USM Today - Spring/Summer 2025-26

SPRING/SUMMER 2025–26

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TODAY

| a magazine for the usm community

Made

IN MKE Learn how these alumni are improving Milwaukee. | page 11

A Lifetime Gift The 111 members of the Class of 2026 graduated on Saturday, May 30, including Yusra Khan ’26 (left) and Mart Kilsdonk ’26. Angela Wang ’26 was the valedictorian, and the Commencement address was delivered by Susan Zarwell ’87, who retired in June after 28 years in USM’s Upper School. “I know a lot about USM, and what I know more than anything else about this place is that it is, quite simply, a lifetime gift,” she told the audience.

See a recording of the full ceremony at www.usm.org/commencement.

USM TODAY STAFF

in this issue

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

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ONLINE EDITOR

Eric Schad Marketing and Digital Communications Manager

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PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

Brennan Checkalski Visual Media Specialist CONTRIBUTORS

Visual Image Photography Southern Methodist University 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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PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If you are still receiving your child’s USM Today even though they no longer live with you, please let us know by emailing alumni@usm.org so we can send the magazine directly to them.

CORRECTION: In the Fall/Winter 2025-26 issue, Dr. Donald Hornig’s MCDS’36 last name was spelled incorrectly. We sincerely apologize for the error.

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in MKE feature Made Read about six USM alumni with vastly different careers, and passions, who are each story backgrounds, making a big impact in Milwaukee.

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Special Session

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Third grade students hosted Governor Tony Evers and other elected officials this spring.

Gallery Night 2026 The school-wide Gallery Night was a celebration of the arts at USM.

How a Winning Culture Led to a Winning Season USM’s varsity girls’ basketball team had a turnaround season, thanks in large part to Brian Hendricks, the new head coach.

Answering the Call These alumni EMTs are making the most of their summer by gaining valuable experience and helping their community.

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18 in focus

24 spotlight

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34 beyond usm

from the head of school Dear USM Community, Recently, I visited with a young alumna who wanted to tell me about a teacher she still thinks about years after graduation.

As we talked, I expected to hear about an unforgettable class or a favorite project. Instead, she smiled and said, “She taught me to be on time, to be prepared, and to do my best work every single day.”

Those simple expectations, she told me, continue to shape the way she approaches her career and her life. That conversation has stayed with me.

Schools are often recognized for visible accomplishments— outstanding academics, championship teams, remarkable performances, and college acceptances. Those achievements matter, and they deserve to be celebrated. But I have come to believe that the most important work we do is often much quieter. It happens when teachers, coaches, and mentors help young people develop the habits and character that will guide them long after they leave our campus.

That idea runs throughout this issue of USM Today.

Our feature, Made in MKE, introduces six alumni who are strengthening the Milwaukee community in very different ways. You’ll also read about faculty members who continue to grow as educators, colleagues whose retirements have left an enduring legacy, student-athletes who demonstrated remarkable resilience, and alumni who continue to serve others. Different stories, but one shared purpose: helping students become people of character who make a positive difference in the world.

This upcoming year’s Common Trust theme, honesty, reminds us that character is built through daily choices. Truthfulness in what we say and what we do strengthens relationships, earns trust, and prepares our students to lead lives of purpose.

It is in that spirit that I want to share some personal news. Following the conclusion of the 2026–27 school year, I will become president of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, beginning July 1, 2027. Blue Lake has been an important part of my life for many years, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization whose mission of transforming young lives through education and the arts closely reflects my own.

Between now and then, however, my work is here.

I look forward to leading USM through a final year filled with optimism, purpose, and gratitude.

Together, we have important work ahead, and I am committed to ensuring that we conclude this chapter with strength, integrity, and great confidence in the future of this extraordinary school.

Onward,

Steve Hancock Head of School

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USM Welcomes

Tom McManus,

Incoming Head of School Tom McManus was selected to serve as University School of Milwaukee’s 10th head of school, effective July 1, 2027. He brings a rare combination of authenticity, strategic thinking, and deep independent school experience. Tom is coming to USM from Montgomery School in Pennsylvania, where he has served as head of school since 2020. Prior to that, he served as CEO and head of mission at Revolution School in Philadelphia, which followed progressive leadership roles at Mid-Pacific Institute (Hawaii), St. Paul’s School (Md.), The Tatnall School (Del.), and The Groton School (Mass.). Tom also worked in college admissions leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, his alma mater.

Originally from New England, Tom’s academic preparation reflects the same depth and breadth as his professional experience. He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania, and later received an M.A. in private school leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University, where his coursework focused on nonprofit finance, educational law, program development, marketing and communications, and independent school leadership. He also conducted original research on teacher collaboration in independent schools and completed a practicum in advancement and fundraising.

In addition to his background as an English teacher and in school leadership, Tom offers a sophisticated understanding of all areas of school operations, as well as the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions. He has tremendous experience conducting academic audits, examining curriculum and implementing change, executing strategies for faculty development and retention, and unifying multidivisional programming. Having navigated budget and enrollment challenges, launched strategic initiatives, and led significant campus and program expansion, Tom will arrive at USM well prepared to lead the school.

Tom is motivated not simply to preserve what already works, but to help USM grow into something even stronger, embracing the belief that—while it is acceptable to be good— schools can aspire to be exceptional, especially in their academic programs. His vision for USM reflects both ambition and optimism for the school’s future.

exudes passion and “Tom excitement for learning,

engaging in all facets of the student experience.

”

- Leslie Tector ’87, president, USM Board of Trustees

Outside of his career, Tom is deeply family-oriented. He is married to Micheline McManus, who currently serves as chair of the English department at Wilmington Friends School in Delaware, and together they have four children, ages 27, 24, 20, and 7.

“Tom exudes passion and excitement for learning, engaging in all facets of the student experience, said Leslie Tector ’87, president, USM Board of Trustees. “The joy he radiates is contagious and inspiring.”

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Welcoming Familiar Faces in New Roles

Charlie Housiaux ’02, Assistant Head of Upper School

Sue Baker, Upper School Dean of Students

Charlie Housiaux ’02 was selected as the next assistant head of Upper School, and officially began his new role on July 1.

Housiaux has served at USM as both an educator and administrator since 2016, following nearly a decade at Ransom Everglades School in Miami. He became the Upper School’s dean of students in 2017, and has served as the coordinator of the school’s partnership with REDgen since 2022.

Sue Baker has been named the Upper School dean of students, a role previously held by Charlie Housiaux ’02. Baker will rely on her deep well of experience, having held numerous roles at USM for nearly 35 years, including teacher, coach, class dean, and assistant athletic director. Students and teachers alike will benefit from her unique ability to engage with students across all aspects of their life at USM.

Housiaux’s transition follows the retirement of Susan Zarwell ’87, who served as the assistant head of Upper School since 2024. In this role, Housiaux will collaborate with Joe Eason, head of Upper School, and divisional colleagues to strengthen pedagogy, curriculum, instruction, and alignment in our academic offerings, and work to enhance the Upper School community as a whole. He will also continue to teach English courses.

In this role, Baker will work with students, families, and teachers to foster a positive school climate and community culture that are aligned with both the mission and Common Trust. She will also manage student behavior and accountability systems, facilitate restorative and disciplinary processes, and chair the Common Trust committee in the Upper School.

“I am thrilled to serve the Upper School students and teachers as we create meaningful and lively classrooms and build communities of dignity and joy,” said Housiaux.

Spring Cum Laude Inductees Nine seniors were inducted into the Cum Laude Society this spring.

Congratulations to (back rows, from left) Lucy Grady, Anastasia Marich, Willy Art, Ben Norman, Benjamin Naples, Neva Miner, Sydney Norman, (front, from left) Abbey Norman, and Juliana Hernandez.

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“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, support, and lead our students as dean of students,” said Baker. “I look forward to helping build a community where every student is known, valued, and challenged to become their best.”

Anatomage Team at Nationals After earning 1st place at the state tournament in April, the USM Body Builders team (from left) Grace Chen ’27, Aida El-Hajjar ’27, Elina Cheng ’27, and Jind Kaur ’28 competed at the National Anatomage Tournament in June.

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Students Honor WWII Veterans After researching the lives of local WWII veterans, USM students wrote profiles of them and read memorials at the men’s grave sites. They were joined by the veterans’ children and grandchildren.

Chuck Taft, 8th grade American studies history teacher at USM, and five USM sophomores—Simran Ahuja ’28, Ian Hostetler ’28, Luke Gilpin ’28, Jayin Lazzaro ’28, and Nathan Silber ’28— were chosen for the nationwide National History Day “Silent Heroes Project.” The initiative uncovers the untold stories of World War II U.S. Marine Corps veterans who served their country in war and their communities afterward, and publishes the stories digitally.

The team researched and wrote detailed profiles on two deceased local veterans buried at Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee: Lloyd Charles Schneider and Roman Dolata. Both men were injured in WWII and, after recovering, returned to Wisconsin to raise families and build long careers.

To honor them, the students researched the men, wrote memorials, and read them at the veterans’ grave sites on April 18. The ceremonies were attended by the veterans’ children and grandchildren. The experience deeply impacted the students, who connected

From left Nathan Silber ’28, Ian Hostetler ’28, and Simran Ahuja ’28 laid flowers at the grave site of Lloyd Schneider, a WWII veteran from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

with the families and received firsthand memories and gratitude. “My biggest takeaway was that, as World War II veterans pass away, the responsibility of telling their stories is left to us,” said Gilpin. Silber added that reading their months of hard work at the grave site was “very meaningful knowing we were sharing great stories that deserve to be heard.”

Thanks to Taft and the sophomores, the lives of these brave men are now digitally archived for all to remember.

Visit www.usm.org/ww2veterans to read the veterans’ profiles and watch recordings of the memorials.

Griffin Named Visiting Scholar Head of Middle School Elaine Griffin was named a 2026–27 visiting scholar by the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education. She will help schools can design learning environments to ensure students are seen, valued, and supported.

Luke Gilpin ’28 (left) and Jayin Lazzaro ’28 delivered a memorial at the grave site of Roman Dolata, a WWII veteran from Milwaukee.

MathCounts Takes 7th in State From left Coach Melissa Beihoff, Alex Lemieux ’31, Mishee Singh ’30, Jiyan Singh ’30, and Sudarshan Tallam ’30 finished 7th at the 2026 MathCounts state competition. Jiyan, who also finished in 2nd at state, was one of four in Wisconsin to compete at nationals.

