Spring 2021—Greetings Magazine

Wayland Academy

G R EE TI NGS SPRING 2021

Defining Dedication

AFTER 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO WAYLAND, CRAIG H`06 AND JUDY H`08 HILL BID FAREWELL TO THE ACADEMY. pg 12

10 16 26

TRADITION

Wayland Athletics STUDENT LIFE

Living through the Pandemic ALUMNI

Alumni You Should Know

Wayland Academy

IN THIS ISSUE

GR EE TI NGS Wayland Academy Greetings, June 2021 The Oldest Alumni Publication in America wayland.org/greetings

Greetings is published for the alumni, parents, students, friends, and staff of Wayland Academy. We welcome letters concerning the content of this magazine and/or issues relating to the Academy. Letters must be signed and we ask that you include your address and daytime number for verification purposes. The editorial staff retains the right to edit at their discretion. Send correspondence to:

PAG E 9

Admissions: Recruiting During a Pandemic

Greetings Editor, Wayland Academy 101 North University Avenue Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Or email the Editor at: greetings@wayland.org

PAG E 1 8

Recognizing the Class of 2021

Jason Warnick Head of School jwarnick@wayland.org

contributors Crystal Verran Editor, Director of Marketing and Communications cverran@wayland.org Linda Fischer H`92 Copy Editor Faculty Emerita Judy L. Hill H`08 Director of Advancement jhill@wayland.org Justin Behm Photographer, Fine Arts Co-Chair jbehm@wayland.org

Kelly Neuert H`17 Director of Donor Relations kneuert@wayland.org Tyler Ratajczak Director of Major and Planned Giving tratajczak@wayland.org Amanda Zopp Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement azopp@wayland.org

Ariel Esser arielesser@gmail.com

contributors who are noted with bylines in this edition. Their contributions are invaluable in creating this magazine.

on the cover Craig H`06 and Judy H`08 Hill on the Wayland campus, near Roundy Hall ( Justin Behm photo)

Greetings

Virtual Gatherings

design & illustration

special thanks to our many field reporters and special

2

PAG E 2 4

PAG E 2 8

Alumni News & Notes

GREETINGS GREETING

W

this has been. While we could never have imagined such challenges, changes, and opportunities, it is not a surprise that the Wayland Academy community met the 2020-2021 school year head-on. Through the commitment and resilience of our students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees, and friends, Wayland Academy rose to the occasion. The pursuit of knowledge and the development of character in a community built on compassion and respect—this is the Wayland way. hat a year

The strength of our community was on full display as we navigated our “new normal.” Wayland traditions like Chapel, Assembly, alumni gatherings, musicals, Spring Gala & Auction, athletics, Prom, and most importantly Commencement, took on new meaning and increased importance. While these traditions and celebrations looked different this year, they reminded us all that the challenges we’re facing are temporary, and that nothing can stop the Wayland Community when we stick together.

While the pandemic year brought all of us closer together, it also spurred change. It is bittersweet saying goodbye (for now) to Craig H`06 and Judy H`08 Hill, and Chef Richard H`20, as they retire from Wayland this year to embark on their next great adventure.

At small schools like Wayland, every year the community evolves and changes. Each year the school community for that particular year is new and unique.

Those of us who have been on this journey together will share a bond

Jason Warnick head of school

forever. This includes our alumni, our trustees, and all of you who have supported those of us on campus from afar. We are thankful, we are moved, and we are energized by your engagement, your thoughts, your support, and your well wishes.

Personally, I am beyond grateful to have spent my first year at Wayland alongside this administration, this faculty, and this staff. The work that these individuals have done to support, challenge, and inspire our students will never be forgotten. It has also been a gift to spend this year with such amazing students. There has not been a day this year when the morning walk from Patterson House to Roundy Hall wasn’t filled with gratitude. Our trustees have weathered every inch of this “storm” by our side, and by my side. As a result, I believe the Academy is in a position of strength as we build for the future.

While the challenges and changes of this year are real, they do not define us. Today—just as it’s been for 166 years— Wayland Academy is defined by our mission, our values, and by the inspiring lives led by our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Like so many classes before this one, the Wayland Academy class of 2021 will undoubtedly make their mark on the world that awaits them.

The optimism and passion seen in the eyes and heard in the words of our seniors is a celebration in and of itself. As we head into a much-deserved summer break—our traditions are alive and our future is bright.

Now, let’s celebrate!

Spring 2021

3

CAMPUS NEWS

Academic Competition

WAYLAND FORENSICS—A SMALL BUT MIGHTY TEAM The 2021 Wayland Forensics Team, led by Mrs. Amy Thronsen H`14, had a great year.

The team was small but mighty, with four members—Jay Clark `22, Phuc Dang `23, Vinh Nguyen `21, and Tessa Wilson-Brown `22.

They competed in several meets, often with 10–30 schools participating. Our students competed in the categories of Impromptu Speaking, Solo Serious Acting, Storytelling, and Informative Speaking. Impromptu Speaking involves the students choosing a topic that they have not seen until the time of their speech, and then they are given five (5) minutes to brainstorm on the topic and deliver a well-spoken speech on the topic. In the Solo Serious Acting category, students select a serious piece of work (a play, a story, an essay, etc.), memorize it, and then act it out without props, costumes, or sound effects. Storytellers must choose three stories on the given topics for the year, memorize them, and then tell them as if to an audience. Informative speaking is a speech category where the speech-giver informs the audience about any issue they feel is prevalent.

Jay competed in the categories of Solo Serious Acting, Storytelling, and Impromptu Speaking, winning awards during the season in both Solo Serious Acting and Storytelling. He ended the year by earning a second-place finish in Solo Serious Acting in the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association (WHSFA) state competition. Vinh competed in the Impromptu Speaking category and made it to the quarterfinal round at the WHSFA state competition. Tessa won awards for Informative Speaking and also competed in the Impromptu Speaking category. Phuc competed in the Impromptu Speaking category. We are very proud of our Forensics team and look forward to next year.

4

Greetings

01

02

03

MATH TEAM In April a group of 24 Wayland students, led by Mrs. Olga Johnson, competed in the annual Trailways Conference math meet against 11 other area schools. The team was divided into four groups—Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Advanced Math—based on which math class each student was enrolled in currently. Our team performed very well in the competition and tied for first place with Central Wisconsin Christian School. Seniors Hung Pham and Tony Pham finished first and second in Advanced Math. Sophomores Kaden Buss and Albert Ho finished in fourth and fifth place in Algebra 2.

Freshmen Ethyn Tallman and Nathan Weirough took second and third place in Algebra 1.

top left Vinh “Vincent” Nguyen `21 and Jay Clark `22 with their WHSFA awards.

01 The Math Team celebrates their Trailways Conference win at the Victory Bell.

02 The Advanced Math team student-led practice session in the Swan Library.

03 The 2021 Wayland Forensics Team

Student Life The Student Activities Board is made up of student volunteers from all grades. They plan, organize, and execute all student activities. During this pandemic year, the Student Activities Board was forced to be more creative than usual. Some highlights of their year have included ice skating on Wayland’s own outdoor rink, Wayland Trading Cards, a Winter Carnival, Valentine’s Day Student Treats, sports tournaments, and interactive online games.

Wayland Academy’s Student Council is made of elected officers and class representatives. The Student Council regularly organizes class meetings throughout the year to see how students are doing and what concerns they have. This year, the Student Council focused on the amount of homework being assigned. They also looked at student mental health and led a campaign to get students to talk to someone. They also published an information sheet with resources on how Wayland can help struggling students.

The 2021 senior class gifted the Wayland community with a Purple Robe Locust tree and hammocks. The red and black hammocks will be available for students to hang around in all over campus amongst all of our wonderful mature trees (with tree-safe straps, of course).

04

05

06

04 Wayland students enjoyed Prom outside this year under the stars and twinkling lights. Chef Richard H`20 served a wonderful meal in Pickard, which was followed by crowning of the kings and queens (2020 and 2021), and of course dancing.

05 Students enjoying a sledding trip to Crystal Lake Park. above Members of the Class of 2021 planting the Purple Robe Locust tree on campus, near University Drive, as part of their class gift to the Academy.

06 Students take to the ice to play a little hockey on Wayland’s very own outdoor ice rink—thanks to the support of the Alumni Board and the hard work of our facilities team.

04

07

07 Winter Carnival included some friendly competition between Wayland and Warren, with the prize being a Lounge-Wear Week.

The night featured half-court basketball, a football throw, hula hoop toss, (stuffed) animal catapult, sled races, bowl over the Head of School, volleyball target practice, Lego fire walk, balloon badminton, ping pong toss game, penny drop, snowball throw, Wayland ball roll, corn hole, pool noodle battle, duck races, and frisbee tic-tac-toe.

Spring 2021

5

CAMPUS NEWS

New to Wayland 2021 SWAN SCHOLAR

08 10

09

11

Arts at Wayland The Thespian Society, led by Ms. Martha Kesler H`08 and Mr. Andrew Estervig, were thrilled to be able to bring live theater back to the Lindsay stage.

