FALL 2 016
I Remember: The Beginning
Orientation Photo Essay
Greetings
Wayland Academy
Greetings Wayland Academy Greetings, November 2016 The Oldest Alumni Publication in America wayland.org 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.
In This Issue
PAGE 10
I Remember: The Beginning
Send correspondence to: Greetings Editor, Wayland Academy 101 North University Avenue Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Or email the Editor at: amcdonnell@wayland.org
PAGE 14
Orientation Photo Essay
Joseph A. Lennertz `86 Head of School jlennertz@wayland.org
co n t r i b u to rs
Andrew McDonnell Editor Director of Communications amcdonnell@wayland.org Linda Fischer H`92 Copy Editor Faculty Emerita Kelly A. Neuert Director of Donor Relations kneuert@wayland.org
Kendall A. Vingua `02 News & Notes/In Memoriam Editor Director of Alumni Relations kvingua@wayland.org Judy L. Hill H`08 Director of Advancement jhill@wayland.org
PAGE 22
Alumni Reunion Weekend
Stephanie Levey Advancement Associate slevey@wayland.org
Tyler Ratajczak Leadership Gift Officer tratajczak@wayland.org
PAGE 28 d e s i g n & i l l u s t r at i o n s
Ariel Esser — arielesser.com
News & Notes
cov e r p h oto
Morgan Mertig `17 traverses a rope on front campus during the fall orientation exercises.
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wayland.org
A GREETINGS GREETING
St a r t ing of f at Way l a nd s hould be muc h more di f f ic ul t than it is. yo u ’ r e s u d d e n ly i m m e r s e d
in a new culture with its
mathematics teacher Jonathon Shoop who still uses
own rules, its own slang, and around two hundred
many of the same exercises and activities that were
people whom you’ve probably never met. If you’re a day
planned by a group of four Wayland seniors and Mr.
student, you’re spending most of your time away from
Kasper in the late 1970s.
hometown friends. If you’re a boarding student, you’re uprooted from family and home and friends. A crucial part of the Wayland experience is welcoming new members of the community during those first
the fidget ladder, the trust fall, a n d , o f c o u r s e , t h e wa l l , a r e a pa rt o f t h e way l a n d s t o ry f o r thousands of alumni and students.
few days on campus, to allow them to be themselves and to make new friends in swift and lasting fashion. Dave Kasper H`81, retired math teacher, was integral
We tip our cap to all those who worked so hard over the
in introducing students to life on campus through
years (especially Mr. Kasper, Ms. Alpaugh, Mr. Shoop,
Wayland’s orientation program for decades, and even
and Ms. Boucher) to make the first days at Wayland a
in retirement his work continues. The orientation
less terrifying, more disarming, and always welcoming
program today is under the guidance of current
experience.
Greetings Fall 2016
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CAMPUS NEWS
Learning Beyond Classrooms
put a lid on it
g r o w t h i n s e rv i c e
In addition to the Capstone projects that
The focus on service learning at Wayland
Wayland students complete each year,
is particularly prominent this year, both in
as featured in the Spring 2016 issue of
and out of the classroom. The annual Day
the Greetings, Wayland is now among the
of Caring was held on September 28 and
first schools in the country to offer the
allowed Wayland students and teachers
Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone
out of class for the day to pursue service
modern movements and figures, students
program.
projects throughout the community and in
will be expected to actively create change in
areas of need around campus. Students lent
their own community.
AP Capstone is a new program created by the College Board (the not-for-profit organization that oversees the SAT and AP programs) to help students develop independent research skills and analytical and argumentative writing. To complete
a hand with everything from construction work on a Habitat for Humanity home in Juneau, Wisconsin, to assisting with elementary school classrooms in four different schools.
Finally, this year’s Honors Colloquium is focused on service. Faculty and visiting lecturers are giving extra-curricular talks to students on a variety of service-related subjects throughout the year. We will have
the AP Capstone Diploma, students
In the classroom, history teacher Anna
one additional sentence in here about
must complete two year-long courses
Stern will again teach “Change in the World”
funding from a donor, and I’m adding this
consecutively, AP Seminar and AP Research,
during the spring semester. It is a three-
bracketed additional text so that Ariel will
and earn a score of 3 or higher on those
part course that explores how individuals
know how much space to allot for this bit
exams, plus four additional AP exams over
and movements can impact society for the
of blather.
the course of their time in high school.
better. In addition to exploring historical and
Dr. Keely Lake H`12 is Wayland’s pioneering AP Capstone instructor. She traveled
Students collecting seeds at Horicon Marsh during the Day of Caring
to Long Beach, California, for training in the new program over the summer. The program began in earnest this semester with a class of nine students enrolled in Wayland’s inaugural AP Seminar course.
Dr. Lake with students on a Spring Break trip to Italy this March Photo Credit: Paul Derr `16
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wayland.org
CAMPUS NEWS
Arts at Wayland choir and band hit t h e h i g h n ot e s
p l ay e r s s ta g e t h e p h i l a d e l p h i a s t o ry
In April, the Wayland concert band and concert choir received gold medals and the highest
For their spring play, the Wayland Academy
scores possible at the Wisconsin School Music Association’s Large Group Festival, held this
Players presented a stage production of
year at Central Wisconsin Christian School in Waupun.
The Philadelphia Story, by Philip Barry. Best
Similar to the Solo & Ensemble Festival, the Large Group Festival is an adjudication festival where each ensemble is graded on their performance quality. Three judges listen to and evaluate each group on tone, intonation, blend, balance, interpretation, technique, and presentation. Wayland’s ensembles received the high score of “1” from each of their three judges. The concert band is led by Mrs. Amy Throndsen H`14 and the concert choir is directed by the chair of Wayland’s fine arts department, Mr. Christopher Mientus. They were ably assisted by talented accompanist Mrs. Mary Irwin H`14. Students in both ensembles celebrated with a particularly melodious ringing of the victory bell on campus. Greetings Fall 2016
known for its 1940 film adaptation starring Katharine Hepburn, the Wayland production featured Madison Jewell `16 in the lead role of Tracy Lord, a wealthy Philadelphia socialite whose wedding weekend becomes exceptionally complicated, even by wedding standards. The play was directed by English teacher Martha Kesler H`08, and it featured a cast of 15 students and a behind-thescenes crew of nearly 30 students and faculty who helped with set building, costumes, make-up, props, and all the hard work that goes into a successful production. 5
CAMPUS NEWS
Faculty & Staff News teachers as lifelong learners
Director of College Counseling Liberty
have already carried their new knowledge
Bell H`14 attended a workshop in London
into the classroom in a new integrated
on the UCAS system – the application
humanities class and through a new online
for universities in the United Kingdom.
course management system ObaWorld.
She also attended a weeklong AP Summer Institute on US Government and Politics in preparation for teaching the class this fall and now serves on the Ripon College Counselor Advisory Board.
Hero; The Story of a Marine Scout Sniper.” Showcase in West Bend in September with
Colorado, Boulder focusing on educational
30 other Wisconsin authors.
activities. Beth Ratajczak `96, Chair of the Science Department, took an intensive 200-hour yoga certification course for educators through the Breathe For Change program. Mrs. Ratajczak has already led on-campus early morning yoga sessions for faculty,
Physics teacher Tyler Hill `09 attended a Physics Modeling conference in June at Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Illinois. In July, math teacher Jane Goski `11 and art teacher Justin Behm traveled to Boston for a workshop for new boarding school teachers presented by The Association of Boarding Schools.
staff, and students, plus a session for alumni
Dr. Keely Lake H`12 presented two
during Alumni Reunion Weekend.
papers at the 2016 Institute of the American
Phil Tallman, Director of Athletics and
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about her 2016 nonfiction book, “Nobody’s Jensen also appeared at the Author
telecollaboration and other innovative
attended the National TPR Storytelling
the Military Veteran’s Museum in Oshkosh
a graduate program at the University of
her classroom connect globally through
and Spanish teacher Mike Schneider H`86
Outreach Karla Jensen recently spoke at
Spanish teacher Amanda Damon started
technology. The program is already helping
Chair of Modern and Classical Languages
Director of Auxiliary Programs and
Student Activities, was elected to the post of Vice-President and Secretary of the Trailways Athletic Conference.