Visit www.usm.org/news for more news stories.

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Passports Not Required At the Global Enrichment Festival hosted in March by USM’s Parents’ Association, students enjoyed an international journey filled with colorful sights, sounds, and flavors, without ever leaving campus. They visited brightly decorated country booths and enjoyed performances from a variety of dancers and musicians. Back by popular demand was a global array of food, including mango lassi, falafel pucks, empanadas, bratwurst bites, chicken cordon bleu, and more, developed by HandCut Foods. Thank you to Jacqueline Robinson-Hunsicker, Global Enrichment Festival chair; Nicole Solis, global stage chair; and all of the volunteers who made the event possible.

From left Amara Nwagbaraocha ’26 and Veronica Wydra ’26 volunteered in the Global Scholars booth and were visited

by Wilson Seltrecht ’33.

Amina Roberson ’37 stood still while volunteers dressed her in a Japanese kimono.

Students were invited to try their hand at dancing the Tinikling, a traditional Filipino folk dance, with assistance from Filipino student performers.

Members of the Milwaukee-based Panadanza Dance Company performed a traditional Latin American dance.

USM Xxx K3 Chess Team Wins State Team Xxx members (from left) Jack Campbell ’37, Dane Beringause ’35, Escher Whitmore ’35, and Finn Campbell ’35 took 1st place in the K3 level of the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation state meet in Wisconsin Dells in April.

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Luke Lauritzen ’33 (center) reached for a cup of sugar-coated fennel seeds, an Indian after-meal snack.

Wang Named Coca-Cola Scholar Angela Wang ’26, who will attend Harvard University, was one of 150 seniors nationally named as a 2026 Coca-Cola Scholar for leading positive change in their communities and around the world, earning a $20,000 college scholarship.

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Seeing the Proof Sami El-Hajjar ’27 insists his genuine love of math, more than an innate ability, is what drives his incredible success.

But others think he might be oversimplifying.

When he was 2 years old, Sami El-Hajjar ’27 completed a 300-piece puzzle in the time it took his mom to finish cooking dinner. At age 5, he was solving Rubik’s cubes. By 2nd grade, he completed the 6th grade math curriculum at Maryland Avenue Montessori School, and got his first taste of competitive mathematics when he joined the school’s MathCounts team. By 7th grade, he was the top-ranked MathCounts student in the state.

El-Hajjar came to USM in 8th grade in 2022, joining his twin sister, Aida ’27 and older sister, Raya ’25. That same year he enrolled in AP Calculus BC, a course typically reserved for juniors and seniors. “That was the first time I’ve had an 8th grader in AP Calculus BC,” said Dr. Michael Bartl, Upper School math teacher since 2004. That December, El-Hajjar earned a perfect score on the Opportunity Conference exam at Milwaukee School of Engineering, an invite-only, statewide math competition.

It’s not an innate ability that sets El-Hajjar apart, he insists.

He just really, really likes math. He spends an estimated 15 to 20 hours a week on practice problems, and scours the internet for tests. “Ever since I was young, of all of the subjects, I always looked forward to math,” he said. But others recognize a rare gift.

“These exams are not easy,” said Dr. Cory Wright, assistant professor of mathematics at MSOE, who helps to write the tests that El-Hajjar has now aced four years in a row. “It’s hard for me to believe that he can solve these problems from rote memory. It really feels like he just intuitively understands the concepts, maybe even more than I do.”

In spring 2026, El-Hajjar was one of about 250 students nationwide to qualify for the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad exam. He secured a silver-category

Expert Presents on AI Evolution Dr. Jeremy Kedziora, PieperPower Endowed Chair for Artificial Intelligence at MSOE and USM’s inaugural Daniel J. Smyczek ’10 Symposium on Innovation and Technology speaker, presented about the evolution of AI and its implications in February.

score, missing gold by only three points. Bartl has no doubt that he will do even better next year. “Sami just sees the proof develop in front of his eyes,” he said. “It’s not a struggle for him. As a teacher, it’s highly gratifying for me because I just see the joy he has for math. I always tell him, ‘Right now, I’m your boss. Sooner or later, you can teach me.’”

Robotics Takes 2nd at State Team Daughters of Discovery (from left) Tess Oplinger ’30, Nina Sugiyama Carter ’30, Mishee Singh ’30, Solana Miner ’30, and Skylar Johnson ’30 earned 2nd place (Innovation Project Award category) at the 2026 FIRST® LEGO® League Wisconsin Championship in January.

Visit www.usm.org/news for more news stories.

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Special Session Third grade students hosted Governor Tony Evers, other elected officials, and community leaders this spring.

In their efforts to learn more about government and civic engagement, 3rd grade students went directly to the source: elected officials representing city, state, and federal government offices, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

Through a combination of virtual and in-person visits, the students asked questions and learned about what engaged citizenship looks like, why voting matters, and how they can better understand what’s happening in their communities, among other topics.

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(Top) Third grade students asked Governor Evers prepared questions, and (above) 4th grade students got up close and personal during a group photo.

view from the tower The goal of the nonpartisan educational activity was to help students understand the importance of civic participation, community involvement, and informed citizenship, as well as conduct first-person research for their production of podcasts as part of the unit.

Governor Evers stopped for a visit with 3rd and 4th grade students on Friday, April 24. Both grades asked prepared questions about government and being a governor. Although the officials represented a wide range of roles and political affiliations, they all shared a common message: anyone can create positive change in their community by being a helper.

“The kids have been much more engaged and connected to the material,” said 3rd grade teacher and Lower School Social Studies chair Elle Rodriguez. “They’re learning so much more than they would from reading a book.”

State Award Winners Nina Sugiyama Carter ’30 and Emma Wu ’30 earned the Labor Award for their group documentary, “Don’t Iron While the Strike is Hot,” at the NHD state competition in April, and were joined by five other projects as national qualifiers this year.

Nothing But the Classics Ayike Asiki ’29 earned gold in Memorized Observatory; Anand George ’26 secured 1st place in Greek History, Literature, and Life; and 24 USM students earned 71 top-10 finishes at the Wisconsin Junior Classical League state convention in February.

Data Improves Reading Instruction Researcher and author Dr. Jan Hasbrouck helped Lower School teachers identify and use the right classroom data to guide reading instruction and meet the needs of each learner in January as part of a USM Think Big grant.

Third grade students interviewed Lafayette Crump ’91, commissioner of city development for the city of Milwaukee, for research for their podcast.

Young Scientists Compete at ISEF From left Grace Chen ’27, Angela Wang ’26, Kaitlyn Paullin ’26, Eashan Anne ’26, and Anand George ’26 competed against 1,400 students from around the world at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix in May. Service Learning Supports Kinship All Preschool and Lower School students—with support from 5th graders—partnered this past year in a service-learning project with Milwaukee’s Kinship Community Food Center centered on food justice, empathy, and community care.

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson held a virtual meeting with 3rd grade students.

Welcome to Delicious Upper School Entrepreneurship Club co-founders Elliott Flores ’26 (left) and Cristián Barrutia ’26 interviewed Craig Culver in May as the club’s young entrepreneurs heard personal stories, experiences, and advice from the founder of Culver’s restaurant.

Visit www.usm.org/news for more news stories.

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Just What the Doctor Ordered As the only field trip taken during prekindergarten, the annual Doctors Park trip is a cherished tradition. Students ride the bus to the Fox Point, Wisconsin park and, with their caregivers, collect their favorite rocks from the beach. They finish the day with special songs including “PK Rocks.” This year, students made s’mores for their grown-ups and gifted them special artwork. It’s a beloved way to finish the school year and celebrate the incredible growth and connections made during PK. Pictured: Brooklyn Helm ’40.

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.

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Kats Elected to WSCA Board Middle School Counselor Elina Kats was elected to the Wisconsin School Counselor Association’s board of directors for a three-year term, where she will represent the USM counseling team and other independent and private school counselors.

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Made

IN MKE These alumni have vastly different backgrounds, careers, and passions. But each are greatly improving the city, to the benefit of everyone.

hen alumni return to visit USM, it’s invariably the teachers they want to see first. The mentors who made a complex problem click, who pushed them to think critically, who opened their eyes to greater problems in the world, and yes, even the ones who returned a B+ on the paper they toiled over for days. We know this because alumni tell us. They gladly regale us with stories, some with tears of gratitude in their eyes, of a favorite teacher who saw them as an individual and changed the course of their life.

Exceptional schools like USM would not exist without exceptional teachers. Within the walls of their classrooms, these educators do something remarkable: they shape the raw potential of youth into the beginnings of engaged and resilient adulthood. But the impact of a USM education doesn’t stop at graduation, and it doesn’t stay confined to campus. It radiates outward, providing immense economic, social, and cultural improvements to the broader community from which residents and visitors alike benefit.

The six alumni profiled on the following pages are living examples of this ripple effect. They have impacted Milwaukee in a variety of ways, including real estate development, medicine, non-profit work, for-profit work, or a combination thereof. Whether their efforts have resulted in large-scale change or smaller, quieter moments of triumph and progress, each has found a unique way to move Milwaukee forward.

These alumni have vastly different backgrounds and careers but share the same characteristics instilled in all USM graduates: curiosity, empathy, and resilience. Thankfully for us, they also share a deep love for Milwaukee.

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Louella AMOS

Sounding the alarm on the dangers of teen vaping, and putting Milwaukee on the map in the process.

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hen three teenagers were admitted to Children’s Wisconsin in July 2019 with severe difficulty breathing, doctors were concerned and baffled by the teens’ alarming lung injuries. After piecing together extensive patient histories, the pulmonologists at CW were able to uncover the common link: vaping. “No one at that time was aware of how bad it was, both the pervasiveness of vaping and the damage it causes, especially in kids,” said Dr. Louella Amos ’95, a pediatric pulmonologist at CW and one of the doctors involved. “We weren’t even asking our patients about it. Cigarettes maybe, but not vaping.”

Shortly after their discovery, the hospital held a joint press conference with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to alert healthcare providers and parents to the hidden dangers and proliferation of vaping. As the on-call pulmonologist, Louella was tapped to answer reporters’ questions. The next day, another Wisconsin teenager with similar symptoms was admitted to the hospital.

