USM Today - Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

2016 COMMENCEMENT ISSUE

2016-2017 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

INNOVATION, EXPLORATION ARE KEY AS USM STUDENTS BUILD

A TRADITION OF SUCCESS AT INTEL ISEF

COMMENCEMENT INSERT

in this issue 04

02 Head of School Letter

Introducing USM’s 2016-2017 Scholarship Recipients

03 Experiential Learning and Innovation Think Tank Drives USM Forward

08

14 Academic Achievement

06 Events Around Campus

Innovation, Exploration are Key as USM Students Build

26 A Tradition of Success at Intel ISEF

32 A New Online Home for USM Athletics

16 Alumni Events 18 Set Your Goals, Make Your Plan for USM 19 Thank You From the USM Fund 24 Lilian Jochmann ’22 Shines as Scholastic News Kid Reporter 28 Senior Kindergarteners Start a Business 30 Students Pursue Passions Through Capstone Projects 37 A Look Ahead

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

34 A Fond Farewell to This Year’s Retirees

USM TODAY University School of Milwaukee was pleased to host and join together with alumni, parents of alumni, former and current faculty and staff members, and other members of the USM community in celebration of

Reunion Weekend 2016

on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25. The weekend kicked off with the USM Summer Soirée at the Milwaukee Country Club on Friday evening, followed by campus tours, the Blue and Gold Barbeque, and class parties on Saturday. It was great to reconnect with so many familiar faces! For photos and additional information from the weekend, visit www.usmk12.org/reunionweekend.

USM Today is published by University School of Milwaukee three times 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.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Tim Eilbes Director of Marketing and Communications MANAGING EDITOR

21 Class Notes 23 In Memoriam 36 A Look Back-Kathy Choren

2015-2016 LEADERSHIP HEAD OF SCHOOL

Laura J. Fuller ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

Gregg Bach HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Stuart Cushman HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pamela Nosbusch

Ryan Cardarella Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael Tauscher

McDill Design

Richard J. Seesel

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

McDill Design

James G. O’Reilly ’78

Visual Image Photography

PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Front inside cover photo caption: From left Joe Messinger ’66, Fred Levitt, Wayne Kubal ’66, Carrie Mason, and Bill Mason ’66.

To change your address or unsubscribe from the USM Today mailing list, please contact the USM Advancement Department at 414.540.3339 or usmadvancement@usmk12.org.

Molly Kubly Fritz ’80

Experiential Learning and Innovation Think Tank

HEAD OF SCHOOL LAURA FULLER We arrive at this time of year having just recently honored our graduating seniors and retirees, and also putting the final touches on our incoming class of students and new hires to replace our handful of departing faculty and staff. This annual cycle connects two very interrelated pieces at University School of Milwaukee–the students with whom we are entrusted to educate and prepare for the future, and the adults who work tirelessly to ensure that we meet those expectations.

As I reflect on this, my thinking seems to always come back to two related questions–“Is the education we are providing our students relevant for this time and this world?” and “Are we educating our students to be versatile in a world that is becoming increasingly challenging and complex?”

We are fortunate to have resources as a School– endowed through professional development funding and the generous support of our donor community– that provide opportunities for research, informationgathering, and skills development for our teachers and administrators. Through these opportunities, there has been a growing awareness that USM needs to be more than an academic institution that excels in teaching students the traditional subjects of math, science, history, English, and language. Rather, we need to augment these foundational disciplines with modern learning in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

While these learning opportunities are not new to the School, there is no question that our formal commitment to them as part of the USM educational experience will require new pedagogies for our faculty to grapple with, and new spaces for these opportunities to take place.

I was fortunate to be able to travel to St. Louis last summer and experience new innovation spaces at both Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS) and John Burroughs School, and also explore the new spaces at Francis Parker School in San Diego, all independent schools with which we benchmark. The doors that have been opened for students and alumni at those schools as a result of the schools’ commitments to innovation and entrepreneurship were nothing short of amazing.

There will be many opportunities and challenges as we make thoughtful choices about how we will inculcate this curriculum into our already full schedule of traditional teaching and learning. We will be reconsidering not only what we teach, but also how we teach. We will undoubtedly move toward more of an interdisciplinary curriculum as we continue to recognize the necessity for students to learn across boundaries. This will be done with intention as we blend not only the traditional areas of study but also those in the innovation and entrepreneurship arenas, all while enhancing our emphasis on skills-based education, character development, and meta-learning–the awareness of one’s own learning and cognitive abilities.

So, now we are faced with the challenge of making it all work together. I am convinced that our faculty will make this happen. They have shown a propensity for the ability to interact, challenge, and influence each other and our programming through discourse, learning, and flexibility.

They have proven their ability to change and embrace new ideas, programs, and techniques–thoughtfully–with balance and caution. Independent schools are ideal environments for this type of challenge. We possess an inherent plasticity that allows us to make the changes and evolve appropriately and quickly, as necessary. USM will undoubtedly continue in its role a leader amongst all schools in the area of innovation as we address this important inflection point in the history of education. It is truly an exciting time to be an educator, and USM is a forward-thinking school that inspires us to be our very best, as we inspire our students to do the same.

Drives USM Forward In September 2014, a University School of Milwaukee Experiential Learning and Innovation Think Tank committee was established for the School to engage in discussions regarding innovation and entrepreneurship, and to accomplish the goal of creating innovators who are empowered and inspired to conquer the challenges of tomorrow.

A byproduct of USM’s Strategic Plan, this distinguished Think Tank consists of USM and predescessor school alumni, faculty, parents, administrators, and leaders in the business community with a shared interest in defining, developing, and encouraging entrepreneurial and innovative thinking at the School.

These meetings included several discussions on skills, mindsets, and curricular development opportunities that ensure USM’s educational pedagogy will continue to provide authentic, transformative learning experiences that prepare students to be innovative thought leaders—in college and beyond. Citing foundational collaborative projects and initiatives such as Nerdvana, Compass 9, and the Upper School House of Technology as sparks igniting innovation at USM, the Think Tank committee will continue to provide essential insights and perspectives as the School fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Many of the opportunities outlined on subsequent pages were made possible through the thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of this Experiential Learning and Innovation Think Tank, and the School wishes to thank the members of the committee for their valuable contributions.

USM’s Experiential Learning and Innovation Think Tank Committee Dan Armbrust Elizabeth Fitzsimmons ’89 Kate Gay Dick Kramlich MCDS’53 Larry Kubal ’70 Nikki Lucyk Jim O’Reilly ’78 Michael A. Roth Marian Singer

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USM Announces 2016–2017 Scholarship Recipients SEBASTIAN BANASZAK ANNOUNCED AS THE 2016

University School of Milwaukee is dedicated to providing an exemplary educational experience for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

In accordance with our School mission and guiding principles and following a tradition established by our predecessor schools, USM is pleased to maintain a significant scholarship program, providing various levels of financial assistance to qualifying students, and thus enhancing the student community. The School’s Office of Enrollment Management is pleased to work in partnership with prospective and current families to help ensure that a USM education remains affordable.

Many of USM’s scholarship opportunities exist due to the generosity of donors who contributed to the establishment of named, endowed funds that will continue in perpetuity within the School’s Endowment. These 50 named, endowed scholarship funds range in value, with principals of all funds averaging $500,000, and result from directed donations from individuals, families, and entire classes of alumni. The annual income from these funds provides scholarships to qualifying students. In recent years, a number of generous members of the USM community have displayed their commitment to the importance of the accessibility of a USM education through the establishment of several four-year, full-tuition, named scholarships. While some of these newly designated scholarships exist within the Endowment, others are given through the USM Fund, providing current-use opportunities for the School and the student

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

University School of Milwaukee is pleased to welcome Gerry Parra ’20 as the 2016 recipient of the Joe Lubar Scholarship. Parra will join USM from the Milwaukee Montessori Gerry Parra ’20 School, where he excelled as a student-athlete. Parra is a talented track and field athlete who excelled in the long jump, 200m dash, and 400m dash in middle school. Parra is also fluent in Spanish, having mastered the language over several visits with relatives in the Corozal region of Belize.

Additionally, Parra was nominated for Student of the Year by the Milwaukee S.T.O.P. (Students Talking it Over with Police) Program for his exceptional leadership skills. As an enthusiastic student at USM, Parra looks forward to bringing his work ethic, athletic prowess, and devotion to family to the School as the 2016 Joe Lubar Scholarship recipient.

The Joe Lubar Scholarship honors the memory of Joe Lubar ’08, whose contributions to the School as a student, citizen, and athlete exemplify the character and traditions of USM.

recipients. USM is exceedingly grateful for the thoughtful generosity of these donors and the impact these scholarships have on the recipients, their families, and the entire USM community.

The following scholarships are awarded based on outstanding academic merit, character, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and community service, and exemplify USM’s commitment to providing

ANYAH JACKSON AND ASHLEY PEET NAMED 2016 MILWAUKEE COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

University School of Milwaukee is pleased to announce Anyah Jackson ’20 and Ashley Peet ’20 as the two 2016 recipients of Milwaukee College Prep (MCP) Scholarships.

an excellent education for qualified students. Additionally, there are particular requirements associated with some of these opportunities. We look forward to welcoming the following students to University School of Milwaukee’s Upper School in 2016-2017. If you are interested in discussing the establishment of an endowed scholarship fund, please contact Maria Stone, Director of Development, at 414.540.3331 or mstone@usmk12.org.