Classical League in Austin, Texas: “Refugees in Classical Texts and the Modern World” and “The Romanitas and Humanitas of Dr. Who’s ‘The Fires of Pompeii’”. She will also be presenting later this month at the Annual
Conference in Reno, Nevada. The conference
English teacher Elise Krause `04 and
Convention of the American Council on the
featured workshops that covered everything
history teacher Anna Stern, will graduate
Teaching of Foreign Languages in Boston. In
from “Feeling Like a Citizen: Engaging
in May from a Master of Science for
addition, she led a workshop, “Supporting
Students and Building Community in the
Professional Educators degree program
and Mentoring New Teachers: A Tirones
Classroom” to “Laying a foundation for the
through the University of Wisconsin–
Project,” at the Meeting of the Classical
AP Exam – using higher order discussion
Madison’s Department of Educational
Association of the Middle, West, and South
techniques”.
Psychology. Ms. Krause and Ms. Stern
in Williamsburg,Virginia. wayland.org
CAMPUS NEWS
New Hires Last spring, the departures from Wayland included two longtime members of the school community. Art teacher Kristene Boucher `97 and Assistant Head of School/Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid Paul Keller H`15 left for opportunities on the East Coast. While they will be greatly missed, we are pleased to introduce you to five new members of the Wayland community.
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a b b e g r e b e l , a d m i n i s t r at i v e a s s i s ta n t to t h e h e a d o f s c h o o l
& dean of students
j u s t i n b e h m , v i s u a l a rt s
A gifted sculptor, Mr. Behm teaches a variety of visual arts and the yearbook class and advises the art club. In addition, he serves as an assistant coach with the cross country and track teams
kristie lee e s t e rv i g , m u s i c
and is a dorm supervisor in Wayland Hall. Mr. Behm received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D art from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.You can view work from his portfolio online at justinbehm.com.
Ms. Goski returns to her alma mater as an educator and has begun her first semester at Wayland teaching prej a n e g o s k i `11 , m at h e m at i c s
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calculus and advanced algebra. She also serves as head resident of Warren Cottage, lends a hand with student activities, and will be an assistant girls soccer coach in the spring. Ms. Goski received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Greetings Fall 2016
Ms. Estervig is a talented pianist who owns the Arboretum Music School in Madison. She joins the Wayland faculty as a piano teacher and provides individual lessons to prepare students at all levels of playing experience. Ms. Estervig completed her Bachelor of Science degree in piano performance and pedagogy at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and holds Master of Music degrees in both piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
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Mrs. Grebel joins Wayland in a multi-faceted role, working with the Dean of Students in the morning and assisting the Head of School in the afternoon. She lives with her husband and two children in Beaver Dam. She was previously the registrar at Beaver Dam High School. Mrs. Grebel holds an Associate Degree from Waukesha County Technical College.
b r a d l e y l a rg e , d e a n o f e n ro l l m e n t
& financial aid Mr. Large arrives at Wayland Academy from Augusta Preparatory Day School in Georgia. A graduate of Darlington School, he has worked in residential life and admissions since 2009. He has previously served as the Assistant Director of Admission at Brown Mackie College, a Resident Manager at Oak Hill Academy, the Domestic Admissions Officer at Squaw Valley Academy, and Assistant Director of Admission at Darlington School. Mr. Large received a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Education in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University. 7
CAMPUS NEWS
Glen Dye residence hall also received a new roof as well, and the windows of Roundy Hall were replaced to aid in the reduction of drafts in a building that just turned 115 years
Campus Upgrades
old. In addition, funds provided by the Spring Gala and Auction allowed for a new lighting system to be installed in Lindsay Auditorium over the summer. On top of that, generous donors to the school provided a new outdoor basketball court, which is already seeing steady and grateful use. During their August meeting, Wayland’s
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WATC H WAYL AN D ’S B AS KETB AL L S EAS ON O NLINE!
During the summer, the school’s optimal time
Board of Trustees toured the campus
for construction and campus improvements,
(above right) to see first-hand some of
a number of Wayland buildings received
the improvements around campus and
watch every home girls and boys basketball game
upgrades to keep them safer, more energy
to review areas in need of support. If
in Wayland’s Field House online from anywhere
efficient, and a little drier on rainy days. The
you’re interested in supporting facilities
in the world through an Eye in the Sky Sports
largest of those endeavors was a project to
projects on campus, please contact Judy
subscription. Learn more at wayland.org/athletics.
re-seal the enormous dome of Wayland’s
Hill, Director of Advancement at jhill@
field house to prevent leaks.
wayland.org or 920.356.2120 ext. 222.
Wayland is launching a new service this season that will allow family, friends, and fans a chance to
wayland.org
CAMPUS NEWS
softball quenches a drought After multiple years without a win, the Wayland softball team snagged two wins in April, snapping a 36-game losing streak that began in the spring of 2013. The first win of the season occurred on Wayland’s home field, a 10-8 barn burner against Princeton/Green Lake that concluded with screams of joy as Wayland softball players careened from one hug to the next. For seniors who had stuck with the sport through multiple seasons without
Big Red Spring Feats
a win, the victory was memorably sweet, and for the remaining teammates who had played their entire Wayland career on the wrong side of the scoreboard, it marked a new beginning. The girls followed the win with a second victory three days later.
i d o n i j e `16 c a p t u r e s two gold medals
b a s e b a l l p l ay e r s r e c e i v e conference kudos
As if capturing a second consecutive state championship in the triple jump was insufficient,
Two Wayland baseball players received
Alex Idonije `16 also captured the long jump title at the Wisconsin State Track and Field
Trailways South Conference honors
Championships on June 5, 2016.
at the conclusion of the spring season.
Idonije triple jumped a distance of 45 feet,10.5 inches and captured the long jump title with a leap that covered 21 feet, 10.75 inches. (For perspective, the collegiate basketball three-point line is 20 feet, 9 inches from the hoop.) Both feats served as a personal record for Idonije who is continuing his studies and his leaps on an athletic scholarship at Davidson College in North Carolina.
Greetings Fall 2016
Micah Ganske `16 was named to the All-Conference Second Team and Danier Wuxihong `16 was voted to the AllConference First Team as a catcher. Wuxihong hit for a .529 average without a single strikeout in conference play. 9
I Remember...
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wayland.org
Beaver Dam and went to school at Wayland. Because we commuted, we were housed in a room that Wayland provided in a small building that I do not remember the name. But it was down the steps and small. We all had extra black ties and white shirts just in case. townies lived in
A special shout out to the other townies of `62: Dave Willihnganz, Jim Baily, Ralph Goetting, Les Labuy, Louis Ostrom, Patsy Orton, Alan Temkin, Lee McConaghy and a special hello to Kathy Burns. Roger Bender `62
the beginning back in the fall of 1949. I had friends attending Wayland, and they convinced me to pick Wayland over Lake Forest Academy, best decision. Mom and Dad dropped me off at Wayland Hall, and I was ushered to the third floor All boys who escor ted and met my roommate the ladies in an evening Don Harder. It turned out we had a quite a group on weekend function had three that floor: Don “Bebop” Walther, Bud Harris, Pete minutes to escor t them to Hurtchen, Dave Spengler, Ron Hoglund, Jack Warren Hall and be back Harridge, plus others. i do remember
at the ring of the bell.
