USM Today - Spring/Summer 2017-18

SPRING/SUMMER 17–18

Building on Our Future

ROBOTICS WINS REGIONALS

STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY WITH TOWER PROJECTS

IMPROVING FOOTBALL SAFETY

From left Natalia Tovar, Kelly Mueller, Hira Malik, Elaine Botros, and Kalena Dorgan.

Commencement 2018 On Saturday, May 19, 102 graduates—including 34 lifers and eight children of alumni—entered the esteemed ranks of University School of Milwaukee alumni. R.P. Eddy ’90, a globally recognized security and intelligence expert who previously served as director of the White House National Security Council, among other high-ranking positions, was the Commencement speaker. Celia Buchband ’18 gave the valedictorian address. “Not only did USM challenge us academically, but it challenged us to act in accordance with our values,” she said.

A commemorative booklet was mailed to all current families in June, containing additional pictures and a full list of award winners. To request a copy, please email communications@usmk12.org.

Cover Members of USM’s FIRST Robotics team took a break from their regional competition preparations for a quick photo. Clockwise from bottom left Ishan Kuttickat ’19, co-coach and Innovation Engineer David Anderson, Raymond Juranitch ’22, Carson Petersen ’20, Douglas Grace ’20, Bennett Hermanoff ’20, co-captain Brandon Montijo ’19, Qiufeng Rui ’20, co-captain Marissa Skor ’20, Spencer Endres ’19, Aerial Lopez ’19, and Jacob Skor ’19. Not pictured Hans Hoelzer ’19, William Kornreich ’19, Veda Sane ’19, co-coach and Upper School Math Teacher Jon Shoop, Marcus Wilkes ’19, and Thomas Wilkinson ’18.

in this issue LEGACY MISSION 14 FUTURE JOURNEY PURPOSE HERITAGE 22 26 EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY 28 RESPONSIBILITY 31

Building on Our Future USM’s $27 million Our Common Bond campaign has lofty goals— and plenty of support.

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Arts Live Shining a light on the arts at USM.

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Lessons for a Lifetime Through Tower Projects, students take the lead in their education.

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Success by Design In its first year, USM’s robotics team wins regionals.

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Learning Across Divides When students from Our Next Generation visit USM, it’s a win-win.

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Tackling on Target Improving football safety one tackle at a time.

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Spotlight

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Locker Room

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Beyond USM

USM TODAY STAFF

2017–18 LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

HEAD OF SCHOOL

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

Tim Eilbes, Director of Marketing and Communications

Laura J. Fuller

Michael Tauscher

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Pamela Seiler, Communications and Public Relations Manager

Gregg Bach

Andrew A. Petzold

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

Gwendolyn GaBree, Design and Creative Services Manager

Stuart Cushman

Charles A. Gordon ’98

ONLINE EDITOR

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Eric Schad, Marketing and Digital Communications Manager

Pamela Nosbusch

SUMMER INTERN

Kalena Dorgan ’18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Gwendolyn GaBree Jeffrey Phelps Visual Image Photography Correction: On the inside cover of the Fall/Winter 2017–18 issue, we listed Annabelle Lantz ’30 in the photo caption, when in fact it was Jacqueline Mellowes ’30. We apologize for the error.

Margy Stratton ’84

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

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

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

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

experts in their respective fields, and the insight and guidance they bring to our school is nearly impossible to quantify. They also make University School a philanthropic priority—and have stepped up in a major way in their support of our current comprehensive fundraising campaign—while also soliciting gifts and pledges from others in our community. They truly go above and beyond in their roles, and much of our success as a school is due to their tireless work.

HEAD OF SCHOOL LAURA FULLER Happy summer to all of you! While our faculty continue to enjoy a well-deserved respite from another great school year, many of our staff are still hard at work this summer, planning for another great year ahead. I’ve written often about these incredible members of our community, and all that they do for our students and our school. I am blessed to lead such a dedicated and talented group of individuals! However, one group that also works tirelessly—and mostly behind the scenes—is our amazing Board of Trustees. We are fortunate to be guided by trustees who bring an entirely new meaning to the phrase “working board,” as they help guide the long-term strategic direction of our school.

Our board is made up primarily of school parents and parents of alumni—several of whom are alumni themselves—who are knowledgeable about our mission and passionate about our future. Their role is not to manage the school, but rather to provide governance and fiduciary oversight. Our trustees are

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As we finish up our third year of fundraising for Our Common Bond, it is humbling to look back and see what tremendous progress we have already made, and I encourage you to read more about that progress in this issue. The gifts that we have received from so many of you in our community are so greatly appreciated. Although we still have a ways to go to reach our $27 million campaign goal, it is such an incredible reflection on all of us in this community that we take so seriously our investment in the future of this school. And it is because we work together—all of us, as a team—that we are able to do such great things.

While our board and administrative team set the goals of our campaign, this effort was informed by feedback from so many in our community about what the priorities should be. We are all working to ensure that our students will enjoy experiences that both educate and shape them into learners, leaders, and citizens as highlighted in our recently developed Portrait of a Graduate statement. I am very happy that so many of you are part of that effort.

As I think about all the individuals who help to shape the heart of our school, I want to end with some bittersweet news. Our head of Middle School, Pamela Nosbusch, has announced that she will retire at the end of the 2018–19 school year—which will, incredibly, be her 41st year at University School! I know that, just as she has made such a significant contribution to our school, Pam has had a positive impact on so many of you and your families. She has more than earned her retirement, but is excited about one more great year ahead. I look forward to sharing more with you in the months ahead about our plans to celebrate her next year.

On the Move Brad Dunning Named Assistant Head of Middle School Congratulations to Brad Dunning, 6th grade English teacher, who has been named assistant head of Middle School effective Aug. 1, 2018.

The Middle School administrative team is restructuring to follow the model used in both the Lower School and Upper School, in which the division head is supported by an assistant head.

Dunning will work closely with Pamela Nosbusch, head of Middle School, and Elina Kats, Middle School counselor, to oversee the social and emotional education of Middle School students. He will also help to develop and refine the academic programming in the Middle School, and will also support the professional growth and hiring process of Middle School teachers.

“Brad’s expertise in the classroom and his successful experience as Middle School dean of students, combined with his dedication to moving our Middle School forward, make him the perfect choice to take on this new role,” said Nosbusch. “I am excited to work side-by-side with Brad as we enrich our Middle School experience for students, teachers, and parents.”

Dunning graduated from UW–Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and he received a Master of Arts in Education–Educational Technology from Marian University.

Dr. Avis Leverett Named Director of Summer and Special Programs Dr. Avis Leverett has been named the new director of summer and special programs. She will be taking over for Judy Bloch, who will retire at the end of this summer. Leverett will spend the summer working closely with Bloch to learn more about the various summer programs’ processes and programming.

Leverett, her husband, Larry, and their children, Graham ’28, Ellis ’31, and Davis, moved to Milwaukee from Pennsylvania last year. Leverett is a career educator who started out as a teacher in New Jersey and has held leadership positions in both public and independent schools, including as an assistant high school principal and middle school principal in New Jersey public school districts, and most recently as director of learning center services and dormitory head at George School in Pennsylvania.

“Avis is a smart, kind, and imaginative educator who is focused on what is good for students,” said Assistant Head of School Gregg Bach. “We are excited for her to further her connection to the school in this professional role.”

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Igniting a Love for Music Katherine Idleman ’18 has had a passion for music since 5th grade, her first year as a student in Dain Shuler’s band class. “The first time I picked up a trumpet was in this building,” she said. “Since then, music has been a big part of my life.”

Recently, Idleman was able to share her passion with elementary school students at Albert E. Kagel School in Milwaukee, a bilingual school where nearly all students come from low-income households. As part of her English IV: Literature and Leadership course, she was assigned to work on a project that positively influenced the USM (or larger) community.

“I knew I wanted my project to involve music education, but I didn’t know where or how to start. After some searches, I found Kagel School, which had an online fundraiser for a music education program.”

Idleman contacted Maria Ramirez-Acevedo, a teacher at Kagel School who started the fundraiser, to see how she could help. “Initially, we were trying to raise money for a strings program at the school,” said RamirezAcevedo, “but Katherine suggested we try recorders instead, because they are easy to learn, cost effective, and more durable than violins. We thought it was a great idea.” Idleman was able to raise enough money to purchase 25 recorders for a 5th-grade classroom 4

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at the school, and she went to the school to teach the students how to play them. “Recorders sometimes have a stigma of being annoying,” said Idleman, “but they’ve been around for a long time and used in a lot of music. [Johann Sebastian] Bach used recorders in his writing.” Idleman played clips from each century so the students could hear how the recorder was used, and also brought her trumpet to play for the students.

The program was such a success that RamirezAcevedo expanded it by raising more funds to purchase an additional 125 recorders for students in 3rd through 5th grades. She invited Idleman back to teach those students, too. “The recorder project was something new for us, and it appeared out of the clear blue,” said Ramirez-Acevedo. “We weren’t expecting anybody to want to help us, much less a high school student. But the students love Katherine; she is someone they can connect with. The kids are anxiously awaiting for her to come back again.”

As for Idleman, who will be attending Bucknell University in the fall for music education, the feeling is mutual. “Teaching music is something I see myself doing every day,” she said. “This project was like a dream come true.”

view FRIENDSHIPS THAT GROW ON TREES Prekindergarten students joined forces with their 3rd-grade friends on a special project to create cement pavers to identify trees on campus. “The students partnered up in the fall to pick their tree on campus, and the 3rd-graders used an app on their iPads to figure out what type of tree it was,” said Prekindergarten Teacher and Outdoor Education Committee co-chair Jennifer Keppler. They then drew pictures of the leaf and used a carving machine from the Wildcat Creation Station in the Lower School to design and produce labels, which included their leaf drawings and the species of the tree.

The students then pressed the finished labels into wet cement to form the pavers, with the help of Tom Mussoline, Lower School and Middle School academic technology coordinator. In spring, they partnered up one last time to “plant” their pavers at the base of the trees. “This was a really great project and the students had so much fun working together,” said 3rd Grade Teacher Bonnie Seidel.

Top Charlotte Ewig ’27 (left) helped Maribel Ferrara ’32 form the wet cement.

Katherine Idleman ’18 taught students at Albert E. Kagel School in Milwaukee how to play the recorder, and also helped raise money to pay for the instruments.

Bottom James Edwards ’32 (left) and Isaac Neumann ’27 planted their paver at the base of a tree in the Middle School car circle.

