Michael Luckey ’09

Captain John Ostermeyer ’16

Mohsin Khan ’10

Ishan Sinha ’12

Megan (Waples) Edwards ’14

Class Notes

Greta Weiss ’17

started a new job at New York City Psychotherapy Collective specializing in helping teens and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, and questions of identity.

Ayesha Kazi ’19 co-founded ASL Aspire, an online educational platform that teaches STEM education to K-12 deaf students and their teachers. “What began as an idea turned into pilots, partnerships, and now a real product being used in classrooms,” she wrote. “There’s no clear road map, and I’ll be honest—it’s scary to step away from the traditional path. But the impact we’ve seen already, the students we’re reaching, and the feedback from teachers and parents make it all worth it. If you’re in edtech, accessibility, or just want to connect, I’d love to chat!”

Michael Swiatek ’19 got engaged to Celiné Thérèse Gaeta on Oct. 22, 2024. Michael and Celiné met at a college in New Hampshire and are getting married on Jan. 3, 2026 in Milwaukee. They plan to live in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin while Michael pursues his Ph.D. at Marquette University.

’20s

Reid Pezewski ’20 started a new position as an artificial intelligence engineer and researcher at Eruditis, a fintech startup developing algorithmic trading strategies for private investors.

Mya Johnson ’21 graduated from Harvard University with a major in neuroscience and a minor in theater, dance, and media. Johnson served as an Art of Science fellow at the University of Colorado

medical campus and received the Suzanne Farrell Dance Award from Harvard. She will continue her education at New York University, where she plans to further explore the positive applications of artistic practices on our neurological and overall physical health. As a researcher, movement artist, and DJ, she looks forward to creating spaces for and expanding comprehension of the implications of dance and music on the brain and body.

Alex Ptak ’22 joined a small group of students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to compete in a NASA engineering challenge. They were invited to test their product at NASA’s neutralbuoyancy lab in Houston in June with NASA astronauts and other professionals— one of only a few teams throughout the country to do so.

Marcus Thundercloud ’23 was named the Northeast Conference’s rookie of the year (and second team all-NEC) for his redshirt freshman year on the University of Detroit Mercy’s men’s lacrosse team.

India Vielehr ’23 accepted a position as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Joseph Wang’s Laboratory for Exploration and Astronautical Physics (LEAP) at the University of Southern California. The LEAP lab conducts research on a diverse range of topics, including space weather interactions, space suit design, electric propulsion, atmospheric reentry, and planetary science. “This role is an incredible opportunity to join a talented team, contribute to innovative research, and further develop my expertise in astronautical engineering,” she said.

Michael Swiatek ’19

Mya Johnson ’21

Class of 2025 Leaves the Gift of School Spirit

Before they closed the book on being students at USM, members of the Class of 2025 left a generous gift to be remembered by: large USM letters installed near Don Forti Stadium and Liz Krieg Field. After a months-long planning, fundraising, and installation process, the letters were unveiled for the first time to seniors on Friday, May 23—their official last day of school.

“The seniors were adamant that they wanted to bring more school spirit to USM,” said Will Piper ’96, assistant director of alumni relations and reunion giving. “The letters do exactly that and turned out better than we could have imagined. We are so grateful to members of the Class of 2025 and their families for supporting this gift. It will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The installation, which uses a logo from USM’s new athletic brand, was designed and manufactured by Elevated Identity, a local company that makes large, exterior signage and has worked with groups like the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers. They add color and whimsy to campus and are the perfect backdrop for a post-win photo for student athletes and their families.

Many thanks to the 2025 Senior Class Giving Committee:

Bill Zito ’82

Steffi (Major) Baker ’83

Eva Barth, Owen Birchall, Fred Fitzsimmons, Alexander Frick, Preston Hanni, Ege Sasmaz, Roshni Sharma, Laya Sumithra, Lizzy Thurow, Charles Vielehr, and Nate Zimmerman.

Class Notes

Emily Igwike ’24

won the Midwest Regional Youth Poet Laureate competition, and competed in May at nationals.

Graham Kasten ’24

was named co-rookie of the week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and named to the national team of the week by D3baseball.com. Kasten plays for the Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons baseball team.

Elise Stephens ’24

competed at the National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s single-discipline national championship in April, where she was named to the tournament’s allfences and earned the most outstanding fences performer honor. Stephens competes on the Dartmouth University equestrian team, which won the national championship, defeating the College of Charleston in a tiebreaker.

Will Zhao ’24

(Pictured, far left) joined classmates ( from left) Anjali George ’24, Neema Mollel ’24, Emily Igwike ’24, and Erika Schuh ’24 for a visit to their alma mater in January to share their first semester college experiences with seniors.

