FALL / WINTER 16–17
Unmatched Education. Outstanding Community. HOMECOMING WEEKEND RECAP LEARNING THE TRUE COST OF FOOD CELEBRATING TEACHER-COACHES
Front, from left Abrielle Dillon ’17 holds Katerina Kostopoulos’ ’29 hand, followed by Xavier Davis ’17 (center) and Cameron Kaufmann ’17 (rear, far right).
Opening Day 2016 In celebration of Opening Day on August 29, 2016, USM seniors kicked off festivities by entering the outdoor assembly hand-in-hand with senior kindergarten students before Board of Trustees President Andrew Petzold and Head of School Laura Fuller addressed the ceremony attendees. Senior class prefects followed with speeches on the Common Trust tenet of honesty, and the ceremony concluded with Head of Middle School Pamela Nosbusch ringing the ceremonial first bell of the 2016-2017 school year, an honor bestowed each year upon the longest-tenured faculty member.
Cover: Lower School students Poppy Fetherston ’27 (front) and Simrin Patel ’27 (rear) leave the Lower School as they finish another school day.
in this issue A Community of Excellence The USM community is dedicated to providing the very best education for its students. But what is the USM community, exactly? Why is it important, and what does it mean for others?
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04 Homecoming
18 A Lesson in Kindness
20 Learning by Doing
04 28
20 cover to cover
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04 | View from the Tower
28 Teacher-Coaches are a Win-Win
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32 18 | Spotlight
A Warm Welcome
28 | Locker Room
31 | Beyond USM
USM TODAY STAFF
2016-2017 LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
HEAD OF SCHOOL
HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Tim Eilbes, Director of Marketing and Communications
Laura J. Fuller
Michael Tauscher
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL
PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Pamela Seiler, Communications and Public Relations Manager
Gregg Bach
Andrew A. Petzold
ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN
HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD
Gwendolyn GaBree, Design and Creative Services Manager
Stuart Cushman
James G. O’Reilly ’78
PHOTOGRAPHY
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Gwendolyn GaBree Visual Image Photography McDill Design
Pamela Nosbusch
Susan Brennan
USM Today is published by University School of Milwaukee twice per year. USM is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students from prekindergarten through grade 12. Our editorial staff has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of information reported, and we apologize for any inadvertent errors that may have occurred. To change your address or unsubscribe from the USM Today mailing list, please contact the USM Advancement Department at 414.540.3339 or usmadvancement@usmk12.org.
HEAD OF SCHOOL LAURA FULLER The new year is a time for reflection, and I honestly believe I have the best job in the world. Each and every day I am able to interact with smart and interesting people—from our students, to our faculty and staff, to our many alumni and parents of alumni who are often on campus for events, and so many others. This fall moved by seemingly in an instant, and here we are already in the middle of winter. The last four-plus months of the school year have provided us with many opportunities to come together as a community to gather and celebrate, which is one of the many things that makes University School of Milwaukee such a special place. Even before the first day of classes, at our opening faculty and staff meetings in August, our teachers and staff were surprised by a “flash” musical performance of their peers that had people rolling in the aisles. Just a few days later, our senior prefects reflected on this year’s Common Trust tent of honesty in Opening Ceremony speeches. The following weeks had parents coming to campus for Back to School Nights, conferences with teachers, and many other events and performances. Despite some wet weather, we celebrated an amazing Homecoming weekend and the introduction of the inaugural class of our new Athletic Hall of Fame. We cut the ceremonial ribbon on our new Lee Community Room and Darrow Family Welcome Center at our visitor entrance. We welcomed more than a half-dozen nationally recognized speakers who addressed a wide range of topics—from social justice to substance abuse
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prevention, and from World War II Japanese American internment camps to activism and politics—with our students, teachers, parents, alumni, and the greater Milwaukee community. And, celebrating its 40th year, our Holiday Shops and Preview Party & Benefit Auction were a great success, raising more than $230,000 for the School. From amazing author visits to a wonderful open house for prospective new USM families; from class retreats to our Masquerade March on Halloween; from our 7th- and 8th-grade science symposium to Grandparents and Special Friends Day; and from our All-School Holiday Concert and Preprimary Holiday Sing to our Global Scholars Crisis Simulation, we have had a plethora of activity to keep us busy! And these are just some examples from only one half of the school year of our USM community coming together. My main takeaway in reflecting on all of these activities is just what an amazing community we all share. Whether you are reading this as an alumna or alumnus, a parent, a friend of the School, a faculty or staff member, a Trustee, a donor—or, in some cases, more than one of these—we all share a common bond in that this is a place for which we have a special fondness. You, the valued members of our community, are an important part of everything that we do and aspire to be.