One of the first meetings was an introduction to J. Hobart Tucker, Dean of Boys. He was pretty stern and laid out the rules and explained the three-minute program. All boys who escorted the ladies in an evening weekend function had three minutes to escort them to Warren Hall and be back at the ring of the bell. Harris and Hurtchen
Greetings Fall 2016
were roommates and older than me, but they sat behind Mr. Tucker and would mimic him, funny, but I thought, oh crap, what if he turns around. The worst was the tables assigned for the meals. My first memory was the greeting of Weimer Hicks, Headmaster, and then watching an upper classman try to carve a six-inch roast and distribute it to eight hungry teenagers. The rumor was they spiked the milk with saltpeter. Then there was the old staple, cheese soufflé. Needless to say, the first few days I thought, why didn’t I stay home and go to a normal high school? It all turned out for the best and I had a four-year experience that was exceptional. What fun we had and such grand memories. The people I met were the lifeblood of Wayland as they came from all walks of life. Remember this was only four years after World War II. George Pratt `53
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overcoat danced off of his legs as he did a long-strided walk toward me on my first day of class, leaning forward, bouncing off the balls of his feet a little. One hand was buried in a pocket, the other held some books close to his side where he could press his fingers against the fabric for warmth. Black curls of freshly washed hair dampened his collared shirt when they shouldn’t even have been touching it. His tie was neatly knotted but not tightened up enough to disguise that his top button was undone.
his long wool
No one ever really noticed when he broke the rules , and if they occasionally did notice, they didn’t seem to realize that they had noticed. He sometimes cut class. He always skipped the running that the other hockey players did when the team jogged down from campus to the local high school’s ice rink for practice. He’d thumb a ride and wait by the back door smoking a Camel until the guys came into view and then he’d duck around the corner and do a few jumping jacks to get a little flushed and breathy before merging with the others as they streamed into the arena. No one ever really noticed when he broke the rules, and if they occasionally did notice, they didn’t seem to realize that they had noticed. You’re Art’s cousin, he told me enthusiastically. He was Cam, he told me earnestly. 12
I blinked. Cameron, he said, with a laugh. I shivered on the January side-walk with an armload of books that I hugged like a shield and I stared up at the tall boy, squinting as I tried to recognize the Cameron I knew in warm-cookie memories of stained jerseys and Keds or Converse tennis shoes and playing street hockey on visits to my cousin’s house on Glendale Drive. He confessed he didn’t really recognize me either but had been on the look-out, he said. He’d made sure to find me because Art had told him to. Art had told him to look out for his little cousin. I tried a smile and a nod with passable success, but a swell of fresh fear rose over the other anxious waves that had kept my heart bobbing in my chest for the past 24 hours since I arrived. Art’s cousin? Where had Arthur gone, except off to college last fall? And where had Cameron gone, except here to boarding school like me?
We were going to be late for class and Cam started to skate backward on the ice of the sidewalk, suggesting I could maybe find him at lunch or dinner sometime if I didn’t have anyone else to sit with. I made my body start to walk in the opposite direction and gave a better smile. I lifted my chin to pull up with it some bravado and discovered that my heart stopped bumping against my throat. Thanks, I said and pried one hand free from my books to release him with a wave. Later, he said, like he always did, and turned to lean and bounce into the day. I walked on, with a little bit of courage. Thanks, Cam. Thanks, Art. Hello, Wayland.... IN HONOR OF MY FINE COUSIN, ARTHUR MICHAEL WIRTZ III, `86 AND IN FOND MEMORY OF THE MUCH-LOVED CAMERON ZAHED, `87.
Kelsey Wollin Dunn `88
wayland.org
I Remember... Weird Wayland Connections For such a small school, former Wayland students are everywhere you look, sometimes in places where you least expect to encounter them. For the spring issue of the Greetings, we hope you will write us and share your favorite unexpected Wayland connection. It can be a sentence, a paragraph, or a page (though we may have to abridge the printed version), but we look forward to hearing your stories. You can mail them to the editor, Andrew McDonnell, at amcdonnell@wayland.org or: Greetings c/o Wayland Academy 101 N. University Ave. Beaver Dam, WI 53916
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:
Support the future of Wayland Academy Create a gift without affecting your current income Make a difference in the lives of future students
Greetings Fall 2016
For more information contact: Tyler J. Ratajczak Leadership Gift Officer 920.356.2120 ext. 282 tratajczak@wayland.org OR
Learn more at wayland.org/plannedgift
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FOUR DECADES of GETTING STARTED
O
rientation exercises at Wayland as we know them today began on campus 41 years ago. Each new student has to face challenges of the mind, body, and heart, and they have to work together to accomplish
a wide range of tasks across campus.Thousands of Wayland students have clambered over a wall and traversed a series of trials composed of wires, ropes, and logs as an introduction to each other and to Wayland. It is remarkable how unchanged those exercises have remained over the past four decades, but equally remarkable is that these exercises were originally created by a group of five Wayland seniors in the spring of 1975 as their Senior Project.With the guidance of math teacher Dave Kasper H`81, those five students, Lea Busse Malak `75, George Socha `75, Sarah Verstegen `75, John Singleton `75, and Glenn Wiedenhoeft `75, constructed a course that is central to the early days of the Wayland experience. We have assembled a few pictures to mark the fourth decade of this living student project in this issue of the Greetings, but thanks to the hard work of Mr. Kasper, we’ve also constructed an online photo repository of thousands of photos from orientation throughout the years.
Yo u can v iew th em a t: wayl a nd.or g /or i enta ti on 14
wayland.org
Excerpt from a June 11, 2016
D AV E : No no no. The telephone poles I
conversation between Dave Kasper H`81
got, because I had some connections with
and Glenn Wiedenhoeft `75
the telephone company, and we got Pete Roedl to put the telephone poles in for us…
G L E N N : I had Dave for geometry. I remember enjoying geometry.
G L E N N : I remember being afraid of this wall because it’s such rough timber, and
D AV E : I remember the geometry kids from
we got a great price on it. It’s three inches
your class were sharp kids.
thick so it’s super rugged, and we just
G L E N N : I think… maybe I was at the bottom of the sharpness scale.
about broke the van hauling this lumber. Other walls that I’ve seen since then on other challenge courses are pretty
D AV E : No way, Jose.
smooth.
G L E N N : Cause sometimes, Dave
D AV E : These are too, now. They rebuilt
exaggerates. He’s given to hyperbole.
this. On the back of the wall, there was
D AV E : I’m not exaggerating about this. When you think about five kids putting together something that’s lasted this long, to me, it’s amazing. I was just the liaison. We were going to have all these trees all around this thing, like a little forest.
just a little platform back there. And we had one kid almost fall off that thing. So then we built a little cage here so they couldn’t fall off the darn thing. Every year we did this, I’d be continuously amazed, because here we are, we’re 40 years out, and you guys never got the recognition
G L E N N : We wanted a high ropes course.
you deserved for this thing.
D AV E : ( l a u g h i n g ) Yeah, ultimately. Some
G L E N N : My recollection is that us going
of the pine trees did grow, some of the
to Outward Bound was necessarily
trees still standing on south campus were
connected to doing the senior project.
planted then. Originally, the entire course on that part of campus was supposed to
D AV E : It definitely was. Outward Bound
be encircled by trees.
was the key to the whole thing because
G L E N N : I don’t remember designing these things, but I do remember building
that gave us all the information we needed for all the ropes course.
the wall, I remember driving with a
G L E N N : And not just the information,
very under-capacity van to pick up all
but the intensity of experience that was
that wood. Who knows? Maybe we put
internalized. Singleton went to Texas,
telephone poles in that thing.
and the rest of us, including John Clay,
WATCHING SOMEONE OVERCOME A LITERAL AND PERSONAL OBSTACLE. OVERCOMING FEAR AND SELF-IMPOSED LIMITS.
Greetings Fall 2016
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went to Morgantown, North Carolina. Here’s something we made up, I don’t know if it made any of the published stuff, George, Glenn, Sarah, Lee, John ( w r i t i n g ) GEGLSALEJO, pronounced, JEEgle-SahLay-Jo – I hope I’m not the only one who remembers that. That was part of our camaraderie, that we had an acronym.
D AV E : I went to Colorado. G L E N N : Outward Bound changed me in some big ways… It gave me an appreciation for nature, teamwork, and physical exertion. And food. Being able to navigate… It gave me a level of confidence that just supported me in other areas of life, so it doesn’t have to be applicable, yes, to life at Wayland and as a townie, I don’t need map and compass skills, or to know that I can run up a hill without having a heart attack, it doesn’t apply. And yet, confidence in irrelevant skills somehow bridged into a level of confidence that is not so tangible in other areas. Maybe I was a little more socially competent.