08 In February they presented Working, a musical from the book by Studs Terkel (adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nino Faso, with additional contributions by Gordan Greenberg). Set in contemporary America, the show painted a vivid portrait of 26 different people from all walks of life. It illustrated how people’s relationships to their work ultimately reveal key aspects of their humanity, regardless of the job itself. The show allowed for limited people on stage, which made social distancing easier.

09 In May, Wayland theater students welcomed the audience to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. In fact, it almost doesn’t exist. The romantic comedy brought everyone together on a cold Friday night, as the northern lights hovered above Almost, Maine—where residents were falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. The cast did an amazing job performing vignettes happening at the same time all over town.

Athletics Senior Tyler Hampton signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Ohio Dominican University in the fall and was featured as the Daily Citizen’s Athlete of the Week in May. Tyler had this to say about what sports has done for him as a person, “Sports, specifically Wayland’s football team, has taught me many lessons that helped me grow as a person. It taught me how to love what I have and build with what I have accessible. Sports also taught me to have faith. Over time I have learned, if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life.” Tyler has played defensive tackle on the Wayland football team (#73, standing) for four years. At Ohio Dominican he plans to study philosophy and minor in communications.

6

Greetings

Wayland Academy is pleased to announce that Mathias Seufzer is the 18th recipient of the annual Mary Swan Scholarship. The Swan Scholarship, established in 2004 by a bequest of the late Mary Swan `25, is a renewable four-year full scholarship for a day student to attend Wayland. “Mathias impressed the scholarship committee with his dedication to the Pillars of the Academy—scholarship, faith, health, and service—a genuine curiosity that was clear from the outset,” said Josh Labove, Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid. Mathias is currently an eighth grader at St. Katherine Drexel School. His parents are Joseph and Allison Seufzer, of Beaver Dam. Mathias is looking forward to attending Wayland in the fall and studying alongside classmates from all over the world. “What draws me to Wayland are the smaller class sizes, as well as the science and art programs. I like working in small groups and interacting with my teachers. I’m very interested in robotics and biology, and, because my sister went to Wayland, I know the art program is very dynamic,” said Mathias.

10 Wayland Trustee, John B. McKinstry H`10, presents Swan Scholar, Mathias Seufzer, with a copy of The Wayland Story (Wichman, 1954) and a one-of-a-kind Wayland scarf.

The scarf was handcrafted from pieces of recycled athletic uniforms by Trustee Bethann Vaubel P`12, `14, `16 and donated by Trustee, Rosina Samadani `85.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 11 Crystal Verran joined the administrative team as the Director of Marketing and Communications in February. She comes to Wayland with more than 16 years of experience working in higher-ed marketing and communications at Michigan Technological University, in Houghton, Michigan. Crystal has a background in graphic design and marketing strategy, and served as the Director of Marketing Operations at Michigan Tech before relocating to Beaver Dam. She has a bachelor of arts degree in Scientific and Technical Communication. Crystal is married to Derrick Verran and they have two children, Zachary and Samantha.

College Counseling AT WAY L A N D students are often asked to draw a picture of what they want to be when they grow up. The results—rudimentary drawings in marker or crayon that depict scenes of a firefighter spraying water on a fire, a teacher at a whiteboard, a singer on a stage, or a wide variety of other professions. Students go through many iterations of this activity throughout their formative years until they get to high school and begin to seriously consider options for their future after high school. At Wayland, we have a college counseling team to provide guidance and support in making their decision. As a college prep school, Wayland offers a robust college counseling program that starts in ninth grade. in kindergarten

Ninth graders start their journey with group meetings and an opportunity to take a practice ACT in the spring semester. Sophomores also have group meetings and their second opportunity in the spring to take a practice ACT. We encourage ninth and tenth graders to get to know their teachers, hone their academic skills, challenge themselves where appropriate with advanced courses, try new extracurricular activities, and build on hobbies and extracurriculars they already enjoy. Students and parents also have access to Naviance College Advising, an online system that allows them to explore career information and store college information for future reference.

In December of their junior year, college counselors Ms. Liberty Bell H`14 and Ms. Linda Tyranski H`20, meet

with the juniors as a group to kick off the formal process.

Throughout their second semester juniors meet weekly with Ms. Bell and Ms. Tyranski to learn about colleges and universities, the application process, and funding.

Students then use the tools and methods presented to build their college lists. They fill out the Common App, write a draft of their personal essay, and are provided with some basic test prep. Juniors have at least two individual meetings with Ms. Bell during the spring semester, but can opt for OUR TOP PRIORITY IS more if they choose. Juniors EMPOWERING STUDENTS take the ACT in April and the SAT in May. Ms. Bell TO MAKE CHOICES THAT helps them plan their senior FIT THEIR NEEDS AND course schedule and choose GOALS IN PREPARATION two teachers to write their recommendations.

FOR THEIR FUTURE.

below Some of the schools the Class of 2021 have been accepted to attend.

College counseling during the senior year is individually tailored. Students meet as often as they wish with Ms. Bell or Ms. Tyranski. Ms. Tyranski is our essay specialist and Ms. Bell assists students in all other aspects of the application process. Students seek advice on making decisions about applying with an early decision or early action, taking additional standardized tests, choosing to apply test optional (ACT and SAT scores not required), and applying for financial aid and scholarships.

Throughout the year Ms. Bell is an advocate on their behalf to schools where they’ve applied and provides guidance on making their enrollment decision. Special events—such as Collegepalooza! and Decision Day—are held to celebrate the process and final selection.

Having two counselors means every student has access to individual, personalized support. Having a dedicated essay specialist puts us in very limited company among other secondary schools. Wayland’s structure means that our teachers know the students very well and have the opportunity to see every student at their best, whether it’s academically, in sports, as a campus leader, or as a good friend to their peers. Our teachers’ letters of recommendation are specific, detailed, and personal. There is no doubt that this gives Wayland students an advantage in holistic college admissions.

WAYLAND.ORG/COLLEGE-COUNSELING Spring 2021

7

Summer

School

by JOSHUA LABOVE, PH.D. dean of enrollment and financial aid this issue hits your mailboxes, we’re pretty certain our students will have declared themselves ready for summer.

Still, they’ll be itching to keep in touch, keep working on what they’ve been learning, and preparing to show up ready for fall. For the second year in a row, we’ve been able to take all the best of our educational opportunities and use it to make a variety of courses available to students as a Summer School. For Wayland students and students from beyond Wayland, it’s a helpful opportunity to add to their transcripts and course planning; for students considering Wayland, CLASSES summer is a great way to see firsthand ACROSS what we mean when we say, “studentACADEMIC centered, college-prep.” by the time

13

SUBJECTS

Summer School at Wayland allows us to bring our educational opportunities to students online throughout the summer. Offering 13 classes across the major academic subjects, students can brush up on material from last year, get ready to be back in person next year, or pursue a passion—Database Design or Religious Ethics, perhaps? English Department Chair and Dye Chair of Religion James Cleary H `20 notes, “Summer school allows us to intensively study with a group of students who are so interested in the material that they are willing to spend time on it during their vacation. Summer school students really go above and beyond.”

8

Greetings

Summer courses are small and give students a chance to brush up or pursue a fun elective that possibly wouldn’t fit Armed with a laptop– in their schedule otherwise.

Armed with a laptop—and and sunscreen– students sunscreen—students can parcan participate from ticipate from anywhere and anywhere and on their on their schedule in five- or ten-week courses in fine arts, schedule. history, languages, computer science, math, and science.

Classes combine recorded lectures with live meetings, giving students the opportunity to balance a math class alongside all the many other things that may be filling their summer: vacations, camp, summer work, SAT exams.

Wayland students benefit from a seamless connection between the regular academic year and into the summer—with the same great teachers and technology. And students from beyond Wayland get to see firsthand how learning at Wayland—even online—is so much more fun, more student-centered, and more hands-on, even from afar.

Recruiting and Connecting I N A V I RT U A L W O R L D

by JOSHUA LABOVE, PH.D. dean of enrollment and financial aid on in the pandemic, we knew the challenge ahead was how to bring the Wayland community to the virtual world. Parents and students used to touring around campus would instead watch videos—now available in four languages, narrated by Wayland students—and Admissions staff would become quickly savvy in live streaming and chatting to converse with families near and far. Still, making the community virtual required some thinking. How, after all, can you replicate the feeling of good conversation around many too many helpings of Chef Richard’s food or the coziness of gathering in the Chapel on a crisp fall day? early

There are things you can’t get—a meal from Pickard among them—in an online environment, but this year offered new ways to connect our current students with interested students and families here in the U.S. and around the world. Given the growth of virtual events, some which may be here to stay, we’ve been able to share more of what makes Wayland a distinctive choice among independent schools— a community of thinkers and doers forged over a distinguished history. As the Admission team has been joined by current and former students and parents, Zoom-

ing with middle and high school students, I am comforted to hear how all speak of Wayland. In so many ways, the things we love about Wayland Academy in 2021 are timeless truths, laid by generations, brick

by Cream City brick. We miss seeing prospective students in person, and we miss seeing them experiencing our campus for the first time—that aha look that graces their face as they begin to imagine settling in here for the next several years.