Leadership at USM 2016-2017 Board of Trustees
Back from left Frederick P. Stratton III ’92, Charles Mellowes ’87, Stephen Guy, Richard J. Seesel, Erskine Tucker Jr. ’79, Michael C. Williams ’70, Stephen F. Geimer ’78, Gregory Smith, Jason Holton, Michael W. Darrow ’86, Charles Brennan, and Michael Grebe ’85. Front from left Karen Huffman, Tamora Martin, Karin Werner, Jackie Darr, Linda Mutschler, Head of School Laura J. Fuller, Board of Trustees President Andrew A. Petzold, Sarah Zimmerman ’92, Catherine Robinson, Parents’ Association President Susan Brennan, Melanie Booth, and Mary Jane Martinez. Not pictured Dr. Patricia Hoben, Jon Hopkins, Sangeeta Khanna, and Alumni Association President James G. O’Reilly ’78.
2016-2017 Parents’ Association Board Back from left Margy Stratton Norman ’84, Christine Kinyon, Molly Fritz ’80, Jock Mutschler, Brigid Miller, Sara LeBrun-Blashka, Julie Sellars, and Cathie Torinus. Seated from left Parents’ Association President Susan Brennan, Colleen Polston, Yulia Jigalina, and Victoria Schultz. Not pictured Rochelle Robinson and Jolene Watkins.
2016-2017 Alumni Association Board Back from left Andy Gordon ’98, Burt Bartlett ’74, Alumni Association President James G. O’Reilly ’78, Ed Eisendrath MUS’61, F.R. Dengel ’83, and Ryan Stewart ’09. Front from left Daphne Lerner ’88, Lindsay Grady ’91, Natasha Misra ’04, Jessica Roulette ’88, Sumeeta Krishnaney ’92, and Angela Topetzes ’78. Not pictured John Graham Jr. ’02, Hack Noyes ’66, Bruce Lee ’81, and Cassandra Morello ’07. 3
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september 24– october 1
Blue and Gold 3K Fun Run/Walk during Willie’s Fun Fest.
Junior Wildcat Jamboree.
The Famous Racing Sausages™ vs. Willie the Wildcat.
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A little rain couldn’t dampen the Wildcat spirit, as the University School of Milwaukee community came out in droves to celebrate Homecoming Weekend. Homecoming 2016 was one for the record books. After a week of excitement-building events like special dress days and an All-School Pep Rally featuring the Famous Racing Sausages™, cross-divisional relay races, and a surprise visit from FOX6 Sports Director Tom Pipines to highlight the football game as the station’s Game of the Week, the Wildcats were ready to take on Brookfield Academy for the big game. The Wildcats put up an impressive fight and kept the fans on the edge of their seats, despite ultimately losing to the Blue Knights 20-13. Special guests at Friday’s game included members of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class, who were inducted on Saturday night (see more on page 37). The excitement continued with the Blue and Gold 3K Fun Run/Walk, Willie’s Fun Fest, and thrilling athletic events.