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USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

STAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

GERRY PARRA NAMED THE 2016 JOE LUBAR

Anyah Jackson ’20

Jackson arrives at USM after graduating from MCP’s 36th Street Campus in June. She describes herself as “a young girl with big dreams and strong goals who is learning to be herself through each

challenge that comes her way,” and is determined to find success at USM. Jackson established a sterling academic record at MCP and balanced her academic pursuits with extracurricular interests in gymnastics, acting, volunteering, and the violin.

She maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning Red Tie status for exceptional character and high grades, and was named Cum Laude for all four quarters of her 8th-grade year. Jackson looks forward to using her strengths and experiences to enhance the USM community and position herself for success in Upper School.

Peet also joins USM after graduating from MCP’s 36th Street Campus, and will bring a 4.0 GPA and her passion for volleyball, track and field, and choir to the Upper School. Peet is Ashley Peet ’20 described as a student who has always displayed exemplary leadership skills and a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and kindness to her peers, and a colorful imagination and curiosity that pushes her learning to the next level. She is also known as a “fantastic singer” who looks forward to showcasing her skills as a vocalist to the USM community. Peet is excited to bring her leadership, curiosity, talent, and character to USM as an MCP Scholar.

Based on their interest in providing meaningful educational experiences for students throughout the greater Milwaukee community while generously supporting USM’s scholarship program, several School families provide annual funding for two separate Milwaukee College Prep Scholarships. These two scholarships celebrate the achievements of these talented MCP alumni and recognize the relationship between our two schools.

Sebastian Banaszak ’20 will join the USM community from the Bruce-Guadalupe Community School (BGCS) in Milwaukee as the 2016 STAR Scholarship Recipient. Banaszak is described as “a motivated and hard-working student with an insatiable appetite for learning.” At BGCS, Banaszak earned the highest Measure of Academic Progress Sebastian Banaszak ’20 (MAP) score of any student at the school, and has earned a 4.0 GPA. Banaszak also excels on the baseball diamond as a shortstop and pitcher for the North Shore Whitecaps, a select baseball team. He looks forward to being a three-sport athlete at USM and will bring exemplary leadership skills in addition to his athletic abilities to each team for which he will play. Sebastian will join his sister Sophia ’18 at USM, and looks forward to contributing to the School community this fall and beyond.

The STAR Scholarship is offered to a new, incoming minority 9th-grade student who lives in the city of Milwaukee. The donors established the STAR Scholarship to honor two valued members of the USM faculty.

BRIANNA PEARSON NAMED THE 2016 JOHN “J.S.” STEPHENS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Brianna Pearson ’20 is a current University School of Milwaukee 8th-grade student who has found great success both inside and outside of the classroom. She is described as a confident, kind young woman who is hard-working, selfmotivated, and high-achieving. Pearson has made strong impressions on her peers and Brianna Pearson ’20 teachers, who effusively praise her consistency, intellectual curiosity, and maturity as a student and person. She is ready to emerge as an academic leader in the Upper School, and as a huge contributor to the USM community in the years to come as the 2016 recipient of the John “J.S.” Stephens Scholarship.

The donor of the John “J.S.” Stephens Scholarship came to University School of Milwaukee for his senior year of high school and had a wonderful experience with Stephens, a former faculty member and administrator who served USM and Milwaukee Country Day School for more than 50 years, and also served as his informal mentor. The donor is now one of the top trial lawyers in the country, and he attributes his success to his USM experience, and specifically toStephens, “an extraordinary man who made a difference in my life and the lives of so many others.” The scholarship annually supports four students at USM and has been awarded since 2007.

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events around campus

5TH GRADE RIVER CLEAN-UP On Friday, April 22, as part of the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Clean-Up, 74 USM 5th-grade students helped remove debris from tributary areas around the Milwaukee River at Brown Deer Park. USM has participated in this project for the past 11 years, helping to remove more than 3,000 pounds of garbage from the waterways. This year, USM students collected 111 pounds of junk, and 64 pounds of recyclables.

SENIOR SEND-OFF Students in grades senior kindergarten through 11 bid the Class of 2016 farewell at USM’s traditional Senior Send-Off on Friday, May 13. Graduating seniors entered the Upper School Gymnasium to a rousing ovation before each grade level performed a prepared skit, song, or cheer. The SendOff culminated with seniors taking one final lap around the gym as students gathered for high-fives and final goodbyes.

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USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

USM LIFERS ENJOY BRUNCH AND SIGN TOWER WALLS Prior to Commencement 2016, 31 USM Lifers gathered for brunch before ascending up to the top of the USM Tower, where they signed their names alongside Lifers from other class years on the tower walls. Lifers are students who have attended USM throughout their Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School careers.

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Innovation Ready: Curiosity, Exploration Key As USM Students Build

of new technologies, and learn how to design and build through trial, error, and creative resolution.

EXPLORATION BEGINS IN LOWER SCHOOL While USM’s 1:1 Program equips each student with a personal computing device beginning in 3rd grade, even

Inspired by University School of Milwaukee’s Strategic Plan, and its mission to graduate students who are

the younger students have access to technology through the Lower School’s new Wildcat Creation Station.

innovation-ready as they enter college

Housed in a location adjacent to the

and beyond, USM has established

Lower School Library for the 2015-

academic curriculum and dedicated

2016 school year, the Wildcat Creation

space to foster creativity, curiosity,

Station was established to give USM’s

and exploration for all students.

youngest students a collaborative

Demonstrating a commitment to innovative learning across all three divisions, USM features makerspace areas in the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School that allow students to tinker, explore, and build.

Each space contains age-appropriate tools, technology, and materials that compliment academic curriculum and challenge students to explore their imaginations and passions beyond their coursework.

space to develop and pursue their educational curiosity. Beginning in senior kindergarten, students have the opportunity to explore technology— which includes two 3D printers, Lego sets, Makey-Makeys, Dash and Dot (a

A passion for computer science and information technology developed late for Madeline Cohen ’15, but she has more than made up for lost time. Cohen joined USM’s House of Technology during her junior year and quickly developed an interest and aptitude for troubleshooting devices as she answered tickets and entered classrooms to repair devices.

That interest evolved as Cohen took on more of a leadership role in HOT during her senior year, organizing events, recruiting members, and developing the Student Technology Conference, which provides an international forum for the sharing of educational technology in schools and other academic settings for students in grades 6-12. As USM’s representative, Cohen engaged in monthly Skype meetings with other school representatives, helped brand the event, and presented on the House of Technology to other student members from around the world. Cohen credits her work with Director of Academic Te c h n o l o g y N i k k i L u c y k a n d Technology Suppor t Coordinator Deidre McCain as instrumental in her current career pursuits.

“They are responsible for my interest in technology and coding, and showed me all of the opportunities that women can have in the field,” Cohen said. “They taught me invaluable troubleshooting skills and were always there for me when I had questions or needed more information.”

Through USM’s Internship and Shadowing Program, Cohen served as an information technology intern with RF Technologies, and is interning with Snap-On Tools this summer. She is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Villanova University and has seized several opportunities to expand her knowledge base, attending multiple Women in Tech conferences, touring the offices of Google in New York City for a recruiting event, and speaking with one of the lead animators for Pixar during her freshman year.

pair of programmable circular robots), and much more—as they engage in projects and lessons cotaught by their homeroom teachers and Lower School Technology Coordinator JoAnne Pollard Williamson ’79.

Starting next year, each senior

Students in each division at USM

kindergarten through 2nd-grade class

address challenging, complex prob-

will have 30 minutes of scheduled

lems through the use

Creation Station time per cycle, while

MADELINE COHEN ’15 8

9

KURT STIEHL ’03

3rd- and 4th-grade students will

nology as a reason that Lower School

receive

faculty and staff members

45 minutes of Station time.

will need to collaborate each year

Similar to students learning foreign languages at a young age, Williamson

After excelling in the early days of the USM Science Fair and as a member of the Upper School theatre crew, Kurt Stiehl ’03 brought his intellectual curiosity for design to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and eventually, Apple, Inc., where he now thrives as a product design manager. Responsible for many of the Apple product accessories that so many of us carry on a daily basis, including iPhone “bumper” cases, earpods, and more, Stiehl still reflects on some of the lessons learned from his days developing his science project, which involved the acoustic modeling of rooms. “(Former USM Upper School Science Teacher) Brian Pack was a huge influence on me, encouraging me to push with my project and advising me on how to better run my experiment,” Stiehl said. “His deep intellectual curiosity propelled me further to think outside of the box.”

That curiosity and problem-solving ability has served Stiehl well as he leads product development teams that solve complex design issues for Apple.

When asked what kind of advice Stiehl would give to the next generation of aspiring USM innovators, he stressed the importance of teamwork and an eagerness to attack problems intellectually, even if it leads to failure from time to time.