Jorge Guifarro ’25

presented a short film titled “A 2 Week Art Journey,” along with other short films by youth filmmakers, as part of the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Alumni Events

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES

Three generations of USM science teachers spoke about their proudest accomplishments, favorite ideas, and more during a virtual discussion hosted by the USM Alumni Association in May. It featured (from left) Tom “Butch” Richardson, retired Upper School science teacher; Kip Jacobs ’74, outdoor education coordinator and former 7th grade science teacher; Emily Vruwink ’04, 7th grade science teacher; and Emily Vertacnik ’07, Preschool outdoor education teacher. It was co-moderated by Raj Bhala ’80 and Will Piper ’96.

ALUMNI NIGHT AT THE THEATRE

Members of the USM community were invited to reconnect at a reception at school, followed by Upper School students’ production of “Mary Poppins.” The reception included Mark Edwards, Upper School drama teacher and the musical’s director.

SCAN TO LISTEN

Will Zhao ’24

Reunion Weekend 2025

USM welcomed more than 220 alumni and guests back to campus for Reunion Weekend 2025, which included the Summer Soirée, campus tours, the Joe Lubar ’08 Alumni Baseball game, and a cookout in the front circle. In addition, Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 was honored with the Alumni Service Award, and Lindsay Stevens ’89 was honored with the Alumni Impact Award. Sarah LaBudde Wolffe ’80 traveled more than 3,500 miles from Edinburgh, Scotland to join the fun!

Tim Johnston '79

Bill Zito ’82

Steffi (Major) Baker ’83

(From left) Cornelius Adetiba ’95, Anwar Pruitt ’95, and Anjail Floyd Pruitt ’00.

Emily Vruwink ’04 (left) and Kathleen Hale ’05.

(From left) Dory Olson ’70, Alice Fajen Chang ’70, Sue Mestier Brauner ’70, Renee Johnson Tyson ’70, Susan Boynton ’70, Cindy Cottle Phillips ’70 and Steve Hancock, head of school.

(From left) Grace Culver ’15, Zoe Costomiris ’15, Grace Florsheim ’15, and Elana Fishbaine ’15

(From left) Shantel Bacchus and Becca Steinbach, Upper School math teacher, join Shazia ’28 and Chyna ’19 Bacchus for the cookout in the front circle.

Michael Grebe ’85 swung for the fences during the Joe Lubar ’08 Alumni Baseball game.

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.

1940s

Patricia Smith Davies MDS’42 Mechanicsburg, Pa.

1930s Xxx Xxx

1940s

Margarethe Kasten Carpenter MDS’44 Milwaukee

Xxx

Elizabeth Kaatz Mooney MDS’44 Paw Paw, Mich.

Friends

John Furrer MCDS’45 Chicago

Marilyn John West Bend, Wis.

Elizabeth Norris Mace MDS’46 Brunswick, Maine

Dorothy Benstead MacVicar MDS’46 Franksville, Wis.

faculty orientation.

Glenn Goebel MUS’52 Fort Dodge, Iowa

John Walton MCDS’53 Glendale, Wis.

Joseph Charney MUS’55 Mequon, Wis.

Michael Eschweiler MUS’55 Glendale, Wis.

Judy led USM through four accreditation cycles for ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States), each cycle a seven-year process designed to support a school in fulfilling its mission. Her organizational leadership was integral to guiding USM through these processes, including preparing and creating self-study reports and assisting teams of outside peers through their accreditation visits.

Barbara Minahan Low MDS’55 Milwaukee

1970s

’35 Christian, and many other loving relatives and friends.

Annette Frye Waddington ’75 Mequon, Wis.

1980s

Gerald Flemma ’83 Fox Point, Wis.

Friends

Mark Baade Broomfield, Colo.

Father of Jonah Baade ’18

Wife of Carl John Jr. ’46, former geometry/calculus teacher from 1959 to 1996. Mother of Constance John ’79, Christine McBride ’80, Paula Bartel ’80, and Carrie John ’82. Grandmother of Carly McBride and Mitchell McBride

David Stevens Garlick MCDS’56 Charlottesville, Va.

David Mellencamp MUS’58 Austin, Texas

Suzanne Frank Freund MDS’47 Sarasota, Fla.

Mary Zell Donley MUS’48 Oconomowoc, Wis.

Mary Fried Miller MUS’48 White Plains, N.Y.

Louise Bach Kuether MDS’49 Oostburg, Wis.

Phoebe Sproule Markey MDS’49 Lexington, Mass.