Louella and her team at CW were the first in the country to publicly link these acute lung injuries in teens with vaping. Soon after the press conference, doctors nationwide began reporting similar symptoms in teenagers, and media outlets spread the news widely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a coordinated response on a national scale.

Since that pivotal summer, Louella has spoken to students throughout the state, including at USM in 2020, about the dangers of e-cigarettes. She has testified in Madison in support of Tobacco 21, an effort to limit the sale of nicotine and tobacco products to people over 21 in Wisconsin, consulted with elected officials, and served as an expert voice for dozens of local, state, and national news organizations.

For Louella, who also works in CW’s pediatric sleep center (the only one in the state), the national spotlight doesn’t change the nature of her work day in and day out with patients. “It makes me feel good to know that we can make a positive difference in peoples’ lives, and it’s one of the reasons why I will probably never retire,” she said.

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Made in MKE

TOM

Florsheim Jr. T

Leading by example to make Milwaukee a city for all.

om Florsheim Jr. ’76 is a busy man. As the chairman and CEO of Weyco Group, he co-leads the company’s portfolio of footwear brands including Florsheim, Nunn Bush, and BOGS with his brother, John Florsheim ’81, who is president. In addition, Tom serves on the boards of Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Milwaukee College Prep, as well as USM’s Endowment Board, following his nine-year term as a USM trustee. He’s also passionate about protecting democracy in Wisconsin.

He has a 30,000-foot view of the issues facing Milwaukee—a city that he loves—and the curiosity and passion to address them. One of Milwaukee’s most pressing challenges, Tom believes, is its lack of economic mobility when benchmarked against other similarly-sized cities. “This is a terrific city, but one that faces significant challenges,” he said. He believes that improving housing and access to quality early-childhood education are necessary to making Milwaukee a city for all. “If 15% or 20% of our population can’t share in everything this city has to offer, it holds us all back.”

Tom is also passionate about issues like election interference and tariffs. “I love the democracy that we all benefit from in this country. As a business person, I believe our democratic system provides the rule of law and certainty that businesses need to thrive. It became necessary for me to speak out against tariffs because they created tremendous uncertainty and are bad for our economy. I believe it is extremely important for people to voice their opinions.”

In 2021, he and eight others founded Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy, a bipartisan group that supports free, fair, and regular elections. Members meet biweekly to stay informed and provide free resources to businesses, like a civic engagement toolkit, to encourage voter registration and election participation.

“I really like Milwaukee,” he said. “This city has been very good to me and my family, and has been a great place to raise our children and grow our business. So it’s more than an obligation, it’s something I want to do. I want to give back and do what I can to make the city a better place.”

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JULIA

Burke

Sweetening the city one sea salt caramel at a time.

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o step into the Burke Candy & Ingredients kitchen on North Fratney Street in Milwaukee is to step back in time. And in fact, very little has changed since Julia ’74 and her husband, Tim Burke, launched the business in 1997. The kitchen is where caramel for the company’s famous sea salt caramels is made from scratch; almonds are roasted for their signature English toffee; chocolate disks are melted and tempered; molds are filled; chocolate Easter eggs are rolled by hand; and orders for retail locations throughout North America are packaged and shipped. Many of the raw ingredients for their products, like U.S. Grade A butter, are sourced from Wisconsin-based suppliers.

Burke Candy, originally based in Chicago, was started by Tim’s grandfather in 1929. When Tim’s father sold the chocolate manufacturing business in 1996, Tim and Julia purchased what remained, the ingredients company, and relocated to Milwaukee. Their acquisition included original recipes from Tim’s father, along with the Burke Candy name.

“The name is big in the industry because it’s been around for so long,” she explained. At the time, they had around 40 customers.

The company has grown from three employees to 20 or more depending on the season, and their customer list has grown significantly, too. A bright and welcoming Burke Candy retail location opened in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin in 2022. The business is now in its fourth generation of family ownership, with Catherine (Burke) Fink ’06 running the retail and marketing side and Eddie Burke ’09, running the manufacturing. “They have new ideas and they’ve been great assets. Tim and I had our time to create what we wanted, and now we’re working to get out of the way.”

Burke Candy supports a variety of local causes that rotate on an annual basis, and the company supplies candy to every Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. “I just love Milwaukee,” said Julia. “I think we’ve been very blessed to be part of both Milwaukee and now Whitefish Bay. It’s been just a joy.

I pinch myself every day.”

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Made in MKE

Walter TAYLOR G

Seeing Milwaukee through a variety of lenses to better understand its strengths and challenges.

rowing up in Milwaukee, Walter Taylor ’17 spent most of his early childhood in predominantly Black neighborhoods on the north side of the city, rarely venturing beyond those borders. “If you would’ve asked me as a 10- or 11-year old, I would’ve told you that Milwaukee was mostly Black people,” he said.

His parents relocated to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin when Walter was in 2nd grade, where they were the only Black family in a city of 7,000, for access to a better education.

There, Walter thrived academically, socially, and athletically.

When he transferred to USM as a sophomore in 2014, again for a better education, it was a big adjustment. The school’s block schedule was unfamiliar, the academics were harder, and the workload was heavier. “I begged my parents to take me out of USM that first semester,” he recalled. By junior year, things had improved. Walter found his academic footing with support from Upper School teachers including Tom Lewandowski and Jean Plum, and he loved being part of a more diverse student body.

As a senior, Walter enrolled in Applied Mathematics and Data Analysis taught by (now retired) Upper School math teacher Steve Bertucci. A field trip to Baird exposed him to how course concepts were implemented in the real world,

and eventually led to a summer internship there. Seeing Milwaukee through the lens of a corporate professional changed his understanding of race in the city. “The internship really opened my eyes to what corporate Milwaukee looked like, because it didn’t look like me.” When he was hired full-time at Baird, he moved to the Yankee Hill neighborhood and walked to work. “I would try to get lost on purpose. I was just so intrigued learning about places in Milwaukee I had never heard of or visited before. I realized that if I know better, I can do better.”

Walter has put his knowledge to work in a big way. While currently working as a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management in Mequon, Wisconsin, he also serves as on the boards of Forward Scholars (see page 16), Safe and Sound, and USM’s Alumni Association, and is an assistant coach with USM’s boys’ basketball team. He participated on the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Community Adviser & Ambassador Network, and was honored at the 41st annual Black Excellence Awards in the category of aspiring game changers. “I believe that giving back is what it’s all about.

Because living in certain communities and seeing how they are and how they’ve changed, I feel as if I had some type of impact on that. It really makes me feel good.”

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BERNARD

Rahming Advancing the city by empowering young readers.

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ernard Rahming ’05 was in Haiti playing a series of Olympic qualifiers for the Bahamas National Soccer Team when he witnessed extreme poverty for the first time. It wasn’t his team’s celebrations after winning the match that he remembers most; it was the two ball boys at the water station. “I knew then that I didn’t want to be a professional athlete,” he said. “I wanted to dedicate myself to bigger issues.

I wanted to be part of the solution.”

Soon after, Bernard left the University of Vermont and transferred to Marquette University. While finishing his double major in math and psychology, he worked with children with autism and coached youth soccer. After graduation, he became a program manager for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, leading efforts to make music education more accessible and equitable for Black and Brown students in Milwaukee. He developed community partnerships, expanded scholarships for private lessons, and supported programs including jazz and steel band ensembles.

The shooting deaths of Trayvon Martin and Philando Castile motivated Bernard to reevaluate his career and pursue a master’s degree. He moved to Portland, Oregon for a master’s in community psychology through Concordia University Portland. There, he learned how employment, education, public policy, and nonprofit support are interconnected with a community’s wellbeing, and wrote his thesis on belonging in schools. “I realized how much kids need to feel like they belong in school in order to thrive in college and beyond.”

Today, Bernard is the development and marketing director at Forward Scholars in Milwaukee, a tutoring program that pairs volunteers with Milwaukee Public Schools students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. The pairings last for the entire school year, and volunteers receive training, lesson plans, and dedicated rooms. After eight months of tutoring, students gain an average of two grade levels in reading accuracy and fluency—an important indicator in their likelihood to graduate from high school.

“We’re tackling a big problem,” said Bernard, “but it’s not just on us, or a superintendent, or a principal to fix. We need everybody. We need the community. We need parents and families. We need the support of public policy and businesses because these kids are our future. How do we give them the best chance to succeed?”

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Made in MKE

Robert JOSEPH B

Revitalizing the Third Ward while maintaining its history and charm.

efore it was a bustling, welcoming neighborhood, Milwaukee’s Third Ward was largely occupied by austere warehouses and heavy industries. Restaurants were limited, residents were scattered, and shops and hotels were largely nonexistent. Vacant lots and ramshackle, old buildings dominated the area a few blocks south of downtown.

Robert Joseph ’88 liked that the Third Ward had established boundaries to the north, south, and east, and saw the potential. “It was modest in size, so I felt like I could make a difference in the area,” he said. “It had good bones for an interesting neighborhood.” Robert had spent the previous decade building residential condo units in the suburbs of southeast Wisconsin, perfecting the process to increase efficiencies. He loved the work and devoted all his energy to it. “I was obsessed. I barely slept. It was all I could think about.” But he was ready for a bigger challenge.

When his first offer to purchase a building in the Third Ward, 191 North Broadway, was rejected, he bid on 249 North Water Street instead. That offer was accepted but, before closing, the Broadway property became available again.

Suddenly, he was the owner of two empty buildings that needed renovations and tenants. “It was one of the more stressful times in my career,” he admitted.

To attract residents to his buildings, he needed businesses.

But to attract businesses, he needed residents. To appeal to both, he pursued a mixed-use model, renovating the structures to feature retail units on the ground floor and condos or apartments in the upper floors. Maintaining the buildings’ rich histories and architectural details was an added challenge that Robert found appealing. “As I look back on this, I think I was nuts,” he said. “I was crazy. But back then it didn’t feel that way. I was just hungry as hell.”

It’s a blueprint that Robert has since replicated over and over, helping to transform the Third Ward into a vibrant destination that draws millions of tourists and residents annually. “It used to be a little side note of a neighborhood,” he said. “I never dreamed that an Anthropologie or a Kimpton Journeyman Hotel would move in. But now, it’s one of the things that draws people to the city. I think it’s the best part of Milwaukee.”

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in focus

$426,092 in funding covered 50 professional development grants.

And that was just in one year.