D AV E : On Outward Bound, we had a 14foot wall, not a 12-foot wall. Think about that. And you still had to get everyone over that thing… There’s a difference, you put that thing up two more feet, and it’s a whole different experience. We couldn’t go that big here because no one would make it. You know we’re dealing with freshmen and everything else. You had to have something they were going to be successful at, because you wanted them to be talking about it. ‘We did this, we did this, did you do this?’ When they came back into the dorm, the dorm was abuzz. It was just to get the kids in here and let them forget that they left home.
G L E N N : I’ve raised my family now, and I’m back into rock climbing, but with a new focus. I see what you talked about time 16
wayland.org
WHEN THEY CAME BACK INTO THE DORM, THE DORM WAS ABUZZ. IT WAS JUST TO GET THE KIDS IN HERE AND LET THEM FORGET THAT THEY LEFT HOME. and time again: personal victory. Watching someone overcome a literal and personal obstacle. Overcoming fear and selfimposed limits. The orientation thing has a similar feel to it. Here’s an obstacle, do
S e e m o r e p h o t o s a t : way l a n d .o r g / o r i e n t a t i o n
it, get over it yourself. More importantly, overcome it together.
D AV E : You still have to plan. The group has to plan. The last guy going over the wall, you can’t help them get up there. You usually save a tall, athletic person towards the end who can jump. I remember Mitch Disch was strong as an ox, and he would hang by his legs and lower his arms down, and he would just grab them. Oh man, that was an experience… The thing started out with myself and the five of you, and then
Celebrate Waylandtines!
Diane Alpaugh H`84 joined me because I
K ICK S O F F O N F E B RUA RY 1 1 , 2 0 1 7
needed help getting this thing going. Diane was just instrumental. When I think of this thing here, of the things that you designed, almost 100% of what you did is still what we use. It’s just amazing.
G L E N N : We are more awesome than I thought.
Celebrate all things Wayland and accept the class challenge. Save the date, spread the word, and keep an eye on wayland.org and Wayland social media to learn more!
wa y l a n d a c a d e m y 1 8 5 5
wa y l a n d 1 8 5 5
D AV E : You are. Think about it. How many things last 40 years? Greetings Fall 2016
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MIKE SCHNEIDER
and the
TPR STORYTELLING CLASSROOM
atching Mike Schneider H`86 teach
language through extensive (new parents might
Spanish is a little like watching an actor
argue exhaustive) repetition, through questions
take ownership of a stage. His movements
and answers, and by building stories about the
are rapid fire. His blocking is intentional. With
world around them. TPRS applies that concept as
his class of students seated in chairs (no desks)
a means to teach language in the active manner
in a crescent around him, Mr. Schneider strides
one finds in Mr. Schneider’s classroom every day.
through the classroom, he contorts his face, he mimes when he sees opportunities, and his voice is
Students new to his classroom aren’t handed
animated, expressive. He hops, he waves, he flaps
a large book of Spanish grammar. The lessons
his arms; he is everywhere. Most Pilates classes
of sentence construction, verb tense, verb/noun
are less strenuous than his teaching style.
agreement, and all the wonders of grammar
What is also apparent, watching Mr. Schneider, is that he loves it. Part of why he loves teaching Spanish is the method he adopted in 1999 after
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are insinuated into lessons and conversations as students work with Mr. Schneider to build a story. Just as you wouldn’t hassle an infant over
attending a workshop about Teaching Proficiency
the distinction between the pluperfect and past
through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS). The
perfect tenses, Mr. Schneider guides his students
guiding principle behind TPRS is that students
to correct syntax and grammar through friendly,
best learn languages the same way that they
frequent corrections, until the correct form sounds
obtain language as a child. Children construct
like the correct form and becomes second nature. wayland.org
But what does it mean to build a story? In this case,
build in response to his questions, and which they
Mr. Schneider truly is working with his students
can comprehend and speak about in a fluid, correct
to construct a narrative. “We target structures,” he
manner.
said. “Storytelling is something of a misnomer. It’s
The premise for the stories is almost always
more like story-asking. Students contribute detail
absurd. This is a means of helping students stay
to the stories because we’re asking. When I ask
engaged through the full class period, and the story
students questions, I’m targeting structures.” At
almost always has a student-fueled digression that
the start of a week, he has a scripted story in hand,
frequently results in hilarity. The most common
a story that he wants his students to gradually
phrase heard in first-year Spanish is “¡Qué ridículo!”
Greetings Fall 2016
19
or example, in a recent class, students began to build a
Interspersed throughout the class, Mr. Schneider interjected
story about a derelict monkey named Jorge. One student
questions about the date and days of the week. He claimed to live in
was chosen to serve as the principle “actor” in the
a mansion. He inquired whether students lived in mansions. It was
middle of the classroom. In this case, the student actor portrayed
revealed that all the mansions in Minnesota had gone to Maxisota.
the monkey, and Mr. Schneider served as the monkey’s primary
All the beds in China had flown to other countries. At one point, Mr.
interlocutor. The monkey was asked a series of questions in
Schneider explained that his bed had asked him if it might go to
Spanish and responded in complete phrases and sentences in the
Madagascar for a bed party. Jorge had recently eaten 8.2 bananas
present tense, also in Spanish. Then Mr. Schneider would ask the
and lived on 24.4th Street.
class as a whole, or individual students, similar questions, except in the third person and past tense. In this way, students heard the questions and answers constructed in the first, second, and third
out of context, these
persons and in present and past tenses. Throughout the questions and answers and story-building, as a new vocabulary word entered the arena, Mr. Schneider would pause the conversation and write it on the board along with its translation. All new words on the board became part of the class lexicon and would have to be used 100 times over the next week and then be featured on a vocabulary quiz. If students needed clarification or
sound like absurd touches, but in the context of the classroom these asides draw students in and introduce them to new vocabulary and
had questions, they could ask them in English, and Mr. Schneider
constructs in a genuinely
would reply in English, but beyond that, most of the class is spent
engaging manner.
speaking Spanish.
“The details from one class to another might change, but it will take a couple of days to ask a story,” said Mr. Schneider. “After we ask the story aloud, we’ll read a story with the same structures, and that affords us the opportunity for more repetitions and the opportunity to compare stories. At times we might ask students to write their own story using the same structures” As students advance through Wayland’s Spanish curriculum, they add grammatical detail and complexities, build a comprehensive vocabulary, and grow ever more comfortable understanding, speaking, and reading in Spanish. Mr. Schneider teaches Spanish I and III, and Ms. Amanda Damon picks up the mantle for Spanish II and IV/V. For advanced students, Head of School Joe Lennertz H`86 often teaches a section of AP Spanish. Mr. Schneider said, “Ideally, If the student actor playing Jorge slipped up in their answer, Mr. Schneider would correct them, and the student would repeat the
languages are supposed to be easy, fun, and the hard part is most language learning is subconscious. You don’t know it’s happening.”
answer the correct way. Over the course of a 40-minute session the
“Everything we do is storytelling,” he said. “Everything. When
actors playing Jorge faced the same questions phrased 15 different
you get home, your wife says ‘How was your day?’ You tell her a
ways, and by the end of the class the conversation became more and
story. Everything is storytelling. Why shouldn’t language class be
more fluid and required less and less word-hunting by students.
storytelling?”
The answers and the structure gradually became second nature.
20
wayland.org
41st Annual Spring Gala & Auction Sponsorship YO U R G O L D E N (O R B R O N Z E , S I LV E R , O R P L AT I N U M ) O P P O R T U N I T Y TO G R OW YO U R B U S I N E S S BY G I V I N G B AC K .
ON S ATU R D A Y , A P RI L 2 2 , 2 0 1 7 , Wayland Academy will host its biggest social event of the year, but the Gala isn’t just an important fundraiser and evening of fun – it’s an exciting opportunity to reach new clients and customers throughout our global community.
THE GAL A OFFERS FOUR SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:
PLATINUM — $ 5000
GO LD — $ 2 5 0 0
Extended reach through exclusive print and
Silver benefits plus a named event table, four
digital prominence, a permanent thank you on
tickets, and your logo featured on scoreboards
campus, and eight tickets to enjoy the event.
throughout the Gala.
S ILVER — $ 1000
BRO NZ E — $ 5 0 0
Additional visibility with live links from our
Digital and print recognition of your name or
website and two event tickets.
logo, including mobile bidding devices.