This virtual year has given us the chance to explore what’s possible when prospective students can meet our community up close online.

Boxes of Wayland Spirit— a Cause for Celebration in this most virtual year of recruitment, the Admission team still wanted to find a way to celebrate the excitement that comes with getting a “Yes.” After the Admission Committee met in March, boxes were stuffed with Wayland spirit (and a lot of red and white confetti) to be shared with admitted students. While the Admission staff stayed put this year, these boxes flew from Beaver Dam to Bolingbrook to Beijing and places in between. In addition to a congratulatory letter, students were sent Wayland t-shirts, lanyards, and other Wayland goodies. Admitted students were encouraged to toss that confetti (then clean it up, of course) and post their celebrations to our social media pages.

We’ve hosted virtual events in over 30 countries and 15 U.S. states and been appreciative of the enthusiasm and hospitality alumni and alumni families show the Admissions team. It has been a silver lining in a year marked by challenge and change. As we imagine a world that comes together in person increasingly more, we’ll be eager to continue to draw in our community up close. Students have joined in the effort, with Connor Purvis `22, Jiaxing “Bill” Qin `21, Son Nguyen `21, and Nam Nguyen `22 connecting with more than 150 families in Mexico, China, and Vietnam. Bill joined in from China where he is learning remotely this year but noted that helping out has never been easier and more fun.

We’re always looking for more volunteers to connect with prospective students and families. Contact us at admission@wayland.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Spring 2021

9

souls need healthy bodies brought organized athletics and physical education into the school program.”

TRADITION

Celebrating Traditions Wayland Athletics

by ANDREW McDONNELL H`20 english teacher

A

thletics are an

essential part of Wayland student life and have been since the 1800s. Win, lose, or draw, the opportunity to participate and compete has drawn multitudes of students to Wayland’s campus. On the flip side are students who come to Wayland in spite of its athletics and fitness requirements, the young people who for a myriad of reasons give white stripes on green grass the side-eye and who refer to athletics generically as “sportsball.”

A tradition as old as Wayland’s sports requirement is the conversion story of the Wayland student who arrived with a determined distaste for athletics and who graduated as a team captain. There are

many stories—the sort where the student who had never run farther than their dog had dragged them, transforms into a lifelong runner after enduring the regimen required by Wayland’s cross country program.

Regardless of where they started as athletes, Wayland sports have allowed students to fully realize aspects of themselves that would have otherwise lain dormant. They grow as teammates, as competitors, and as human

In The Wayland Story, A. E. Wichman’s history of Wayland’s first 100 years, the author dates the Academy’s formal athletic tradition to 1894 when “an awareness that active minds and zealous

10 Greetings

Wayland’s first basketball game was a loss to a worthy opponent—the University of Wisconsin. The Wayland Wonders (as the team was dubbed at the time) put up a valiant fight, but the visiting Badgers eked out the win, 25-15.

Since those earliest days, Wayland’s athletic teams have evolved and grown to match the interests of its student body. Talented students and coaches have captured state championships in numerous sports, both as individuals and as teams. Wayland athletes have continued onto collegiate scholarships, professional careers, and even into the stratospheric heights of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the glitzy pomp of WWE wrestling. Faculty are no exception, as Wayland can boast coaches that have graduated to succeed in the NBA in multiple roles.

Wayland’s facilities have hosted NFL and NBA training camps and were the starting point for the tennis camps that evolved into the powerhouse that later produced Andre Agassi and Serena Williams.

Since those earliest days, Wayland's athletic teams have evolved and grown to match the interests of its student body. beings more fully aware of limits and the possibilities of their corporeal selves.

01

Prior to that point, students held baseball games and intramural track meets, while girls “played tennis or rode bicycle,” but the formal introduction of athletics into Wayland student life began a tradition that is inseparable from the school’s identity.

able ways. Coaches emphasize not just competitive success over a foe, but a genuine search for how great you can be, both as an individual and as a team. In the midst of a rigorous academic experience, Wayland continues to offer students the opportunity to excel as an athlete, to grow as a teammate, to prepare physically for lifelong fitness, and to fortify mentally for the

Beyond those brightest highlights, though, is an athletic tradition that can boast of student betterment in immeasur-

07

challenges we face in every arena of life.

Through the course of a difficult year, athletics at Wayland have continued.

While competition with other schools has been limited, the activity on Wayland’s fields and courts has continued unabated, and the spring season promises an even more active campus and off-campus experience. The pandemic has only further proven the value of fitness, movement, teamwork, and so many elements that are central to athletics at Wayland and life well beyond graduation. That is a Wayland tradition as old as the campus and one that will continue for generations to come.

02 03

04

01 1920s football team 02 Girls basketball 1970s 03 Sophomore Emre Kocer lines up a shot while senior Aryan Bhardwaj readies in goal.

05 Girls basketball team now 06 1923 boys basketball team 07 Girls tennis 1920s

04 Freshman Wesley Ingraham during a cross country meet

06 05

Spring 2021 11

Defining Dedication – Craig H`06 and Judy H`08 Hill A LOOK BACK AT THEIR 25 YEARS AT WAYLAND ACADEMY

by ADAM M. BENAVIDES `08

12 Greetings

T

throughout wayland academy ’ s

166-year history, you’ll find many faculty who’ve guided countless students.

However, you’d be hard-pressed to find two married faculty members that impacted the campus and culture more than Craig H`06 and Judy H`08 Hill.

Ask any of the thousands of alumni who have crossed paths with the Hills since they first arrived at the Circle Drive in the fall of 1996, and they’d agree.

As Craig and Judy commence on a muchdeserved retirement after 25 years of service to the Academy, we look back on their storied career, as both an inspiring retrospective and an extremely welldeserved gesture of gratitude.

After graduation, Craig and Judy spent several years in Lake Forest—teaching, coaching, and starting their family— before learning of an opportunity at another private school just a few hours north in Wisconsin.

“We both wanted to be a part of students’ lives inside and outside of the classroom,” explain Craig and Judy. “We were fortunate to have that opportunity right after college.”

are memories of athletes like Terrence Wilson `02 and others attending Tyler’s early football games, and Stephanie routinely getting her nails done by the Glen Dye girls.

“In many ways, Tyler and Steph looked at the students as siblings,” says Judy.

“That’s a neat way to grow up and instilled an even bigger appreciation for the school from us, both as faculty and parents.” The family fun didn’t stop there.

As Craig led annual haunted houses beneath Wayland and Discovery Hall, the kids would often step in as actors. There were also the famed Forbidden Wayland Tours Craig schemed up, taking students beneath the pool and Field House, or through the storied Warren Cottage attic.

“We both wanted to be a part of students’ lives inside and outside of the classroom.”

– CRAIG HILL H`06

The Hill family—Craig, Judy, Tyler, and Stephanie—arrived at Wayland Academy in the fall of 1996. Craig was thrilled about the opportunity at Wayland. He would be a teacher, head coach of the football team, and the athletic director— somewhat of a dream come true.

The pair moved into the basement of Wayland Hall, where Craig served as the head resident. At that time, the basement was empty, which provided ample space for young Tyler and Stephanie.

“The entire floor transformed into their playground,” reminisces Judy. “Big wheels, a basketball hoop, a train room . . . For a young family, it was pretty amazing.”

The pair was enamored with Wayland’s campus. “We loved Wayland’s size and the boarding at left Soon-to-be school atmosphere immediretirees ately,” explains Craig.

Craig H`06 and In 1998, Judy became direcJudy H`08 Hill tor of the tutorial program on the Wayland and was asked to head the campus, near Glen Dye dorm. She also Roundy Hall. began coaching softball and (Justin Behm basketball. A few years later, photo) the family moved to Ella Dye dorm, where Craig became head resident.

By this time, Wayland became central in Tyler’s and Stephanie’s lives, too. There

above Young Tyler `09 (bottom left) and Stephanie `10 (bottom, right of Tyler) pose with Wayland students—ready to scare visitors at an annual haunted house.

“That made Wayland special for us as a young family,” says Craig. “If we had not lived in the same place for 25 years, I’m not sure we’d have the same satisfaction.”

This was also an exciting time for Wayland as an institution. With a strong academic reputation, in the late 1990s it boosted curriculum standards, implemented new graduation requirements, and continued to attract impressive students.

“We quickly noticed Wayland’s quality of student,” says Craig. “What they could do academically, athletically, and simply as people; they were outstanding.”

The Hills felt that the student body was complemented by a focus on faculty. “There was always an appreciation between Spring 2021 13

Wi-Fi. By 2013, a state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Lab arrived in Discovery Hall, unleashing new student curriculum under Head of School, Joe Lennertz H`86.