The best teaching happens when educators are themselves energized learners. In 2025-26, the draw from USM’s professional development endowed funds equaled $426,092—enough to support 50 unique grants for 66 USM teachers. Thanks to the funds’ generous donors, teachers applied for and received grants that supported a wide variety of opportunities, including international trips, conferences, and visiting guests, all of which foster a culture of growth and elevate USM as a top independent school.

Learning and the Plain Talk Literacy Brain Conference and Learning USM’s Academic Resource Center Conference coordinator and one faculty member In March, a group of 11 Preschool and Lower School teachers attended the Plain Talk Literacy and Learning Conference in New Orleans. The three-day institute on teaching, leading, and learning, regarded as the premier literacy event in the country, provided innovative sessions focused on evidence-based practices that drive student, teacher, and school success.

Teachers left the conference with new skills and knowledge they could implement immediately.

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from each division attended the Learning and the Brain Conference, a premier experience that connects educators with the latest research from cognitive science, psychology, and child development to improve instruction and interventions in schools. Upon their return to USM, each attendee designed and led professional development sessions for their respective divisions, multiplying the reach of this investment across USM’s entire faculty.

Outdoor Learning Conference Three educators from across divisions traveled to Banff, Canada to attend the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference, hosted at the world-renowned Banff Centre. Centered on the theme “Place and Pedagogy: Where Learning Happens,” the conference directly aligned with USM’s strategic plan goal to use its campus as classrooms.

The educators gained insights to help shape programming and connect students to place, purpose, and the natural world, further enriching the USM experience.

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By the Numbers

Study of Japan Seven USM teachers and one administrator representing all three divisions participated in a nine-day tour of Japan in March, beginning in Osaka and ending in Tokyo. Attendees experienced activities and learning that had direct and meaningful connections to USM’s curriculum across multiple grade levels. This experience allowed our teachers to experience that culture firsthand, bringing back richer knowledge, authentic materials, and even the possibility of a lasting connection with a Japanese school.

During the 2025-26 school year: • $426,092 from endowed funds supported 50 unique grants • 66 faculty members applied for, and received, funding for professional development • 3 countries visited by USM employees » Japan » Canada » France • 10 experiences were shared by entire teams, including: » Experience Milwaukee » Wildcats Lead! athletics seminar » Counseling consultancy with North Shore Center » Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education Independent School Counselors’ Summit » Differentiation training with Dr. Eric Carbaugh » Playworks recess training » Differentiation training for literacy » Exeter Humanities Institute West » Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education Foundations of Advisory » Literacy training with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck • 4 experiences open to students, parents, and the broader community, including: » Visit from Soundcheck Prevention Network for substance misuse prevention » REDgen speakers Dr. Jean Twenge and Mike Domitrz » Jeff Selingo, author of “Dream School” 19 19

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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.

Susan Zarwell ’87 | 28 years

Since joining USM in 1998, Susan Zarwell ’87 has held various roles, including Upper School Academic Resource Center teacher, English teacher, director of College Guidance from 2009 to 2023, and most recently as assistant head of Upper School. During her tenure at USM, Zarwell served on head of school search committees, helped develop USM’s diversity statement, helped found the school’s Internship and Shadowing program, and developed and implemented student accommodation policies. Alongside USM students, she supported Operation DREAM, a tutoring program for inner-city youth.

Zarwell is excited for unstructured time in retirement, including outdoor activities and reading, and an upcoming trip to New England with her husband, Ben Zarwell ’87.

Although she has received many awards and accolades over the years, what she cherishes most are thank-you notes from students. “Those personal reminders of the powerful role and profound responsibility we have in the lives of students are what I’ll carry with me long after the plaques are packed away,” she said.

Renee Weber | 23 years

Renee Weber has been a tireless presence in USM’s Upper School. She has taught every French class the division offers, from French Novice to AP French 2, led cross-divisional curricular development, was a class dean for many years, and was the architect and driving force behind the Community Engagement program for freshmen. She organized home stays for French students and led trips abroad to Francophone countries, took students to serve at local non-profit organizations in Milwaukee. She has also coached cross country, tennis, and track and field teams.

Weber is looking forward to continuing her service work in retirement, in addition to spending more time focusing on her family, her hobbies, and her health. She will deeply miss her colleagues and also her students. “I learned from them every day, and they truly kept me young,” she said. “Watching students grow and develop into who they are becoming is one of the greatest joys of this work.”

Amy Norman | 12 years

Amy Norman’s journey at USM began as a 1st grade teacher in 2014, the same year her children, Ben ’26, Abbey ’26, and Delaney started at USM. In 2018, she moved to the Middle School to teach 6th grade English, where she also served as a grade level coordinator and an ethical leadership liaison. She participated on the emergency response “M Team” and the faculty evaluation committee, and attended countless overnight retreats.

Norman is excited to linger over coffee in the morning and spend more time with her family. Being able to grow at USM alongside her children was a cherished perk of the job. “Having my professional and personal worlds overlap in that way has been incredibly special,” she said.

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in focus

Torrey Lea | 9 years

As a school safety officer, Torrey Lea was a welcoming presence on USM’s campus.

Rain, snow, sleet, or sun, he’d greet Lower School families at drop off each morning, often accompanied by a high-energy soundtrack. His professional background with the Tactical Enforcement Unit of the Milwaukee Police Department and, later on, the police chief’s security detail, made him an experienced member of USM’s School Safety and Security team. While he is excited to wake up without an alarm clock and to have more time to tinker with his classic cars, he will miss the daily interactions with the students and their families. “I think the kids felt comfortable talking with me and sharing important things because they had trust and confidence in me,” he said. “That’s probably what I’m most proud of.”

Laura Vande Hei | 6 years

After six years of teaching in the Lower School and 19 years of classroom teaching in total, Laura Vande Hei is embarking on her next journey in retirement. Her plans are open-ended by design, and she’s looking forward to pursuing whatever opportunities interest her. They will likely include visiting family in California, spending time with her oldest daughter and grandsons in Spain, and perhaps even visiting a few national parks that she’s learned so much about from her 3rd grade students. She loved many things about teaching at USM, including the beautiful and secure campus, the delicious lunch options, and all the laughs. “I’ll miss the dedicated faculty, the talented staff, the invested parents, and the daily interaction with students,” she said.

Sonal Shah | 5 years

After a career spanning more than 20 years in education, including five teaching 7th grade math at USM, Sonal Shah is trading in the classroom for retirement. She is looking forward to traveling, reading, self-enrichment, and learning new things. Shah is proud of the deep relationships she fostered with her students, particularly cherishing the “middle school innocence” and the daily joy of celebrating their achievements. “I will miss the people the most—especially the interaction with the kids and high-fiving them on their successes,” she said. “Whether kidding around with colleagues or quick trips for candy in the Middle School office, it is the community and those daily connections that I will cherish most.”

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Leave a Lasting Legacy

USM’s continued excellence is made possible thanks to the generous support of our community. Planned giving is one way in which donors can make a lasting impact on our school while achieving their charitable goals.

What are planned gifts?

Planned gifts come in many types, but fall into three basic categories:

1. Gifts anyone can make.

2. G ifts paying you income for life.

3. Gifts protecting your assets.

The most common planned gift is one made in your will or revocable trust. It is also easy to direct gifts from retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

How does USM use planned gifts?

Donors may choose to designate a specific use, such as scholarships, faculty development and salaries, fine arts, athletics, or technology.

Unrestricted planned gifts support USM’s Endowment Fund.

What is the USM Endowment Fund?

USM’s endowment functions like a high-interest savings account, serving as one of the school’s revenue sources (in addition to tuition, the USM Fund, and auxiliary programming). Assets are invested, the principal is kept intact, and only a portion of the interest is used each year. This allows the fund to keep growing while protecting against inflation. The annual allocation supports the operating budget and donor-restricted funds.

Why is it important to grow the endowment?

The larger USM’s endowment, the more funds that are available to support USM students. The endowment helps hold down annual tuition increases, insulates against the effects of downturns in the economy, and allows USM to maintain its leading edge as a nationally ranked independent school that does not carry any debt, one of only a handful in the country.

How do I learn more?

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

Planned Gift Upholds the Standards of the Past Sam Cutler ’65 has always loved history. He credits his AP History teacher, John “J.S.” Stephens, with nurturing his interest, particularly through Stephens’ mastery of the Socratic method. “He said, ‘You know the answer. I’m just going to question you and drag it out of you,’” Sam recalled. Sam’s family connection to USM includes his mother, Betty Cutler MDS’39; his sister, Pamela (Cutler) Abram MUS’62; and his nephew, Daniel ’88 and niece, Eden ’90 Abram.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in history from Williams College and teaching history for seven years at Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, Sam relocated to Milwaukee to earn a master’s in history from UWMilwaukee. He returned to USM in 1977, where he taught American history for four years, before transitioning to a 28-year career as a stockbroker at Baird. Sam continues to engage with history as a curator of Isham Day House in Mequon, Wisconsin, the oldest surviving U.S. Post Office building in the state (circa 1839).

It’s his connection to USM and his passion for history that compelled Sam to include the school in his estate planning, specifically in support of American history education. He views Chuck Taft, 8th grade American

studies history teacher at USM, as an educator who maintains high standards.

“I think Chuck Taft is the real deal,” Sam said. “He’s doing a great job.”

This past January Sam attended the 8th grade National History Day presentations, led by Taft, in which students presented historical research projects to visiting guests. Sam was impressed with the quality of the students’ work, recalling a project on the Port Washington, Wisconsin draft riots of 1862, and a research paper on the Greek historian Herodotus. “Chuck isn’t trying to produce little historians; he’s trying to get kids excited about their past, and that’s a big difference.”

With his planned gift, Sam is ensuring that Taft and other history teachers have the resources to keep their students’ curiosity alive—supporting class trips like the annual, week-long 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., and projects like National History Day. Sam is following his passion and helping to ensure that the study of history at USM remains as vibrant and challenging as it did when he was a student.

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Maia Scherman ’27 (center) played Princess Winnifred, the musical’s bold, energetic, and swamp-dwelling protagonist.

“Once Upon a Mattress” Revisits a Classic

Front row, from left Nick Jost ’28 played Prince Dauntless, Stella Nicoli ’27 played Queen Aggravain, Henry Dunning ’27 played Sir Harry, and Mart Kilsdonk ’26 played the Wizard.