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Getting a Head Start In Milwaukee’s start-up community, Bennett Huffman ’18 is a hot commodity. Since beginning his internship as a 17-year-old at start-up investor gener8tor last summer, Huffman has received no less than three job offers from companies with whom he has worked.

Huffman’s manager at gener8tor, Ben Stanley, wasn’t surprised. “He’s done a fantastic job,” said Stanley.

“He’s actually outperformed a lot of people who were much further in their educational careers, including some seniors in college.”

Gener8tor is a nationally ranked accelerator that invests in high-growth start-ups. The internship, which Huffman obtained through USM’s Internship and Shadowing Program, was originally intended to last just a few weeks during the summer of 2017.

But Stanley and others at gener8tor, impressed by Huffman’s work ethic, asked him to stay on longer.

“The things that differentiate Bennett are his drive and his attitude of, ‘If I don’t know something, I’ll learn by trying,’” said Stanley.

USM PRESENTS: A CHORUS LINE In March, the Wildcat Theatre Company presented “A Chorus Line,” a musical that follows 17 Broadway dancers as they audition for a spot on a chorus line. The production was the first show held in the newly renovated Virginia Henes Young Theatre, which has expanded by roughly 80 seats as part of USM’s Our Common Bond campaign.

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One of Huffman’s main tasks was to research potential investment opportunities for gbeta, gener8tor’s smaller-scale accelerator for early-stage companies.

Huffman also helped to coordinate pitch events, write reports, and assist startup founders. “I’ve gotten to attend lectures on how to make presentations as a start-up and how venture capital funding works,” said Huffman. “It’s never really felt like work because it’s something I enjoy doing.”

The experience gave Huffman a unique opportunity to gain real-life experience and make valuable contacts before he had even graduated from high school. “I always knew I wanted to be involved with startups in some way, but I thought I’d have to move to San Francisco or Boston,” said Huffman. “The internship has opened my eyes and taught me that I don’t have to be in a tech hub to be involved in the tech sector.”

Bennett Huffman ’18 (pictured second from right) at gener8tor’s office in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

Superheroes of the 6th Grade Unite

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Beatrice Laterman ’24.

Caped crusaders of the 6th grade joined forces with parents, teachers, and other guests for a ComicCon event and pizza dinner in February. The evening was the result of a collaborative unit amongst English, theatre arts, and visual arts classes. Students wrote monologues, performed monologues in front of guests, and created superhero drawings that focused on body proportion, muscle structure, and costume design.

Mia Flemma ’24 (left) and Manaar Jan ’24.

Aaron Van Genderen ’24.

Aashi Sinha ’24.

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8TH-GRADE CLOSING CEREMONY As part of their Closing Ceremony, 8th-grade students were welcomed into the Upper School by Stuart Cushman, head of Upper School. In addition, the following students were honored at the ceremony: - Academic Recognition (determined by 8th-grade cumulative grade point average through the third quarter) — William Densmore and Oluwadara Omoloja - Citizenship Recognition (determined by students’ vote) — Rachael Schneck and Joseph Zimmerman - Health and Safety, Project ADAM Award (one-time award) — Zadan Mason - Sportsmanship Recognition (determined by coaches’ vote) — Jillian M. Bloch and James Reese

4TH-GRADE MOVING-UP CEREMONY At the annual Moving-up Ceremony, 4th-graders shared some of their favorite Lower School memories as they prepared to join University School of Milwaukee’s Middle School.

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Preprimary

Fun Fair

Fairs are generally held in summer, but prekindergarten students in Jennifer Wisniewski’s class broke the mold and held one in March, instead. They invited parents and guests to experience a petting zoo, baking contest, scarf juggling, bean-bag toss, and even a parade through the Lower School. “We were able to practice so many skills, like fine motor (painting fake popcorn and ripping tickets); math (counting the tickets); and especially teamwork,” said Wisniewski.

Top Gina Bongiorno (left), assistant head of Lower School, was served popcorn and a drink

by Harold Wagner ’32.

Bottom Scottie Hopper ’32 (left) and Kareena Patel ’32 at the “petting zoo.”

USM Launches New Transcript Designation in Innovation University School recently added a third transcript designation, the Kramlich Distinction in Innovation, to accompany the current Distinction in Science Research and Distinction in Global Studies. The designation recognizes students who participate in courses and activities related to the design-thinking process and entrepreneurship. Upper School teachers have developed new curriculum for the Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration, allowing students to use its tools and collaborative work spaces while learning course content and developing innovation skills, competencies, and attributes. The Kramlich Distinction in Innovation honors the generous guidance and support of our innovation programming from Dick Kramlich MCDS’53, member of USM’s Think Tank and 2016 Commencement speaker.

The Distinction in Innovation will recognize students who: • s olve real-world problems or challenges; •c ollaborate with peers, teachers, and professionals through internal and external mentoring and partnerships; • conduct substantive research; •p resent findings, creations, and achievements to professionals or in a public forum; • cultivate leadership skills; • r eflect upon and understand their own sense of purpose.

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USM Named First Project ADAM Heart Safe School in the North Shore Thanks to efforts led by 8th-grade student Zadan Mason and Head School Nurse Kathleen Roebber, University School of Milwaukee was named a Project ADAM Heart Safe School on March 7, the first school in the North Shore area to achieve that designation.

The initiative seeks to prevent sudden cardiac death by ensuring AEDs are available and accessible; establishing a written plan and team of CPR/AEDtrained staff ready to act in an emergency; and conducting emergency response practice drills.

Mason spearheaded the effort as part of his fall semester Tower Project, which is a student-centered capstone learning opportunity where students pursue a topic of their own interests (read more about Tower Projects on page 26). Mason worked with Roebber, Director of Security Chad Wagner, division heads, and faculty members in all three divisions to spread the word and solicit volunteers to receive the CPR/AED training. He also helped to create a communication plan and organized practice drills. “The most challenging part was creating a communication plan for alerting USM security and volunteer responders of

USM PRESENTS: OKLAHOMA! The Middle School Players proudly presented “Oklahoma!”

May 10–12, the long-time favorite musical that covers themes and topics still relevant to today. “As I directed the piece, I challenged the students to think about the idea of control over something or someone versus the idea of tolerance,” said Middle School Drama Teacher Mark Edwards. “Throughout the process, we also tried to approach the piece as a musical comedy.”

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a sudden cardiac arrest,” Mason said. “To do that, we worked with USM administration as well as Lt. Dan Tyk with the North Shore Fire Department. When we conducted our practice drills, the communication plan proved effective.”

Tyk, along with Alli Thompson, the national and Wisconsin administrator for Project ADAM, were on hand to observe the drills in each division and to bestow the designation. “Zadan was really involved with the project from the very beginning,” Thompson said. “It shows how students can be a vital part of getting these programs established. I was very impressed with the USM team. Kudos to Zadan, Kathleen, and everyone at University School for taking this project on and seeing it through to completion.”

Top, left Upper School class deans (from left) Tom Lewandowski, Renee Weber, Jean Plum, and Mike Snyder practiced an emergency response drill.

Top, right Zadan Mason ’22 (left) and Head School Nurse Kathleen Roebber.

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NABEEL QURYSHI ’18 EARNS ACCOLADES AT INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR Congratulations to Nabeel Quryshi ’18, who earned the Best of Category Award in the Biomedical and Health Sciences Category at the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburgh. Quryshi, along with University School students Amogh Bhatnagar ’20 and Afiya Quryshi ’20, competed at the world’s largest science competition for high school students.

Nabeel’s Best of Category Award places his project as one of the top 22 science fair projects in the world. He also earned the First Award in the Biomedical and Health Sciences Category for the second year in a row. In addition, he won the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award, which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar, and attendance at the Nobel Prize ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden.

For his project, he partnered with Medical College of Wisconsin professors to research the damaging vascular effects caused by cardiovascular disease and chemotherapy. In addition to his Intel ISEF awards, Nabeel received the following accolades for his research: • Named a Presidential Scholar (one of 161 high school seniors nationwide) • Named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar (one of 300) • Named a Coca-Cola Scholar by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (one of 150 out of more than 85,000 applicants) Nabeel Quryshi ’18 (center) with Rosalind Hudnell (left), Intel vice president of corporate affairs and president of the Intel Foundation, and Maya Ajmera (right), president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of “Science News.”

From left Nabeel Quryshi ’18, Afiya Quryshi ’20, and Amogh Bhatnagar ’20.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Four University School of Milwaukee seniors were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists: (from left) Jonah Baade, Nabeel Quryshi, Savannah Miracle, and Sophie Kobylinski.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation awards scholarships to the nation’s top students each year, based on academic records, SAT scores, extracurricular and leadership experiences, and essays.

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notable SPRING 2018 CUM LAUDE SOCIETY INDUCTEES Ten University School of Milwaukee seniors were recently welcomed into the Cum Laude Society, an organization that honors superior scholastic achievement and includes the top 1 percent of all secondary schools in the country. The top 10 percent of USM’s senior class is inducted into the society each fall, and another 10 percent joins in the spring.

Congratulations to: (back from left) Jonah Baade, Sophie Kobylinski, Joshua Glazer, Ben Hayes, Gianna Affi, (front from left) Mary Holmes, Elaine Botros, Marla Hiller, Gabriela Musickant, and Kalena Dorgan.

STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS AT STATE SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL Middle School and Upper School musicians participated in the Wisconsin School Music Association’s State Solo and Ensemble Festival at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in April. Congratulations to the participants, all of who earned either a gold or silver medal: Middle School Gold Medal Recipients: • Charles Cushman ’22 (French Horn) • Nicolas De Torre ’22 (Violin) • Alexandra Lee ’22 (Classical Voice and Musical Theatre) • Vivian Kolosso Nadel ’22 (Cello) Silver Medal Recipients: • Lucy Flack ’23 (Cello) • Nathan Hansen ’23 (Cello) Upper School Gold Medal Recipients: • Enrique Aldape ’21 (Violin) • Lauren Glusman ’21 (Classical Voice and Musical Theatre) • Mia Jaeger ’18 (Classical Voice) • Savannah Miracle ’18 (Classical Voice)

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• Gabriela Musickant ’18 (Classical Voice and Musical Theatre) • Margaret Rankin ’21 (Classical Voice) • Nathan Rankin ’18/Margaret Rankin ’21 (Classical Vocal Duet) • Lucia Rondini ’20 (Musical Theatre) • Trevor Smith ’19 (Classical Voice) • Mira Stephens ’20 (Piano) • Margaret Stewart ’19 (Musical Theatre) • Ari Sadek ’20 (Musical Theatre) • Jose Zarate ’20 (Violin) Silver Medal Recipients: • Katherine Idleman ’18 (Trumpet) • Mia Jaeger ’18 (Musical Theatre) • Savannah Miracle ’18 (Musical Theatre) • Thomas Wright ’21 (Violin)

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FIVE USM PROJECTS ADVANCE TO NATIONAL HISTORY DAY FINALS University School students presented five projects at the National History Day national competition in June, held at the University of Maryland. Congratulations to Lilian Jochmann ’22, whose project (listed below) earned second place in the junior individual website category.