Depending on your choice of sponsorship, your name or business logo can reach thousands of Wayland supporters in a variety of ways. We look forward to working with you to find the right level of involvement in the Gala to get the most from this exclusive partnership. Please visit wayland.org/gala or call 920.356.2120 and speak with Kelly Neuert (ext. 244) or Kendall Vingua (ext. 224) for more information.
Greetings Fall 2016
21
C l a s s Of
19 5 6 Cla
ss O f
19 5 6 W
’S OUR
5 0t R
22
and
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IT
ayl
EUNION
wayland.org
Return of the Big Red ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND 2016
b y k e n d a l l v i n g u a ` 03
Boasting record numbers of alumni, their friends and families, and many more whose connection to the Academy drew them back, Alumni Reunion Weekend 2016 brought the wider Wayland community together on campus from October 14 -16, 2016. The weekend events built on successful past programs and introduced exciting new opportunities for alumni to remember their school days and share where their lives have led them. The classes celebrating Milestone reunions were especially excited to join their classmates at Wayland. Members of the 60 th, 50 th, 40 th, 25 th, 20 th, and 10 th reunion classes attended in force, sharing deep camaraderie that the intervening decades couldn’t diminish. Their enthusiasm for Wayland and each other was infectious and set the tone for fantastic events like the All-Alumni Reception at Patterson House and the lively After Hours Gathering off campus Friday night.
opposite, clockwise:
Greetings Fall 2016
Estens, Class of `56, Art Class, Class of `66, Alumni Dinner
23
the state of the academy
Head of School Joe Lennertz H`86 imparted knowledge of a different sort at Saturday morning’s All-Alumni Meeting & Brunch where he discussed the State of the Academy with the alumni in attendance. Speaking to campus improvement, innovations in the curriculum, and the strength of the student body, Mr. Lennertz answered questions that bridged the gap between the Wayland alumni remember and the Academy of today. Following the annual alumni photograph, which was taken in Lindsay Gym due to a light drizzle that morning, alumni gathered in Roundy Hall
alumni speaker panel
to dedicate the most recent improvement to our historic campus: McKinstry Conference Room. Originally created as the James Johnston
Before attending the social events on Friday, students and alumni alike were
Memorial Chapel, the room has served for
treated to an informative Alumni Speaker Panel. This year’s panelists were:
decades as a meeting room and testing facility.
Barbara Chandler `66, founder of a non-profit organization that supports visual
This second-floor space with beautiful stained
arts in Philadelphia public schools; Betsy Wallman `71, business manager for
glass windows has been transformed into a
the Trueblood Theater on Washington Island, Wisconsin; Felicia Linsky `79, a
versatile and comfortable space for classes,
top makeup artist for film and television joined remotely via FaceTime; and Jake
administrators, and the Board of Trustees to
Disch `04, a screenwriter and story editor at the Radmin Company, a boutique
gather. The renovations were generously provided
literary management company in Beverly Hills, California. Focused on unique
by Trustee John B. McKinstry H`10, whose
careers in the arts, the four alumni graciously shared their experiences and
dedication to Wayland was warmly recognized in
fielded questions from students. They offered many insights into different ways
a short ceremony presided over by Mr. Lennertz.
to build a rewarding career while following one’s passions.
Some alumni chose to spend their Saturday afternoon touring campus or visiting together over old photographs and yearbooks in Swan Library; others joined Wayland’s new visual arts teacher Justin Behm at the Painting Masterclass in the Art Studio. Working from a picture of the Victory Bell, each participant created their own masterpiece with the encouragement and technical knowledge shared by Mr. Behm. This new program attracted 30 alumni
s e e m o r e p h o t o s at way l a n d . o r g / r e u n i o n
to participate and was enjoyed by novice artists and certified Picassos alike.
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wayland.org
An Evening to Celebrate The zenith of Alumni Reunion Weekend occurred Saturday night at Old Hickory Country Club, where over 160 people gathered for the Alumni Dinner & Program. Following a delicious meal, Chair of the Board of Trustees Will Luedke `70 inaugurated a program where Alumni Awards and the Distinguished Service Award were conferred on four exemplary alumni.
a l u m n i v o l u n t e e r awa r d
j a n e t s h a r p t u r n e r `56
Established by Wayland’s Alumni Association in 2002, the Alumni Volunteer Award is presented to an alumna or alumnus whose loyal and steadfast volunteer efforts on behalf of Wayland enhance the mission of the Academy and the Alumni Association. It is an extraordinary feat to maintain a friendship for six decades, but it is truly d i s t i n g u i s h e d s e rv i c e c i tat i o n
m i t c h d i s c h h `9 3
an achievement to keep a graduating class worth of them. Beginning in 1998, this year’s recipient of the Alumni Volunteer
The Distinguished Service Citation is the highest honor that Wayland Academy can bestow upon an individual. Established in 1961, the award recognizes outstanding service to Wayland. Many Wayland students first met Mitch Disch H`93 under semi-dangerous circumstances: perhaps he was on a bed of nails, walking on broken glass, or giving the opening lesson for AP Physics. Since 1982, Mr. Disch has had an indelible impact on the Academy and its students as a creative and challenging teacher and as a caring coach and mentor. As Dye Chair of Science, he deftly steered many students towards scientific careers and his insatiable love of learning has influenced countless others, even those who wind up in the humanities, including his children Hillary `01 and Jake `04, both of whom addressed the Saturday evening audience. Mr. Disch and his wife Dee have been stalwart supporters of the school for over three decades. Even in retirement, he has returned to campus to assist the STEAM program, tutors students in physics, opens the weight room some mornings at 6 a.m., and volunteers organizing the Wayland Archives. He is a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
Award has done just that. Janet Sharp Turner `56 volunteered as a Class Correspondent to support and grow the connections between her classmates from 1956 by sharing photos and news well before Facebook made such tasks everyday habits. Since then, she has spearheaded annual class get-togethers, where nearly two dozen Wayland alumni travel to a different city and renew their friendships and their connection to the school. It is Janet and her classmates’ continuous work of building and renewing relationships that has made the class of `56 the class to beat in any Wayland alumni challenges and one that serves as an example of the truly lifelong connections the Academy fosters.
Greetings Fall 2016
25
a l u m n i a c h i e v e m e n t awa r d
j o h n m c c o n n e l l `8 2
Wayland’s Alumni Achievement Award honors alumni who are deemed to be worthy of special recognition by the Wayland community for outstanding achievement in their field or endeavor and for representing the true ideals of the Academy. Though there are many measures for success, John McConnell `82, this year’s recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award, fits the bill by any criteria. He is a graduate of Carleton College and Yale Law School and has reached the upper echelons of his career as a political speechwriter. For eight years, he worked in the White House, crafting remarks for Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush, including as part of the team that authored his post-9/11 address to Congress. yo u n g a l u m n i awa r d
Since leaving the White House, he has
m e g a n p e t e r s e n `1 1
established himself as a top-tier independent speechwriter, writing for presidential candidates,
The Young Alumni Award acknowledges those who have made an outstanding impact within ten years of their Wayland graduation. This year’s recipient, Megan Petersen `11, was a
governors, and the Speaker of the House, while also sharing
leader and a scholar during her time at Wayland – as a prefect,
his expertise as
member of the Cum Laude society, and winner of the Laura
a guest lecturer
McDonald Award – and has chosen to use those talents in
and speaker at
service to others in her collegiate and professional endeavors.
universities such
She pursued a Bachelors in Legal Studies at Scripps College, where she worked through the staff of The Scripps Voice newspaper to become Co-Editor-in-Chief and interned with U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp. While working in the Senator’s office, she devoted herself to serving the people of North
as Dartmouth, Purdue, George Washington University, and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Most
Dakota by advocating for them with a variety of government
notably, throughout his career in politics, he
agencies. Her keen intelligence and desire to help has continued
has maintained a clear sense of purpose and
past graduation and into her current position with the
kindness, known for his sense of humor and
Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, where she is the Citizen
humility despite his many achievements.