Today, STEAM touches almost every corner of Wayland’s curriculum, driven by a tenacious collaboration among faculty to keep the school on the academic forefront. “STEAM is a great example of our faculty collaboration,” says Craig. “It’s a testament to how the school continually improves its student offerings.”

“It’s hard to remember what it was like before because it feels like we’ve always had this technology,” explains Judy. “Throughout the years Wayland invested in a forward-thinking approach to technology, and I think that put us ahead of many other schools.”

For proof the investment has been worthwhile, look no further than the 2019-2020 academic year, when all classes were shifted online that spring due to COVID-19. “We already had solid infrastructure in place to make that transition a little easier,” says Judy.

“When we first arrived in Beaver Dam, I didn’t know we’d stay for 25 years but I’m so glad we did.

That’s a testament to the entire Wayland Community.”

– JUDY HILL H`08 alumni and faculty,” explains Craig. “But the Estens focused on creating a family feeling among faculty. When those elements collided, we reached a special place.”

The Hills’ time at Wayland moved quickly and soon they found themselves a part of a major Wayland milestone—its 150th anniversary.

Still a favorite memory among faculty and alumni, the Sesquicentennial Celebration was marked by a year-long calendar of events and ushered in a new era for the academy.

Success also came to life in the physical improvements across campus, including a beautiful new Field House floor, enhanced technological infrastructure, and the renovation of Wayland Hall in 2009. From the Hills’ perspective, the technology piece was especially important.

“Around 2005 we gave faculty personal computers for the first time,” explains Craig. “They were 1GB MacBooks, which seemed huge at the time.” Wayland also secured an entire lab of Mac computers and re-wired the school’s entire infrastructure to enable campus-wide

14 Greetings

It’s fitting then, that Craig and Judy were present for one of Wayland’s biggest transformations and have continued to help propel the campus forward.

Over the course of his career, Craig led Wayland’s chemistry program for 15+ years, creating his famous “Chem Is Try” mantra along the way–a classroom gem that still evokes nostalgia from alumni. (Recently, the phrase was posted in Swan Library in the native languages from all 30 countries represented by Wayland’s student body.) He also served as Science Department Chair and Dean of Faculty, before being named Academic Dean in 2013.

Meanwhile, Judy continued coaching and served as athletic director from 2005–2012.

In 2012, she began her role in the Advancement Office and was named director in 2014, firmly planted as a leader within the school’s fundraising and alumni programs.

The Hills’ experience as faculty, staff, and parents to two students and alumni—Tyler `09 and Stephanie `10—has given them a unique

The Hills By-the-Numbers

4,500 School days on campus

250

Student advisees

4

Buildings lived in on campus

1,250

Students graduated

131

Alumni events attended

586

Games coached

2,720

Assemblies/chapels attended (Craig 1,700 & Judy 1,020)

perspective on what Wayland offers and needs to be successful.

“We understood first-hand how positive the Wayland experience can be, both as faculty and parents, which made us want to help drive it forward,” explains Judy.

As Academic Dean, the perspective also gave Craig more tools in coaching a vital part of Wayland’s population: the faculty.

“I helped faculty develop, shifting from coaching students on the field to teachers in their careers,” explains Craig.

To Craig, this also meant coaching them to make the biggest impact on their students, a concept he reveled in. Coach Hill’s crucial lesson? It happens outside of the classroom.

“For Wayland students, there are lessons to be learned on the field, the stage, the dinner table, or late at night in the dorm,” says Craig.

“For our faculty, it’s more of a vocation. You have to be all in.”

That philosophy threads throughout the Hills’ storied time on campus, 25 years later.

“When we first arrived in Beaver Dam, I didn’t know we’d stay for 25 years but I’m so glad we did,” recalls Judy. “That’s a testament to the entire Wayland Community—our students, faculty, and amazing alumni.”

While Wayland’s campus will certainly be different this fall without a Hill walking its paths for the first time in 25 years, their collective impact will certainly reverberate throughout for years to come.

WITH GRATITUDE Although there is much sadness in saying goodbye, it is with great appreciation and congratulations that we wish them well. We hope they'll remember their days at Wayland fondly as they enjoy retirement traveling and exploring the world.

“You can’t talk to many Wayland folks without hearing a great story about Craig or Judy and the impact they’ve had on so many students and families.”

– jason warnick, head of school

25 Years of the Hills 1998

2005

2014

Judy begins working at the Academy as Head of Glen Dye and Director of the Tutor Program

Judy becomes Athletic Director

Judy named Director of Advancement

1996

2001

Arrive on campus—Craig as teacher, head coach of the football team, and the athletic director

Craig becomes head of Ella Dye

2013 Craig named Science Department Chair

Craig named Academic Dean

Spring 2021 15

STUDENT LIFE

ANDREW McDONNELL H`20 english teacher

My Pandemic Roommate As the global

pandemic continued into 2021, January’s challenge was to create the best possible version of normal for Wayland students. After winter break, this meant planning a safe return to campus after a long six-week winter break.

While Wayland continued to offer live online classes to students who could not make the journey, boarding students who returned to campus endured a ten-day quarantine in their dorm rooms before returning to classrooms and sports. For students who soldiered through the quarantine with a roommate, it meant a lengthy block of togetherness.

The following are excerpts from interviews with two pairs of roommates: Naomi and Saniah "Niah", sophomores from Wisconsin and Illinois, respectively, roomed in Warren Cottage; Kaden, from Hawaii, shared a room with Albert, from Vietnam, in Wayland Hall.

GREETINGS: Let’s say you had to introduce your roommate to a stranger. How would you do it?

Naomi: I would say, Niah is very funny, very outgoing, and very charismatic. She keeps me company: a great, great person to live with. We just get along really well.

And, we have really good music taste.

Niah: I would describe Naomi as very determined, a fast learner, reasonable, and very smart— the smartest roommate out there. She has a very go-with-the-flow type of vibe, but she also has strong opinions.

ROOMMATES:

Naomi: Facts.

Naomi `23 Wisconsin

Niah: Yes, and it’s easy to tell when she’s upset. When she is upset, it takes a little bit to get her un-upset, so don’t upset her.

Saniah “Niah” `23 Illinois LOCATION:

Warren Cottage

Naomi: Facts.

Niah: I feel like we’re similar because we’re both... not unorganized, but we’re very all over the place sometimes.

Naomi: But it’s usually at the same time. So it cancels out.

Niah: I don’t have to be super duper neat, and it makes me feel comfortable. You know, I’m not stepping on eggshells around her.

Kaden: I would say, Albert’s someone who likes classical music, who

16 Greetings

watches a lot of YouTube? (laughs) Generally, he’s not a procrastinator. We’re kind of opposites in that way. I don’t think he procrastinates like me.

Albert: I would describe Kaden as very boisterous. He spends way too much money on video games. But at the same time, he’s still responsible. He has common sense in what it means to be a roommate.

GREETINGS: Was there anything good or fun about the 10 days together that surprised you?

ROOMMATES:

Niah: We played “Just Dance” on YouTube.

Kaden `23 Hawaii

Greetings: What is “Just Dance?”

Naomi and Niah: [shared look of disbelief and concern]

Albert `23 Vietnam

“Probably one of the greatest experiences I've had with friends at Wayland. It was a lot of bonding time, a lot of getting to know your roommate” Niah: You’re missing out.

Naomi: Everyone knows “Just Dance.”

Greetings: Nope.

Niah: Your best bet is to Google it, but I can kind of explain. I think it originated on the Wii console and it’s basically where you just follow the steps on the TV and you just dance with them.

Naomi: It just kind of got us motivated. You know, a good way to burn some calories.

GREETINGS: Did you guys do any exercise and have a routine to stay a little bit fit?

Kaden: No, no. I’m gonna be honest, I was pretty out of shape when I got back. I think maybe if it [the quarantine] was more permanent it would be different, but I think that it was just like a relaxation time.

Albert: Yeah Mr. McDonnell, you know how I felt after Ultra.* Greetings: Not a lot of pushups going on in the quarantine window?

Albert: No, no way.

LOCATION:

Wayland Hall

GREETINGS: What else did you do for fun?

If anything?

Kaden: Personally, I watched a lot of Netflix.

What else did we do, Albert? We played some games, video games, movies, homework, class. That’s pretty much all. And then calling my parents and stuff. I talked to them a lot during that period.

Albert: Yeah, I just spent some personal time by myself. Then when I got the chance, I’d call my parents and relatives far away where they are still having fun with no COVID. And it would make me jealous.

Niah: We once built a slide with our beds.

Naomi: Yeah, we had a blanket from the lofted bed to the ground.

Niah: Yes, it didn’t really work though, because it was a blanket, so I kind of just jumped on it and it was more of like . . . a fall.

GREETINGS: If you wanted the Greetings audience to know what your experience was like, how would you describe your pandemic roommate experience?

*Ultra is a high-intensity strength and conditioning activity that Wayland offers students during the winter sports season.