“Dream now, and don’t wait to try and solve the problems around you,” Stiehl said. “Learn fast, build fast, and try again. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

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to determine how best to use the Wildcat Creation Station for students.

believes that exposing students to

“The key will be to establish the

new technologies early will help them

scope and sequence of opportunities

develop key skills and aptitudes that

for students,” Williamson said. “What

“Some of the ideas stem from Google’s

they will be able to use more effectively

do we want senior kindergarteners

Genius Hour concept,” Mussoline said,

The student arrived back on campus

later in their academic careers.

to be able to do? What skills do we

referencing Google’s idea to let

excited to learn how to use a jigsaw,

want 4th-graders to learn prior to

employees work on personal projects

circular saw, miter saw, and many

entering Middle School?”

for up to 20 percent of their allotted

other hand tools as she built her

work time, which led to the

cabinet under supervision

development of innovative programs

in Nerdvana.

“Offering these programming opportunities at this age -level will only lay the foundation for what students will be capable of in Middle School, Upper School, and beyond,” Williamson said. “The sky will be the limit for them once they graduate.”

NERDVANA, MORE STUDENT-LED WORK FOSTERS CURIOSITY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL While the primary goal of the Wildcat Creation Station and other technology-

fit into classroom curriculum.

such as Gmail. “We want students to follow their passions, and the work often leads to really productive, innovative results.”

opportunity to visit a local hardware store and lumber yard.

While some students build, others opt to break apart. Another student wanted to know what was inside of a field hockey ball, so she cut it in

Computer coding has also emerged

based projects and activities in Lower

The space was also incredibly useful for

half. After analyzing its contents, she

as a key innovating teaching element,

School is to introduce students to

8th-graders as many of them devel-

developed a new ball with decreased

as the Lower School builds on the

innovation programming, the

oped prototypes—and needed addition-

density, so that it would be safer for

Hour of Code initiative. USM students

opportunities available to Middle

al tools—for their Tower Hour projects.

students to play with.

participate in the Hour of Code

School students take that learning

Using Nerdvana’s resources, students

each December, but students with

to the next level.

converted and printed prototypes for a

an additional interest have been encouraged to engage in games and activities on Code.org, as well as on popular coding apps such as Tynker, Scratch, and Hopscotch.

Supervised and assisted by Middle School Technology Coordinator Tom Mussoline, students have access to a variety of high-tech materials and more

new kind of earbud, coded new 3D games, developed enhanced drone modifications, and much more.

Ultimately, students have the freedom

Cristina Costantini ’07 has enjoyed an atypical career path as an award-winning reporter following graduation at USM, using her skills and abilities as a social scientist as a springboard to a career as an investigative journalist.

Costantini, who worked for the Huffington Post before settling in as a journalist for Fusion, an ABC/Univision collaboration, won an award at Intel ISEF in 2004 for her research and study of the impact of peer pressure and conformity.

While Costantini did not ultimately pur sue a career in science, it ’s undeniable that many of the researching, long-term planning, and organizational skills she sharpened as a scientist have served her well in her chosen field.

“It’s clear that USM has one of the strongest science programs in the country, one that fosters fruitful, independent learning,” Costantini said.

“My experiences in science and innovation have helped me study complex issues on a micro level, and have served me well as a journalist.”

Costantini returned to Intel ISEF in 2016, interviewing several participants for an upcoming documentary that she hopes to produce and release by the end of 2017.

to innovate, explore, examine, and fix complex problems of interest to them throughout their Middle School careers.

UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADUATE INNOVATION-READY

traditional building tools in Nerdvana, the

In addition to academic uses, Nerdva-

Moving forward, Williamson hopes to

Middle School’s dedicated makerspace.

na provides a workspace

add additional robots, circuitry items,

Here, students build prototypes for

for students to learn and develop

and programming technology to the

projects, learn how to address complex

practical building skills. One Middle

Exploration and curiosity is more

mix, and to formalize the time each

problems through the use of new

School student who had the ambition

student-led in the Upper School,

grade level spends with the space.

technologies, and follow their passions,

to build a cabinet was advised to

initiated by two students who

Williamson cited the fluid nature of tech-

even if the work doesn’t always neatly

create a materials list and had the

founded what is now USM’s House

CRISTINA COSTANTINI ’07 11

DAVID ROUTIER ’14

For many young boys, working in the field of astronautics is a childhood dream, but for Matt Junker ’85, his passion for innovation helped make it a reality. Following his time at USM, Junker graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with degrees in engineering and computer science and entered the U.S. Navy, where he underwent a series of trainings before emerging as a submarine officer and instructor of missile launching procedures.

After completing his naval duties, Jun ker jo i ne d the As t ro n au t ic s Corporation of America as a software engineer, where he has served for the last 19 years, working primarily with cockpit display software and airborne servers. Meanwhile, Junker has served as a judge at the USM Upper School Science Fair and remembers his time at the School fondly, reflecting that he often learned most during his formative years from making mistakes.

“Pay attention to the details, be curious, challenge yourself, and have fun,” Junker said. “I’ve found that some of the best experiences come from experiments that fail.”

of Technology (HOT) in 2012. Sparked

essentially intern as technical support

by the passion of Upper School

professionals.

students David Routier ’14 and Jacob Wine ’16, HOT was created primarily to supply students with practical, hands-on technology abilities while providing technical support and device repair for School personnel.

In addition to their repair and support roles, students also have the freedom to

“Innovation is not optional at USM, nor is it happenstance. Our students will grow each year and be innovation-ready for the next level, while gaining entrepreneurial experience in the here and now.”

work on curricular and extracurricular

technology and space made available

in mind, at each step of their educational journey.” said USM Head of School Laura Fuller.

Peering into the future, USM plans to expand its creative space with the establishment of a new Innovation Center that will further infuse innovative and entrepreneurship education into School culture. With the ultimate goal of inspiring young entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers, this initiative will

projects and tinker with new problems and technologies. Utilizing the

our students are prepared with this goal

that more students will have access

include the development of enhanced

to the space and its robust,

facilities, faculty leadership and

cutting-edge tools and technologies.

professional development,

“The program design and execution

through the HOT, Upper School students

of HOT is and of itself an innovation that

have developed incredibly complex and

“I think that if we have a bigger space

places students at the center

diverse projects that have led to awards

and more equipment available to us, we

of experiential learning,” said USM

and honors at Intel ISEF, exemplary

can make this a core piece of USM’s

Director of Academic Technology

Capstone presentations, and advanced

academic program,” said Robbie

Nikki Lucyk. “The students created

abilities and skills in computer science

Hermanoff ’16. “USM can become a

“Innovation is not optional at USM,

a programand system that never

and innovation. Students have also led

global competitor in education,

nor is it happenstance,” Fuller said.

existed before.”

the way as the HOT has garnered

innovation, science,

“Our students will grow each year and

attention and accolades on a

and technology.”

be innovation-ready for the next level,

Supported by Lucyk and Technology Support Coordinator Deidre McCain,

national level.

As a result of USM’s commitment to

students repair a wide variety of

As a result of their efforts, USM

innovation education and the robust

electronic devices, including phones,

HOT students have presented at the

spaces dedicated to such learning in

tablets, laptop computers, and much

Independent Schools Association

each division, the School is making

more. Students are in charge of every

of the Central States (ISACS)

strides to graduate students who are

level of the repair process, from

conference, and several other leading

innovation-ready, and a step ahead

providing customer service and support

national conferences as they share

of their peers as they enter college

to ordering the necessary parts and

information on their exemplary work.

and, eventually, the workforce.

The HOT hopes to expand in size

“The mission of our School and

and scope in the coming years so

recent Strategic Plan ensures that

performing the physical repair of each device. This practical, hands-on experience is invaluable as students

transformative curriculum, and strategic partnerships that will ensure the next generations of USM students graduate innovation-ready.

while gaining entrepreneurial experience in the here and now.”

For an informational video on USM’s innovation curriculum and a proposed new, on-campus innovation space, please visit www.usmk12.org/USMinnovation.

Even as a child, David Routier ’14 always had a knack for taking things apart and putting them back together.

Now, entering his junior year at the Rochester Institute of Technology as a computer engineering and electrical engineering double major, Routier is using his skills to help create a “smar t grid” that will better protect our nation’s electric grid system against broken lines or outside hacks.

As a junior at USM, Routier co-founded the House of Technology with Jacob Wine ’16, providing technical support for school devices and personal technology and device repair for School personnel. Routier still serves as a consultant for HOT, and credits his participation in the group as a primary factor in his current career path.

“The House of Technology was easily the biggest factor in helping me realize what I wanted to do after Upper School,” Routier said. “USM Director of Academic Technology Nikki Lucyk’s support and trust was very important to the development of the HOT concept, and without her support would not be what it is today.”

With the HOT now established in Upper School, Routier looks forward to what students might be able to do next.

“Innovation is something that never ends,” Routier said. “Because of their nature, high-tech fields are not easy to enter, but can be very rewarding if it is what you truly want to do. I can’t wait to see where things go next, and what I can do to help change the world.”