Upper School theatre students presented the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” in February, a humorous and family-friendly retelling of “The Princess and the Pea.” “There is a distinct pleasure observing young adults step into their own spotlight and realize and exercise the power of their voice in a manner that only live theatre may accomplish,” wrote Mark Edwards, Upper School drama teacher and musical director.

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From left Emery Domer ’28 as the Jester, Deven Sharma ’27 as King Sextimus the Silent, and Bianca Ladd ’27 as the Minstrel.

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“Even if You’re Little You Can Do a Lot” A popular children’s classic came to life this past spring when Middle School thespians presented the musical “Matilda.” Adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel, the production tells the story of an extraordinary girl armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination. It was directed by Katie Gonring, Middle School drama teacher.

Bruce’s (Poppy Ramirez ’33) punishment for swiping some of Agatha Trunchbull’s cake? Eat the entire thing.

Matilda’s family, including (from left) her brother, Michael (Lou Reimer ’32), father, Mr. Wormwood (Owen Flack ’31), and mother, Mrs. Wormwood (Mads Merrick ’31).

Miss Honey (Rayna Lazzaro ’31) with her student, Matilda (Lola Jost ’32).

Agatha Trunchbull (Livy Abele ’31) exerts her influence over the children.

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Gallery Night 2026 USM’s hallways were filled with excited students, awestruck grown ups, and vibrant artwork during Gallery Night 2026: Different by Design. Guests could get their hands dirty with activities like a giant coloring sheet, silk screening bags, a scavenger hunt, and more, or they could view student artwork and enjoy performances throughout the school. “The night felt like a festival of creativity—one that brought our entire community together in a meaningful and memorable way,” said Head of School Steve Hancock. The event was organized by USM’s visual arts faculty Izzi Buikus, Mandy Culver, Jessica Michels, and Andrea Worthey, with help from many parent volunteers and faculty.

1. E lise Berndes ’36 participated in building a community-wide sculpture made of pool noodles.

2. The event was not limited to visual arts. A wide variety of student performers like Elli Solis ’31 (left) and Jacqueline Koehn ’31 provided live music.

3. K elly Strains, 1st grade teacher, was one of several volunteers on hand to paint faces.

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4. C aleb Goodman ’33 held the ceramic house he made for art class, one of many on display during Gallery Night.

5. Stella Janowski-Melchior ’26 posed next to her photographs on display in the Werner Family Art Gallery.

6. Ellie Krueger and Dr. Justin Chau helped their daughter, Norah ’38, assemble a button.

7. M andy Culver, Lower School art teacher and one of these event organizers, posed next to her self portrait on display alongside others from the evening.

8. Everett Travis ’36 (left) worked on screen printing a canvas tote bag with assistance from Jonah Sulman ’29.

9. Three different food trucks provided fuel for hungry artists.

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Artist Works with 6th Grade Milwaukee artist and educator Jodi Brzezinski helped 6th grade create mandalas, or complex, circular geometric designs. Brzezinski and students explored the relationship between symmetry and nature, and students then layered natural imagery into their own compositions.

The Opera Comes to USM Milwaukee’s Florentine Opera visited Lower School in April to present “Elixir of Love.” The music was performed in the original Italian, with some English, and the show proved that no potion can outshine the real magic of being yourself.

Honors Orchestra Selections Raymond Yang ’27 and Chloe Chen ’27 were selected for the 2026 Wisconsin State Music Association All State High School Honors Orchestra. Chen was selected for the All State Orchestra on violin for the third year in a row, and Yang for the All State Jazz Ensemble on piano.

Meet and Greet After seeing the First Stage production of “Peter Pan and Wendy” in March, 3rd grade students met three of the show’s actors (from left) Annabelle Lantz ’30, Luke Drope ’32, and Harold Wagner ’32. They asked about auditions and rehearsals, juggling school work, and more.

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National Scholastic Medalists From left Jasleen Chahal ’26 (silver), Harini Tallam ’26 (silver), Aida El-Hajjar ’27 (American Visions Award, gold and silver), and (not pictured) Rosie Barksdale ’27 (silver) earned national medals for the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Author Salina Yoon at USM Salina Yoon, best-selling and award-winning author, visited students, teachers, and parents in May. During the day she spoke with PK-3rd grade students, and concluded her visit with a writing workshop open to Upper School students, faculty, staff, and parents.

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Year-End Concerts Strike a Chord

Middle School band and orchestra concert.

Throughout the month of May, visitors packed the Virginia Henes Young Theatre to enjoy a variety of year-end concerts presented by students in all divisions. Based on the number of musicians on stage and the number of seats filled by family members and others, the performing arts remain strong at USM.

Preschool through kindergarten Music Together concert.

First and 2nd grade choir concert.

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Upper School band, orchestra, and choir concert.

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NOTABLE WILDCATS

These Wildcats are writing their names in the record book.

1,000th

BOYS' HOCKEY

Kristian Bartl ’27 scored his 1,000th career point in January. “There’s something really satisfying about seeing the ball go through the net,” he said.

Tyler Cook ’26 was named boys’ hockey player of the year at the 2025-26 Milwaukee High School Sports Awards show in June. Cook completed his career with 121 points in 97 games, including 46 goals. Eleven other athletes from USM were nominated for awards.

PLAYER OF

THE YEAR

CAREER POINT Darcy Doyle ’26 (left) set four school lacrosse records this season: 126 singleseason goals; 554 career points; 454 career goals; and 717 career draw controls. Sofie Bucher ’26 broke two records: 158 single-season points and 319 career assists.

Austin Jarmuz ’27 set the school’s one-mile record of 4:19.28 at the Wisco Mile invite, where he came in 5th place.

Ethan Van Genderen ’26 earned the Wisconsin Athletic Director Association/ Milwaukee Bucks Perseverance Award for 2025-26. He has battled Rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer, since 2024, while remaining a dedicated football and lacrosse athlete.

For the girls, Ainsley Polston ’28 set the school’s one-mile record with her time of 5:04.62 at Distance Night in Palatine, earning 5th place at the event.

628 CAREER SAVES

Drew Nerbun ’26 set a new school record with 628 career saves for the boys’ lacrosse program.

1:55.81 Beckett Newman ’28 set a new school record in the 800-meter run. His time—1:55.81—topped the previous record of 1:58.66 set by Austin Jarmuz ’27 in 2026. Both Newman and Jarmuz broke the 800-meter record of 1:59.10 set by Mark Pembroke ’81 in 1980.

Aliyah Nwagbaraocha ’29 (left), Rosie Barksdale ’27 (right), and (not pictured) Shazia Bacchus ’28, and Brooklyn Easley ’29 set a new record at sectionals for the 4x200-meter race with a time of 1:46.55, which topped their own previous record of 1:47.48, set earlier in the 2026 season.

2:17.68 Anastasia Marich ’26 set a new school record of 2:17.68 in the 800-meter event at state, topping the previous record of 2:18.44 set by Cate Kohli ’27 in 2025.

BEATS HER OWN RECORD TWICE

Brooklyn Easley ’29 set a new school record of 15.52 in the 100-meter hurdles event at the 2026 WISTCA Freshman State Championships, beating her previous two consecutive records of 16.02 and 15.93.

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WILDCATS AT STATE Girls Ski USM’s girls’ ski team finished in 20th place with a score of 1090 at the WIARA Wisconsin State Ski and Snowboard Championships, held Feb. 14-16, 2026 at Mt. La Crosse. Seven USM skiers raced in the meet as part of a statewide field of competitors: Marlies Westveer ’26 (87th), Addie Darrow ’26 (100th), Clare Holton ’27 (115th), Nora Werner ’28 (116th), Simrin Patel ’27 (119th), Alice Gardner ’26 (139th), and Kaitlyn Paullin ’26 (151st). This is the third consecutive year that the ski team competed at state, having finished in 2nd place last year, and winning the championship in 2024.

Gymnastics Representing USM at the WIAA Division 2 state gymnastics meet from March 5-6 were Gabi Ortiz Fleet ’26 and Josie Merluzzi-Hitler ’26. This is the second consecutive trip to state in only the second year for the USM’s girls’ gymnastics team, which competes as a co-op with Shorewood High School.

In individual competition, Ortiz Fleet claimed 5th in the all-around with a score of 35.7333, earning her a medal. She scored 8.700 on bars, good for 6th place; 9.183 on floor, taking 5th in that event; and 8.8833 on vault (10th). In addition, she was named the 2025-26 Greater Metro Conference gymnastics athlete of the year! Merluzzi-Hitler, meanwhile, took 16th in the all-around competition with a score of 34.0167. Her other scores were 8.6167 in bars (10th) and 9.0500 in floor (11th).

Boys Hockey

Gabi Ortiz Fleet ’26

Josie Merluzzi-Hitler ’26

After a 7–3 victory over the Muskego Ice Force co-op in the sectional final, the USM boys’ hockey team earned a trip to the WIAA Division I Boys Hockey State Tournament but could not get past defending champion Edgewood. The Wildcats fell to the second-seed Crusaders 7–2 on Friday, March 6 in a state semifinal game at Bob Suter Legacy20 Arena in Middleton, Wisconsin, finishing their season with a 19-9 record. The Crusaders would go on to win the state championship the following day.

Boys' hockey team after winning the sectional final.

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Track and Field USM students had an outstanding showing at the WIAA Division 2 state track and field meet in June. The girls’ team earned 14 points for a tie in 19th place. The 3,200-meter relay team consisting of (from left) Cate Kohli ’27, Anastasia Marich ’26, Ksenija Marich ’29, and Ainsley Polston ’28 finished in 4th place with a time of 9:34.27. Polston also earned 5th in the 1,600 (4:59.38) and 7th in the 3,200 (11:20.7), while Anastasia was 8th in the 800 (2:17.68—a new school record) and Kohli was 7th in the 1,600 (5:07.92). Brooklyn Easley ’29 broke her own school record at state in the 100-meter hurdles, with a time of 15.93.

For the boys, Austin Jarmuz ’27 medaled with a 6th place finish in the 3,200-meter event, earning a personal-record of 9:18.54. Beckett Newman ’28 finished in 10th place in the 800-meter event with a time of 1:58.76.

Girls Lacrosse After securing a WIAA sectional championship, the girls’ lacrosse team fell 12-11 in the state championship game against defending champion Hudson. It was a hard-fought battle, with the score remaining tied until the final minute of play. This marked USM’s second appearance at state in the past three years. USM completed the season with an overall record of 17-4, including an undefeated mark of 8-0 on the way to winning a North Shore Conference championship.