Niah: My pandemic roommate experience was probably one of the greatest experiences I’ve had with friends at Wayland. It was a lot of bonding time, a lot of getting to know your roommate. When we were first in quarantine, we got to know each other a lot.

Naomi: My roommate quarantine experience was also really fun for me. Although we were just trapped in our rooms the whole time, we knew something unexpected was always going to happen. I also think it was a really good bonding experience for me too.

GREETINGS: Is there one thing that you think would be safe to share with the general public that you learned about either yourself or your roommate in quarantine?

Kaden: I’d actually say that you’d think that you’d get along worse when you’re in quarantine, but I think we get along better when we are in quarantine. I guess. Do you agree with that, Albert? Because it was just us, we knew what the other person was doing at all times and we had to rely on each other for entertainment, in a way. Or, for any human contact.

Albert: Yeah, it makes sense. Yeah, I totally agree with that.

Spring 2021 17

C E L E B R AT I N G THE CLASS OF

2021 When we remember the Class of 2021 the word that will come to our minds is resilience. This year has been difficult for so many reasons, yet our students— especially seniors—have shown great strength.

Many students in this class have experienced serious hardships and of course are now living through a pandemic. They left for spring break during their junior year, only to find out after the fact that they would not be able to return to campus for the rest of the school year. They had to quickly pivot to online learning, sometimes dealing with technology issues and family responsibilities while trying to focus. This year, they managed hybrid learning, quarantining, and all kinds of different restrictions—all while trying to make major decisions about where to attend college and what to do in their future careers.

Through all the hardships this class endured, they rallied. They competed strongly in athletics, took time to have fun during weekend activities, performed in musical and theater productions, studied and completed their academic requirements to graduate, explored future plans, and navigated the college acceptance process. This class is amazing, full of creativity, passionate about social justice, and committed to making the world a better place. We look forward to staying connected as they build their life outside of the Wayland community and welcoming them back home often.

01

A selection of photos submitted by seniors reflecting fun times as Wayland students.

Valedictorian & Salutatorian

right This year’s commencement speakers were Craig H`06 and Judy H`08 Hill.

Wayland Academy’s valedictorian and salutatorian honors are awarded by the faculty to the seniors with high academic achievement and who best fulfill the school motto of “Knowledge and Character.”

nomics, with the goal of working in the field of consulting or policymaking after college. He expressed his thankfulness for his experience at Wayland, saying, “Being surrounded by kind, brilliant minds from around the world truly influenced me to strive for excellence. My teachers and mentors here taught me lessons beyond what’s taught in traditional classrooms, and I will forever be appreciative of the knowledge and their words of encouragement.”

We are pleased to congratulate this year’s Valedictorian, Jiaxing “Bill” Qin, 01, from Beijing, China, and Salutatorian, Vinh “Vincent” Le Thanh Nguyen, 02, from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Kurt Walters, faculty mentor, had this to say about our valedictorian, “Bill is a terrific young man, unfailingly polite and genuinely concerned about the well-being of others. He has an amazing breadth of intellectual curiosity and his work ethic is off the charts. Bill sets goals for himself and then works diligently to achieve them.” Bill has attended Wayland for four years. After graduation, he will attend Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, to study behavioral eco-

02

18 Greetings

Our salutatorian, Vincent, attended Wayland for three years and plans to study computer science and applied mathematics after graduation. He found his love for music at Wayland and plans to continue performing in college.

Vincent is a leader of the bass section, a member of Unaccompanied Minors (our A Capella group), performed a solo in the musical Working, and played the guitar for Wayland’s

Senior Capstone Projects Members of the Class of 2021 wrapped up their Senior Capstone projects in a virtual setting this year. The purpose of the Senior Capstone is for students to plan and execute a project outside of a traditional school curriculum and learn a new skill and/or contribute something to their community in the process.

Students then present their Senior Capstone Defense to their faculty adviser and the interim Swan Library Director and Senior Capstone Coordinator, Laura Killingsworth.

2

Tyler Hampton “Recording a Music Album” A lover of all things music, Tyler decided to explore what it would take to create his own album. Using GarageBand and the recording equipment in Swan Library, Tyler created his own tracks, wrote and recorded lyrics, and edited a 13-track rap/hip-hop album.

Enjoy this sampling of 2021 Senior Capstone projects. To view all of the 2021 projects, visit: wayland.org/capstone-2021

1

virtual Coffee House. Carl Michaletz, Vincent’s faculty mentor, said, “Vincent embodies the school’s principles of “Knowledge and Character” and cares deeply about both his schoolwork and his classmates. He possesses a keen mind and a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor that endears him to both his teachers and his classmates. It has been a privilege to be Vincent’s mentor for three years, and his recognition as salutatorian is fully deserved.”

3

Bri Allen “The Power of ASL”

Kristen Pham “Arte de Vietnam”

Bri focused her Capstone on American Sign Language (ASL). She initially set out to learn the foundations of ASL so she would be able to communicate at a basic level. In that process, she also learned more about advocating for ASL education in schools. Her final project was a video showcasing what she learned, both in terms of communicating using ASL and advocacy.

Kristen chose to learn about and create a number of traditional Vietnamese arts and handcrafts. She researched and taught herself Dong ho painting, paper quilling, Vietnamese calligraphy, and Bat Trang porcelain. While Kristen was not able to easily visit local artisans due to COVID-19, she was able to still gather supplies and create some stunning and memorable pieces of art.

The Junior Marshals, from the Class of 2022, were selected using the same high standards used to evaluate the senior class. The Junior Marshals selected to lead the school’s faculty and seniors to commencement this year were: Griffin Hughland of Columbus, WI; Hailey Kowing of Columbus, WI; Jay Clark of Sturgeon Bay, WI; and Molly Davis of Beaver Dam, WI. The 2021 Commencement ceremony was held on Sunday, May 23 in the Wayland Field House.

To view a recording of the 2021 Commencement ceremony, visit: wayland.org/commencement Spring 2021 19

at left Linda Esten H`11 and Chef Richard H`20 at the 2012 Gala & Auction.

Goodbye for Now— Chef Richard H`20 Retires

by JUDY HILL H`08 director of advancement

H

appy monday, everyone! That is the welcome greeting that all who enter Chef Richard’s restaurant receive upon entering Pickard Hall. While the uninitiated might refer to the space as the cafeteria, Chef has always approached it as his restaurant, where he serves one and all the very best available.

Now prepared for retirement, Chef Richard Krejcarek H`20 started his career in the restaurant business as the owner of several establishments. With the desire to have a little more time for his growing family, Chef joined the Sodexo team at Marian College before being recruited to the Ripon College team. At Wayland we were very fortunate to have Richard visit occasionally as a special event chef before taking over the helm in the Wayland kitchen in August of 2002. Linda H`11 and former Head of School Bob Esten`64, were instrumental in helping to get Chef to Wayland. Linda reflected that together they—she, Bob, and Chef Richard—created a vision for the future which included serving healthy and good tasting food along with renovations in the food service department.

“When students arrived on campus in August 2002, they were welcomed by Chef Richard and it did not take long for students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni to become aware of Chef—his friendly attitude and his desire to prepare and serve good and healthy food for everyone at Wayland,” recalls Linda Esten H`11. With Chef’s fabulous additions to the kitchen, the Pickard dining experience never looked back—nor did the waistlines of those fortunate enough to enjoy his food on a daily basis!

In the 20 years of his significant contributions to Wayland life, Chef created exquisite menus for both small gath-

20 Greetings

erings at Patterson House, to fantastic cocktail hours for groups of more than 100 alumni, to the large Sesquicentennial dinner event in the field house. No meal was too small or too large for Chef and his team to handle, for Chef Richard loves Wayland—this place and the students.

He always went above and beyond to be sure his customers were happy, creating such memorable offerings such as “pasta your way,” “omelets to order,” and “create your own noodle bar.” One of his favorite activities on campus was training students to cook the made-to-order omelets for their peers during weekend brunch. Some of those trainees have gone on to work in the culinary field.

Chef and his team, led by Assistant Manager Jill Czarnecki and long-time garde manger Wendy Boschert, have kept the kitchen humming while keeping students front and center as they adapted to necessary COVID protocols and procedures. Chef also is quick to praise the Sodexo facilities team, led by Rob Jens, as their partnership has been instrumental in helping pull off the many fabulous events on campus over the years, including the annual Spring Gala—one of Chef’s favorite events—which allowed him and the team to create with amazing flair and professionalism.

Although Chef Richard will retire in June, he still hopes to return to campus as a guest chef for some of the events he holds dear. After all, with his receipt of an honorary degree in 2020, Chef is officially a member of the Wayland alumni family and will be invited back to campus on many occasions. While he has certainly earned the rest, we do hope he will visit campus frequently, especially for the 2022 Gala, where we can raise a glass in person and toast this wonderful, caring human being! Despite not being able to send him off in person, I think I can say for all who know him, in a loud voice as he heads out of the kitchen for a well-deserved break—Happy Retirement Chef! Chef was the master of his kitchen and will be forever missed and loved by the Wayland community.