MATT JUNKER ’85 12

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academic achievement

FIVE OF USM’S TOP SCIENTISTS COMPETE AT INTEL INTERNATIONAL

USM CHESS SHINES AT CITY, STATE MEETS

SCHOOL MUSICIANS EARN TOP HONORS AT

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

The USM K-12 chess team dramatically improved its standing at the 2016 Wisconsin State Scholastic Chess Tournament, held March 18-20 at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

STATE SOLO AND ENSEMBLE

For the second consecutive year, five USM students earned the opportunity to represent the School as finalists at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix this May. After progressing through the Upper School Science Fair and the Badger State Science and Engineering Fair, each participating student defended his or her work to a group of scientists, all with Ph.D.s, at Intel ISEF. Students also presented as part of a public viewing, where they explained their projects to school groups and interested visitors numbering in the thousands.

Congratulations to the following students: Anshul Bhatnagar ’17 – “Development of a Computational Method for Rapid Identification of Organic Molecules for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion” Daniel Glazer ’17 – “Galaxy Clusters, New Discoveries to Fill in the Gaps” Arundhati Pillai ’17 – “Next Generation Surgical Tool Using Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing for Cerebral Aneurysm Treatment” Nabeel Quryshi ’18 – “Chemotherapeutic Induced Cellular Death (Apoptosis/Necrosis) Inhibition/Restoration of Microvascular Vasodilatory Function Through Telomerase Modulation”

14

In Division 1, USM’s K8 team of Hadi Najeeb ’20, Divya Pandey ’22, Ritika Pandey ’20, Aditya Pillai ’23, and Hersh Singh ’24 placed fourth, despite competing against a field of high school teams. In Division 2, USM’s team of Jordan Benard ’16, Jack Glusman ’19, Vinay Jain ’16, Yaseen Najeeb ’16, and Noah Schatz ’16 improved upon last year’s seventh place finish to earn fourth place.

Additionally, the USM team of Schatz, Singh, Alexander Strunets ’18, and coaches Ryan Murphy ’11, Chris Seaman ’93, and Fred Lange took first place in the blitz tournament (teams are allowed only five minutes per side, per game).

Congratulations to the team of Jain, Kaur, Natey Ruzell ’22, Singh, and Strunets, which won the Division 1 City Chess Championships earlier in March. USM hosted the championship meet, which included 125 players from 11 schools in the greater Milwaukee area. The city championship was USM’s first in five years.

Candace Walther ’17 – “Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophages Effective at Killing Enterococcus Faecalis”

7TH-GRADE STUDENT PLACES EIGHTH AT

As a result of their efforts USM students earned several awards.

Bhatnagar earned the University of Arizona Presidential Award; Glazer won the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Fourth Place Award and the West Virginia University Presidential Award; and Walther earned the Fourth Place Award in Microbiology. For more on USM’s student finalists at Intel ISEF, please see page 26.

Thomas Wright ’21 finished in a tie for eighth place at the National Geographic Bee, held at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. from May 22-25. Wright advanced through a field of more than two and a half million contestants, Thomas Wright ’21 representing more than 11,000 schools from across the country, after winning the Wisconsin State Geography Bee to qualify for the national competition.

USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY BEE

In April, 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. Students performed for a panel of judges in either a solo or ensemble capacity. All of USM’s students received Outstanding scores.

Congratulations to the following participants:

Middle School Rehan Dhala ’20, Jacob Gold ’20, Addison Elliott ’20, Blakely Martin ’20, Jordan Puetz ’20, Ethan Shin ’21, Lisa Wong ’20, and Jose Zarate ’20.

Upper School Karlie Allen ’16, Jonah Baade ’18, Kristen Chou ’17, Mia Jaeger ’18, Max Levatich ’16, Savannah Miracle ’18, Gaby Musickant ’18, Andrew Puetz ’17, Nabeel Quryshi ’18, Ethan Shuler ’16, Emma Smith ’17, Trevor Smith ’19, Meg Stewart ’19, Kyra Swanson ’16, and Candace Walther ’17.

Several students were also nominated for the Exemplary Award, the top award given at State. This year, USM had six nominees and three winners:

Exemplary Award Nominees and Winners Max Levatich ’16 – Musical Theatre (winner) Ethan Shin ’21 – Violin (winner) Ethan Shuler ’16 – Classical Voice Trevor Smith ’19 – Classical Voice Meg Stewart ’19 – Classical Voice Evan Stroud ’16 – Cello (winner) THREE PROJECTS ADVANCE TO NATIONAL

National History Day Finalists From left Lily Steinbach, Stephanie Guy, Teddy Kies, Aidanne DePoy, Jessica Cain, and Caroline Keppler.

As a result of their excellent work, three USM projects advanced to the national competition in College Park, Md. on June 12-16, and five additional projects were tabbed as alternates.

Congratulations to the following 8th-grade state and national finalists:

National Finalists Group Documentary: Jessica Cain, Aidanne DePoy, and Teddy Kies – “Subjugation of a Nation – The Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani” Individual Documentary: Stephanie Guy – “Politics in Full View – 1960 First Televised Debates” Group Exhibit: Caroline Keppler and Lily Steinbach – “The Protest that Changed the Pageant”

National Alternates Group Documentary: Athena Borca and Mira Stephens – “The Birth of the War on Terror” Group Exhibit: Murphy Mellowes and Caroline Sheehan – “The Match that Leveled the Game” Individual Exhibit: Manasi Simhan – “Apollo Soyuz – The Rendezvous Mission” Individual Paper: Amogh Bhatnagar – “A Civil Exchange” Individual Documentary: Jordan Puetz – “Generations of Pride – The Civilian Conservation Corps in Milwaukee and Cudahy” (Puetz also won the Local History Award for his Individual Documentary.)

HISTORY DAY FINALS

State Finalists

Congratulations to all 30 USM young historians who participated in the Wisconsin State National History Day Competition on Saturday, April 23 in Madison, Wis.

Addison Elliott, Stephanie Goris, Shreya Gundelly, Thomas Hadcock, Ardeshir Irani, Emma Keuler, Caleb Kiehnau, Quinn Kingwill, Blakely Martin, Eleanor Mellin, Mustafa Motlani, Kennedy Perez, Isabella Peterson, Lucia Rondini, Bella Smith, Jose Zarate, and Ryan Zwief.

15

USM visits San Francisco & Chicago SAN FRANCISCO

CHICAGO

Chief Advancement Officer Patrick Tevlin joined USM alumni and other community members at two events in the San Francisco area on Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1. Alumni and friends gathered for cocktails and appetizers at The Battery in San Francisco on March 31, and at an evening reception at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club in Palo Alto, Calif. on April 1. We enjoyed reconnecting with friends of the School in the Bay Area and hope to see you again soon!

Alumni and friends of USM joined Head of School Laura Fuller and USM Board of Trustees member Greg Smith, who hosted a reception at The Legacy at Millennium Park on April 21. It was great to catch up with so many familiar faces just down the road!

Joe Lubar Memorial Baseball Event Members of the University School of Milwaukee community joined together in celebration of the life of Joe Lubar ’08 at the annual Joe Lubar Memorial Baseball Event on Saturday, June 4. Highlighted by an alumni baseball exhibition, attendees enjoyed food, reminisced with old friends, and shared Lubar’s love of baseball during an eventful afternoon at Alfred James Field.

pe, W ja Kane Foem From left Kat eler ’11.

Michael Whe

ill Gibb ’11, Members of the Class of 2011.

Reunion Weekend June 24 and 25, 2016 Thanks to all who attended Reunion Weekend 2016. More than 400 members of the USM community attended the annual celebration.

We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with your classmates, friends, and former faculty in the USM community. For more comprehensive Reunion Weekend coverage, including photo galleries, visit www.usmk12.org/reunionweekend.

From left Lafayette Crump ’91, Angela Pittman Taylor ’96, and Andrea Karns Eichmann ’96.

w, o ’86, Jen Darro

From left Alumni Association President Jim O’Reilly ’78, Barbara Wegmann, David Wegmann ’81, Peter Wegmann MCDS’51, Jennifer Wegmann, Michael Wegmann ’91, and Pepi Randolph ’79.

16

USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

Palerm y Lee ’86, Alex From left Jimm w ’86. and Mike Darro

17

Set Your Goals, Then Make Your Plan for USM More than 75 people—including graduates of University School

Before you consider how you might make such a gift, you

of Milwaukee and our predecessor schools, parents, parents of

first need to complete an important process. This includes

alumni, grandparents, and current and former faculty and staff

reviewing your personal values, setting or revising your

members—have told USM they are supporting future students at

estate goals, determining how charitable gifts fit into those

the School with a gift they have designated in their wills or some

goals, and discussing with other family members the results

other type of planned gift. We are grateful to these members of

of your reflections.

our Heritage Society for their commitment to USM students and for their thoughtful planning.

What do you value?

How do you want to support your children and other family members?

For what would you like to be remembered?

What lasting impact would you like to have on USM, and on other organizations and causes close to your heart?

To what extent would you like your children to be involved in carrying forward your values and charitable giving?

After considering these questions, then you can begin to explore the ways you might best

Thank You From the USM Fund!

Thank you for participating in the School’s annual giving program, the USM Fund, this year. Every aspect of life at USM, including field trips, theatre, sports, facilities, custodial, school nurses, music, art, teachers, science, technology, and so much more are supported annually by your philanthropic support.

USM has been the beneficiary of such philanthropy since the founding of our first predecessor school in 1851.