8 Days of Homecoming fun, festivities, and celebration
HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS • The All-School Pep Rally on Friday afternoon, followed by the All-School BBQ open to all members of the USM community before the football game • The Junior Wildcat Jamboree, featuring Middle School Athletics events and activities for the whole family • The Blue and Gold 3K Fun Run/Walk, held on USM’s scenic cross-country trail • Willie’s Fun Fest, featuring bounce houses and carnival games • Girls field hockey defeating Arrowhead 5-1 in the Tessa Nowakowski ’10 Memorial Field Hockey Game • Boys soccer defeating Messmer 6-0 • The inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame induction held on Saturday night • The Upper School Homecoming Dance held on Saturday night
31 3K Athletic events
Distance of Blue and Gold Fun Run/Walk
1 Mascot race
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view GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY Sponsored by the Parents’ Association, University School of Milwaukee was delighted to host Grandparents and Special Friends Day on November 23, 2016. USM students were joined by their grandparents and other family members in the Marion and Verne Read Lower School Gymnasium for a short program before spending the rest of the morning interacting in classrooms.
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A From left Tera Miner, Abby Moyer ’22, and Lynn Miner. B From left Darlene Marcelle, Charlotte Barnard ’25, and Dennis Marcelle. C Asha Jain and Anand Rao ’30. D B ack from left Jordan Puetz ’20, Bob Puetz, and Andrew Puetz ’17. Front from left Carol Puetz, Malekeh Hakami, Hannah Hakami ’18, Kathy Donati, Cameron Hakami ’20, and Casey Hakami ’23.
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E Nina Sugiyama Carter ’30 and Clarice Carter. F A chorus of 3rd- and 4th-grade students serenades guests. G From left Annabelle Lantz ’30, Megan Murphy, and Carlene Ziegler. H Karan Sharma ’21 and Kavita Sharma. I Peter Steffen and Liam Wallace ’22. J From left Grandparents and Special Friends Day Co-Chairs Jennifer Eason, Sarah Hammes, and Georgia Dimitropoulos.
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view MILK AND COOKIES Upper School students celebrated Pajama Day during Homecoming Week by taking a milk and cookies break with their Lower School friends. Tenth-, 11th- and 12thgraders brought milk cartons and baskets of cookies to share with Preprimary students, who waited at tables with books they selected to read with their “big kid buddies.”
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL COFFEE The Parents’ Association hosted a coffee reception in Mellowes Hall to welcome parents on the first day of school.
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Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room Opens The Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room was dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September. Located adjacent to the Darrow Family Welcome Center (see page 32), the room features collaborative work spaces, coffee-and-conversation areas, and flexible seating for large gatherings. It’s a place where parents and other community members can mingle, meet with teachers, exchange ideas, and form meaningful connections that last beyond pick up and drop off. Bruce Lee ’81 currently serves as a member of USM’s Alumni Association Board and the Our Common Bond campaign cabinet, and works as the managing director, Private Banking and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch in Chicago where he lives. He credits his one-year experience at USM (his senior year) as a pivotal year in his educational journey and believes the intimate parent-
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teacher-student interaction sets USM apart. The new space helps to foster the strength of the School community, and USM is grateful for the Lee family’s generous contribution.
Top: From left Board of Trustees President, Andrew Petzold, Mia Lee, Bruce Lee ’81, Jennifer Lee, Lauren Lee, and Head of School Laura Fuller. Also pictured are Bruce’s parents, seated from left, Yul and Tong Lee. Inset: The Parents’ Association hosts a coffee gathering in the Lee Community Room.
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Little Library Sixth-grade student Ingrid Lofgren (pictured, below) recently created a Little Library at USM. Lofgren worked with 5th and 6th Grade Dean of Students and 6th Grade Teacher Brad Dunning and Head of Middle School Pamela Nosbusch to make her idea a reality. “I wrote a proposal and presented it to Mr. Dunning,” Lofgren said. “Then, I met with him and Mrs. Nosbusch and got permission to turn an empty locker into a library.” The library is open to 5th- and 6th-grade students and books can be borrowed or donated at any time.
National Outdoor Classroom USM was one of three schools in Wisconsin that participated in Outdoor Classroom Day on October 6, 2016. Globally, nearly 500,000 children participated in the event, which celebrates and inspires outdoor learning and play. The event coincided with the School’s efforts to grow outdoor curriculum as part of its strategic plan, and to further encourage experiential learning throughout all divisions.