Darcy Doyle ’26 scored seven goals for the Wildcats during the match.

Boys Tennis Will Merluzzi-Hitler ’26

Deven Sharma ’27

The USM doubles team of Will Merluzzi-Hitler ’26 and Deven Sharma ’27 competed at the WIAA state individual tennis tournament, reaching the third round in Division 1 doubles.

They lost the opening set in a 7-6 (4) tiebreaker, then rallied to even the match with a 6-4 victory in the second set.

However, they lost 14-12 in an exciting tiebreaker.

Boys Golf The USM boys’ golf team competed at the WIAA state Division 2 state tournament, earning 7th place with a total of 651. Henry Bechthold ’26 led the team with a score of 155 to tie for 17th place. Joseph Amiot ’29 finished in 26th place at 160, while Theodoros Dimitropoulos ’26 recorded a total of 167 to finish in 37th place. Cyrus Laterman ’26 and Tyler Cook ’26 tied for 43rd place with 170.

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How a Winning Culture Led to a Winning Season The girls’ basketball team at USM had a turn-around season in 2025-26 with the help of new head coach Brian Hendricks and a focus on culture first.

It was the spring of 2025, and the girls’ basketball program at University School of Milwaukee was struggling.

The team had finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 2–21, which was an improvement on the prior year’s season record of 0–17. Finding a coach with the right fit was a challenge, leading to high turnover and low player morale. Aneesha Jayasuriya ’26, who played on the team for all four years of Upper School and was a team captain, didn’t mince words: “It was really rough,” she said.

When Brian Hendricks stepped in that fall as the girls’ varsity head coach for the 2025-26 season, the players noticed a difference immediately. Practices were harder, and expectations were higher. “I was very excited after our first practice,” said Juliana Hernandez ’26, who also played all four years and served as a captain. “I mean, I was dying from all the running. But I knew that we were going to be good. I could just feel it.”

Hendricks believed that building a strong culture was key to improving the team, and that holding players accountable for their actions was key to building a strong culture. If a player was late to practice or violated the dress code during the school day, she had to make 25 free throws, do extra conditioning work, and watch a two-minute sports psychology video.

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Aneesha Jayasuriya ’26

didn’t complete the tasks. “I always tell the girls, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything,’” he said. “How you are in a game should be how you are at school, at home, at work, wherever.”

Soon, the players were holding each other to high expectations. “When you like the people around you, you’re going to play harder for them,” he added.

Their hard work paid off when the first game of the season ended in a win.

“We went from winning two games in the past two seasons to winning our first game of the season, so we were on a high note immediately,” said Hernandez. The wins stacked up as the season progressed and, at one point,

Juliana Hernandez ’26

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team. I think being no cut actually helped us get better, because people who maybe wouldn’t have considered playing took a chance on it knowing that they’d at least get to be part of the program.”

Hendricks agrees that, although nice, winning games is not what made this season enjoyable for him. “This was the most fun I’ve had coaching in a long time,” he said. I think a lot of it was because the girls were just so great to be around. Even if we lost, like when we lost to Brookfield Academy by 12 points, it was still a great game and you could see the shift. They were like, ‘We can do this, and we are good.’ It was really cool.”

Brian Hendricks, assistant director of College Guidance and girls' varsity head coach.

the girls won 12 games in a row. “It almost became natural to start winning games,” said Jayasuriya. “Like, ‘Oh, so this is what it feels like to be in a solid basketball program.’”

Although winning was nice, the girls would have been proud to finish their basketball career at USM regardless of the team’s performance. They credit the school’s no-cut athletic policy in part for their enthusiastic

participation. “I wasn’t the most technically skilled during my four years playing, but I did develop a love for the sport, and it made me want to help everyone around me get better,” said Hernandez.

“I really like that USM is no cut,” added Jayasuriya. “I have friends who go to schools that do cut players, and they talk about how, as a result, they’re maybe less likely to even try out for a

A Skating Legacy 40 Years in the Making USM celebrated Jill Herbst in May, when the skating school director completed her 40th season of leading the school’s skating programs. Since the Polly and Henry Uihlein Ice Arena first opened in

The team finished the 2025-26 season with a 17-8 record, going 9-7 in conference play and 0-1 in the playoffs. Every player received academic all-state honors.

Scan the QR code for a video of a day in the life of Brian Hendricks.

1985, Herbst has been a constant and invaluable part of the skating and hockey tradition at USM. She has helped thousands of skaters build confidence, develop their skills, and grow both on and off the ice through the Learn to Skate program, USM’s hockey programs, and the Milwaukee Winter Club youth hockey program. Her legacy is one of commitment, care, and excellence, and USM is incredibly grateful for the lasting difference she has made in the lives of so many.

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Class Notes

’60s Lynde Uihlein MUS’63

donated $10 million to the University of WisconsinMilwaukee to expand research and support for the School of Freshwater Sciences, the only graduate school of freshwater sciences in the country and one of only three in the world. The gift will support research, lab equipment, student scholarships, faculty and staff raises, operating the school’s research vessels, and support of the Center for Water Policy.

Timothy Hoelter MUS’64

oversaw his final meeting as chair of the Board of Harbor Commissioners in June 2026.

He served on the board for 30 years, including as chair since 2008. The BHC is responsible for supervision of the day-to-day operations of Port Milwaukee.

Hack Noyes ’66

received the Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 Alumni Service Award at the Summer Soirée cocktail party during Reunion Weekend 2026. He was honored for his efforts to stay connected to his classmates and to help launch the Class of 1966 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which has grown to its current value of $200,000. In 2026, the award was renamed in honor of Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 in 34

recognition of her lifetime of service to USM.

Pam Percy ’67

produced her third film, called “Brava: A Titillating History of Bras,” which debuted at the Oriental Theater in Milwaukee on May 14, 2026. The film takes a lighthearted journey through time, shedding new perspective on the evolution and cultural significance of the bra through animation, music, and lyrical storytelling.

’70s

Tim Johnston ’79

became a three-time International Book Award finalist in fiction for his new thriller, “The Furtherer.”

The audio book of his first novel, "Reciprocity," will be released on Oct. 15 from Audible, Google Play, and Kobo.

JoAnne (Pollard) Williamson ’79

shared the following note: “After 36 wonderful years in education, looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the countless students, families, colleagues, and friends who have been part of this incredible journey.

Education has been more than a career for me—it has been a calling, one that has provided opportunities to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections every day. My father often said, ‘Live life while you

USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2025–26

can,’ and those words have never felt more meaningful than they do today. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey. The memories and relationships I have built over the past 36 years will always hold a special place in my heart. So, with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, away I go!”

’80s

Raj Bhala ’80

was a panelist for the American Bar Association webinar on U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs and presidential power in March 2026. He served as a Glasgow law fellow at the University of Glasgow Faculty of Law and delivered a presentation in May 2026.

His editorial, “Kansas Buddhist Meditation Retreat Revealed the Wisdom of Pope Leo,” was published in the Kansas City Star; and he has contributed to several articles and interviews regarding international trade law, tariffs, and more.

He also participated in a spring semester sabbatical with visiting fellowships in the United Kingdom.

Bill Zito Jr. ’82

was interviewed by The Athletic in April about the Florida Panthers’ chance of reaching the playoffs next season. Zito is president of operations and general manager of the team.

Susan (Bell) Zarwell ’87

served as USM’s 2026 Commencement speaker on May 30, 2026. She told graduates, “The greatest gifts you take with you are your hope and attention, especially given the complicated times and the attention economy we find ourselves in. Place your hope and attention carefully.

Spend them wisely. Use them for good, and with and for others.” Watch a recording at www.usm.org/ commencement.

’90s

Scott Friedman ’90

and his team received a duPont-Columbia Award for investigative journalism for their piece titled “Driven to Death” for KXAS-TV NBC, Dallas-Fort Worth. The 14-month-long series investigated the high numbers of traffic fatalities in Dallas caused by major failures in street design and traffic enforcement, and highlighted innovative solutions.

Anthony Chambers ’91

returned to campus in June for Reunion Weekend.

While taking a campus tour, he was happy to see that his 1990 dead lift record of 585 pounds still stands.

Corbett Jones ’93

helped to build the commercialization plan, provide team support, and create focus on the customer

beyond usm

for Flamingo Marine. June was a milestone month for the company as serial production started, with leadership growth and customers now on the water.

Smitha Chintamaneni ’96 was promoted to tax practice group leader and partner at Husch Blackwell.

Operating out of the firm’s Milwaukee office, she leads the strategy and operations for the group’s legal and tax professionals across the United States.

Hack Noyes ’66

received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Southern Methodist University during the university’s May 16 commencement ceremony.

Chetty’s pioneering research has reshaped how scholars and policymakers understand economic mobility and inequality.

Honoring him reflects SMU’s focus on academic excellence and applying research to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.

Susan Zarwell ’87

Raj Chetty ’97

Southern Methodist University

Raj Chetty ’97

Andy Gordon ’98

received the Alumni Impact Award at the Summer Soirée cocktail party during Reunion Weekend 2026. He was honored for his service in the U.S. Army, as well as his ongoing efforts to support veterans and his volunteer work at USM. Anthony Chambers ’91

Andy Gordon ’98

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beyond usm

Class Notes

’00s

Hissoni Mustafa ’01

was a finalist in the Webby Awards for his video, “Bang Bang,” for the 30th Annual People’s Voice award.

Jonathan Lund ’03

was named the Des Moines Fire Department chief in December 2025, overseeing the state’s largest fire department. Lund began his career at DMFD 18 years ago as the department’s first fire protection engineer before spending the past 13 years as the fire marshal.

During his time with the city, Lund has developed the city’s fire protection standards, overseen its fire prevention education efforts, and led the placement and innovative designs of two fire stations, incorporating measures to enhance firefighter health and safety.

Emily (Joerres) Vertacnik ’07

was profiled by the Wisconsin Association for

Jonathan Lund ’03

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Environmental Education as a nominee for their Formal Educator Award, reflecting her many years of commitment to outdoor and environmental education at USM.

’10s

Forrest Florsheim ’12

and Zach Nelsen ’16 were featured by Eater NY for an episode of “Pass It On,” where chefs in New York City send compliments to other chefs.