Generations of Milwaukee families have invested in the future of our School to ensure the very best education for their children.

achieve your charitable goals. There are many creative options available for planned gifts, each one dependent on your family situation and what lasting impact you wish to have on your community.

For more information, or to schedule a confidential conversation, contact Steve Farwig ’75, director of major and planned gifts, at 414.540.3333 or sfarwig@usmk12.org. Please also visit www.usmk12.org/plannedgiving to learn more.

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USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

Our School is enhanced every year thanks to the culture of generosity cultivated by our parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and other friends, and your gift supports all of the things we love about our School!

To learn more about the USM Fund and how your gifts help power the School, visit www.usmk12.org/usmfund.

Conquering the Game of Risk: Gus Fuldner ’00

class notes THE FOLLOWING PAGES INCLUDE NEWS AND NOTES SUBMITTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2016.

To submit a class note: Email your news to alumni@usmk12.org

40s

SUE GRAHAM MINGUS

MDS’48

just celebrated the 8th-annual Charles Mingus High School Competition and Festival at Manhattan School of Music, in NYC. The Festival is a three-day event which draws students from schools around the country who perform Mingus music. It culminates with a performance of selected students “sitting in” with the Mingus Big Band at its weekly Monday night engagement at Jazz Standard.

Whether facing the Fed Challenge as a USM student or tackling global issues as a member of the Uber executive team, Gus Fuldner ’00 has always relished solving complex problems. Fuldner, a senior director and global head of insurance with Uber, a ridesharing app that provides transportation to users in nearly 500 cities in the U.S. and abroad, has helped pass more than 40 state laws and changed regulations in many other countries that have allowed each Uber ride to be insured. As a result of his efforts, Fuldner was named Business Insurance’s 2016 Risk Manager of the Year.

“When we started at Uber, the concept of ridesharing was still pretty new, so there wasn’t legislation governing the process, nor products for the market,” Fuldner said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be here on the front lines reshaping both the transportation and insurance industries.”

Fuldner’s passion for solving complex problems was cultivated at USM, where he was challenged as a student and in extracurricular activities such as the Fed Challenge and Academic Decathlon. Fuldner credits USM’s senior speech program for providing a “running start” for his ability to effectively communicate in front of regulators and at industry conferences, and cited former Upper School math teacher Tom Bergen and former history teacher and Fed Challenge coach John “J.S.” Stephens as influential in his development as a thinker and problem-solver. He remembered Bergen as a teacher who “always pushed for his students to master the concepts instead of memorizing formulas,” and Stephens, who “used current events and real-world examples to bring the theoretical part of economics come to life.”

After graduating USM in 2000, Fuldner matriculated to Yale University, where he double-majored in economics and computer science and turned his professional focus to

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USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

Gus Fuldner ’00

50s

60s

80s

’69

’84

is a member of the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, the last mandolin orchestra in the world. Ruppa, who has an MA in music history/theory, gives banjo, guitar,

is working with her literary agent to edit “Vanished”, her Young Adult Thriller, to ready it for submittal to editors at publishing houses. It took two years of writing (this manuscript anyway), 89 query letters sent over 14 months, four re-writes, 19 full manuscript requests, 57 rejections, and one offer!

PAUL RUPPA

and mandolin lessons.

70s

MIKE WILLIAMS

’70

JENNIFER ELLS CHOU

ELISA THARPS BASNIGHT

’87

F.R. DENGEL

the payments industry. Fuldner worked for Higher One, a payments industry startup, and McKinsey & Company, where he gained international business experience serving as a consultant in New York City and Hong Kong. Fuldner then earned his MBA from the Stanford Business School in 2011 and became a venture capitalist at Benchmark Capital, a major firm in the San Francisco Bay Area that was an early investor in current thriving business such as Twitter, SnapChat, Yelp, and Uber, which he joined in 2013.

Moving forward, Fuldner sees himself continuing to serve as he always has—as an elite problem-solver.

“I want to keep learning and solving complex problems,” Fuldner said. “I didn’t expect to be in the insurance industry, but whether I’m working insurance or something totally unrelated, albeit likely in the technology world, I anticipate that I’ll continue to seek out complex problems to solve.”

(DECEASED) MUS’53

was honored by the Village of Fox Point for his service to his community and country as Fox Point Village President (1984 – 1990), Village Trustee (1975 – 1984) and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. A new flagpole located at Fox Point’s Longacre Pavilion was dedicated in his memory on June 12. Attending were his wife Mary; sons F.R. III ’83 (Kate) and Bob ‘85; and grandchildren Abigail ‘27 and F.R. IV ’28. Dengel served on USM’s Board of Trustees in the 1980s, along with the boards of numerous organizations in the Milwaukee area.

was recently honored by the USM Alumni Association as the recipient of the 2016 Alumni Service Award. Williams was recognized for his service as a current member of the USM Board of Trustees and Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and as a former class agent, reunion chair, Annual Giving Program volunteer, and President of the USM Alumni Association.

Williams has had the privilege of being a student, an alum, and a parent at USM, and notes that receiving this award is evidence that he is making progress in giving something back to the School.

joined the U.S. Mint’s leadership team in January and will serve as the Chief of Staff. In her role, Basnight facilitates collaboration within the U.S. Mint and external stakeholders; reviews policies that involve bureau-wide interests and scope; and leads cross-departmental initiatives addressing key strategic priorities. In her previous Presidential appointment, she served the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Director of the Center for Women Veterans, where she was the primary advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on programs and issues related to women veterans.

Basnight is also the founder of Girls Action Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping girls maximize their potential through exposure to career and educational options.

21

In Memoriam LINDSAY STEVENS GARDNER

’89

organized Rock the Green, a festival with live music and food trucks in celebration of Earth Day on April 22 on the downtown Milwaukee Riverwalk. Rock the Green is a Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to raising local awareness about environmental issues. The event recognized government and business leaders in the Milwaukee area for implementing sustainability efforts in Milwaukee. Speakers included Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; Matt Howard, director of the Alliance for Water Stewardship at The Water Council; and Gardner. The event took place on a bicycle-powered stage, and Milwaukee musician Evan Christian put on a show.

90s

LAFAYETTE CRUMP

’91

The Milwaukee Bucks recently announced that they will retain Prism Technical Management, led by Crump as Chief Operating Officer, to assist in meeting their workforce development goals for construction of the Bucks’ new downtown arena.

00s

DAVID-ANDREW WALLACH

’03

released his first solo album, “Time Machine,” on Capitol’s Harvest Records label in October 2015. Wallach, who learned to play the piano for his solo debut, describes “Time Machine” as his attempt to make straight-forward songs that focus on the melody and lyrics.

22

USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

Following the release of “Time Machine,” Wallach announced that he had partnered with prominent venture capitalists to create Inevitable Ventures, an investment fund that seeks to support entrepreneurs who are expanding the possibilities of human life through the creative application of technology. Now based in Los Angeles, Wallach spent four years as the official artist in residence for the digital music service Spotify—a role in which he worked alongside members of the Spotify team to collaborate, share ideas, and develop resources for artists. Beyond the music industry, Wallach has invested in and advised other start-up technology companies, and will also make his acting debut alongside Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in “La La Land,” scheduled for release in July 2016.

10s

BROOKE HOPKINS

University School of Milwaukee wishes to acknowledge and celebrate

’14

the lives of our dearly departed alumni and friends. We thank them

received an Adobe Research Women-In-Technology Scholarship Honorable Mention. The Scholarship Honorable Mention award consists of a $2,000 award; a Creative Cloud subscription membership for one year; and an Adobe Research mentor.

Hopkins currently attends New York University–Abu Dhabi.

for enriching our lives throughout their friendship.

ANGELA ARENSMEIER

’15

a student at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, has achieved academic ranking in the top two percent of students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

LAUREN LAUFMAN-WOLLITZER

’15

KABIR GUPTA

’11

completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Southern California in May 2016 and will be joining Amazon in Seattle as a Software Development Engineer.

MAHIN KHAN

’11

graduated with distinction from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a Bachelor of Science in gender and women’s studies.

received a $4,000 grant from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Housing WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) learning community to work in Professor Cary Forest’s lab to further the understanding of shock formation, propagation, and dissipation in astrophysical plasmas. Laufman-Wollitzer will build a compact toroid injector to accomplish the experiments, and also made the Dean’s List in fall 2015.

1930s

1960s

Margaret Banta Humleker

Richard C. Bennett

Nancy Liginger Browne

J. Carroll Kieckhefer

MDS’37 June 14, 2016 Fond du Lac, Wis.

MUS’41 April 22, 2016 San Luis Obispo, Calif.

MDS’45 June 5, 2016 Milwaukee

’65 April 20, 2016 Grafton, Wis.

Jerome J. Hargarten

Charles A. Gutenkunst III

MUS’43 May 11, 2016 San Diego

MCDS’46 June 22, 2016 Hartland, Wis.

John J. Hoff

Polly Gotfredson Rabion

MCDS’43 May 31, 2016 Milwaukee

MDS’46 February 20, 2016 Whitefish Bay, Wis.

Robert M. Ingold

Fredric G. Schneider

MUS’43 April 20, 2016 Aurora, Colo.