Correspondence Specialist, providing outreach to people in need
In fact, a Forbes magazine article recently
of assistance with government and legal issues. We applaud her
referred to him as “brilliant, warm, funny
for dedicating herself to one of Wayland’s Four Pillars – Service
and loyal” and someone who “commands the
– and know we’ll see great things from her in the future.
respect of everyone who knows him.” He truly represents Wayland’s highest ideals.
26
wayland.org
sunday farewell On Sunday, the somber separations of friends old and new began
company of future alumni, and the last opportunity to visit and joke
in earnest as alumni departed for homes around the world. But for
with their classmates this Alumni Reunion Weekend. As the dining
the early risers, they had one more opportunity to commune with
hall slowly emptied, the final table was full of alumni celebrating
Wayland and each other through an All-Levels Yoga Session led
their Milestone 5th Reunion, laughing with teachers who had them
by Science Department Chair and Yogi Beth Ratajczak `96 in the
in class not so long ago. Despite having been away from Wayland
Dance Studio of Lindsay Complex.
the shortest time, they embodied the feeling that so many alumni
Whether they had worked up an appetite beforehand or not, a record number of alumni attended the joint Alumni/Student
have: that Wayland is an extraordinary place to come home to, and nearly impossible to leave.
Brunch, where they relished made-to-order omelets, the vibrant
Alumni Reunion Weekend 2017 OC TO BE R 1 3 - 1 5 , 2 0 1 7 M a rk Yo u r C a len d a r s! It’s officially no longer too early to start planning for Alumni Reunion Weekend 2017! Join your friends on campus for this All-Alumni event, especially if your class year ends in “2” or “7”, and especially if you’re in the Class of 1967 (50th reunion), the Class of 1992 (25th reunion), and the Class of 2007 (10th reunion). Save the date. Call your friends. Start your travel plans. We hope to see you back at Wayland.
Greetings Fall 2016
27
NE WS & N OT ES
l a d i e s o f 19 6 6
Meg Bentley Starr, Ellen Burns Skatrud, and Nadine Hess Britton (left to right) in February in Florida
Jean Browne Turner ‘42 writes: “Our
After living in Washington, D.C. and later Los
seeing what’s new, and being with old friends
biggest change was the death of my brother
Angeles, Martha Karlen `65 came back
was a worthwhile trip for me.”
David Browne `39… Until a year ago, he
to Phoenix and was first involved in retail
was playing in a jazz band he started in the
management. She has now been in real estate
`60s and enjoying the game he loved – tennis
investments for many years.
Stafford Reginald Smith `81 celebrated his 25th Anniversary with his wife Lori on a
– at 93 years old.”
cruise through the Panama Canal, which Lee R. Atterbury `66 is back in the saddle
he said, “reminds me of sailing across Lake
Marjorie
after a recent illness. He is still a full-time trial
Michigan back in my Wayland days.” Their
Stephenson Uphoff `51 write: “We are
lawyer and horse farmer. His fourth novel,
son, Drew, will be graduating soon from
well! Married life agrees with us.” They spend
Big Fracking Mess, is out now and he’s already
Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, MI and
their summers in Wisconsin Dells and winter
working on the next one.
daughter, Jessica, is a “new kid 16” with the
John
Uphoff
`50
and
Young Americans Performing Arts College in
in Fort Lauderdale.
Corona, CA. She loves to sing and perform Lee Ann Seaholm `77 is starting a new
on stage which also reminds him of so many
Nada Proctor Graves `51 says “Don
position with Tacoma General Hospital in IT
friends back at Wayland. Reg is sorry they
and I still enjoy our Colorado mountains.
Info Tech.
could not make the 35th reunion, but adds “My Wayland friends are always welcome at our
Had a lovely day skiing with our daughter and
hotel in Petoskey, MI. ‘Greetings’ to all!”
granddaughter in March!” Janet Stoffel Ward `71 had a great time at her 45th Wayland Reunion and is already Christopher C. Leslie `58 is “Always
thinking about her 50 th in 2021. “I think
Lane Seaholm `82 is a retired US Air
pushing the positive button on life!”
everyone should attempt to reconnect and
Force Colonel, flies for Alaska Airlines, and
make a trip to Wayland, especially in October.
has four children with his wife, Emily – Elena
Sharing many memories (some you could
(15), Olivia (13), Landon (9) and Liam (2).
remember and some not), touring the campus 28
wayland.org
Marian Davis, daughter of Ashley `01 and Eric Davis `01
Anne Hunter Williams `88 (left) and Leslie Snell Franken `88 (right)
Hunter
rentals about five years ago; they now provide
purchase, renovation, and sale of distressed
Snell
coach services for six area funeral homes and
homes in the greater Knoxville area. He also
Franken `88 (see photo) had an awesome
over 200 funerals a year. He says, “I enjoy
owns and operates Infinity Landscape Design
time reconnecting face to face for the first
assisting in all aspects of funerals and helping
Group, which has served customers all over
time since gratuation at the Sonoma Grille
the families, it’s been a great addition to the
the Tennessee Valley for the past eight years.
in Pittsburgh. “It felt like no time had passed
business! Also, I have an 8-year-old son, Jack,
The family enjoys spending time outdoors
at all!”
who is obsessed with football and basketball
enjoying the beautiful seasons and scenery
and is the joy of my life!”
of East Tennessee, and is thankful to call
Wayland Williams
roommates `88
and
Anne Leslie
Knoxville home. Kristi Alcala `96 has lived in Arizona since moving there for college 20 years ago
Sarah Bryant `96 is a current resident
and still loves it. “When I’m not inspiring
of East Lansing, MI, and a wife and mother
Nikki Brown-Huss `96 and Andrew
the bright young minds of 7th graders, I am
of three: Maya (18), Elijah (12), and Joshua
Huss `96 work and live in Madison with our
spending time with my caring husband, Tony,
(9). Sarah is passionate about public health
two children. Andy works in pharmaceuticals
and our creative daughter, Quinn.” Traveling
and empowering underserved populations.
and Nikki works for the State of Wisconsin.
to California, Wisconsin, and Canada are
She began her career as a Registered Nurse
She just completed her first Ironman, and
on their regular travel itinerary; she adds,
and now serves as the Division Manager for
both are looking forward to Wayland’s Spring
“If we’re not in any of those places, we are
Health Promotion and Prevention Programs
Gala.
swimming in our pool to try to escape the
at the Ingham County Health Department.
sweltering AZ heat. Come visit us!” Kimberly Porubcan Kaneakua `96 David Faber `96 writes that he and his
moved to Minneapolis in 1999 to attend the
Tate Patrick Baumer `96 lives in
wife, Lorien, live in Knoxville, TN with their
U of M and never left! She’s worked in special
Weston, WI and has run Baumer Limousine
two children, Maya (10) and Cole (6), and
education in a middle school for the last 13
for the last 15 years. The company has a
two dogs. Along with Lorien as his Realtor
years. She and her husband Chris have two
fleet of about 12 limos, and added funeral car
and business partner, David invests in the
children: Caleb (15) and Avery (9).
Greetings Fall 2016
29
`96
and Delaney (5) is “a constant lightning rod
Natalia Rocha Fonseca `03 is the founder
writes “It was so wonderful to see all the
that gets everyone going” and truly shines in
of ZDPrint, a design studio focused on creating
pictures from Alumni Weekend. I hope to
karate. He works at an alternative school for
meaningful 3D objects, in Bogota, Colombia.
make it back for our 25 !” She is currently
students who have been labeled as at risk/
Recently, she has been active in the movement
living in Northern Virginia and in her 10th
high risk students, where “we have had four
supporting the peace agreement between the
year teaching history at Flint Hill School;
straight years of 100% graduation for our
Colombian government and FARC, and urges
she and her husband Phillip have two boys:
seniors,” runs several youth sports teams, and
others to educate themselves and support the
Christopher (3) and Patrick (10 months).
volunteers with Cub Scouts and his church.
agreement. “We want Colombians to know
Catherine
Humleker
Knicely
th
that this is the right path – a path of forgiveness and positive actions.” Dong Jun Lee `96, known as D.J. to his
Penelope Hommel Strack `96 and her
classmates, writes “Class of 1996, I just
family moved back to Northern Virginia in the
opened a Korean pork BBQ restaurant in
summer of 2015 for their final duty station:
Maja Stevanovich `03 is a Senior Vice
Seoul on October, 6th of this year. Still I came
her husband Brian is working at the Pentagon
President of Mungo Creative Group and lives in
7,000 miles for our 20 th reunion in Wayland. I
while dreaming of retiring as a Lieutenant
Whitefish Bay, WI with her labradoodle, Babson.
always get credit for coming from the farthest.