“It’s remarkable to have this type of success,” said Chuck Taft, 8th grade American studies history teacher and History Department chair. “It’s a testament to the students’ hard work, talent, and resiliency.” The below 8th-grade students, many of who are pictured at left, competed as national finalists (categories in parenthesis): Xavier Barth: “More than a Wall: The Conflict and Compromise of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial” (Performance) Tess Diamond, Hannah Hoch: “Climbing the Capitol Steps - How the Wall of Exclusion Finally Came Tumbling Down” (Documentary) Lilian Jochmann: “Opening the Door for Compromise: Davis v. Bandemer and the Conflict Over Partisan Gerrymandering” (Website) Max Simanonok, Spencer Steffes, Charles Cushman: “The Good Neighbor Policy” (Exhibit) Lynne O’Hara (left), director of programs for NHD, and Lilian Jochmann ’22.

Ali Mortada, Loïc Marolda, Conner Gourlay, James Reese: “Retreat and Don’t Repeat: The Struggles of Black Hawk Down” (Exhibit)

MIA JAEGER ’18TAKES GOLD AT STATE FORENSICS Mia Jaeger ’18 earned first place and a perfect score at the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association state tournament on Saturday, April 21 on UW-Madison’s campus. Jaeger also earned the critic’s choice gold medal in the category of Radio News Announcing at the event. Jaeger was the only Upper School student to compete at the state tournament this year, continuing USM’s gold-medal streak. Last year, all three of the students who competed earned perfect scores and the critic’s choice gold medals.

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LEGACY MISSION FUTURE JOURNEY PURPOSE HERITAGE EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

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IS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL’S $27 MILLION COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN, WHICH LAUNCHED IN MAY 2015. IT ENHANCES STUDENT LEARNING THROUGH NEW FACILITIES, ENHANCED PROGRAMMING, AND INCREASED ANNUAL FUNDING FOR OPERATIONS. IN THREE SHORT YEARS THE SCHOOL HAS MADE EXCITING PROGRESS, WITH SEVERAL NEW SPACES NOW OPEN AND MORE TO COME THIS FALL, ALONG WITH ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY. THE INDIVIDUALS WHO INVEST IN THIS CAMPAIGN, AND THOSE WHO INVESTED IN PRECEDING CAMPAIGNS, ARE WHAT ENABLE OUR FACULTY AND STUDENTS TO STRETCH FURTHER, THINK BIGGER, AND REACH HIGHER. LEARN ABOUT THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HELPED TO REALIZE THESE EFFORTS, THE EXCITING PIECES STILL TO COME, AND WHAT OUR COMMON BOND MEANS FOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL’S FUTURE.

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former USM headmaster Robert D. Johnston sat down at his desk to pen his “Headmaster’s Corner” article for USM Today. At the time, USM was poised on the precipice of great change. Construction had begun to consolidate two campuses into one, thanks to the launch of a $13 million Our Future is Now capital campaign—the largest fundraising campaign ever undertaken by an independent school in Wisconsin at the time. The decision by the Board of Trustees to consolidate campuses, with support from the USM community, was perhaps obvious but not easy. The former Milwaukee Country Day School campus in Whitefish Bay held sentimental value for many people, as Johnston noted. Consolidation meant the merging of different student and faculty bodies, revamping administrative and support functions, and, for many alumni, saying goodbye to their campus and the memories it held.

Beyond that, it required strategic foresight, significant investments of time and money, and, ultimately, a strong faith in the future of the school. The success of the campaign in 1983 set the stage for others to follow, including Phase I and Phase II of the Next Generation campaign, which concluded in 2010 and supported significant additions to the Upper School and Lower School, Middle School renovations, athletic facility enhancements, and the school’s endowment, among other projects.

In May 2015, the school’s trustees were faced with yet another monumental decision: whether to approve the launch of a significant new campaign. Would the board empower school administrators to embark on an ambitious, five-year fundraising goal, one that included $27 million in funding, and would need the backing and support of the entire USM community? One that would further challenge faculty and administration to stay ahead of the curve—even set the curve—on a continually changing educational landscape? One that would formally challenge the school to prepare its students even more thoroughly for a world and a future that nobody can imagine? The trustees voted, unanimously, yes, and Our Common Bond was officially launched.

Our Common Bond represents the single largest comprehensive campaign, in terms of dollars, in the school’s history. Initially, school administrators were not sure how the community would respond.

“It’s always challenging to know when to launch a campaign, and some people thought maybe we should wait a year or two,” said Head of School Laura Fuller. But the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with fundraising goals at or even ahead of schedule. “The biggest, most pleasant surprise for me has been how people have stepped up so quickly and so generously,” said Fuller. “I think it’s fabulous.”

When Fuller joined USM as head of school in 2011, she knew first-hand the importance of fundraising. She helped to raise $23 million of a $35-million goal during her time as head of St. Opposite, top Six Douglas Fir trusses span the width of the Jack Olson ’67 Commons, which will accommodate up to 250 people and be used for Upper School dining.

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Left The Werner Family Art Gallery will showcase artwork from talented students in all divisions on a revolving basis.

Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia. “It is truly one of the most satisfying parts of my job. To see how happy a donor is when he or she makes that decision to support USM, a school that they love, is absolutely joyful. We’ve had several donors who were not actively involved with USM as alumni give to this campaign because they are so passionate about the experience they had as students. That is incredibly rewarding.”

the continuation of the excellent academic experience that it had been providing to students for generations.

The May 2015 board vote to launch Our Common Bond was a pivotal moment in USM’s history, and it was not taken lightly by its members. It was preceded by years of research, interviews, and planning, starting with the launch of the school’s current strategic plan in the 2013–14 school year. The plan was not a traditional operational one, but rather an education-focused plan that would solidify USM as a thought leader and resource for primary and secondary education in southeastern Wisconsin and on a national level.

To start the process, the board worked with an outside consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study, in which more than 70 stakeholders were consulted to learn what areas of opportunity resonated most with the community. There were some things they already knew: there was not enough space in the Upper School’s Bradley Dining Room or the Virginia Henes Young Theatre; practice rooms for orchestra and band were far removed from the theatre; and larger, community-building events like athletic team dinners had to be held off campus due to space constraints. In addition, there was a clear need to grow the school’s endowment, which would help to maintain conservative tuition levels, provide resources for scholarships and financial aid, and support enhancements to faculty compensation.

Through surveys, feedback-gathering sessions, and other work, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, consultants, and others identified ways to refine, enhance, and document the vision and aspirations for USM. Even prior to the launch of the current strategic plan, it was clear to the trustees and the administration that the school needed to make enhancements to the physical plant and the academic programming in order to ensure 2013

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“The strategic plan was critical because it ensured that there was a good alignment between the school’s physical needs and its approach to teaching,” said Dick Seesel, who served as the Board of Trustees president from 2013 to 2016. “It pushed the school to identify what it needed to do differently in terms of innovation and collaborative learning, to get students ready for the types of futures they will have in college and beyond.”

But the strategic plan and feasibility study also helped the school to identify other areas of opportunity.

“This campaign has opened our eyes to what it means to be an innovative school,” said Patrick Tevlin, chief advancement officer. “We knew we needed to continue developing best practices for 21st-century

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Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room Virginia Henes Young Theatre

teaching and learning, and also support our teachers as they foster innovation in all three divisions.”

In addition, the USM Fund, the school’s annual giving program and most dependable, flexible, and impactful source of support, would be the third pillar of the campaign. “Based on our research and the conversations we had throughout the feasibility study, we were able to develop a working goal of $27 million: $15 million for capital projects, $6 million for endowment, and $6 million for support of annual programs through the USM Fund. It is a comprehensive campaign because it addresses all areas of support for the school,” said Tevlin.

It has now been three years since the board voted to approve the campaign, and considerable progress has been made in that time thanks in large part to the leadership of the campaign cabinet. As of June 2018, funding for the campaign’s capital projects has reached 100 percent. Construction on the last of the new spaces will be completed by the first day of the new school year, and students are already reaping the benefits. The Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration, which opened in August 2017, is a hive of activity at all hours of the day and night, with students in all divisions using the state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and resources.

The Virginia Henes Young Theatre, with 80 additional seats (and other improvements), now comfortably accommodates all students and faculty within a

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division for assemblies and other gatherings. “The assemblies are where students get to hear about each other’s successes, make announcements, talk about world news, and more,” said Charlie Housiaux ’02, Upper School dean of students and Upper School English teacher. “They help to set a positive, inclusive tone for the student body.” In addition, the expanded theatre adds more seating for public events like speakers, performances, and awards ceremonies.

The Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room— one of the first completed capital projects of the campaign—opened in September 2016 and has proven to be popular within the parent community.

Located in the Lower School directly across from the Darrow Family Welcome Center, which also opened in September 2016, the flexible space is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick cup of coffee with other parents after drop off, or for an impromptu exchange with a teacher. It’s a welcoming room that fosters communitybuilding for everyone, whether parent, visitor, student, alumni, faculty, or staff.

When students return to campus in fall, they will be greeted by many brand-new spaces in the Upper School, including the Jack Olson ’67 Commons and Palermo Hall servery, both of which will vastly improve the school’s ability to host large gatherings.

In addition, the new Sardas-Trevorrow Band Room and new Stratton Family Orchestra Room will be located in close proximity to the expanded theatre, while the nearby Werner Family Art Gallery and Hammes Family

Lobby provide a welcoming gathering space for students, parents, and all visitors.

Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration

Nearly 200 individuals have invested in the campaign thus far, largely because the campaign initiatives—the capital projects, the endowment, and the USM Fund—resonate strongly with the USM community and the end-users of the spaces. And that is no accident. Not only were donors consulted ahead of time as part of the feasibility study, but faculty and staff members were heavily involved in the planning of the spaces, from room dimensions and furniture layout to placement of power outlets, to ensure every detail was considered.