MCDS’46 April 1, 2016 Mequon, Wis.

1940s Harold E. De Bona MUS’40 March 18, 2016 Dorset, Vt.

Jane Severns Vogt MDS’40 November 9, 2015 Canton, Ga.

Joanne Creager Waterman Leland C. Johnson MCDS’45 passed away on May 20, 2016 at the age of 88. Johnson joined the Marines the day after he graduated from Milwaukee Country Day School at age 17 and served in World War II. Upon his return, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an engineer and joined the family business, which at that time had been producing sand castings in a foundry on Milwaukee’s south side. Johnson was the owner, president, and CEO of Johnson Brass and Machine Foundry Inc. (also known as Johnson Centrifugal Technology) for more than 30 years, and under his leadership, the company moved to Saukville, Wis. where he modernized the manufacturing process, greatly increased productivity, and ensured the success of the company as it transitioned to a fourth generation of family ownership.

While engaged in numerous civic, political, social, and athletic endeavors throughout his life, Johnson’s family was his central focus.

He especially relished his roles as grandfather, mentor, college advisor, chief fan at sporting events, and golfing buddy. As a result of Johnson and his family’s generosity to USM, the Johnson Family Fund was endowed in 1993 to support the School’s athletic department. Johnson enjoyed reconnecting with his MCDS classmates during their annual December lunch.

Johnson was preceded in death by his wife Gloria and is survived by his brother Llewellyn Johnson MCDS’49; sister Blanche Johnson Ervin; children Renee Johnson Tyson ’70, Lance Johnson ’79, and Kevin Johnson; and his seven grandchildren Taylor Tyson Haywood ’02, Ben Tyson ’03, Amanda Johnson ’12, Robinette Johnson ’16, Mia Johnson ’20, Olivia Johnson, and Mark Johnson. Gifts made in his memory may be made to University School of Milwaukee.

MDS’46 March 16, 2016 Surprise, Ariz.

James F. Kuether MUS’49 April 23, 2016 Oostburg, Wis.

Elise Tiernan Meyer MDS’49 June 28, 2016 Milwaukee

1970s Martha H. Roper ’70 June 28, 2016 New Haven, Conn.

Douglas O. Kloppenburg ‘75 June 26, 2016 Malvern, Penn.

1990s Michael Mayerson ’98 March 3, 2016 Milwaukee

2010s Isabel Denning ’13 April 24, 2016 Madison, Wis.

1950s

Friends

Hugh R. Teweles

Sue Anne Banaszak

MCDS’50 March 6, 2016 Glendale, Wis.

Natalie Meyer McKenzie

Grandmother of Sophia ’18 and Sebastian ’20 May 12, 2016 Milwaukee

MDS’54 June 16, 2016 Arlington Heights, Ill.

Mary Ellen Johnston Birckhead MDS’55 March 19, 2016 Milwaukee

Ruth Sauerteig Nobis MDS’57 December 28, 2015 Fort Wayne, Ind.

Updated as of July 1, 2016.

Lilian Jochmann ’22

Shines as Scholastic News Kid Reporter “It was a big day for me,” Jochmann said. “It took a lot of courage to walk up to people and interview them in that environment. But the experience really gave me more confidence as a reporter.”

The following morning, Jochmann answered an early 4:30 a.m. alarm bell and attended a taping of the TODAY show live from the West End Architectural Salvage, a furniture shop that had been converted into a TV set for the occasion. There, she received a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the show on the critically important caucus day and had the opportunity to interview several political and media luminaries, including Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Sarah Palin, and Lester Holt. Of all her interview subjects, Jochmann most enjoyed her discussion with Holt, who marveled at the maturity of the young journalist.

Lillian Jochmann ’22

While she cannot officially vote for President until 2024, Lillian Jochmann ’22 found herself at the epicenter of the 2016 presidential primaries through her exciting role as a Scholastic News Press Corps member.

Selected as one of 35 Scholastic News student reporters ages 10-14 from across the country, Jochmann has produced several articles in her role as a press corps member. However, her most high-profile reporting opportunity came in February, when Jochmann was sent to cover the 2016 Iowa Presidential Caucus. It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the young journalist, who began her coverage by attending a rally for Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton at Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa. After passing through the Secret Service security screening, Jochmann interviewed several campaign volunteers and Clinton supporters before taking in a 40-minute speech from the former First Lady and Secretary of State.

24

USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

It was a big day for me. It took a lot of courage to walk up to people and interview them in that environment. But the experience really gave me more confidence as a reporter.

“That was kind of special, to get a compliment from a famous journalist like that,” Jochmann said.

Jochmann concluded her coverage later that evening at Urbandale High School, a caucus site just outside of Des Moines, where she spoke with voters and viewed the Republican caucus in the school’s community room.

Advocates for each candidate spoke to the assembled crowd on their behalf before ballots were cast and organized by volunteers. In her article, Jochmann noted how her experience covering the caucuses made her realize how lucky we are as a country to be able to pick our leaders.

Jochmann developed an early interest in writing when she was 10, submitting a series of travel articles to the online publication Newsmatic as she made her way through Europe and South America with her family.

She later caught wind of the Scholastic News Press Corps opportunity, and jumped at the chance to work as a student reporter.

It was incredibly cool to be part of this history-making convention, and to help show kids how and why politics matter to them.

In addition to her political coverage, Jochmann has penned several other articles for the publication, including items on a young girl whose life has been changed through the development of 3D prosthetics; Girls Who Code, a program that encourages young girls to pursue knowledge in computer programming languages; and a conversation with superstar country music recording artist Tim McGraw.

However, her dream assignment came true over the summer, when Jochmann traveled to Cleveland to cover the Republican National Convention in July.

NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt with Jochmann.

“It was incredibly cool to be part of this history-making convention, and to help show kids how and why politics matter to them.”

Jochmann will continue on as a member of the Scholastic News Press Corps through the end of 2016, and she hopes to stay on as a member through 2017. She currently aspires to be a television journalist, and would one day love to join Matt Lauer on the Today Show.

Jochmann interviewing the TODAY show host Matt Lauer.

“You have to wake up really early, but then you have the rest of your day,” Jochmann said.

To view Jochmann’s work as a Scholastic News Kid Reporter, visit kpcnotebook.scholastic.com/user/204.

25

2016 Intel ISEF Participants Anshul Bhatnagar ’17 – “Development of a Computational Method for Rapid Identification of Organic Molecules for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion”

Daniel Glazer ’17 – “Galaxy Clusters, New Discoveries to Fill in the Gaps” Arundhati Pillai ’17 – “Next Generation Surgical Tool Using ThreeDimensional (3D) Printing for Cerebral Aneurysm Treatment”

A TRADITION OF SUCCESS

Nabeel Quryshi ’18 – “Chemotherapeutic Induced Cellular Death (Apoptosis/Necrosis) Inhibition/Restoration of Microvascular Vasodilatory Function through Telomerase Modulation”

INSIDE THE INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

Candace Walther ’17 – “Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophages Effective at Killing Enterococcus Faecalis”

Each year, millions of high school students complete and present science

After progressing through the Upper School Science Fair in February,

fair projects worldwide, of which the top 1,700 from 77 countries compete at

and the Badger State Science and Engineering Fair in March, the very

the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for over $3 million

best projects qualify for Intel ISEF each May.

in awards and prizes. This year, five University School of Milwaukee Upper

The week of Intel ISEF is a grueling one for participating scientists, who

School students represented the Wildcats at Intel ISEF in Phoenix, with two

must present and defend their work before a group of scientists with Ph.D.s

students earning prestigious awards for their exemplary work.

before they engage in a public project viewing. USM finalists were also inter-

Since 2003, 14 USM students have earned a total of 20 ISEF awards,

viewed for a documentary by USM alumna and former Intel ISEF award

representing a staggering amount of success for one school. However,

recipient Cristina Costantini ’07, which is in the early stages of production

the showing was not a surprise to Upper School Science Teachers Robert

and slated for a late-2017 release.

Heun and Robert Juranitch, who have helped build a strong foundation

Translating hours of research and scientific method can be a challenging

of success for Upper School scientists, beginning in 9th grade.

From Left Daniel Glazer ’17, Candace Walther ’17, Arundhati Pillai ’17, Nabeel Quryshi ’18, and Anshul Bhatnagar ’17 at Intel ISEF in Phoenix.

Each project begins as a passionate idea conceived by each student, followed by hours of research, trial and error, and consultation with mentors who are experts in their given scientific fields.

“In order to build any successful program, students need the opportunity

Arundhati Pillai ’17 qualified for Intel ISEF for the second time in 2016, following her passion for biomedical engineering to help develop a surgical tool using 3D

develop ownership of their projects from the very beginning,” Heun said.

printers to treat cerebral aneurysms. Inspired by her

“That ownership really represents well with judges during the competition

father’s work in mechanical engineering, Pillai’s

stages, because they can sense that our students know and understand

work utilizes principles of both engineering fields

each aspect of their topics.”

and explores ways to use new technologies in the

ultimately on students to facilitate and build those valuable relationships.

“We try to plant the seeds and set students up for success, but how those relationships grow, and where they go, is up to them,” Juranitch said.