Colonel after 20 years of service. She writes,
In 5 years for our 25th reunion, no one gets any
“It is hard to believe that I have been a Marine
excuses for not coming if D.J.’s there… I just
Corps wife for 15 years. We plan on moving
Brendan Lyon `07 and his wife Caitlin
would love to see as many as our classmates
back to the midwest, specifically Kansas City,
had their first child, Eleanor A. Lyon, this
there for our strong Reunion Weekend.”
in the summer of 2018. For family fun, we
September.
play team trivia at a local restaurant and on
Captain in the Marines in November, 2015,
Brendan
was
promoted
to
a few weekends go blow our hair back racing
and currently serves as Assistant Aircraft
Patricia Duez Martin `96 lives in
at Auto Cross.” Penelope works from home
Maintenance Officer and Substance Abuse
St. Louis, where she practices labor and
pursuing her business massage license and also
Control Officer in Marine Unmanned Aerial
employment law, representing management in
volunteers at daughter Vivian’s school.
Vehicle Squadron 1.
cases alleging violations of wage and hour laws, discrimination, and harassment nationwide. She is married to Jason, and they have two
Jill Neitzel `08 and Quintin Radford `05
kids, John (11) and Patti (8), both of whom keep
were married on August 6, 2016 at the Radford
her on her toes. “I am passionate about the
Farm in Larsen, WI. The two were joined by a
sport of triathlon and Wayland. I’ve been on
number of Wayland alumni including those in
Wayland’s Board of Trustees for the last three
the photo opposite.
years and I love the opportunity to give back. It was wonderful seeing so many classmates at our 20th reunion, and I hope we can have even
Nic Schaalma `08 was married to Jadee
more for our 25 — but in the off years, I’m
Rooney on October 21, 2016. He is a Financial
always on campus for Alumni Weekend and
Advisor for Edward Jones in Appleton, WI.
th
would love to see more of your smiling faces in person, rather than just on Facebook.” President of the Alumni Board Jordan
Bethany M. Guse `12 is currently teaching
Esten `02 and his wife Kelly had their first
English in Austria and wants to encourage
Stephen “Andy” Nason `96 had a
child, Robert (Bobby) MacLennan Esten,
Wayland students learning German – “They
great time on campus for Alumni Reunion
(see photo) on July 26, 2016 at Brigham and
can do cool stuff with languages!”
Weekend and says it was “great catching up
Women’s Hospital in Boston.
with my amazing classmates.” Andy earned Vivian
his Ed.S from UW–Milwaukee in the spring
30
Washington
`13,
currently
of 2015 and his “amazing wife” finished her
Jeffrey F. Boness `03 and his wife
studying at Edgewood College, will appear in
Doctorate in the spring of 2016. They have
Stephanie
child,
the 2016 edition of Who’s Who Among Students
three wonderful and talented children that
Alexander, on October 20, 2015 and, while
in American Universities and Colleges. She
Andy says he has a hard time saying “no” to:
visiting family members in the midwest, were
recently studied abroad in London
Caitlin (10) is an awesome dancer; Declan (8)
excited to show him Wayland’s campus for
is involved in football, baseball and wrestling;
the first time this Alumni Reunion Weekend.
welcomed
their
first
wayland.org
r a dford
– neitzel
w eddi ng
Jayme Neitzel `12, Jill Neitzel `08, Quintin Radford `05, Nikki Hodgdon `08, John Burgman `05, Anna January `08, Terry Bomier `73, Lindsay Cieslik `09, Alex Hodgdon `05, Darren Cole `04, Weston Radford `03, Curt Radford `73, Peter Radford `67, Carla Radford Fair `00, India Radford Clarke `77, Scott Radford `68, David Nyman `06, Samuel Radford `06 (left to right)
Theo Murphy, son of Chase `03 and Liesl Murphy
CORRECTIONS & C L A R I F I C AT I O N S
In the spring 2016 issue of the Greetings we neglected to mention that the late Ralph Wiedenhoeft served as Wayland Academy’s Chaplain and Dye Chair of Religion from 19711975. We regret this omission. Have a note, letter, update, correction, or comment for the Greetings? Please email the editor at amcdonnell@wayland.org or write to: Greetings Wayland Academy 101 N. University Ave. Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Brendan Lyon `07 with wife, Caitlin, and daughter, Eleanor
Greetings Fall 2016
31
In Memoriam David H. Soldwedel `55, of Oregon, WI, passed away on August 10, 2016. He was born February 8, 1937, in Pekin, IL, the eldest child of Henry and Laura Klepfer Soldwedel. After an early start in his family’s farm and dairy business, Soldwedel Dairy, Dave graduated from Wayland, joined the U.S. Navy, attended William and Mary College, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Throughout his life, he was an excellent tennis player, skier, and golfer, and he played on the Wayland Academy football team. Following his service and education,
1930s
Dave farmed extensively in southern Wisconsin and raised Hampshire, Holstein, and national championship Angus cattle, in addition to other
David M. Browne `39 passed away peacefully on February 26,
prize-winning livestock, and served as President of Stoughton Farms.
2016. Dave was a proud World War II Army veteran who graduated
He is survived by his children, Reed Soldwedel `80 (Liz), Chad
from Denison University with a math major, which lead to a career
Soldwedel, Courtney (Jeff) Manger and grandson, Vance Manger; sister,
in the computer industry. He was a talented musician playing brass
Sue Soldwedel Wollin; and his cat, Simon. He leaves nephews, Arthur
instruments in several bands, including 55 years with the LGVSDNM
Wirtz III `86 (Jennifer Downey Wirtz `86), and James
Band (“Sewer Band”) in Marin County, CA, and the Tuesday Knights. He
Wirtz `91; nieces, Laurie Wirtz (Steve) Jenkins, Lynsey Wollin (Shawn)
also founded Saints and Sinners, a jazz band. He is survived by his wife of
Casey, and Kelsey Wollin Dunn `88 (Todd); and cousins, including
nearly 70 years, Carol, four children, and numerous grandchildren and
Larry Klepfer of Ecuador. He was preceded in death by his parents and
great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Jean Browne Turner `42.
sister, Sunny Soldwedel Wirtz `57.
His brother, Philip L. Brown `35, preceded him in death. Robert Louis Smith `57, of Baraboo, WI, passed away on March
1940s Richard Merrill `41 died on December 2, 2015 in Poynette, WI, at his home of 63 years with his daughter by his side. A member of
10, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1939, to Marvin and Susan (Meyer) Smith in Beaver Dam and was married to Catherine A. Schlough on October 12, 1974.
the Greatest Generation, Richard served in the 485th Bomb Group as a tail gunner in World War II. He is survived by his three daughters, Gretchen Merrill `68, Katherine Merrill `69, and Kristine Merrill `70, as well as numerous other relatives. His high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Manetta Focke Merrill `42, preceded him in death in 2004.
Karen Schmidt Meyer `59, of Monroe, NC, passed away on March 15, 2016. After graduating from Wayland, Karen attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She was a 50-year member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. After her marriage to Frank Meyer in 1962, she began her career as a corporate travel agent, coordinating travel for several large companies in the Carolinas. Karen and Frank were known for their
William F. Herrick `47 passed away in March, 2016. He was a well-known poet, writer, sculptor and artist and is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and three children.
love of golden retrievers and worked with the Golden Retriever Rescue Club; together they loved and nurtured 14 retrievers through their 50 years of marriage. Karen is survived by her children, Bill, John (Donna), and Laura (Terry) Davidson, and numerous grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Schmidt Hick `60 and Elizabeth
1950s
Schmidt `64, and two nephews.