Should you want to reach out to Chef Richard personally, please contact Mandie Zopp, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement at azopp@ wayland.org and she will connect you to Chef.

“When students arrived on campus in August 2002, they were welcomed by Chef Richard and it did not take long for students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni to become aware of Chef, his friendly attitude and his desire to prepare and serve good and healthy food for everyone at Wayland.”

LINDA ESTEN H`11

Wayland Receives Record Gift

by TYLER J. RATAJCZAK director of major and planned giving

O

n december 31, 2020,

a planned gift for Wayland Academy came to be realized. This gift, the largest ever to the Academy, officially brings the schools’ endowment to more than $20 million. It can be described as a game-changer, or better yet a life-changer. Judy Hill H`08, Director of Advancement, said, “It was wonderful to see that this gift pushed the endowment over the $20 million mark in 2020, but we also want to recognize all the donors and gifts that came before to get us to this point today.”

The origins of this planned gift go all the way back to 2001 when Franklin D. Hochholzer `55 advised the school that he was going to be leaving a gift to Wayland in his will. Franklin knew that his father had started a scholarship fund at Wayland in 1983 and believed very strongly that scholarships would continue to be vitally important for future students.

Through several visits to campus, as well as hosting Wayland visitors to his residence in Copenhagen, Franklin made it

very clear that he believed in the power of student scholarships.

“Franklin’s long-standing relationship with the school and those in the Advancement office helped lay the groundwork for establishing a trust with Wayland as the beneficiary,” Hill said.

Since the establishment of the Franklin X. Hochholzer Family Scholarship Fund in 1983, more than 40 students have received tuition assistance from this scholarship. Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Dr. Joshua Labove, said, “From an admissions perspective, adding these kinds of dollars to our endowment allows Wayland to be more accessible to so many more great kids. For a small school to be able to tell prospective students that we can possibly remove some of the financial barriers for their families is a real bonus. We know all that Wayland can bring to enrich students’ lives, but we can also express to them what they too bring to our community, and this scholarship support really levels the playing field.”

The Hochholzer family legacy will live on at Wayland Academy,

making it possible for future students to be educated and experience all that Franklin `55 and his daughter, Sarah `86, experienced as Wayland students.

We are extremely grateful for Franklin’s support.

Indeed, scholarships such as the Franklin X. Hochholzer Family Scholarship Fund immediately benefit students year after year.

There are many other named scholarships that assist families, and they will continue to do so in perpetuity. We are grateful for all support towards student scholarships.

“Gifts like the one from Mr. Hochholzer can change a student’s life. I can’t wait to see how many more kids can be positively impacted by his incredible generosity.”

–jason warnick, head of school

Join the Heritage Society at Wayland Academy and Leave YOUR Legacy By stating your intentions in your will, living trust, or as a designation on a beneficiary form you can give a gift without affecting current income, make a charitable gift with relatively little cost to you or your family, and support the future of Wayland Academy—making a difference in the lives of future students for years to come.

For more information, contact Tyler J. Ratajczak, Director of Major and Planned Giving 920.356.2120, ext. 282 or tratajczak@wayland.org or learn more at wayland.org/plannedgift.

Spring 2021 21

ALUMNI NEWS

Dear Wayland Academy Alumni Association,

I

n a year upended, remembering Wayland’s enduring traditions has given me hope. Though these traditions may look different, the academy has kept many alive throughout its 166-year history—which now includes two pandemics.

Thank you to our fellow alumni who took part in the long-standing tradition of Waylandtines.

This tradition was forced to do a pandemic pivot as students were unable to participate in the phonathon. Thank you to the members of the Alumni Board who put in extra time and placed calls to fellow alumni, asking for support on behalf of the Academy.

The Alumni Board has been hard at work during this past year. Although in-person gatherings were not held, we continued to ensure that alumni remained connected to their classmates and the campus. This past year has been one of the most active years I’ve spent with the Alumni Board. We've assisted with social media, hosted virtual events, stepped in as phonathon callers, collaborated with the Advancement Department in formalizing Wayland’s REDtalk series and the Class Correspondent Program. I am so grateful to each committee for their work, and I’m excited about what we can achieve as we move forward in 2021.

Service on the Alumni Board is an outstanding way to give back to Wayland and connect within our alumni community. I invite anyone interested in learning more to reach out to Mandie Zopp, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement, at azopp@wayland.org.

Warmly, Anna January `08 Wayland Academy Alumni Association President

Be Our Waylandtine The Wayland community showed their love for Wayland this year, thanks to contributions from more than 90 generous donors during Waylandtines.

Contributions went towards student life and activities, academics, athletics, campus beautification, and the areas of greatest need. Challenges and matching gifts helped to exceed our goal, raising more than $24,000. The Class of `56 continued their reign as alumni challenge winners!

Due to the COVID restrictions on campus, students were unable to take part in the annual phonathon tradition held during Waylandtines week. That is when Alumni Board members, and one Wayland Board of Trustee, stepped in to volunteer their time to help out. This group spent several days phoning Wayland alumni.

The silver lining was that this year’s phonathon provided a wonderful opportunity for the Alumni Board to connect with other alumni, to say thank you for their support, and exchange shared experiences of their time at Wayland.

Thank you to everyone who was able to contribute financially and to everyone who spoke with our Alumni Board for joining this celebration of Wayland.

22 Greetings

2021 Spring Gala & Auction The 45th Spring Gala & Auction was held online again this year. The three-day auction exceeded the overall fundraising goal and we are so appreciative of those who sponsored our auction, donated items, and joined in the bidding fun.

The auction wrapped up with a live Zoom event on Saturday, April 17. The live event was emceed by Head of School Jason Warnick and featured musical performances by seniors, Tien Le `21, Tony Pham `21, and Hung Nguyen `21. Trustee Peter Sensenbrenner `71 was our auctioneer and led the bidding for this year’s “Raise the Paddle” initiative— Media and Mindfulness. We are extremely grateful to all the donors who raised their paddles (of varying types and sizes) for this initiative. These funds will be used to upgrade classrooms—where students and faculty collaborate daily—to be media enriched spaces where teaching and learning how to

responsibly create media and share content with the world takes place. A portion of the funds will cover technology upgrades for faculty, arming them with new laptops and professional development to enable them to work more efficiently and effectively with our students. While we know the continuous need for technology is important, we recognize that taking time to step away from screens and obtain balance is equally important in today’s world. With this in mind, we will use initiative funds to create more campus spaces where relaxation and mindful meditation can take place through the placement of Adirondack chairs and the development of a dedicated outdoor mindfulness space near Discovery Hall.

We look forward to celebrating the Spring Gala & Auction in person next year—fingers crossed, while knocking on wood—as we miss having all of you on campus to celebrate Wayland!

01 Hung Nguyen `21 playing piano

01

02

02 Trustee and Auctioneer Peter Sensenbrenner `71 raising his paddles

Spring 2021 23

Virtual Gatherings Bring Connection and Nostalgia to the Wayland Community

From Dubai and Kuwait

to California and Maryland, our alumni engagement programs are re-engaging alumni and re-connecting them to their classmates from all around the globe. In this age of virtual Zoom gatherings, the Wayland community continues to thrive. This past winter, the Academy offered a variety of virtual alumni gatherings that were enjoyed by many.

The holiday season saw much joy among the Wayland Community; the highlight of the season occurred on December 15 when Chef Richard H`20 took to Zoom to teach viewers how to cook his famous Steak Diane. Also, in December, Wayland alumna and Science Department Chair Mrs. Beth Ratajczak `96 and co-chair of the Fine Arts Department Mr. Justin Behm co-facilitated “Being Mindful this Holiday Season”—which defined mindfulness and its health benefits, as well as how to use this tool to help relieve stress during the holiday season.

24 Greetings

The new year brought Wayland basketball teams together in our January “Shooting Hoops” alumni gathering and in February members of the Wayland community teamed up for “Trivia Night” to compete against each other to answer questions about Wayland and various other topics.

In March, the Wayland Academy Alumni Book Club joined Mr. James Cleary H`20, Ms. Martha Kesler H`08, and the AP language and composition class to concurrently read The Sunflower, by Simon Wiesenthal. This is the second novel in an on-going series that connects Wayland alumni and students in virtual discussions about content taught at Wayland. Additionally, in March, Chef Richard returned to Zoom to bring the Wayland community “Cooking with Chef Richard— St. Patrick’s Edition” and Head of School Jason Warnick hosted a “Fireside Chat.”

To learn more about upcoming events and to register visit wayland.org/alumni.

Need help organizing a virtual class gathering?

Looking to reconnect with your classmates or team members? Contact Mandie Zopp, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement at azopp@wayland.org, for help in coordinating a virtual Zoom gathering.

Sampling of virtual alumni events

October 8-10 Homecoming 2021

S AVE T H E DAT E

and make plans to join us on campus for a weekend of events celebrating everything that makes the Wayland experience special. Registration will open in July. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in person gatherings are subject to change based on CDC and County health guidelines.