Heun estimates that each participating student puts in between 200

mock presentations prior to the fairs.

“The key is to keep it as simple as possible and practice until the verbiage

to develop and build upon their success. It is important for our students to

Heun and Juranitch work to pair students with mentors but the onus is

proposition for students, who engage in countless prep interviews and

health sciences.

“The implementation of 3D printing and how it can impact the medical field is really interesting to me,” Pillai

becomes second nature,” Anshul Bhatnagar ’17 said.

Bhatnagar, who was also a second-time Intel ISEF qualifier in 2016, practiced his presentation tirelessly with his brother and parents in preparation for ISEF, reasoning that if he could explain his project clearly enough for them to understand and support his work, he would be ready to present to and win over the Fair’s judges. He also noted that his preparation has helped him in other academic areas.

“I’ve developed so many other skills through my preparation for Intel ISEF,” Bhatnagar said. “It’s really been a great experience.”

said. “Through my exploration and research, I was able to focus my project on creating a surgical tool capable

If you are interested in becoming a USM Science Fair mentor or a judge

of treating a health issue.”

for the 2017 USM Science Fair, contact Upper School science teacher

and 400 hours of work on their science fair projects as an extracurricular

Robert Juranitch at 414.540.3448 or rjuranitch@usmk12.org for additional

activity, an enormous commitment that demonstrates the level of passion

information.

that each participating student displays for their work.

26

USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

27

let’s start a business! economics in senior kindergarten

BY ANDREA STOECKL BURLEW ’93

Each year, my USM senior kindergarteners take part in an in-depth economics unit before spring break. We kick off the unit by researching the following questions: What is a business? What kinds of businesses do our students already know? Our students are then told they are going to start their own business in our classrooms, which is met with excitement and wonder. How are we going to do this?

The businesses take multiple weeks to develop. Students create a name and logo, choose which signs are needed to display in their business and decide how to advertise their products. Lists of products are brainstormed and narrowed down in order to start creating the products to be sold. Production begins in each classroom so there are enough products to be sold. It is decided if the class will be wearing uniforms or not, and if so, what will those uniforms look like.

As a class, we brainstorm to create lists and generate ideas before voting as a means to decide what ideas to pursue. Once a list of possible businesses is created, each class votes to decide which business they want to start. Students then visit a local business similar to the one voted upon to ask questions and research their business model. We go as a class to the business, clipboards and questions in hand, reading to learn all about what it is like to open and run a business.

Once signs, products, and final details are in place, the senior kindergarten businesses are ready to open to the “public.” We invite our other classmates, 3rd–grade buddies, faculty and staff, and our families to enjoy the senior kindergarten businesses. Businesses from this year’s economics unit included Sweet Treats, a candy shop modeled after Amy’s Candy Kitchen in Cedarburg, Wis.; the Cupcake Factory, which began as a an idea to start a restaurant modeled after Jose’s Blue Sombrero; Let’s Play, a toy store modeled after The Learning Shop; and the Ice Cream Factory, modeled after The Chocolate Factory.

After gathering all our information, we are ready to begin developing our businesses. While developing the business in each classroom, students are also taught many key economic terms such as needs, wants, goods, services, saving, spending, producers, and consumers.

Students earn “Wildcat Bucks” for the class bank to be used for start-up money for needed supplies, and for when they visit the other senior kindergarten businesses.

Students also learn how to earn their paychecks, and go to the bank to cash their checks.

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Overall, our students relished the opportunity to create their own businesses and share what they learned with the USM community!

Andrea Stoeckl Burlew ’93 is a senior kindergarten teacher and the varsity field hockey coach at USM.

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Students Pursue Passions Through Capstone Projects While most educators associate Capstone experiences with college-level coursework, USM students across all three divisions presented an impressive array of Tower Projects this spring based on their own passions and interests.

The idea, initiated by USM’s Strategic Plan and spurred by a 2015 visit to the Capstone Consortium at the Summer Summit, held at the Thacher School in Ojai, Calif. last summer, was to create and administer student-centered, teacher-mentored, and school-supported experiential learning opportunities inspired by the passion and creativity of participating USM students. As a result of a USM Think Big development grant, four teachers—Laura Blanchet from Lower School; Laurie Walczak from Middle School; and Kate Gay and Rebecca Schwartz from Upper School—attended the Summit and spearheaded the development of the program at USM, which is uniquely offered to students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grade.

“By the time we left the Summit, we knew exactly what we wanted to do,” Schwartz said. “Our team already had a plan in place for all three levels that we were psyched about by the time we arrived back on campus.”

The group outlined several key project components that were important to incorporate across all divisions. While the overall presentation approach varied slightly by division, the central elements of free choice, documented research, mentorship, reflection, and a final public exhibition allowed students from each grade level to engage in the Capstone experience.

Lower School students presented their Tower Projects during an exhibition evening on April 26, where they presented on their topics of interest to members of the USM community. The focus for 4th-grade students was to practice and develop key skills while pursing topics of passion and excitement.

Students engaged with both on and off-campus mentors on their projects in subject areas that ranged from creating robots and other physical items, to websites, creative stories, and original artwork.

Many students also incorporated service elements into their projects, opting to raise awareness and money for causes such as the Children’s Hospital, the Wisconsin Humane Society, and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, among others.

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Throughout the course of their projects, students honed their time management, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills as they prepared for their exhibitions. By the end of their Capstone experiences, students displayed a breadth and scope of knowledge in their topic areas well beyond their years.

“Our students worked hard to be taken seriously as experts in their chosen fields,” Blanchet said. “From mentors to parents and administrators, many remarked that the poise and level of knowledge from presenting students was exceptional. The kids were bursting with pride after their exhibitions.”

More than 20 8th-grade students pursued extremely diverse Tower Projects as individuals, tandems, and groups of three, with their work culminating with presentations to the USM community on May 3.

Students worked on semester or year-long projects of their own design, connected to in-school and out-of-school mentors, shared research and conclusions, and presented their work at a mid-term EdCafe and a year-end roundtable assembly.

Modeled after Google’s “Genius Hour” projects that encouraged employees to set aside time each week to examine, develop, and pursue areas of particular interest, 8th-grade students completed projects that ranged from the creation of headphones, do-it-yourself furniture, drones, and apparel lines, to idea-based projects that included ways to support Milwaukee veterans, help Lower School students better transition to Middle School, and educate the community on vegan culture.

“We saw our students really shine and showcase skills that we might not have otherwise seen in the classroom,” Walczak said.

Upper School students followed similar parameters within their year-long Tower Projects, culminating with the delivery of a

30-minute “TED Talk” to an audience of USM community members on April 18.

Students executed college-level research work in collaboration with expert mentors in subject areas that explored complex topics and issues in the worlds of science, education, music, and culture.

“The beauty of this program is that each student is stretched and challenged,” Gay said. “Students are motivated to dig deep because they care about the subject matter.”

While a few minor tweaks may be in order for the 2016-2017 program, USM’s inaugural Capstone projects were a big hit across all three divisions thanks to the passion, dedication, and effort exemplified by all participating faculty and staff members, outside mentors, and especially the students.

“The perseverance, resilience, and flexibility of participating students amazed us all.” Blanchet said. “The way that the Tower Projects allow each student to truly learn and pursue what is important to them while also building their abilities to collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate with others is a strength of the program.”

After having the opportunity to view this year’s projects, expectations and interest levels are on the rise as the program is poised to grow in 2016-2017.

“As word gets out on these projects, I think that more and more students will be motivated to participate,” Gay said. “It’s harder than a class, but it’s also far more rewarding because students truly care about their projects, they drive them, and it’s authentic.”

Strategic Plan Capstone Committee Thanks to the hard work of the Strategic Plan Capstone Committee, USM’s Tower Projects evolved from an idea to reality across all three divisions. A special thanks to the following faculty, staff and USM community members: Judy Clegg, Francine Eppelsheimer, Kate Gay (co-chair), Robert Juranitch, Laura Klein, Robin Miller, Tom Mussoline, Hannah Reimer, Rebecca Schwartz, Bonnie Seidel, Mimi Singer, Greg Smith, Kelley Sovol, Patrick Tevlin, Laurie Walczak (co-chair), and Ben Zarwell.

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Three Members of USM Lacrosse Earn All-State Honors

A New Online Home for USM Athletics

Congratulations to three members of the USM Lacrosse team who earned honors from the Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation (WLF). Daryl Perry ’16 and Brook Uihlein ’18 were named to the WLF All-State First Team, and Alex Ventress ’17 was named as an Honorable Mention.

Launched this spring, the new University School of Milwaukee athletics website makes following the Wildcats easier than ever. The new, updated www.usmathletics.org site is now home to all USM athletic schedules, team rosters, game summaries, social media content, and other athletic information.

Additionally, Perry was one of four Wisconsin players named to the U.S. Lacrosse All-American team. The Wildcats advanced to the state semifinals in 2016 and finished a successful campaign with a 15-4 record.

“Our new website gives us a fresh look online, syncs directly with our athletic schedules, and will allow visitors to access schedules, articles, and all content related to USM Athletics in one place,” USM Director of Athletics Luke Houdek said.