“It meant more meetings and added months of planning, but it paid big dividends,” said Assistant Head of School Gregg Bach. “A smaller group can go faster, but you might miss some things. How can you design a fine arts space without any input from the fine arts faculty? Where would the projector go? The white board? What are their acoustics needs?”

Initial planning had slated the band and orchestra spaces to be one room, but input from fine arts faculty led Bach and others to design it as two separate rooms. “It would’ve been easier to build it as one room, but they told us the teaching would be better if there were two spaces, so we found a way to make it work,” said Board of Trustees President Andrew Petzold.

“The planning process was very inclusive and involved many constituents—we didn’t want it to be a top-down approach. It was student- and faculty-centric while also being tied to the strategic plan goals.”

While the campaign has been tremendously successful since its launch, it is not over. The school’s endowment and USM Fund, while perhaps less visible than a new space, are vitally important to the operation of the school. “Campaigns such as this one are what allow us to sustain our financial security,” said Head of School Laura Fuller. “USM is completely debt-free because we raise money in campaigns. Nothing is being ‘taxed’ in terms of tuition dollars, thanks to the many supporters who came before us. Having a strong endowment and USM Fund allows tuition to stay conservative when compared to the schools we benchmark with nationally. When schools have debt, that financing has to be accounted for in the operating budget, which could raise tuition or affect programming as a result,” said Fuller. “USM is a very lean and disciplined institution compared to our peers, and that is a significant difference.”

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ICE Ball

April 14, 2018

USM’s ICE Ball was a spectacular celebration in support of the Our Common Bond campaign, and showcased the many ways in which USM students Innovate, Create, and Excel. Contributions from the more than 420 guests exceeded $400,000 and directly enhance the excellence of the USM educational experience. When added to the $1 million “virtual paddle raise” shared remotely by alumnus Dick Kramlich MCDS’53, proceeds from the event advanced the campaign total to 82 percent of the $27 million goal.

Top, from left Gail Groenwoldt, Paolo Pantalei, Sarah Hammes, Michael Sheppard, Rick Stratton ’92, and Keri Sarajian.

Bottom, from left John Sheehan, Kristin Sheehan, Barbara Aik ’81, Kurt Bechthold, Dr. Jeffrey Shovers ’76, and Pamela Shovers.

Left Members of the Wildcat Theatre Company performed songs from “A Chorus Line.”

Right Our Common Bond co-chairs Karin Werner (left) and Rick Stratton ’92.

Below, from left Katie Mellowes, Charles Mellowes ’87, and Justin Mortara.

Far left Heidi Borca (left), Greg Borca (center), and Dr. Shireen Jayne.

Left ICE Ball co-chairs Melanie Booth (left) and Catherine Robinson.

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For Fuller, the Board of Trustees, and others, the future of the school is the vital reason why the Our Common Bond campaign was launched. It is why so many individuals have supported USM in the past, giving us a strong financial footing from which to launch confidently into the unknown. “If we are not in a campaign, or planning for one, our parents, prospective parents, and alumni should be asking us ‘why not.’ Because if a campaign is not part of our strategic planning, we’re not looking forward.”

on that winter day in 1983, he couldn’t possibly have imagined a USM where students fly drones and wear virtual reality goggles in the Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration. Or a USM whose strong endowment meant that tuition growth was kept in check despite wild market fluctuations, ensuring that the school would thrive for generations to come. Nor can we imagine how our investments today will impact the school in 20, 10, or even five years. Despite these uncertainties, the words that Johnston wrote 35 years ago still hold true today: “Your school is a special place. It was developed by special people—people who not only prepared for the day at hand but also built for the future. We too must do what we can, as much as we can, as soon as we can. Tomorrow, after all, is the result of what we accomplish today.”

A Special Thanks to Our Leadership Donors $1,000,000+

Anonymous Pam and Dick Kramlich MCDS’53 The Olson Family

Ms. Lynde B. Uihlein MUS’63 John U. Olson ’95 Steven and Sarah Olson Zimmerman ’92 Astor Street Foundation

Alexander A. Palermo ’86 The Estate of Barbara Abert Tooman MDS’58 The Uihlein Family Julie ’68 and David Uihlein ’67 Alexander V. Uihlein ’98 Charles B. Uihlein ’02 David Sadoff and Liza Uihlein Sadoff ’99

$500,000–$999,999 Hauske Family Foundation

Kathy and Tom Hauske Sarah and T.J. Hauske ’08 Grace ’08 and Andrew ’04 Robbins Charlie Hauske ’12 Harriette Hauske ’14

Jennifer and Bruce Lee ’81 Joan Lubar ’77 and John Crouch Madeleine and David Lubar Stephens Family Foundation The Mellowes Family

Linda and John Mellowes MUS’56 Katie and Charles Mellowes ’87 R. Jan Pirozzolo-Mellowes and John W. Mellowes ’91

The Uihlein Family

The Estate of Henry “Chip” H. Uihlien Jr. MCDS’63 J. Christopher Uihlein ’65 Philip J. Uihlein ’68 Richard A. Uihlein ’72

The Werner Family Werner Family Foundation

PLEASE JOIN US!

Our Common Bond Dedication Ceremony Monday, Aug. 27, 4 to 6 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of the new facilities and the unveiling of the Our Common Bond donor wall, recognizing all donors of $25,000 and above.

For more stories, photos, and videos related to the campaign, and a full list of campaign investors, visit www.USMOurCommonBond.org.

$250,000–$499,999

The Darrow Family The Guy Family Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Hansen ’74 Michael and Jennifer Keough The Estate of William J. Kieckhefer MCDS’36 Susanna and Justin Mortara Michael and Cathryn Roth The Estate of Diane and Kast Tallmadge MCDS’50 Isabela Sardas-Trevorrow and Family The Stratton Family The Teerlink Family As of June 25, 2018.

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spotlight ARTS LIVE The arts have never been more valued at USM, as evident during the fifth-annual Arts Live on May 1. This year’s theme was Illuminate the Arts, and during the school-wide, all-day celebration, students were able to shine a light—sometimes literally—on art in all its many forms at USM. “It was so exciting to see students from all three divisions come together in one day, under one roof, to celebrate the arts,” said Sarah Markwald, Middle School art teacher, Fine Arts Department co-chair, and chair of Arts Live.

A From left Sarah Bentley ’23, Zachary Sardas- Trevorrow ’23, and Sofia Lew ’23 made clay suns.

B M embers of the Upper School Jazz Band performed while Hannah Hakami ’18 painted on stage.

C Elizabeth Schoon ’22 (left) and Amelia Ackles ’22 performed skits as part of their musical theatre class.

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D From left Andy Werner ’26, Charlie Afsari ’26, Nicholas Freitag ’26, and Nikhil Lazzaro ’26 created “Art in the Dark” with glow-in-the-dark bricks.

E Katya Ilyasova ’29 practiced her culinary creativity with this healthy snack.

F Deven Sharma ’27 participated in an improv theatre workshop.

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G From left Eden Jordan ’29, Sonja Klos ’29, and Viraj Kamath ’29 danced with members of the Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble, which performs traditional music from Guinea, West Africa.

H Emery Endres ’23 helped lead a workshop for part of a collaboration mural, which was recently installed in the Lower School/Middle School dining room.

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I From left Kaitlyn Paullin ’26, Anastasia Marich ’26, and Skyler Kruse ’26 saw things in a new light in the “Art in the Dark” display.

J E than Stone ’20 (left) and Rohan Anne ’21 played percussion during the Upper School band, orchestra, and choir curricular concert.

K M iddle School Spanish Teacher and Guitar Teacher Todd Schlenker (far left) and Middle School students on a student-led docent tour.

L N ora Sellars ’28 sampled the tuba during the “Petting Zoo” session sponsored by Brass Bell Music Store.

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Leave Your Legacy Planned gifts to the USM endowment are a wonderful way to enhance the educational experience of today’s students—while leaving your lasting mark on an organization in which you believe. Not only do planned gifts play a vital role in the financial health of the institution, they could allow you to redirect assets that would otherwise be subject to taxes. You may be able to provide more for your family while also achieving your charitable goals.

Contact us today to explore the ways in which you might best achieve your charitable goals. There are many creative options available for planned gifts, each one dependent on your family situation and the lasting impact you wish to have on your school.

Contact Patrick Tevlin, chief advancement officer, at 414.540.3330 or ptevlin@usmk12.org, or visit www.usmk12.org/plannedgiving.

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Words to Live By

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hen he was a senior at Milwaukee University School, Robert Burch MUS’52 made a mistake, as young people often do.

He smoked a cigarette on campus. Although many people at that time smoked, it was something his favorite teacher, Frank Spigener, abhorred, and warned students not to do. Spigener was MUS director from 1927 through 1954, and also a U.S. history teacher. As a result of his transgression, Burch lost his chance to earn the coveted Thompson Trophy, which went to the outstanding graduating senior who best represented the character of the school.

At the awards assembly that year, Spigener told the graduating seniors, “There are six lines inscribed on this trophy: Not what you get, but what you give; Not what you say, but how you live; Give the world the love it needs, Living a life of noble deeds; Strong for the right - the good - the true These are the things worthwhile to you.

This year, no one in the class has lived up to these words and no one will receive the trophy.”

Burch went on to experience many successes in life, including graduating from Princeton University and later earning his MBA from Harvard University; serving as a general partner at A. W. Jones, the world’s first hedge fund; and giving back as a generous philanthropist with his wife, Dale. But he never forgot the words inscribed on the Thompson Trophy, which was awarded until USM’s predecessor schools merged in 1964. “Those words probably did more for me than anything,” he said. “They were charactersetting values that resonated with me for many years, and they still resonate. And I thought it was important that the award, and those words, be brought back.”

and Leadership Award in 2016. The award is given to a senior who demonstrates the spirit of caring, humanitarianism, and volunteerism exemplified by Spigener. Each year’s recipient will receive a cash award of $1,000 and the privilege to designate a grant of $2,000 to a local Milwaukee 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of his or her choice.

In May 2018 Burch attended USM’s Upper School Honors Assembly, where he was named the 2018 Alumni Service Award recipient and talked about his life and the impetus for establishing the award. In addition, he bestowed the 2018 Frank S. Spigener Service and Leadership award to Mikaeel Kassam ’18.