WAYLAND.ORG/HOMECOMING

AL U MN I Homecoming is a special opportunity for alumni to come together and explore Wayland’s past and present with fun gatherings and great programs. We’ll be celebrating milestones for class years ending in a “6” or “1,” with special recognition for the Class of 2011 (10th reunion), Class of 1996 (25th reunion), Class of 1971 (50th reunion), and Class of 1970 is also joining this year's reunion to celebrate in person.

Help energize your class and encourage strong attendance by becoming a Class Correspondent.

Contact Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement Mandie Zopp at azopp@wayland. org for more information or call 920.356.2120, ext. 247.

Spring 2021 25

Alumni to Know It’s human nature to pause and wonder, “Whatever happened to... ?” In this section we check in on a selection of Wayland Academy alumni, find out what they are doing now and ask them to share some of their Wayland experiences. Enjoy!

What are you excited to be working on right now?

I have always been interested in history, especially my parents' (Ramona Nast `12 and Vincent Nast, Sr. `11) family history. I have collated and recorded as much as I could about both sides during my life. I wanted to give my six grandchildren each a photocopied packet of essential family history information. I asked my children to help me, and well, it got away from me and is becoming a book, written from my point of view. My mother and father met at Wayland and fourteen additional family members attended as well, so Wayland is an important institution in the book.

What would you say was your most impactful Wayland experience?

Margaret Nast Caldwell `43 How would you describe your life/career path following your Wayland graduation?

After graduating from Wayland, I successfully earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education (PE) from the University of Colorado in Boulder and was hired as a PE teacher at an elementary school. Being a PE teacher back then was a piece of cake. The children walked quietly, two by two, down the hall and into the gym, where they sat cross-legged on the floor—awaiting instructions. I had the children exercise and run 26 Greetings

races, play sports, and square dance. During the lunch hour, I would put a record on the player and teach ballroom dancing. Students voluntarily joined in to learn how to waltz, foxtrot, and jitterbug.

In 1964, my husband and I went on a trip to Israel. We had to drive 80 miles to Denver to the closest travel agency to make all the arrangements. That is when the need for a local travel agency became apparent to me. Several years later, I started the first travel agency in northeastern Colorado and ran it for 20 years before retiring.

My most impactful Wayland experience was being in a supportive, structured setting away from home. I had to establish new relationships, make friends, and follow the rules.

I was a quiet, shy person for whom this all was a huge challenge—being in a new and highly interpersonal situation, all while being terribly homesick.

Living in a dorm with 25 other females was fun but not always easy. I learned to be more responsible for my room. The room had to be clean, bed made, clothes hung neatly or put away, books in drawers, everything neat and organized to pass frequent room inspections. The academic requirements were rigorous. There was “Lights Out” at 10 p.m. Nevertheless, we all had flashlights and studied under the covers after the lights were out.

I thank Wayland Academy for preparing me for higher education, for helping me mature and apply myself, and for laying the foundation for success and satisfaction in life.

1

Jennifer DuBose Lombard `88 & Elizabeth Lombard Faruzzi `91 1

2

1 Jennifer DuBose Lombard `88 and sister Elizabeth Faruzzi `91, taken from Lizzy Lift, Inc.’s Facebook Page.

2 Sean with his Wayland roommate, Chris McPherson and their suitemate, Alex Yang—all members of class of 2001—at Chris’ wedding. Sean was best man and Alex was a groomsman.

Since 1998, Jen and her sister Elizabeth Lombard Faruzzi `91 have co-owned Lizzy Lift, a full-service international rental company specializing in access, industrial, and construction rental equipment in Elmhurst, Illinois. The company was featured on the cover of an industry magazine in 2007 as part of a story on women's growing role in what had traditionally been a male environment.

The past two years Lizzy Lift was ranked in the Rental Equipment Registry or the RER 100 top rental companies; ranking at number 101 in 2019 and in 2020 Lizzy Lift moved up in ranking to 86. Last year, Lizzy Lift merged their re-rental part of their company with BigRentz, the nation’s largest equipment rental network, giving Lizzy Lift clients access to the BigRentz automated platform to easily and quickly book equipment online. Lizzy Lift remains as its own entity, retained all their equipment and is still in business renting their equipment directly to other rental companies and local customers.

Jennifer Lombard and Elizabeth Faruzzi remain as the owners of Lizzy Lift. They are currently working for Big Rentz Inc. located in Irvine, California. Jennifer Lombard is the Senior Vice President of National Accounts and Elizabeth Faruzzi is Senior Vice President of Excellence.

3

JoongHyo Lee `05 JoongHyo is the owner of two shoe companies in Korea, Coming Shoes and Able Factory.

He lives in Incheon, Korea, with his wife and two beautiful children.

2

Sean McClure `01 Since graduating from Wayland Academy in 2001, Sean McClure has enjoyed a career in digital strategy and innovation that has taken him across the globe with U.S. companies like Disney, Marriott, and the Chicago Tribune to Guardian News & Media in London, and college recruitment in India. Now settled in his hometown of Chicago, Sean enjoys working in the city and completely disconnecting through hiking and backpacking trips. He recently visited Wayland, paying homage to his alma mater of 20 years ago.

“It’s crazy to think that nearly two decades to the day have passed since I last called Wayland Academy home,” said McClure. “I hadn’t visited campus for many years so when the child of my best friend had a junior basketball tournament at Wayland’s Field House, I jumped at the opportunity to cheer her on from the bleachers—and polish the ol’ MVP tennis awards, haha. I did a lot of growing up at Wayland with the help of my mentors and coach Kreish. I found best friends I keep in touch with to this day and owe the choice of my life’s career path in international business to Wayland. The influence of roommates from Korea and Saudi Arabia to Mr. Borrud’s German class led me to Universität Mannheim, Germany a year later.

Walking around campus, I realized how unique that experience was for me. I’ll never forget it.”

Spring 2021 27

NEWS & NOTES Anne Blanchard Gascoigne `53 writes that she is enjoying the retirement group at a local senior center and serving on its board of directors. She now has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, produced from her four children. “Life is good.”

Judith Nagley Hidde `56 reports she and John are still “plugging along.” John is still going strong playing golf, hunting, and fishing, while Judy is looking forward to her 65th reunion this fall. She says, “I miss Wayland a lot and often.”

Helen Burton Schuckel `56 reports that she and her husband, Bill, are doing well.

She states, “We are elderly and look like it.

Which I find shocking! We are fortunate to have all four of our kids living on (or near) the Island (British Colombia).” She reports that all of their children are doing well. Sara is the manager of an acute care hospital; Victoria is Director of Research and Development for the Ministry of Health in Victoria; Joe is head cook at a home for young adults with physical and mental challenges, and Rob is in charge of outpatient addiction services for Victoria and the Gulf Islands. Helen enjoys playing Duplicate Bridge online and welcomes fellow alums to play or partner with her.

Judith Jensen Schwartzbaum `61 has been named as one of America’s Top Women Advisors of 2021 and in the top 50 advisors in Forbes 2021 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in Florida.

Dr. Weston Radford `03 married Jolene Steeves in a lovely autumn ceremony with their families (and masks!) on November 13, 2021, at North Shore Golf Club in Menasha.

Left to Right: Carlton R `08, Carla Radford Fair `00, her husband Seth Fair and their three children, Patty Radford, bride Jolene Steeves, groom Weston R `03, William Radford (grandfather to Weston), Kathryn Radford, Curt Radford `73, Jill Neitzel `08 (wife of Quintin), Quintin Radford `05, Sam Radford `06

Budd A. Sprague `61 is a marine engineer and states, “Still working full time! Can’t get out of the ‘Harness’—maybe someday?”

Robert Folsom `63 shares his thoughts about long time friend, Vic Falk `63. “Given these strange COVID times, we are not able to gather to pay our respects for Vic. So I thought I would pass on some thoughts and memories. Vic and I were friends for over sixty years starting as a freshman at Wayland and continuing through college.

Write to us at: Greetings Wayland Academy 101. N. University Ave. Beaver Dam, WI 53916

KEEP YOUR CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS UPDATED

28 Greetings

Or email us at: alumni@wayland.org We’re delighted to receive photos to accompany your news. Please enclose or attach images you wish to share.

After we both served in the army, Vic joined the dark side and became a lawyer while I became a physician. Fortunately, he wasn’t a malpractice lawyer so our friendship continued. Vic was very successful in business and able to retire early. He enjoyed travel, skiing, fishing, and hunting. He was a true sportsman and never allowed me to do my usual drive-by shooting while grouse hunting together. Vic enjoyed his family and continued to be a wonderful provider for his children and grandchildren. He also provided for me by picking up many a bar tab over the years, much to my delight. I will always remember his infectious smile, unique laugh, general charm, and wicked dry humor. The Wayland family, especially the class of `63, has lost a memorable character and friend to all.”