Joey Judge ’13

married Claire O’Sullivan, whom he met at UWMadison. USM alumni in attendance included Duncan Brown ’14, Jerzey Judge ’16, Michael Lukas ’13, Milton Padway ’13, and Cliff Pitts ’13.

Katherine Engman ’15

submitted the following in March: “After months of planning, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s

Emily Vertacnik ’07

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Global Startup Workshop (MIT GSW) in Daegu, Korea has come to a close. The event brings MIT alumni, founders, investors, and faculty into startup ecosystems around the world, building one of MIT’s largest global entrepreneurship platforms.

This year brought together over 40 speakers across AI, semiconductors, biotech, climate, and advanced manufacturing, with 1,000 attendees. My highlights were leading the MIT GSW workshop and pitch competition, working with 85 early-stage founders on ideation and customer discovery, and seeing that translate into 10 inspiring finalist pitches on stage.”

Alyssa Bilkovski ’16

was recently promoted to assistant manager of events (for team training and soccer) at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where she has worked with many professional sports teams beyond soccer. Bilkovski

Joey Judge ’13

graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023 with a master’s in sports management.

Walter Taylor ’17

was honored at the 41st annual Black Excellence Awards in February 2026, in the category of Aspiring Game Changers.

Abby Cowen ’18

spoke with students at Saint Louis University about the transition from college to the “real world.” She shared things that she wished she had known earlier, including that careers are rarely linear and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. “The early years of your career are about learning, exploring, and building confidence,” she wrote on LinkedIn. “Curiosity goes a long way. Ask questions, try things, and stay open to opportunities you didn’t originally plan for.” Cowen is a product manager, PGA coach and consumer technology, at PGA of America.

Walter Taylor ’17

beyond usm

Reunion Weekend 2026 It was a beautiful weekend in June when 271 alumni and friends returned to campus to celebrate Reunion Weekend 2026. In addition to the Summer Soiree on Friday, June 12, guests enjoyed tours of campus on Saturday, June 13, followed by the annual Joe Lubar ’08 Alumni Baseball game, a cookout in the front circle, and class dinners in the evening.

Nick Candee ’66 (right) was thrilled to see longtime friend Fred Bliffert ’66 at the Summer Soirée on Friday, June 12. Bliffert hosted the Class of 1966 dinner at Blue Lotus Center on Saturday, June 13, and even resurrected his high school band, Freddy and the Freeloaders.

Andy Gordon ’98 (left) received the Alumni Impact Award and Hack Noyes ’66 was presented with the Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 Alumni Service Award.

Members of the Class of 1976 celebrated their 50th reunion.

From left Susan Lubar ’76, Joe Froehlich ’76, Jeanne (Lipscomb) Grist ’76, Jack Jung ’76, Tom Vogt ’76, Starrett Pierson ’76, Dr. George Papen ’76, and Dr. Jeff Shovers ’76.

Alumni Art on Display Members of the Class of 1966, including Mary (Marshall) Coe, Dorla Mayer, and Nick Candee worked alongside their classmates to curate “That 60th Show,” an exhibition of art and creative endeavors currently on display in USM’s Werner Family Art Gallery. The second annual alumni art exhibition celebrates six decades of friendship and connection.

Class of 1966 Works on Display:

Jerry Yashiro ’71 (left) traveled 4,240 miles from his home in Kaneohe, Hawaii to attend Reunion Weekend. Here, he joined Bill Kiefer ’71 at the Food and Froth Fest in the front circle, following a campus tour.

Rick Bunkfeldt: Photographs of a Ferrari 500 he built

Rev. Linda Loving: A performance of “Julian of Norwich, Modern Wisdom for Modern Times”

Nick Candee: Books chronicling the history of the Aston Martin DB4 GT

Dorla Mayer: Prints

Mary (Marshall) Coe: Drawings Doug Frank: Photography

Julie (Bidinger) Weary: The short story “Irving Hammerman”

Thomas D. Herman: Documentary film posters

Sally (Willson) Wilson: Needlepoint creations

Peter Klode: Watercolor paintings

Bobbin Young: Laminated leather boxes

Jim Rosenbaum: Photography

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beyond usm

Class Notes Hailey Stephany ’18

earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and is sitting for the July 2026 Minnesota bar exam. She will join Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. this fall as an associate in the firm’s securities group.

“I look forward to beginning this next chapter and learning from and growing with the talented team at Winthrop,” she shared.

Riley Strauss ’18

launched her own mental health practice, Calming Pathways, which is a relational, depth-oriented practice offering therapy for adolescents and adults throughout Florida. Her work centers on attachment, identity, and the patterns that shape how we experience ourselves and relate to others. Learn more at www. calmingpathways.com.

Chyna (Bacchus) Mahoney ’19

married Jaylen Mahoney on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Nashville. They met as students at Vanderbilt University. She is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

’20s

Liam Grady V ’21

has accepted a position with Quarles & Brady LLP as a

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2027 summer associate in the Business Law Group. He is very excited to learn and develop under the fantastic attorneys at Quarles.

Olivia Hausmann ’22

graduated from Lake Forest College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She plans to take a year off before pursuing graduate school.

Anika Krishnamurti ’22

attended and presented at the Wisconsin Idea Conference, hosted by the Morgridge Center for Public Service at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Krishnamurti and her partner created a poster to highlight a pilot program that emerged when federal health insurance navigator funding was cut by 90%.

“Through a partnership with Covering Wisconsin and the Center for Patient Partnerships at the University of WisconsinMadison, student intake specialists like myself stepped in to triage calls from Wisconsin residents— many of whom were underinsured and underserved—and connect them with Navigator appointments and community resources,” she wrote.

Chris Powell ’22

was named to the 2025 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first team for

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defense for his contributions to the UW-La Crosse football team last season.

Elizabeth Schoon ’22

graduated from the University of Miami with a double major in ecosystem science and policy, and policy and geography and sustainable development with double minors in Spanish and sustainable business. She will spend the next year pursuing a master’s in sustainable business in the Herbert Business School starting this fall. In addition, she is working in the University of Miami sustainability office as the sustainability program intern coordinator, working to make the campus and surrounding areas as sustainable as possible. She is also volunteering with the Surfrider Foundation as the leader of the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, encouraging Miami-area restaurants to meet sustainability standards and join the program.

Jason Adix ’23

joined Goldberg Segalla this summer as an investigations intern in their Chicago office. In addition, he has been accepted to the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business to pursue a master’s in business analytics with a concentration in sports

analytics beginning fall 2026. He is excited for the opportunity to build deeper analytical skills and explore how data can drive smarter decisions in sports, from performance analysis to front-office strategy.

Zindzi Frederick ’23

has been awarded a 2026 Reporting Fellowship by the Pulitzer Center, which supports students pursuing independent journalism projects on underreported global topics including climate change, migration and refugees, global health, and human rights. Frederick is a junior at UW-Madison, majoring in journalism and international studies with certificates in French and political science. Her project will report on the growing healthcare crisis in Antigua and Barbuda following the country’s December 2025 decision to end its 26-year medical cooperation agreement with Cuba.

Marko Gajic ’23 and Lyle Mondano ’24

returned to USM in May to perform with the Yale Alley Cats, one of the nation’s premier collegiate a cappella groups internationally recognized for its rich tenor-bass harmonies and versatile repertoire. Both Gajic and Mondano attend Yale University.

beyond usm

Mackenzie Petersen ’23 and Alexander Thundercloud ’20

got engaged at Walt Disney World in May. They were surrounded by family and friends, including Carson Petersen ’20, Douglas Grace ’20, and Aerial Lopez ’19.

Alex and Mackenzie are looking forward to beginning their happily ever after.

Marcus Thundercloud ’23

Chyna (Bacchus) Mahoney ’19

Olivia Hausmann ’22

earned Northeast Conference player of the week honors in April 2026, the first time earning the honor after registering four Rookie of the Week accolades last season. Thundercloud plays on the University of Detroit Mercy men’s lacrosse team, and is a sophomore majoring in health exploration.

Tyler Perkl ’24

returned to USM Summer Camps this summer as an activity counselor, his fifth year working with USM Summer Camps.

The role has helped him strengthen his leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while deepening his appreciation for the impact a positive camp environment can have on campers and staff alike.

Brock Miller ’25 Anika Krishnamurti ’22

Elizabeth Schoon ’22

was named defensive rookie of the year by the University of Rochester for his contributions to the Yellowjackets football team during his freshman season.

Annie Norman ’25

earned first-team all-league honors in the Atlantic 10 conference for her performance at the women’s Division I cross country conference championships. Norman attends Davidson College.

Neil Sachdev ’25 Mackenzie Petersen ’23 and Alexander Thundercloud ’20

Marko Gajic ’23 and Lyle Mondano ’24

has joined Ring Central this summer as a data science intern. Sachdev is pursuing a degree in data science from Purdue University’s College of Science.

Gi Gi Cooks ’26

was crowned Miss Juneteenth 2026 at the 55th Annual Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant presented by the Northcott Neighborhood House. “Miss Juneteenth means being an inspiration to people and being the best you can be,” said Cooks.

Gi Gi Cooks ’26

Visit www.usm.org/classnotes to submit your news. 39

beyond usm

From left Jack Torinus ’24, Sophia Torinus ’25, Drew Nerbun ’26, and Nathan Miller ’23.

Answering the Call Four USM alumni are making the most of their summer vacation by gaining valuable hands-on career experience and helping their community.

After shadowing an emergency room doctor with USM’s Internship and Shadowing program, Nathan Miller ’23 was intrigued by a career in medicine. To learn more, he enrolled in an EMT course offered by Northwestern University his freshman year. He was debating a career in medicine or research, and figured the class would help him decide.

After finishing the course and earning his EMT license, Miller had several job offers from private ambulance companies. But he wanted more emergency experience than what a private company typically provides, so he applied to be an emergency medical technician for the Southern Ozaukee Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (SOFD) in May 2024. “Battalion Chief Rick Lemke was very open to the idea of hiring someone who could use this as an opportunity to grow their career in medicine,” said Miller. The department, which receives thousands of calls annually, typically deploys two EMTs and a paramedic to each emergency.

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Miller started working as an EMT that same month, and loved it so much that he shifted his academic focus to emergency medicine that fall. He even started teaching the EMT course at Northwestern as a sophomore. It didn’t take long for other USM students to follow his lead. By the summer of 2025, siblings Jack ’24 and Sophia ’25 Torinus became EMTs while embarking on undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University and Duke University, respectively. Drew Nerbun ’26 joined the ranks this June, prior to his freshman year at Hope College in Michigan.