It has been more than 60 years since Burch lost his chance to earn the Thompson Trophy, but he is certainly living up to the trophy’s inscription, and then some. Frank Spigener would be proud.

Robert Burch MUS’52, pictured with a reproduction of the Thompson Trophy, housed in the Spigener Lobby in the Upper School. It was given to USM by Mary Dengel and Wendy (Shea) Randall MDS’50, whose late husbands, (F.R. MUS’53 and William MUS’48, respectively) were both recipients.

Several years ago, Burch approached the school with the thought of making a contribution to USM on behalf of his MUS Class of 1952, and to honor his role model Spigener. Burch, through the Our Common Bond campaign, made a gift of $50,000 to establish an endowed fund for the Frank S. Spigener Service

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spotlight

Lessons for a Lifetime Tower Projects put students in the driver’s seat of their education, allowing them to study subject matter that appeals to them. In the process, they learn more about themselves than any textbook could teach.

On paper, Jillian Diamond ’22 and Greta Hinke’s ’22 Tower Hour capstone project—creating and selling bracelets and stickers to benefit the Wisconsin Humane Society—was relatively straightforward.

In reality though, it proved to be quite complicated.

“We didn’t even know how to turn the sticker machine on at first,” said Diamond. Learning how to use the machine was just the start. Finalizing the different sticker images, sizes, and even adhesives was difficult, and they ran into further hurdles with their order form. “We made a Google form for students to place their orders, but some forgot to list their last names or their grades, so we had no idea who ordered what,” said Hinke. “But it taught us resiliency because we couldn’t just sit there and do nothing when we had a problem. We had to figure out new ways to accomplish our goals.”

Tower Projects, which began in 2016, are studentcentered, experiential learning opportunities in the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades. USM is one of the only schools in the nation to offer an experiential capstone course in all three divisions. The projects enable students to pursue their own interests and solve real-world issues through an interdisciplinary, community-based approach. Students work on developing, researching, and creating their projects for an entire academic year, and then present their work to the USM community at the culmination of the course. Projects run the gamut, and have included furniture, websites, electronics, original plays and novels, research findings, and more.

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The types of roadblocks Diamond and Hinke experienced are what make Tower Projects such a unique and valuable way to learn. When students get stuck, they are encouraged to seek out help, whether asking other students or teachers, searching online forums, or even contacting outside experts for help.

“I don’t see myself as a teacher in this course; I see myself as a coach,” said Dr. Laurie Walczak, 8th grade American studies, English, and Tower Project teacher and Middle School English Department chair.

“Kids will come up to me and say, ‘How do I get this part to fit?’ or ‘How do I program this Raspberry Pi?’ And usually I’ll have no idea. They have to seek other resources for help, which facilitates that individual responsibility for learning.”

Not only do students get to choose projects that interest them, they can pursue the projects at their own pace, resulting in a course that is entirely customized. “The kids who want to branch out have the freedom to do that, whereas the students who need more support can get that too,” said Laura Blanchet, 4th grade teacher.

spotlight USM faculty members Laura Blanchet, Kate Gay, and Dr. Laurie Walczak are members of the National Capstone Consortium, which is a group of educators from across the country who work to integrate capstone education in schools. To learn more about USM’s Tower Projects, visit www.usmtowerproject.org.

“It’s very rewarding to see that everybody is successful and proud of their work, no matter what their level. It’s a celebration for all of them.” Added Upper School English Teacher Kate Gay, “There are different definitions of excellence for different students, that’s what’s important. We’re not looking at an outside measurement of success like with Advanced Placement courses, we’re taking back that control. I’ve heard so many times from parents, ‘Wow, I didn’t know my child was capable of that kind of work.’”

Top Josiah Medin ’18 presented his Tower Talk about historical linguistics.

Middle Greta Hinke ’22 (left) and Jillian Diamond ’22.

Bottom Yusra Khan ’26 (left) met with her mentor, Assistant Head of School Gregg Bach, to discuss her Tower Project on juvenile leukemia.

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spotlight

Success by Design In its first year of competition, USM’s FIRST Robotics team won the regional competition and qualified to compete at the national championship.

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hen you enter the arena, one of the first things you notice is the swarm of young people milling about the lobby. As you navigate your way through the packed fans to your seat, you’re bombarded with flashing lights, loud music, and cheering. But this isn’t a rock concert or sporting event—it’s the FIRST Robotics regional competition in Chicago. And this was only the second competition to date for USM’s rookie robotics team— which won the competition and earned the right to compete in the national championship.

to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Students have six weeks to design, build, program, and test their robot to meet the season’s challenge, which changes each year. This year’s challenge consisted of three components: tipping a scale; exchanging power cubes; and climbing a scale.

Each team is randomly paired with two other teams to form an alliance, and whichever alliance earns the most points wins the match.

Founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competitions seek

The requirement for teams to work together is what makes the FIRST program unique. “FIRST Robotics is not just about having a superior robot,” said David Anderson,

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spotlight

A view of the FIRST Robotics’ competition playing field.

Inset, from left Ishan Kuttickat ’19, Jacob Skor ’19, and Carson Petersen ’20 operated the team’s robot during one of the matches.

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the school’s innovation engineer and robotics team coach. “Students have to be able to strategize with their alliance teams—sometimes complete strangers—to win the round. They have to be able to ‘sell’ their robot’s strengths, analyze other teams’ strengths, and manage a complex set of relationships, much like what happens in a work environment.”

Siblings Jacob ’19 and Marissa ’20 Skor brought prior robotics experience with them when they transferred to USM from a school in London in fall 2018. “My brother and I were on the robotics team at our previous school and we had a huge passion for it,” said Marissa, the team’s co-captain. With leadership and coaching from Anderson, who successfully led several robotics teams before joining USM, Wildcats team #6823 was born.

The team consists of Upper School and Middle School students, each assigned to specific areas of expertise.

Fabrication, coding, electronics, finance and media, and a drive team are just some of the tasks needed to build and operate the 150-pound robot in six weeks.

“All of those components have to work together,” said co-captain Brandon Montijo ’19. “The coders can’t work independently from the fabricators, for example.”

The students utilized USM’s new Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration—a collaborative space conducive to both brainstorming and fabrication— to design, build, and test their robot. “The space was really perfect for us and we had everything we needed,” said Montijo. “And because there were other student projects happening at the same time, we could borrow tools and ideas to be really innovative.”

The students’ hard work paid off: the team, along with the two other teams on their alliance, won the regional competition in Chicago, and the Wildcats won the Rookie Inspiration Award sponsored by National Instruments. As a result of their win, they competed in the national championship in Detroit in April, where the Wildcats ranked 60th in their division (out of 67) and once again won the Rookie Innovation Award. Prior to the regional competition, the team reached the semifinals of the FIRST Robotics Competition Festival de Robotique in Montréal.

Kamen was on hand to kick off the regional event in Chicago, and while he may not be a rock star, you wouldn’t know it by the roar of the crowd when he took the stage. “It’s not about the robots,” he said.

“It’s never been about the robots. We are not using kids to build robots. We are using robots to build kids.”

Top A close-up of the playing field.

Bottom Members of USM’s FIRST Robotics team at the awards ceremony for the regional competition.

Visit www.usmtoday.org for more team photos and a video of the regionals-winning match.

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spotlight

Learning Across Divides Elementary and middle school students from central Milwaukee visit USM every week to get help with homework from their Upper School tutors. But who ends up learning the most is up for debate.

Every Wednesday afternoon, 30 elementary and middle school students from central Milwaukee hop on a bus for a 25-minute drive to University School of Milwaukee’s campus.

The students are part of Our Next Generation’s (ONG) Outbound Learning program, which gives them the chance to work on homework with tutors in different environments and from different backgrounds. “University School is one of the favorite outbound spots for our kids,” said Sessie Agbley, ONG’s community partner coordinator. “They like that their tutors are closer in age to them and going through some of the same issues, like friendship building, academic challenges, etc. They can relate to each other.”

ONG has Outbound Learning locations throughout Milwaukee, including at Manpower, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Congregation Shalom, but USM is its first and longest-running outbound program. The partnership was established in 2005 by Brian Pack, former Upper School science teacher, who believed it was important for ONG students come to USM’s campus. “Brian pushed for ONG kids to come here,” said Elizabeth Perry, Upper School counselor and psychology teacher. “Logistically, it saves time because their schools end earlier, so they can be driving while we are finishing our last period. But he also believed your surroundings can impact your work. Being surrounded by students in uniform, on our campus, adds a level of professionalism.” It also benefits ONG. “If our center holds 100 kids and 30 are gone for Outbound Learning, that leaves room for 30 more kids,” said Agbley.

At the conclusion of each academic year, ONG students participate in a public speaking project similar to USM’s “senior speech” tradition. “The experience of doing a public speech is an honored tradition here, and we wanted the ONG kids to do it too,” said Perry. “Having that outcome at the end of the year differentiates us from some of the other outbound experiences they might have.”

The program is popular with Upper School students.

“When I initially signed up to be a tutor, I thought it would be a good way to complete my service hours,” said Kala Siddalingaiah ’21. “But it turned out to be so much more than that. We tutor the same people every week, so it’s a great way to build relationships and friendships. It’s something I plan on doing for all of my four years here, and I recommend it to all of my friends.”

The Outbound Learning program won a MANDI (Milwaukee Award for Neighborhood Development Innovation) Award in 2013, and Agbley commonly sees improvements in grades, confidence, and engagement in the ONG students who participate in the program. But it also benefits USM students. “It was easy to connect with my mentee, and we’ve learned a lot of things about each other,” said Maanya Shetty ’21.

“When I explain concepts to her, it helps me to understand them better too.”

Ritika Pandey ’20 (left) and ONG student Hodan Abdi worked on a science experiment together.

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Excellence Defined

By Shannon Peters

Last spring, a group of faculty members from each division were selected to develop USM’s new Characteristics of Professional Excellence statement— a list of attributes that comprise our definition of faculty distinction. Here, Shannon Peters describes how the team developed the attributes.

Looking around the table, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride at having been chosen to participate on this particular committee as a faculty member at University School of Milwaukee. Our small group was charged with the task of putting into words what the “Characteristics of Professional Excellence” were in our community. It wasn’t made completely clear to us yet how the finished product would be used, but we did know that it would become an important document put into practice in a meaningful way by the faculty evaluation committee— assuredly not filed away and forgotten.