William F. Bentley `75 said "So long and thanks for all the fish" to his prior employers and has retired to the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Dr. Matthew N. Songer `76 indicates that he is “slowing down in my practice. The next project is to create a mobile surgical bus for rural Guatemala.”

health. She will also be attending the Chicago School of Professional Psychology to pursue a Ph.D. in applied behavioral analysis this August. The upcoming book she’s authoring, My Bipolar Life: Lies, Truth and Finding Inner Peace, will be published in 2022 and will be featured in the Oprah Book Club. She resides in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, with her beloved labradoodle Babson, named after her undergrad alma mater.

Joe Graham ’09 and his wife Brittney welcomed a baby boy, Keziah on September 9, 2020. They feel so lucky to have such a sweet boy.

Antonia “Toni” Frederick Houston `77 continues her work as a historian for Blodgett Memorial Library and just finished filming a video series on the History of Fishkill, New York. She has recently named the Village of Fishkill Historian. Toni's video series, "Your Story is Fishkill's Story" can be viewed on YouTube.

Ms. Cheryl Pivar `80 was featured on a Milwaukee news station in June 2019 after finding her birth parents through the genetic tracking services 23andMe and Ancestry. com. She says, “The exciting thing about my story was, my grandmother gave a baby boy up for adoption in 1942. He reached out to me during the same month I made contact with another uncle of mine.” She was invited to a family reunion in Sussex, Wisconsin.

Her only regret is not researching and reaching out sooner.

Read her story: bit.ly/2P9nw1i Katie Melissa Eisenreich `00 is now employed at Owens & Minor as the Vice President of Continuous Improvement Business System.

Maja Stevanovich `03 recently started a new business Stay4 2morrow—a content collective highlighting our connection in humanity and aimed to foster a sense of togetherness and de-stigmatize mental

Abigail A. Benavides `05 has been living in New York City, working in the advertisement and motion picture and sciences industries since 2009. She is an art director and set designer as part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. She graduated from Marquette University with a degree in cultural anthropology and went on to attend the Certificate Program in Interior Architecture with Parsons School of Design in New York City.

Edgar Ezerietis `08 is now a Consulting Arborist and Assistant General Manager at Buckley Tree Care Service, Inc., The Tree Care Specialists in New Berlin, WI. Carlton C. Radford `08 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their daughter Charlotte Leigh Radford into the world on January 12, 2021.

Dr. Edward L. Randerson `09 was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology for his research on clinical and refractive outcomes of a modified Yamane technique for scleral fixation of the CT Lucia 602 lens.

John B. McKinstry H`10 was named the Beaver Dam Unified School District’s 2019 Wall of Fame Outstanding Alumni recipient. Not only has John been a supporter of the Academy and a current member of the school’s Board of Trustees, but he is also a philanthropist and businessman who was instrumental in establishing several local non-profit organizations, scholarships, and endowments to serve educational, health, and humane needs in Dodge County.

Blair A. Thompson `12 and Ryan Hayes `12 were married on March 6, 2021. Currently living in Chattanooga, TN, Blair is a clinical dietitian with Sodexo and Ryan is a civil engineer.

Nick Schubert `10 and his wife Alyssa are proud parents of Zeke Alexander Schubert, born on July 15, 2020, weighing in at 8lbs 3oz and 21 inches long.

Kandice M. Sanders `12 is now working as a marketing manager for Professional Control Corporation (PCC).

Mary Irwin H`14 and her husband Thomas are rejoicing in the birth of their first grandchild, Ezra Alexander Irwin, born on July 19, 2020.

Mackenzie Miller `11 (center) married Khalil Barrett on February 21, 2021.

Left to Right: Matt Bruning `11, Leslie Walton `11, Mackenzie Miller `11, Anne Rauschert Raisor `11, Rodney Miller H`17

Spring 2021 29

in

MEMORIAM

VAUGHN FRIDAY `67 passed away November 13, 2020

We remember fondly the classmates, teachers and staff, and Academy friends who have passed from our presence on earth. Family members may contact Director of Donor Relations Kelly Neuert H`17 at kneuert@wayland.org to advise us of the passing of a loved one so that we may include them in our remembrances.

Read additional details at wayland.org/alumni/remembrances

THOMAS M. BROWN `69 passed away on March 3, 2021

1970s JEFF W. “ROCCO” EMANUEL `70 passed away January 27, 2021 JAMES G. “JIMMY” COWLES `70 passed away January 4, 2021

1990s 1940s

ELLYN M. HUMLEKER `93 passed away November 2, 2020

MARGARET “HOOTIE” HUTH HEGERICH `44 passed away February 5, 2021

FRIENDS OF WAYLAND

BETTY HACKBARTH `48 passed away December 27, 2020

VERNON AAROEN passed away August 26, 2020 JENANNE ANDERSON passed away March 3, 2021

1950s DONALD YAHN `51 passed away October 2020 ELIZABETH “BETSY” BEGLINGER OLSON `54 passed away November 22, 2020 PATSY “PATTY” VAUGHN GARTLEY `56 passed away January 4, 2021

1960s

DR. RICHARD “DICK” ANDERSON passed away February 19, 2021 REVEREND JOHN BLYTHE passed away December 26, 2020 AMPARO CUMPIANO passed away July 2020 RAY P. DINSMORE, JR. passed away August 4, 2020 KATHARINE F. MCMILLAN passed away September 1, 2020 VIOLET MCMILLAN passed away March 27, 2021 THOMAS STEBBINS passed away October 25, 2020

VICTOR S. FALK III `63 passed away February 9, 2021

JAMIE STEUER passed away December 11, 2019

BEVERLY DOHMANN H`64 passed away December 7, 2020

CECILIA VRABEC passed away November 11, 2020

30 Greetings

VICTOR “VIC” S. FALK III `63 February 9, 2021 After graduating from Wayland, Vic continued his education at Princeton University. Vic married Linda (Spooner) and they moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he attended the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Upon receiving his law degree, Vic and Linda moved to Miami, Florida and he earned a Master's in Tax Law from the University of Miami where Vic began his career at Wometco Enterprises, a large media company with diversified holdings. He worked in the company's legal department for many years and eventually became General Counsel. During the last eight years of his career, Vic served as Vice President of Wometco Cable Corporation and retired in 1994.

After living in Miami for 24 years and raising their family there, Vic and Linda moved to the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida in 1997. Vic served on the board of the Ocean Reef Rod and Gun Club for many years and received the club's Sportsman of the Year Award in 2018. Vic and Linda split their time between Ocean Reed and their beloved log cabin in Wisconsin.

Vic is survived by his wife Linda, son Christian (Morgan), daughter Megan Burley, brothers Tom `65 and Fred, grandchildren Beckett, Finn, Thad, Dexter, Reeve, and Wallis, and step nephew William F. Murray, III `89.

BEVERLY DOHMANN H`64 December 7, 2020 Beverly, or Bev, taught at Wayland Academy for 25 years and was a parent to three Wayland alumni— Bonnie `70, Steven `73, and David `79. In her tenure at the school, she and her students won state and national awards each year for their creative talents. For providing a climate of exemplary support for a balanced curriculum and the arts in education, she was honored with a special award from the National Art Education Association, the Wisconsin Art Supervisor, and the Wisconsin Art Education Supervisor. She traveled throughout the Midwest evaluating school art programs.

Bev organized the first elementary school art show and initiated a movement that resulted in the hiring of Beaver Dam’s first elementary art teacher. Appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin, she served on the board that set the foundation for the Wisconsin Arts Board.

She was a founding member of the Beaver Dam Art Association Exhibit, Chair for the Seippel Center for the Arts, and lectured and demonstrated the art of creativity to numerous schools and organizations. The list of ways she supported the arts could go on and on.

Bev is survived by her son, David `79; son-in-law, Roland (Lorna) Moll; her grandchildren, Robert Goes, Joshua Goes, Ryan Moll, Derrick Dohmann and MacKenzie Dohmann; and her great-grandson, Scott Goes; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; son, Steven `73; daughter, Bonnie `70; and numerous other relatives.

Spring 2021 31

Wayland Academy

GR EE TINGS

Expanding the Wayland Community ONE PET AT A TIME

Furry Friends

Ernie

Daisy & Ziggy

Many people will agree that having a companion during the pandemic has been important for maintaining their mental health. During this time of isolation, some people have turned to pet ownership to fill the void. Pet adoption across the United States has increased significantly during the pandemic—emptying shelters and rescue facilities.

These pets also come with proven health benefits— from stress reduction to lowering blood pressure.

Wayland has welcomed many pets to our community over the past year. Please join us in welcoming these new furry friends to our Wayland family.

Ellie—James Cleary H`20 Nadia—Laura Killingsworth Ziggy—Andrew McDonnell H`20 and Lori Bird Ernie—Beth `96 and Tyler Ratajczak Daisy—Linda Tyranski H`20

101 North University Ave. Beaver Dam, WI 53916 32 Greetings

Toll free: 800.860.7725 Phone: 920.356.2120

Ellie

Nadia

WAYLAND.ORG