Because SOFD uses a paid-on-call model for EMTs, rather than full-time staffing, the alumni can pick up flexible shifts that accommodate their academic schedules. For students eyeing medical careers, the benefits are clear. “Having a lot of exposure to patients like we do here is probably the best clinical hours I could possibly have,” said Jack. “We’ve had shifts where we are the only three people on this side of town, and it’s really cool to feel that responsibility,” said Nathan. “It’s the best way to learn and become better care providers.”

Added Drew, “Getting the license is more work up front than other jobs, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Beyond delivering medical care, the experience is fostering personal growth. “It teaches you how to have another level of

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Five Episodes Now Available maturity and humility,” said Sophia. “We’re there to offer medical support, but also to be that person who’s there for them on their worst day.”

VISIT WWW.USM.ORG/PODCAST TO LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE!

Miller is not the only one who shifted his academic focus as a result of the role. Jack, who was considering a career in orthopedic surgery, is now rethinking his options. “An orthopedic surgeon might do the same procedure over and over again for 40 years, but someone in emergency medicine could have 30 different patients with a different story every single day. It’s a very stimulating and rewarding career.”

In the meantime, should an emergency arise, the alumni are happy and eager to assist whether on or off the clock. Miller keeps an EMT bag in the back of his car—a birthday present— and Sophia once performed the Heimlich maneuver on a stranger in Barcelona. “I hate the feeling of being helpless,” she said. “Knowing that I can jump in to help in an emergency situation is kind of cool. I like that.”

“Having a lot of exposure to patients like we do here is probably the best clinical hours I could possibly have.”

–Jack Torinus ’24

WEAR YOUR WILDCAT PRIDE Purchase apparel like hoodies, quarter-zips, youth clothing, and other fan items online!

Shop USM's school store, the Wildcat Den, at www.usmwildcatden.org Pick up your order from campus or have it shipped!

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

We are thankful for their friendship.

1940s Georgann Morsell Eaton MDS’43 Quincy, Ill. Consuela Van Pelt Hamberger MDS’43 Palm Desert, Calif.

Elizabeth Carman Lanzer MUS’45 Torrance, Calif.

Mary Norem Bindner MDS’47 Lakewood, Colo.

Donald W. Baumgartner MCDS’49 Milwaukee Jerry L. Sokol MCDS’49 Squaw Valley, Calif.

Susan Buettner Purtell MUS’56 West Bend, Wis.

Nancy Agard Danas ’67 Cedarburg, Wis.

William R. Levis MCDS’57 New York, NY

Barbara Slocum Sargent ’69 Milwaukee

Judith Sawyer Gillingham MUS’58 Tulsa, Okla.

1970s

John S. McGregor MCDS’59 Milwaukee 1960s Carol Heinze Hansen MUS’60 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Craig B. Adelman MCDS’62 Milwaukee

Gretchen Casper Gray ’70 Milwaukee Janet Schmidt Wittenberg ’71 Fox Point, Wis. 1980s H. Richard Quadracci ’82 Weston, Fla. 1990s

1950s

Jane Wanvig Rauh MDS’63 Bonita Springs, Fla.

Phyllis Nolte Grootemaat MDS’50 Overland Park, Kan.

Jave Hughes MDS’64 Fish Creek, Wis.

Shaila Kiley Bolger MUS’51 Madison, Wis.

Richard M. Koehler MCDS’64 West Bend, Wis.

Kimberly S. Zwicke ’11 Los Angeles

Louis W. Falk MUS’53 Clive, Iowa

Alexandra Bowers ’65 Savannah, Ga.

Friends

Betty Mollgaard Jarusiewicz MUS’54 Forked River, NJ

Theodore (Pete) Friedlander III ’65 Fox Point, Wis.

Betsy Adams Moulton MUS’54 Costa Mesa, Calif.

Hill C. Burgess ’66 Chicago

Nancy Rickey Umbreit MDS’54 Seattle

Susan Gingrass ’66 Matthews, NC

Kenneth H. Read MCDS’55 Mequon, Wis.

Jack Allis ’67 Montague, Calif.

Gerald C. Swanstrom MUS’55 Walnut Creek, Calif.

Robert A. Miller MCDS’56 Mequon, Wis.

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2025–26

Salvador R. del Rosario ’91 Bakersfield, Calif.

2000s

Richard H. Aster Milwaukee Father of Nicholas Aster ’92 and Geoffrey Aster ’95 Marianne Beckman Milwaukee Grandmother of Walter Gay ’17 and Irene Gay ’21 Barbara Collings Fox Point, Wis. Mother of Tina Schwartz ’71, Deborah Collings ’74, John Collings ’75 and Mark Collings ’80, and grandmother of Paige Early ’06 and Kemp Collings ’09

beyond usm

Remembering Ryan Petersen

Scott Holden Engroff Sr. Mequon, Wis. Father of Mike Engroff ’96.

Grandfather of Savanna Engroff ’32, Ella Engroff ’34, and James Engroff ’37 William Finlayson Milwaukee Father of Reginald Finlayson ’72 and the late Tony Finlayson ’76 Carroll Gottschlich Milwaukee Mother of Nancy Maio ’85 and Laura Gottschlich ’91 William Hanrahan Milwaukee Father of Mary McBride ’83 and Matthew Hanrahan ’86 Ellen Levin Milwaukee Mother of Adam Levin ’99 and Jason Levin ’01 Patricia Ogden Milwaukee Grandmother of Amelia Otjen ’25 Otto Radke West Allis, Wis. Grandfather of Julia Radke ’16 and Kathleen Radke ’19 Scott Taylor Mequon, Wis. Father of Caroline Taylor ’16

Ryan Petersen, a beloved mentor to the USM robotics teams and the father of Carson ’20 and Mackenzie ’23, passed away on March 29, 2026 following his battle with cancer. Ryan had been part of the USM community for more than 20 years and began mentoring the school’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program in 2018 during its inaugural year.

Affectionately known as “Mr. P.,” Ryan served as the team’s lead design and mechanical mentor. He worked closely with students, helping them develop critical engineering, design, and mechanical skills while fostering confidence and teamwork He led the team to win the Midwest Regional in 2018, earning a spot at the world championship in the program’s very first year. In 2022, he was recognized for his mentorship and dedication when he received the Woodie Flowers Award at the New York Tech Valley Regional. This prestigious honor, nominated by students and selected by a panel of judges, recognizes outstanding mentors who inspire young people.

In 2023, Ryan helped lead the team to another remarkable season by winning the St. Louis Regional along with the Engineering Inspiration and Engineering Excellence awards, once again qualifying the team for the world championship.

Ryan’s generosity, and commitment to students’ success left a lasting mark on the USM community. He will be deeply missed.

Remembering Patricia Bridge Patricia Hansen Bridge, a welcoming member of the USM community, passed away on July 9, 2025, just two days after her 100th birthday. Born in 1925 in Philadelphia to Edith and Gerald Hansen, “Trish” embraced life with a profound joie de vivre. A 1943 graduate of the Agnes Irwin School, she was a lifelong enthusiast of tennis and theatre.

Trish shared a life of adventure with her husband, F. Gardiner “Gardie” Bridge, who served as headmaster of University School of Milwaukee from 1966 to 1977, and their children, Gardiner ’69, Gerald ’72, and Jonathan ’78 Bridge. As the wife of a head of school, Trish was an essential partner and hosted numerous gatherings for alumni, donors, community members, and teachers, always ensuring each felt valued and appreciated.

In retirement, Trish and Gardie settled on Cape Cod in 1985, where she became a dedicated watercolor artist, painting the local landscape despite later challenges with her vision. She was also a talented gardener, a long-time member of the Nauset Garden Club, and a founding member of the “Overdue Book Club.” Her competitive spirit never waned; she remained an avid reader and a devoted fan of tennis. Trish’s warmth, artistic talents, and kindness left a lasting mark and she will be deeply missed by her family and the many communities she touched.

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Makes the Learning Come Alive A cherished tradition has returned: the 4th grade overnight field trip to Madison, Wisconsin. While the field trip happens every year, the overnight portion was paused due to COVID, until this spring, when teachers and administrators brought it back.

The two-day experience capped their year-long study of the state and included visits to UW-Madison, the state capitol, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, the Wisconsin Historical Museum Makerspace, and more. “Being able to see first hand spaces that we’ve spent months learning about really helps to make the learning come alive,” said Gina Bongiorno, assistant head of Lower School and trip organizer.

The students’ study of the branches of government came to life through a tour of the state capitol and a meeting with Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky.

The group visited Madison Youth Farm for a service learning project and studies of bees, plants, and nutrition.

At the UW-Madison Geology Museum, students connected their social studies curriculum with aspects of Wisconsin’s early history.

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On the second day, the students visited the Bevans Lead Mine and the Cave of the Mounds.

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Head for a Day

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Ben Wagor ’36 experienced the working world first-hand as the head of Preschool and Lower School for one day in May. Wagor won the “Head for a Day” raffle prize during the Week of Winning event in January, hosted by the Parents’ Association. From morning drop off to afternoon pick up, he was busy. But it wasn’t all work and no play.

He decreed that students could dress in their favorite sports team shirt, in addition to spirit wear gear, and he picked a popular lunch menu for the day: hot dogs with chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

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1. Wagor helped distribute the day's dessert, which he chose, during lunch. 2. Wagor brought a damaged tricycle to Aaron Drost (left), facilities lead, and Keegan Smith, maintenance mechanic, for repair. 3. Managing afternoon car circle pick up can be hectic, but Wagor handled it like a pro. 4. Wagor had a meeting with his boss for the day, Assistant Head of School Amy Hand. 5. Wagor assisted Brooke Bernbeck, Lower School physical education teacher, by recording student jumps during the jump rope unit. 6. Wagor delivered Wildcat Wednesday snacks to Preschool and Lower School teachers.

2100 W. Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217

Blast Off Odyssey campers in 5th through 8th grade learned all about building and launching rockets, including designing custom components to make their rockets fly higher and faster. USM has been buzzing with activity all summer as students ages 3 through 18 enjoy a variety of camps and courses through USM Summer Camps. Learn more at www.usm.org/summer.

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