I was concerned that, having joined the USM community only four years prior, I might not have the deep history to aid in this endeavor. Many at the table had 20 or 30 years at USM under their belts. Luckily, the viewpoints and perspective that I brought from the three independent schools at which I’d been teaching for 14 years proved as valuable as the intimate knowledge of USM that came from these seasoned advisors, mentors, coaches, and experts in so many fields of study.

As we began our conversation, it didn’t take me long to recognize that for every single teacher, no matter what division or tenure, the hesitancy was most likely the same. Each one of us expressed a love of what we do, and simultaneously voiced a drive to be better. We wanted to be better exemplars in how to find balance while also striving to be great. Our evolvement as “experts” in our fields was really just the result of a deep need to best serve our diverse student population that rapidly changes with each new generation. We not only represented the faculty voice in this process, but several of us were also able to speak to personal desires for our own children,

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USM faculty members walked to greet the Class of 2018 after Commencement.

as parents of USM students. How fortunate to be in a unique environment where, as faculty, we create meaningful learning experiences, shape ethical decision makers, model joy and balance in life, and know that our own children are having a similar experience at USM. In the end, we feel we crafted the characteristics of the exceptional faculty that we are, not of which we aspire to be. Our hope is that this simple list is something in which we take honor and that highlights the essence that sets USM apart from other institutions. Whether it’s in how we interact with students of all ages or in encouraging students to engage globally, we put into words what we try to model and teach daily. We know we are not pumping out a product or just teaching a process. We are a school with a faculty that can be all things for all students—and in that, we are great.

Shannon Peters is a Middle School and Upper School Spanish teacher, and served as a member of the Characteristics of Professional Excellence committee.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE In support of their students, University School of Milwaukee faculty: · challenge each individual to pursue personal excellence. · inspire a love of inquiry, exploration, and action. · encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking. · shape active citizenship and ethical decision making.

As they continually refine their craft, University School of Milwaukee faculty: · commit to the ongoing development of professional mastery. · create meaningful and memorable learning experiences. · collaborate with colleagues throughout the entire school. · exemplify integrity through kind and respectful treatment of others.

Through their commitment to the school community, University School of Milwaukee faculty: · ensure a student-centered environment that is inclusive and safe. · cultivate and engage in local and global partnerships. · embrace the tenets of the Common Trust. · model joy and balance in life.

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locker room

CJ Boyd ’21 (far left) and Head Coach Brian Sommers observed as Gordy Leech ’19 (far right) practiced safe tackling by aiming for the dot on Tripp Grebe’s ’19 hip.

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locker room

TacklING On tarGet Varsity Football Head Coach Brian Sommers takes a unique approach to improving tackle safety and drastically reducing concussions.

When it comes to concussions, it seems few sports catch as much flak as football. With the increased awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), one might think that the sport’s future is doomed. But University School’s Brian Sommers, the head coach of Wildcats football, is taking an innovative approach to improving football safety and protecting the health of its players.

In 2011, Sommers and Assistant Coach James Becker began teaching players rugby-style tackling, pioneered by Seattle Seahawks Assistant Head Coach Rocky Seto, which involves leading a tackle with the shoulder instead of the head. “We were using the phrase ‘track the hip,’ but nobody knew what it meant,” said Sommers.

“Fourteen-yearolds are visual learners, so we thought, ‘Why not put a little target there so they can see it?’

And it clicked.”

The results speak for themselves. “The USM team wasn’t doing this style of tackling when I got here in 2011, and we recorded 13 concussions in 2010.

Now, we’re much more effective and our safety has improved. We’re still below 13 concussions in all of my seven years of coaching combined.”

The concept is gaining traction amongst other coaches, especially in Wisconsin. Sommers and Becker, who are members of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, spoke about their tackling style during a threeday football clinic. “We gave a presentation to other coaches on the drills we teach, why we tackle the way we do, and how to tackle properly. If you keep the head out of the game, the game will survive. It was a great experience to get the message out there.” Sommers and Becker have patented and trademarked the idea, coined On the Dot, and sell the tackling pants and shorts online.

“Why not put a little target there so they can see it? And it clicked.”

Sommers had bullseye targets screen printed on the hips of practice pants to give players a specific spot to aim for with their shoulders. “The head goes behind the body, and the shoulder goes on the hip,” he said.

“The shoulder is much more durable to take the force of the tackle, and we can strengthen shoulders through weight training.”

As a former player who has experienced his share of concussions, Sommers is excited to improve player safety and ensure a strong future for the game he loves. “There are so many life lessons to learn on and off the field. Injuries are a part of all sports, but we’re doing everything we can to minimize them.”

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locker room

USM Athletics Compete at State Championships A The boys’ lacrosse team won the Wisconsin State Invitational

A

Tournament, and defeated Janesville by 9–6 in the event finals.

Ryan Zwief ’20 led the way for the Wildcats, scoring five of USM’s goals.

B After a nail-biting victory in the semi-finals of the Wisconsin

Lacrosse Federation State Tournament, the girls’ lacrosse team reached the finals of tournament, where they lost to four-time defending state champion Arrowhead Red, 6–4.

C The girls’ ski team finished 11th out of 21 teams in the Wisconsin

High School Ski and Snowboard Championships held in February.

Porter Westveer ’21 skied as an individual for USM in the boys’ state tournament, finishing 101st out of 155 in the boys’ individual standings.

B

D Ben Hayes ’18, a member of the Brown Deer/University School

boys’ swimming and diving team, won two first-place medals in the WIAA State Swimming Championships in February. Hayes won the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard individual medley. It is the second straight year that he has won two medals in the state tournament. Matt Le Pine ’18, Sam Lorge ’19, and Caleb Saffold ’20 also competed at state.

E The USM boys’ tennis team took second place in the WIAA Division

2 Team Tennis State Championships, losing to Madison Edgewood.

Matthew Cooper ’19, Addison Elliott ’20, Daniel Taleghani ’20, and Nabeel Quryshi ’18 competed in the WIAA Division 2 Individual Tennis State Championships. Taleghani won third place in the singles competition, and Cooper and Elliott finished in fourth place in doubles.

C

F Kristen Chou ’19 represented USM’s track and field team in two

events at the WIAA Division 2 State Track and Field Championships.

She ran in the 100-yard dash, where she finished in 17th place with a time of 13.15 seconds, and the long jump, where she took fourth place with a jump of 17’ 6”.

E

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

E

D F

class notes

beyond

To submit a class note, email your news to alumni@usmk12.org. Notes may appear up to six months following submission due to USM Today’s production schedule.

ROBERT BURCH MUS’52

received the 2018 Alumni Service Award by the USM Alumni Association in May. Burch was recognized for his service to USM and the greater Milwaukee community. Burch re-established and endowed in perpetuity the Frank S. Spigener Service and Leadership Award in 2016, which recognizes a senior who demonstrates a spirit of caring, humanitarianism, and volunteerism. Burch has worked tirelessly to promote USM and the greater Milwaukee community of non profits, and we are thankful for his many years of service. Read more about Burch on pg. 25.

’60s PETER BOICE MCDS’61

exhibited his photography at the Shambhala Center in Boulder, Colorado, in early 2018.

He was a photojournalist for the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.

TODD MONTGOMERY MUS’61

received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from University of WisconsinMilwaukee in July 2017. His deep commitment to country, community, and his two-time alma mater mark his diverse and distinguished resume. As a Navy officer, he completed three tours in Vietnam.

Currently a project manager and urban planner based in California, he is a former university and elementary school educator.

His UWM involvement includes service on the Board of Visitors, School of Architecture and Urban Planning Dean’s Club, former president of the UWM Alumni Association, and member of the UWM Foundation Development Committee. He has also served as president of groups supporting Lakeshore State Park and the Skylight Opera Theatre, and he founded the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

UWM INTEGRATED MARKETING

’50s

’70s MICHAEL C. WILLIAMS ’70

received the Nathan A. Fishbach Founder’s Award from the Eastern District of the Wisconsin Bar Association. Williams is the chief deputy clerk of court, Eastern District of Wisconsin. The award is given to an individual whose outstanding contributions to the legal profession, collegiality, skills at fostering bench-bar relations, energy, and enthusiasm for the practice of law have made a positive impact on the activities of the bar association and the practice of law in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “I am humbled and honored that I am being recognized as someone who fosters the bench and bar relationship with energy and enthusiasm,” said Williams.

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beyond JOHN T. BLOSSOM ’74

has written two books that are recently available for purchase on Amazon and elsewhere: “Trespassing” and “Horse Boys.”

MARK RYLANCE ’78

was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his work in “Farinelli and the King.” The play was written by Claire van Kampen, Rylance’s wife.

VINCENT R. COOPER ’79

has accumulated more than 3,500 hours of PIC (pilot in command) time since becoming a licensed pilot at age 19. He has more than 35 years of program management and flight test engineering experience, which originated with flight testing weapon systems on the U.S. Navy A-7E Corsair II.

Second-annual Paddle Tennis

History Lecture Series

Alumni, parents, and friends gathered at The Town Club for the second annual paddle tennis event, held in March and hosted

by Charlie Wright Jr. ’04.

Alumni and friends had a chance to test their U.S. history knowledge at a special lecture series that featured retired USM history teachers Steve Bruemmer, Mark Hilgendorf, and John “J.S.” Stephens. During three evenings in April, the retired faculty members, along with current Upper School History Department faculty Ben Zarwell ’87, Dr. Henry Wend, and Tyler Ritchie, compared and contrasted influential American figures.

Top left, from left Colin Fritz ’09, Michael Sullivan ’10, Peter Lanigan ’09, and Kent Peterson ’09 Top right Charlie Wright Jr. ’04 (left) and Jenny (Gruesser) Jansen ’84.

Bottom left, from left Hack Noyes ’66, Toni (Noyes) Kirk ’69, and Meg Noyes.

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

From left Steve Bruemmer, Mark Hilgendorf, and John “J.S.” Stephens.

beyond

’80s

SCOTT FRIEDMAN ’90,

HEIDI (POHLMANN) BURMEISTER ’80

and her daughter, Saskia, enjoyed seeing “Farinelli and the King” in New York City, starring Mark Rylance ’78.

senior investigative reporter with NBC5/KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth, and his team, received a Peabody Award for the series “Big Buses, Bigger Problems: Taxpayers Taken for a Ride.” The reporting uncovered a web of corruption and financial mismanagement, leading to action by the Texas government and voters.