Some additional site features include a new scoreboard “ticker” along the top of the home page, and clear and easy access to content regarding the Wildcat Booster Club, Milwaukee Winter Club Youth Hockey, the Junior Wildcat (Middle School) Athletic Program, and the USM Athletic Hall of Fame.

Check out the new site today at www.usmathletics.org.

l a r u g u a n I e RSVP for th f o l l a H c i t e l h t US M A n o i t c u d n I e m Fa y a d o T y n o m e r Ce

Strains Tabbed to Lead Varsity Girls Basketball Following a successful run as USM’s 8th-grade girls’ basketball coach, Jason Strains has been named as the new girls’ basketball varsity head coach. Strains served as USM’s 8th-grade girls’ basketball coach for the past four years, with the team making three consecutive trips to the Padre Serra Tournament. He has coached basketball at various levels for nine years, and also teaches math in USM’s Middle School.

“University School of Milwaukee is excited to have Jason Strains take over the girls’ basketball program,” said USM Director of Athletics Luke Houdek. “As a teacher at USM, Jason is on campus daily, has a strong rapport with the girls on the team, and understands the USM community. His passion, energy, and commitment to girls’ basketball is evident, and we are excited to see him in this new role.”

Daryl Perry ’16

Jason Strains

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USM TODAY | SPRING 2016

33

A Fond Farewell to This Year’s Retirees entire 2nd-grade community at Camp Minikani, developed the Milwaukee Trip with 4th-grade teachers, coordinated countless artist-in-residence projects, visited schools in New York, Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Ghana, and traveled to Paris on a USM Think Big grant.

Geniusz was awarded the first Wright Family Faculty Excellence Award in 1992 and became the Uihlein Fine Arts Chair a few years later. He also headed the Faculty/ Staff Action Committee for two separate two-year terms.

He has greatly enjoyed being at USM all those years.

By our rough count, more than 2,000 students have been introduced to a formal art class by Geniusz, also sharing in his joy and knowledge of trains.

Edie Lounsberry After 12 years of service to USM as the Middle School administrative assistant, Edie Lounsberry has elected to retire.

From Left Edie Lounsberry, Lori VanderVelde, Rebecca Schwartz, Bob Geniusz, Patricia Ziegelbauer, and Kathy Choren at the 2016 USM Retirement Celebration on Thursday, June 2 in the Marion and Verne Read Lower School Gymnasium.

Kathy Choren Kathy Choren devoted nearly 31 years of her educational expertise to University School of Milwaukee, and is retiring following 40 years in education.

Choren taught for nine years in the Glendale-River Hills School District, before beginning her career at USM in 1985. Over her first 15 years with the School, she served as a junior kindergarten, 1st-grade, 3rd-grade, and 5th-grade teacher. In 2000, she moved into Lower School administration, where she served for 16 years, and also oversaw the After School Program, which has continued to grow for many years.

Through all of her positions, she has touched the lives of hundreds of students and shared her expert advice with many more parents. Choren’s calm and quiet manner has helped assure many a teacher, student, and parent that all is (or very soon will be!) well. A skilled professional

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in Preprimary and Lower School pedagogy, she has also mentored many teachers to help them be the best that they can be.

USM is grateful that Choren chose to share her so much of her professional life with the School, enriching our students’ and teachers’ lives and moving our School and our mission forward in so many ways.

Bob Geniusz Following 27 years of service to University School of Milwaukee as the Lower School art teacher, Bob Geniusz announced his retirement.

Geniusz attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and graduated with an art degree. During his time at USM, Geniusz has been a part of many activities that motivated students to learn about art, its history, and its ties to Milwaukee. Bob was a part of making wigwams with the

Lounsberry has excelled at all aspects of her position, serving as the first welcoming presence that students, faculty, parents, and visitors encounter when they enter the office. Lounsberry’s great worth has been recognized during her time at USM with the Audrey Arndt Award and the Wright Technology Award.

On behalf of the Middle School faculty and USM, we thank Lounsberry for all she has done for the School, and all that she has meant to each of us, and we wish her well in her retirement.

Patricia Ziegelbauer After nine years of service to University School of Milwaukee as the Lower School science coordinator, Patricia Ziegelbauer announced her retirement from the School.

Ziegelbauer has been an educator for the past 45 years, teaching high school on the east coast before moving to Wisconsin, where she taught middle school science, math, and English prior to joining USM in 2007. During her tenure at USM, Ziegelbauer served as the Lower School Science Coordinator and Department Chairperson and established

an exemplary science lab for Lower School students.

Additionally, Ziegelbauer was instrumental in developing labs that encourage and support experiential, inquiry-based, hands-on learning at every level.

After retirement, Pat and her husband of almost 44 years will travel more, especially to warm places with white sand beaches. And, of course, they will enjoy spending time with their children and six grandchildren.

Rebecca Schwartz After 14 years of faithful service to USM’s Upper School as an English teacher, Rebecca Schwartz is retiring. Throughout her years at USM—in her office, in her classrooms, with students, advisees, and all of her peers—she is grateful to have worked with such wonderful and inspiring students, and such generous and creative colleagues.

Every single day, she was taught or reminded of something important: to be patient, to laugh, to take the long view, and to love our students, sometimes in spite of themselves. She will be greatly missed for her contributions to the School.

Lori VanderVelde After 22 years, of teaching reading and writing to 10- and 11-year-old USM students, Lori VanderVelde has elected to retire. Her contributions as a teacher guiding students through their age of wonder, and her work with the Sunshine Fund, a school organization that reaches out to faculty and staff members during times of need, will be sincerely missed.

VanderVelde will miss the beautiful School and grounds which have greeted her, and her colleagues who “go to the mat” for their students. She looks forward to doing cartwheels with her grandkids, farming with her family, traveling both near and far, reading paperback books until her eyes are sore, making movies for the Cannes Film Festival, learning everything she can, and who knows, perhaps even teaching again some day!

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a look back

a look ahead

REFLECTING ON 31 YEARS AT USM

UPCOMING EVENTS THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2016

29 The professional development available to teachers at USM is stellar.

Substantial budgets in each division support ongoing high-quality professional development that deepens teachers’ content knowledge and skills. In addition, several generously endowed grants fund experiences and learning opportunities that employees in other places can only dream of.

Kathy Choren

After 31 years in Lower School, the biggest change I have seen at USM is the number of resources that are available to faculty and staff. In 1985, there were three telephones in the Lower School; one in the nurse’s office, one in the Lower School office, and one in the preprimary workroom. My junior kindergarten teaching partner and I were responsible for answering the preprimary phone, and with the many different types of calls we received, the term “don’t kill the messenger” took on a whole new meaning for us!

Classrooms were outfitted in a hodgepodge of furniture and supplies. Many items were brought from a teacher’s home, donated by parents, or were well-used pieces from predecessor schools, and each classroom looked different.

Formal curriculum was not documented, and teachers often taught what they were passionate about—particularly in the areas of social studies and science. Little thought was given to how the curriculum evolved across divisions, and professional development opportunities were sparse.

Today, the resources available are exemplary. USM has embraced technology, as desktop computers (and phones in every classroom!), designated computer labs, and multiple computer carts evolved to a highly effective 1:1 technology program starting in grade three.

The curriculum is finely tuned. The school’s Curriculum And Review Process (C.A.R.P.) systematically examines curriculum across divisions and is responsible for updating curriculum in every area. Instructional research is thoughtfully and thoroughly done.

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aug

Opening Day

Lower School Back-to-School Night

Parents’ Association Annual Back-to-School Coffee

8

31 Parents’ Association Open House

Happily, there are many things that have never changed at USM. What attracted teachers to USM decades ago continues to attract teachers today. There is a shared, School-wide approach to pedagogy, and a culture of learning and creativity persists within the School.

Teachers feel supported and appreciated by their colleagues. The ability to lead is not reserved for just a few, but available to all those with passion and purpose. Throughout the School, adults know the children well and look out for them, and there is a sense of community among all employees that creates a welcoming atmosphere.

However, the essence of USM is not the beautiful buildings and landscape, the abundant supplies, or the professional development opportunities. While enhanced resources have added to the environment, the real resources here have always been the people who work here. The vision that faculty and staff have for students, the polite interactions between everyone, and the expectation for both adults and students to be their best in every way is the core of the school.

Being in education for forty years has been very satisfying, and working at USM has been the highlight of my professional life.

Kathy Choren has served as the Assistant Head of Lower School since 2004, and is retiring after 31 years as a teacher and administrator at USM.

7

sep

Upper School Back-to-School Night

15 Middle School Back-to-School Night

24 Middle School Junior Wildcat Jamboree

30 All-School Homecoming Pep Rally/BBQ

1

oct

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

6 USM Legacy Photo and Reception

26 Holiday Shops Preview Party

27-29 Holiday Shops

31 Masquerade March

You’re Invited!

Be sure to join us for Homecoming 2016 September 30- October 1.

Visit www.usmk12.org/homecoming for additional event information this summer!

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2100 West Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Entrepreneurial students put their innovation skills to work in the German-English Academy’s (GEA) manual training workshop in 1909.

GEA’s name was changed in 1917 to Milwaukee University School, which in 1964 merged with Milwaukee Country Day School and Milwaukee Downer Seminary to form University School of Milwaukee.