John P. Healy `52, of Beaver Dam, died on December 27, 2015,
32
at UW Hospital in Madison. John managed Hotel Rogers for 25 years
Geraldine Mueller `59 passed away on January 8, 2016. Geraldine
starting in 1976. He is survived by his sister, Catherine Healy
was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, IL, and was
Koob `41, and many relatives and friends.
a retired secretary. Her husband, Edwin, preceded her in death in 2000. wayland.org
Employees & Friends of Wayland
She is survived by her stepson, Gilbert Mueller, her children Michael
Jenifer Scherer passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 in Minneapolis
Mueller and Kimberly (William) Alderson, and three grandchildren.
due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Jenifer is survived by her parents David Scherer (former faculty, 1980-1990) and Carol,
1960s Peter E. Kaiser `61 died on December 4, 2015 at his home on Big Fork Lake in Three Lakes, WI, surrounded by his children and loving caregivers. After graduating from Wayland, he attended college in McPherson, KS where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1967, served in the US Air Force, and later received two Master’s degrees in History and Business Management. He founded Kaiser Group, Inc. in 1979, focused on consulting, workforce development, and organizational improvement. Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, and is survived by sons Jacob and Joseph (Trenton), daughters Emily (Steve)
siblings, and numerous other relatives.
Gerald Alan Dye, of Wayzata, MN, passed away on November 8, 2016. Jerry is survived by his older brother Glen Dye and significant other, Kathy “Sunky” Conner and was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Gertrude Dye. He is the grandson of the late Glen Dye (Class of 1907) and Ella Merriam Dye (Class of 1907). He was an accomplished musician and all those who knew him were continually impressed by his graciousness, his mild personality, and his passion for music.
and Kimberly (Troy), grandchildren Elise (Lincoln) and Charlie, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Leon Achterberg of Portage, WI, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2016. Leon is survived by his wife, two children, and numerous other
Janet Bowman Sparks `62 passed away peacefully on January 29, 2016. Jan attended Wayland, where she became one of the “Wayland
relatives including his grandchildren Austin Lardy `10 and Kirstin Lardy `12.
Girls” who gather from time-to-time in random locations for girls’ weekends. Following graduation, Jan attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, where she was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, James; her three beloved children, James Sparks, Sarah Suppe, and Nancy Sparks; and many relatives and friends.
Robert Hodgdon passed away on September 14, 2016. A resident of Saint Louis Park, MN, he was a US Navy Air Corps veteran and a talented musician. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and his survivors include his loving partner of 28 years, Yvonne, children Gregg and Roberta, and grandchildren Nicole Hodgdon `08 and Alexander Hodgdon `05.
Lisbeth Page `65, of Lewistown, MT, passed away on July 18, 2015 following an ATV accident on her ranch. Lisbeth is survived by her husband, Stephen Page; her daughter Laurie (Mark) Gaugler; sons Jim and Bill; and many friends and relatives.
Timothy Connor `69 passed away on January 20, 2016. Tim was the beloved son of the late Jack and Winifred, loving brother of Anne Connor Foley (Richard), John (Linda) and Clare Connor Ranalli (Nick), dear uncle of Liam, Sean, and Aidan, and is survived by other loving
Robert Johnson, father of John Paul Johnson `16, passed away on October 8, 2016.
Veda (Pat) Frinak, passed on December 10, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie A. Frinak, Sr. and is survived by her children Susan (Mark) Wilterding, Leslie (Vicki) Frinak Jr., and Patricia Frinak `73 (Gordon Kohl), and numerous other relatives.
relatives and friends. Eugenia “Bunny” Dillon passed away September 29, 2015 after battling Parkinson’s Disease. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John P. Dillon `54. She is also survived by daughter Patricia Dillon `83 and son George Dillon.
Greetings Fall 2016
33
J OHN PATTERSON H` 72
One of Wayland’s most beloved faculty emeriti, John P. Patterson H`72, passed away on July 2, 2016. He was an extraordinary teacher, caring mentor, and deeply kind person. His positive impact on those who knew him is evidenced by all the fond memories and sincere condolences his students and friends have shared with the school and on Wayland’s Alumni Facebook Group. Mr. Patterson was born Oct. 24, 1937, in Monticello, Wisconsin,
d e a r way l a n d g r e e t i n g s :
I’d like to attest to the profound impact that Mr. Patterson had on this particular student, and to the corresponding
to Parker Page and Mildred (Holdrich) Patterson. After the family
sadness I felt upon learning of his death.
moved to the family farm near Brooklyn, WI, John attended Doyle
Others will have their own, more personal reminiscences,
School, graduating from Brooklyn High School in 1955, earning a
but I can vouch that his readings from Macbeth, his
scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. He
puckish telling of Chaucer, and his subtle questionings
received a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from UW – Whitewater in 1959, earning highest honors. He began
while teaching Wordsworth, Tennyson, Charlotte Bronte, and Dickens (to name a few) were well worth the price of admission to Wayland, at least for me. The sensibilities
his teaching career at Brodhead High School and after a year decided
he helped to cultivate, and the literary passion he ignited,
to attend graduate school. John earned his Master of Fine Arts
found further expression in the classes of Mr. Baxter and
from the University of Wyoming where he was a Woodrow Wilson
Mr. Schantz, two other teachers I was fortunate to have.
Scholarship recipient and wrote his master’s thesis on Shakespeare’s
Just one anecdote will suffice to show Mr. Patterson’s
King Lear.
painstaking care of his charges. One semester, partway
Moving back to Wisconsin, John went on to teach at Madison West
to impose two weeks of solid grammar: a refresher, I think
High School, Wauwatosa West High School, Carthage College,
he called it. Diagramming sentences, that sort of thing. (We
and finally, Wayland. He taught at Wayland for 32 years until his retirement. While at Wayland he served as the English Department Chair and held the endowed Proctor Chair in English. John enjoyed reading, movies, The American Players Theater of Spring Green,
through the curriculum, he interrupted the literature syllabus
were his junior “Honors” class.) It seems he had read some papers of ours and concluded that we fell short of the mark, and that if he didn’t intervene, we’d be lost for life. I’m forever glad he took the extra effort. A few years later I was an English major in college, then reporter
singing in his church choir, Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre,
and managing editor for a series of biotech news
and taught a writers group at the Beaver Dam Senior Center. John
publications before winding up as research director for
was proud of his English and Swiss background and took many trips to trace his genealogy. John is survived by his nieces, Cindy Baumgartner, Laurie Pinnow, and Lisa Schlesner; sister-in-law, Jean Patterson; great-nieces, greatnephews, and cousins. Our thoughts are with his family and all whose lives he touched. We are truly grateful for all that he gave our students and our community.
the National Endowment for the Arts, where I currently work. Throughout it all, I’ve read and written poetry and occasional essays and reviews, and even now I catch myself wondering: which had the larger influence on me – Mr. Patterson’s introductions to great works of literature or his grammatical exercises? Yours sincerely, s u n i l i y e n g a r `90 c h e v y c h a s e , m a ry l a n d
He is greatly missed. 34
wayland.org
DEP
AR
T
RV
NT OF A R
AT I O N
ME
From the Wayland Archives
CH
IVE PRES
E
the bird’s-eye view
q u i e t ly t u c k e d away
in a large
envelope labeled “1920s” we found this view of campus looking south towards what was then the Dodge County Fairgrounds. The shiny new photo beneath it was made possible by the generous gift of a small drone that the school received from Mr. Mohe Zhu and Ms. Can Tang, parents of Jimmy Zhu `17. You can see the fairgrounds now serve as Wayland’s south campus home to playing fields, a track, and the field house.
Photo Credit: Justin Behm and Craig Hill H`06
Greetings Fall 2016
35
Wayland Academy
Greetings
I Remember... Weird Wayland Connections For such a small school, former Wayland students are everywhere you look, sometimes in places where you least expect to encounter them. For the spring issue of the Greetings, we hope you will write us and share your favorite unexpected Wayland connection. It can be a sentence, a paragraph, or a page (though we may have to abridge the printed version), but we look forward to hearing your stories. You can mail them to the editor, Andrew McDonnell, at amcdonnell@wayland.org or: Greetings c/o Wayland Academy 101 N. University Ave. Beaver Dam, WI 53916
101 North University Avenue Beaver Dam, WI 53916 36
Toll free: 800.860.7725 Phone: 920.356.2120 wayland.org
wayland.org