Judy Bloch passed away on September 16, 2022 at age 74 after an ongoing battle with cancer. Judy retired from University School of Milwaukee in August 2018 after 34 years of service in numerous roles throughout the school. In 1984 she launched USM’s Learning Center, tasked with providing assistance to students in need of extra help; it still serves the USM community today under the name Academic Resource Center.

1950s

Geraldine Perego Boone MUS’50 Nampa, Ind.

Nancy Merizon Buchanan MDS’52 Appleton, Wis.

She co-chaired many ISACS accreditation teams throughout the country to help other independent schools improve programming and culture, impart best practices, and ultimately improve educational opportunities for young people. She continued this work in a consulting capacity post retirement.

John Van Dyke II MCDS’59 Mequon, Wis.

1960s

Andrew Lauritzen MCDS’60 Milwaukee

Diane Friend McGauran MDS’61 Milwaukee

Clair Baum

Milwaukee

Grandmother of August Baum ’27

Brian Boyd Mequon, Wis.

Father of Elliott Boyd ’29

Ernest Brusubardis

Milwaukee

Former faculty and father of Ernest Brusubardis III ’81

Don Davis Jr.

Milwaukee

Grandfather of Clayton Cheney ’18, Skye Davis ’30, and Quinn Davis ’22

Elizabeth Allen Edgarton MDS’52 Evergreen, Colo.

She developed Summer I.D.E.A.S., a program she oversaw from 1992 to 2018. During her tenure as director, the program served more than 11,000 students from the greater Milwaukee area and employed hundreds of teachers. Judy also sat on USM’s curriculum coordination team, chaired the faculty evaluation committee, and was responsible for the yearly new-

Judy was an active community member who tirelessly served on the boards of the Milwaukee Jewish Day School for 20 years, and Congregation Beth Israel (CBI). Judy acted as treasurer of the CBI Sisterhood, was a parent board member for Accompany of Kids (a student performing group based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), a troop leader for the Brownies and Girl Scouts, and she held leadership roles in B’nai B’rith Women.

Richard Boynton MUS’62 Daniel Island, S.C.

Suzanne Kessler Frost MDS’64 Wauwatosa, Wis.

John Kramer MCDS’64 New Vernon, N.J.

Gregory Ehlers ’65 Los Angeles

A champion of learning and a master educator, Judy touched the lives of countless children, colleagues, and families. In her supportive and diplomatic way, she always made time to mentor and share her wisdom with anyone who needed guidance or a friendly ear. She is survived by her husband Eric, daughters Rachel (Adam Christian) and Melissa (Jason Meier), and grandsons Bennett ’33 and Beau

Joy Cottle Palacio ’66 Boynton Beach, Fla.

Ernst Endres

River Hills, Wis.

Father of Nicole Endres Hobbs ’98 and Alexia Sommer ’01

Weslyn Fleming

Milwaukee

Mother of Michael Fleming ’96

Ann Goris

Mequon, Wis.

Mother of Thomas Goris Jr. ’82

Anthony Krausen

Milwaukee

Father of Allison Krausen ’98

Mary Ellen Kuesel

Mequon, Wis.

Mother of Sarah Fair ’85 and Ann Morrell ’83

Markos Mamalakis

Milwaukee

Father of Anna Flynn ’79, Joanna Lavdas ’89, Emmanuel Mamalakis ’93, Thomas Mamalakis ’96, Irene Robaidek ’86, Catherine Seidel ’80, Alexandra Trigonis ’90, and grandfather of Bridget Cashman ’10

Libby Sellars

Milwaukee

Grandmother of Maria Sellars ’25 and Nora Sellars ’28

Richard Teerlink

Elm Grove, Wis.

Father of Leslie Teerlink ’83 and Victoria Teerlink ’88 and grandfather of Francesca Drope ’24, Luke Drope ’32, and Mandela Drope ’27

Gustav Wirth Jr. Cedarburg, Wis.

Father of Heidi Wirth ’93

Correction: Betty J. Schuett, grandparent of Emily Heller ’10 and William Schuett III ’12, was incorrectly listed as deceased in the Fall/Winter 2024-25 issue. She is alive and well in Florida. We sincerely apologize for the error.

Remembering Dick Kramlich MCDS’53

Charles Richard “Dick” Kramlich MCDS’53 passed away on Feb. 1, 2025. A venture capitalist trailblazer, Dick was the co-founder of New Enterprise Associates Inc. (NEA) in Silicon Valley, California, and served as the chairman of NEA Management Company.

At Milwaukee Country Day School, Dick excelled as a student and athlete, serving as class president his last three years while lettering in basketball, football, and tennis, and earning second-team allconference honors in football as a senior.