WILLIAM F. ZITO JR. ’82

has been named general manager of the 2018 U.S. Men’s National Team. He is the assistant general manager of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets, and also holds the role of general manager for the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters. He is a member of USA Hockey’s international council and previously served on the management staff for the 2015 U.S. Men’s National Team that claimed a bronze medal at the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship in Ostrava and Prague, Czech Republic.

’90s

RANDOLPH POST EDDY III ’90

served as the speaker for USM’s 2018 Commencement. Eddy is a globally recognized national security and intelligence expert and CEO of Ergo, a leading intelligence and analysis firm. Previously, he served as director at the White House National Security Council, chief of staff to the former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Richard Holbrooke, and senior adviser to the former Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson.

WENDY E. JEPSON ’90

has been named a 2018–19 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Alan I. Leshner Leadership Institute Public Engagement Fellow. Jepson is a professor in the Department of Geography at Texas A&M University. AAAS selected 15 researchers in the food and water security fields who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their research careers and an interest in promoting meaningful dialogue between science and society. She was a 2017 U.S. Fulbright Fellow at the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil, and leads the Texas A&M Water Security Initiative, a university-wide program.

ALISON (ABROHAMS) MANGER ’93

welcomed Mercy Anne Manger on Dec. 1, 2017 in Westlake Village, California. Mercy joins big sister Georgia and big brother Eddie.

BRENNA D. ARGALL ’98

welcomed a son, Elouan, on Jan. 23, 2018.

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beyond STACY A. (BRETT) WENNER ’98

welcomed a baby girl, Adeline, on Aug. 20, 2017.

ALEXANDER S. FRIEND ’99

is the owner and founder of Niuka Fine Teas & Special Events.

Wenner ’98

A Love of Math Adds Up to Big Returns for Alumnus Douglas Schadewald ’07 has never met a differential equation he didn’t like. In fact, his love of math started long before he majored in applied mathematics at Harvard University.

“I was always very interested in math. I joined Math Counts when I started at USM in 6th grade and was on the math team all four years of high school.” Schadewald took every advanced-level math course offered at USM, from AP Calculus BC to Multivariable Calculus. “USM prepared me very well for my major. I think I had all of the math teachers at USM, and they were all incredible—very enthusiastic and very demanding.”

The summer after his freshman year in college, Schadewald obtained an internship at a Milwaukee hedge fund, Stark Investments. “The USM network helped me get my foot in the door at Stark Investments.

I played football and basketball with the co-founder’s son at USM. He gave me the opportunity to work as an intern at Stark Investments and he was instrumental in inspiring me to pursue a career in finance. I’m really grateful for the opportunity he gave me and I try to pay it forward whenever I can.”

Schadewald accepted an internship at Barclays Capital the summer after his junior year. Following the internship, he took a role as a derivatives trader on the

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

equity index derivatives desk where he has worked ever since. Currently a director, Schadewald trades options on the S&P 500 and VIX Indices, making or losing millions of dollars every day. After seven years of working his way up the ladder at Barclays, he hasn’t let the pressure get to him. In fact, he thrives on it.

“I love competing, and most of the people on my team are hyper-competitive,” he said. “You have to be competitive to do this type of trading. Every day I have a profit and loss associated with my name, and I love being judged purely based on my performance.”

Not only does he love the work, he’s good at it. He was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 class of 2018 in the finance category.

He was also elected as a member of the Chicago Futures Exchange’s Trading Advisory Committee in 2016. But he is modest when it comes to his success. “Maybe one-third of my job is very quantitative, but the rest is about understanding people and managing personal relationships. As a trader you have to be very humble, have a lot of discipline, and realize when you are wrong.”

Schadewald (above, right) was quarterback and captain of USM’s varsity football team.

beyond

’00s HENRY GUSTAV FULDNER ’00

married Lucinda Anne Stamm in June at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas.

David Rogier, a friend of the couple who became a Universal Life minister for the occasion, officiated.

ALYSSA M. (ARGALL) TOZZI ’00

had a daughter, Francesca, on Jan. 17, 2018.

WILLIAM D. GORDON ’01

became engaged to Dr. Marysia Ławrynovicz in January, 2018.

FATIMA K. LASTER ’02

is converting the two-story Johnson-Goolsby Funeral Home in Milwaukee into the 5 Points Artist Gallery and Studios. After completing renovations, Laster hopes to have 5 Points Artist Gallery and Studios open by the end of this year.

The main level will feature gallery and event space, and the second floor will provide a pair of refurbished apartments.

KATHLEEN (TAYLOR) MOUTON ’02

has been named the Athletics and Activities Director at Shanghai American School in Shanghai, China. Mouton, who previously served as USM’s assistant athletic director, has been a part of the USM athletic department since August 2012. She was a member of USM’s girls’ soccer coaching staff for many years, and took on head coaching responsibilities this spring.

DAVID SEGERDAHL ’03

and his wife Rachel had a baby girl, Greta, in December 2017.

LACEY C. (ARGALL) YEE ’03

and her husband Scott welcomed Magnolia Louise on March 20, 2018.

MICHAEL J. ANDERSON ’04,

whose full-service marketing agency that he owns with his wife, Laura, was recently profiled in the San Diego Business Journal. Wonderist Agency provides local and digital marketing to dentists around the country, serving over 100 clients with a team of 14 full-time employees.

“I got my start as a marketer working for Judy Bloch in the Summer I.D.E.A.S. program producing the program booklet for over 10 years,” said Anderson. “It’s fun to see how my experience at USM has grown into a company that serves clients across the country today!”

JONATHAN A. SMUCKER ’04

became a partner at Marietta Investment Partners, a registered investment advisory firm in Milwaukee.

HIRAM R. PEREZREYES ’05

was appointed vice president, business banking for southeastern Wisconsin at PNC Bank.

CRISTINA COSTANTINI ’07

and Darren Foster directed and produced “Science Fair,” which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January and won Sundance 2018’s inaugural festival-wide audience award. “Science Fair” is Costantini’s first feature documentary and follows nine students and one mentor from around the world as they prepare their projects and team for the 2017 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) event in Los Angeles. Costantini herself won an award at Intel ISEF in 2004 for her research and study of the impact of peer pressure and conformity.

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beyond

had a baby boy, Theodore Francis Vertacnik, on April 15, 2018.

Theodore weighed 7 pounds, 1.2 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches.

STEPHANIE BLACK ’08

presented an education series titled “How to Improve Your Appearance through Food” Vertacnik ’07 to USM faculty and staff in November and December 2017.

Black received her M.S. in Dietetics from Eastern Michigan University and runs her own nutrition business, Steph Gets Food, where she helps clients “get” food from an intellectual standpoint.

CHRISTINA MALLIET ’08

graduated from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota with an M.A. in Catholic Studies on May 20, 2017. She graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 2012 with a B.A. degree in French and English. Currently residing in St. Paul, Malliet is working as a campaign development director for Lynch Development Associates.

REX M. HUPY ’09

was invited to lecture at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law on the subject of private equity capital, one of the areas of law in which he practices.

Hupy graduated from Northwestern University and Georgetown Law School in May 2017.

MICHAEL L. LUCKEY ’09

is the first director of Wisconsin’s Interagency Council on Homelessness. In this role, he will be overseeing, developing, coordinating, writing, and implementing the state of Wisconsin’s approach to preventing and ending homelessness.

ALEXANDER G. ROFEBERG ’09

married Valerie Langberg on Sept. 10, 2017 in Middletown, New York with Trevor Haubert ’09 as the best man. Lex and Valerie met at Brown University.

KRISTIAN VAUGHN ’09

was profiled on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir for donating part of his liver to 4-year old Zanyah Brown from Milwaukee, whom he did not know prior to the surgery.

YVONNE HUGGINS

EMILY E. (JOERRES) VERTACNIK ’07

pcoming event upcoming event upcoming event upcoming event upcoming event upcoming Parents of Alumni Party Parents of alumni are invited to enjoy a party at the home of Gillian ’80 and Steven Chamberlin on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.

For additional details and to RSVP, visit www.usmk12.org/alumni. Many thanks to the Shovers for hosting last year!

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

From left Pamela Shovers, Alice Read ’72, and Dr. Jeffrey Shovers ’76 at a September 2017 parents of alumni event.

beyond

’10s

PHILIP SHULER ’15

ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ

HANORA R. LUCEY ’15

was chosen as a 2017 summer research scholar and spent her summer conducting in-depth research projects at Denison University, both on and off campus. The faculty-led programs included undertakings in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Lucey worked with Professor Michael Brady on a project titled “Betrayal or Self Interest? Investigating Underlying Reasons for Party Defection in U.S. Presidential Elections (1952–2016).”

advanced to the finals of the Music Teachers National Association chamber music competition in March 2018.

Shuler (pictured front row, right), a senior music major at Montana State University, played the French horn in the competition as part of the Bridger Brass Quintet.

JEFFREY MELVIN ’15

Shuler ’15 TMWRK MANAGEMENT

performed at Milwaukee’s Miramar Theatre in May as the headlining act of his first tour, Stress Relief Tour. Melvin, aka Melvv, also performed at Coachella music festival and is scheduled for Lollapalooza in August. His piece “Vibe” has more than 16 million plays across Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube.

ETHAN SHULER ’16

played contra bassoon in the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Wind Symphony, which performed the world premiere of Emily Cooley’s ’08 “Unfamiliar Trees,” among other pieces. The free concert was held on April 30 at the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver.

Student Athletes Announce Collegiate Commitments Six USM seniors celebrated the culmination of their high school athletic and academic careers at a special college signing day ceremony in April.

Joined by their families, coaches, teammates, and friends, the students watched a highlight reel of their best plays while Director of Athletics Luke Houdek spoke of their athletic accolades and college plans.

Congratulations to the following seniors for their achievements, both on and off the field: (back row, from left) Tyler Bair, football, Ripon College; Matt Le Pine, football, Ripon College; David Hutton, football, Olivet Nazarene University; (bottom row, from left) Hannah Gold, hockey, Augsburg College; Ben Hayes, swimming, Brown University; and Eli Modahl, field hockey, Oberlin College.

Not pictured: Hailey Farrington-Bentil, soccer, Mississippi State University.

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beyond

CHRISTOPHER D. ARMBRUST ’16

works as DJ Chris on WLUW (Loyola Chicago’s college radio station) on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.–noon CST. To listen, visit http://WLUW.org and click on “Listen.”

He plays a personally-chosen mix of Indie music and calls his segment Shadow Juice—pulling out great music that otherwise gets lost in the shadows.