Dick attended Northwestern University and the Harvard Business School, and his investing career began in 1969 as a general partner at Arthur Rock & Co. He was captivated by innovation and entrepreneurship, and among the earliest investors in Apple Inc. Even after retiring in 2012, he continued to actively invest as a co-founder of Green Bay Ventures and as CEO of Kramlich Investment Group.

He remained connected to USM throughout his life. He served as the school’s Commencement speaker in 2016, and was invited to be part of an innovation think tank formed at USM. In April 2018, Dick and his wife, Pamela, awarded $1 million to the school’s Our Common Bond campaign. Their gift resulted in the creation of the Kramlich Innovation Distinction, a transcript designation awarded to students who complete academic and extracurricular work in the areas of innovative and entrepreneurial learning.

Remembering Alison Dupee

Alison Dupee, former Lower School French teacher and beloved member of the USM community, died on March 6, 2025 following complications from late-stage colon cancer. Alison taught at USM for 17 years before she and her husband, David, relocated to Ohio in 2023 to be closer to both of their families. Their children, David, Owen, and Carder, attended USM during that time.

Alison’s students and colleagues remember her for spreading joy and a love of learning in her classroom, often incorporating music and puppets to make the material fun and memorable. She developed and launched many curricular programs, including the oral proficiency model that is still used today in the Lower School. Alison’s love of language, travel, and culture resulted in her developing and twice-leading the Lower School international trip to Toronto. She participated in many professional development opportunities, including in Guadalupe and Singapore, sharing the knowledge she gained with her colleagues and students. She touched countless lives through the many children she taught during her long tenure at USM, and is fondly remembered as a problem solver and positive force in both the school community and greater Milwaukee.

Leading with Understanding

Kinship Partnership Supports Empathy in Action

Since 2015, 3rd grade students at USM have worked closely with Kinship Community Food Center in Milwaukee. What began as a focused effort in one grade grew into a larger collaboration this year, and included contributions from Preschool, additional Lower School grades, and 8th graders, all supporting Kinship’s mission of food justice and community care.

Starting in spring, 3rd graders learned about food insecurity and why someone might experience it, to gain a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by others. They then performed chores at home to earn money, which they used to purchase nutritious food to donate to Kinship. Finally, they brought the food to Kinship, along with handstamped canvas tote bags attached with hand-written notes, for guests to use as grocery bags. Fourth grade students, meanwhile, visited Kinship’s Grow urban farm, where they assisted with cultivating fresh produce in hoop houses.

“As educators, it’s our responsibility to guide students not only as learners in the classroom, but as compassionate people in the world,” said Mary Liz Rogers, 3rd grade teacher and project organizer. “Projects like this help students understand that being a good neighbor matters, and that kindness, service, and teamwork can create lasting change.”

Canvas tote bags were decorated by 3rd grade students, while prekindergarten and junior kindergarten students created watercolor note cards, on which kindergartners wrote messages. First graders organized and punched holes in the cards, and 8th grade leadership seminar students helped to attach the more than 120 cards onto the tote bags, which were donated to Kinship.

Third grade students carried food that they purchased to donate to Kinship Community Food Center as part of their service learning project. While there, they also helped to organize and stock shelves.

Travis Sternhagen from Kinship spoke to 3rd and 4th grade students about how Kinship promotes a healthy and vibrant community, and how USM students’ efforts impact their work.

Leading with Understanding

Experts Speak on Poverty, Refugee, and Environmental Issues

Ninth grade students at USM are required to complete a community engagement unit during second semester, in which they learn about a variety of issues—including immigration, food and housing insecurity, and environmental—that exist in Milwaukee and around the country. The unit introduces students to topics in our community and places where they might want to volunteer to satisfy their service hours requirement.

This past spring, the unit concluded with visits from individuals representing a variety of local organizations, including the Urban Ecology Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Kinship Community Food Center, The Guest House, Jewish Family Services, Habitat for Humanity, Hanan Refugees Relief Group, and SEA Literacy. Also present were individuals who work in refugee resettlement and water reclamation.

The guests participated in round table discussions led by Upper School students, where they described their work and experiences, and answered questions. Freshmen chose discussions to attend based on their interests.

“We have found that volunteer service is more meaningful if students know why the work is important and how it impacts the greater community,” said Renee Weber, Upper School French teacher and community engagement program codirector, along with Angela Reifenberg, Upper School math teacher. “It’s also more meaningful if they can understand the perspective of the people they’re helping and the organization’s mission.”

Crews are hard at work on the new Lower School and Middle School dining hall and Preschool-kindergarten dining room, which are set to open for the first day of school. Parents and alumni are invited to check out the new spaces at a special reception following Opening Day festivities, which begin at 8:25 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.