MICHAEL BALISTRERI ’17

has completed his first year as a freshman walk-on for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. He’s pictured here (front row, right) with the team’s defensive linemen after winning the Big Ten West.

ZACHARY T. NELSEN ’16

assistant to Paris Dreibelbis, who is a cook at Ardent on Milwaukee’s east side, together won the 2017 Ment'or Young Chef Competition in Las Vegas. They bested four other fine-dining cooks from restaurants in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Birmingham, Ala.

Reunion Weekend Photos The 2018 Reunion Weekend was a blast! Guests enjoyed new additions like a beer garden and food trucks, along with tried and true favorites like the summer soirée and campus tours. Visit www.usmk12.org/reunion for a photo gallery!

Brunch Honoring J.S. Stephens

Audrey Arndt turned 94 in April, and a group of USM alumni and friends were there to help her celebrate in style. Arndt began at Milwaukee Country Day School in 1946 and retired in 1992 as the assistant to the head of Upper School, a tenure of 46 years. From left Steve Becker MCDS’64, Joe Messinger ’66, John Stephens, Hack Noyes ’66, Mike Williams ’70, Richard Wells MCDS’64, and Bill Hansen MCDS’64.

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

Food & Froth Fête Beer Garden

beyond

ALUMNI VISITS The USM Alumni Association visited with alumni from coast to coast this spring, and they even brought a special guest with them to L.A., Mr. John “J.S.” Stephens, who was thrilled to visit with some of his former students. Recalled John Scheinfeld ’71, “Mr. Stephens believed in me in ways that I did not.

Under his positive and caring mentorship, I grew and evolved into a better student and person.”

D.C.

L.A.

SAN FRANCISCO

Alumni Connect Welcome to the newest way to connect with your fellow alumni. The USM Connect app is a special community exclusively for USM alumni, where you can make connections and stay engaged.

Download the app to: • f ind alumni near you.

• s ecurely connect one-onone with other alumni for career advice.

•g et up-to-date news on school happenings and events.

Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations Due Submit your Athletic Hall of Fame nomination for a student-athlete, coach, team, and/or distinguished contributor by December 1 for potential inclusion in the fall 2019 ceremony.

For nomination criteria and a nomination form, visit www.usmk12.org/HallOfFame.

•e asily update your address and contact information.

Start connecting today, join USM Connect!

For more information, visit www.usmk12.org/alumni.

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beyond

In Memoriam University School of Milwaukee wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of our dearly departed alumni and friends. We thank them for enriching our lives throughout their friendship.

1920s Gertrude Buss Couch, Ph.D. MCDS’27 June 19, 2017 Silver Spring, MD 1930s William L. Davis III MCDS’37 Newhall, Calif.

1940s Audrey Nunnemacher Pertl MUS’41 June 1, 2017 Salt Lake City, Utah Arthur W. Hornig Ph.D. MCDS’42 Feb. 12, 2018 Lexington, Mass.

Patton Fitzgerald McCulloch MCDS’42 Feb. 8, 2017 La Luz, N.M. Robert T. Allis MCDS’43 Dec. 16, 2017 Denver David J. Cunningham MCDS’43 April 20, 2018 Milwaukee Richard Seaman MCDS’43 Nov. 17, 2017 Milwaukee

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

Erwin S. Huston MCDS’44 April 10, 2018 Milwaukee

Douglas L. Anderson MCDS’55 Dec. 10, 2014 Columbus, Ohio

Marion Wheeler Emerson MCDS’47 Nov. 23, 2017 Tucson, Ariz.

Charles C. Bird MCDS’55 May 8, 2010 Evanston, Ill.

Joan Wendel Ketchum MCDS’47 Nov. 13, 2017 Milwaukee

Marjorie L. Hiller Schneider MCDS’55 March 6, 2017 Chicago

Robert Kloppenburg MCDS’48 Dec. 24, 2017 Mequon, Wis. Harold T. Bolte MUS’49 April 14, 2018 Florence, Ala. Carolyn Ziemann Wright MUS’49 March 23, 2018 Oconomowoc, Wis. 1950s Charlie Krause MCDS’51 June 2, 2018 Mequon, Wis. Additional coverage of his life and contributions to USM will appear in the Fall/Winter 2018–19 issue of USM Today.

David R. Duffett MUS’53 Nov. 17, 2016 Glendale, Ariz.

Ann Reckmeyer Kobs MCDS’54 May 1, 2018 Pewaukee, Wis.

Roberta Williams MUS’55 Dec. 14, 2017 Milwaukee R. Michael Mett MUS’57 March 22, 2018 Fort Pierce, Fla. Charles R. Warner MCDS’58 Nov. 8, 2017 Minneapolis Carrie Johnson MUS’59 May 5, 2018 Arlington, Va. 1960s Gerard Kemperman MUS’61 Nov. 10, 2017 Milwaukee Nicholas C. Wilson MUS’61 Jan. 10, 2018 Mequon, Wis. Mary Stark Seefeld MUS’64 April 26, 2018 Mequon, Wis.

beyond

1970s

Friends

Perri E. Mayes ’78 March 1, 2018 Milwaukee

Dr. Rajeev Jain Nov. 18, 2017 Milwaukee

1980s Marlin K. Ford ’88 June 25, 2017 Washington, D.C. 1990s Ashley Beth Pindyck ’99 May 23, 2018 Marin County, Calif.

Sadhana Kumar Dec. 14, 2017 River Hills, Wis.

Father of Deeptee ’05, Namita ’06, and Vinay ’16.

Claire D. Johnson Dec. 14, 2017 Milwaukee Retired Preprimary teacher, 1960–1990.

Mother of Maya ’96 and Justin ’98; wife of Ashok Kumar, former USM trustee.

Karen Siemers April 21, 2018 Mequon, Wis. Lower School tutor.

Updated as of June 4, 2018.

Michael C. Kubly Jan. 23, 2018 Naples, Fla. Father of Molly Fritz ’80, Heather Erlandson ’92, Julianne Spadafora ’83, Kerry Bolger ’89, and Charlie Kubly ’94 (deceased).

Grandfather of Augie Fritz ’10, Billie Fritz ’12, Colin Fritz ’09, Michaela Fritz ’19, Shelby Fritz ’22, Sydney Fritz ’17, George Erlandson ’21, and Grace Erlandson ’23.

Lawrence Rudolph Kem passed away peacefully on June 11, 2017, after a brief illness. He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Clark ’79 and Laura Kem ’82, two beloved grandchildren, Danny Clark ’10 and Jack Clark ’13, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and infant son, David. He lived a life filled with friends, loved ones, and joy.

clients across Europe and North America.

He subsequently served as president of the American Appraisal Company, among other senior executive and principal investor roles.

Kem was born to a family of tenant farmers in Sikeston, Missouri in 1936. From humble beginnings, he became the first in his family to attend college, graduating with honors and serving as student body president at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

He was a lifelong proponent of education and served as president of USM’s Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1982.

He also established a scholarship program in his late wife’s name at their alma mater. He received the 2008 Merit Award from Southeast Missouri State in recognition of his career and life’s work. He enjoyed music, reading, and vacations with family.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and enjoyed a distinguished career in business. Upon leaving active military service, he joined Proctor & Gamble and went on to be elected partner at McKinsey & Company, a global advisory firm, serving

47

a look back

Jack Glusman ’19, pictured in the 4th-grade wing, the construction of which he observed as a 3rd-grader.

Constructive Reflection

By Jack Glusman ’19

B

rn in 2000, I started at USM in junior o kindergarten—a member of the class of 2019.

We have a great class and, for those of us who are going all the way through, a common experience: construction. Yes, we have the honor of living through renovations to both the Lower School and the Upper School, and each time we got to use and enjoy the finished product, if only for a single year.

Of course, we had nothing to do with the actual timing, but I find it interesting that our class will make USM history in this peculiar way.

Back in kindergarten, I had an interest in earth-moving equipment. So, when excavation began for the new Lower School in the spring of my 2nd grade year, I was fascinated by the spectacle. Our own personal construction site. As the concrete was poured for the foundation and the structures framed out, a building began to take shape. Ms. [Deborah] Duecker was my 2nd-grade teacher and, at the time, her classroom was the smallest in the school. The transformation of her room, from small and cramped into one with high ceilings, large windows, and a plenty of space to move around, was not lost on me or my classmates.

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USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2017—18

I enjoyed the new building for 4th grade, and particularly enjoyed the Marion and Verne Read Gymnasium in close proximity to our classroom.

No more walking through the quiet zone to get to P.E. The next year, I was off to Middle School, and excited to experience the newly-renovated spaces there.

Flash forward to the spring of 10th grade, and here we go again. Construction begins. I notice different things this time. The staging area takes up a lot of parking spots, which is significant, seeing as many of us drive to school now. There’s a time-lapse video with drone footage. Fundraising is an ongoing process, and it has its own name—Our Common Bond. Renovations to the Virginia Henes Young Theatre were finished ahead of schedule, and I enjoyed seeing my sister in “A Chorus Line”—the first production in the new space. Everything else finishes over the summer. So, history will repeat itself next fall when my peers and I enter all the amazing new areas and start making them our own.

But only for a year. Then we graduate and continue on our own journeys, taking the memories we made in the new spaces with us, one of our common bonds.

a look ahead

From left London Galloway ’31 and Julian Proniewski ’30, along with other students, helped Caroline Harkless ’21 with an Arbor Day tree-planting event on USM’s campus. The event was organized by Harkless and added much-needed variety to the tree population on campus, which will further strengthen USM’s outdoor education initiatives. Read more at www.usmtoday.org/trees.

Save the Date!

HOMECOMING WEEK September 24–29 Plan to celebrate with USM! Enjoy familyfriendly events including Willie’s Fun Fest, Blue & Gold Walk/Run, an all-school BBQ, and more! www.usmk12.org/alumni.

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2100 W. Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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

A long-standing hallmark of a USM education is the exceptional facilities in which students learn and grow.

While the school’s technology and performing arts spaces—along with many others—have been updated and improved throughout the years, one thing that has never changed is the great student experiences that happen within them.

Left Students used a former USM computer lab—which was pretty high-tech for the early ’90s—to put the finishing touches on their projects.

Below Students were prepped backstage for a 1990 production of “You Can’t Take It With You.”

Can you help us identify any of the individuals in these photos? Check them out on www.facebook.com/usmk12 and leave your comment!