Got Milk? Students at USM are now enjoying Red Barn Family Farms milk at lunch. Red Barn is a dairy procurement company that derives its high-quality milk and cheese from eight different family farms in eastern Wisconsin. Each Red Barn Family Farm is annually certified by the American Humane Association, an independent, third-party inspector. Cows must have daily access to the outdoors and their milk is rBGH free. Each farm must be family owned and be the family’s primary source of livelihood, and the majority of the farm labor must be performed by family members. USM is thrilled to provide high-quality, delicious milk to our students while also supporting local dairy farms. Learn more at www.redbarnfamilyfarms.com.
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Distinguished Guests Visit Campus Many notable individuals, including authors, artists, speakers, and even a celebrity chef, visited campus this fall. Students, parents, and for most events the general public were invited to enjoy the guests and broaden their horizons. “The USM assembly program is an important enhancement to our curriculum,” said Assistant Head of School Gregg Bach. “We are very fortunate to be able to bring a variety of prominent national speakers to campus.”
Ben Rawlence came to USM to present on activism, politics, and responsible citizenship in the 21st century and to discuss his newest book, “City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp.” His visit was sponsored by USM’s Global Scholars Program and ties in with this year’s crisis simulation theme: global water issues. Chef Jet Tila, who has appeared on national TV shows like “Iron Chef America” and “Cutthroat Kitchen,” visited our Middle School students. Not only did they get to meet Tila and sample his fried rice, they enjoyed a high-energy, interactive demonstration from the chef himself.
Lower School students enjoyed a special treat when Milwaukee artist Reginald Baylor visited to discuss his artwork and share behind-the-scenes information about a few of his pieces. “Reginald’s art is focused on elements like line, color, and structure, all of which students study in class,” said Katelyn Peter, 4th-grade teacher.
USM Presents: The Conference of the Birds Upper School thespians presented “The Conference of the Birds” in October. The production is described by DCTheatreScene.com as “an opulent mystery, inviting audiences on a journey far from traditional narrative and performance styles. The play is a joyful experiment in group storytelling, and a nimble balancing act between make-believe and mysticism.” The audience was invited to stay after the performance for a post-show discussion with the cast.
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Artist, writer, and comics creator Ben Hatke, well-known for his “Zita the Spacegirl” trilogy, spoke with Lower School students about his work. “In my storytelling I find myself thinking a lot about, and being fascinated by, how words and pictures can work together to tell a story,” Hatke said.
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FALL 2016 CUM LAUDE SOCIETY INDUCTEES University School of Milwaukee welcomes the top 10 percent of the senior class into the Cum Laude Society, an organization that honors superior scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Congratulations to (back from left) Greta Weiss, Katie Feuerstein, Will Koch; (middle from left) Emma Smith, Nikita Mullick, Arundhati Pillai, Anshul Bhatnagar; (front from left) Candace Walther, Lizzie Keuler, and Abby Brostrom.
2017 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS Six USM seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Congratulations to (back from left) Anshul Bhatnagar, Daniel Glazer, Leo Simanonok, (front from left) Candace Walther, Lizzie Keuler, and Arundhati Pillai. These students earned the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level of the competition to compete for some 7,500 scholarships totaling nearly $33 million. Winners are chosen based on academic records, SAT scores, extracurricular and leadership experiences, and essays. ANDREW PUETZ ’17 RACED AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Andrew Puetz ’17 represented USM’s cross country team as an individual qualifier in the WIAA Division 2 State Championships in October. He finished 92nd and ran the 3.1 miles in 18:05.75. USM’s cross country team has had individual runners competing at the state championships for six consecutive years. Congratulations!
Read more about these and other student achievements online at www.usmk12.org/news. 11
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A Community of Excellence A diploma from University School of Milwaukee signifies many things. For starters, it signifies the successful completion of a challenging, engaging, and exciting curriculum from one of the nation’s top independent schools. It also signifies a commitment to academic excellence and exceptional behavioral standards. Perhaps most importantly, it denotes membership in an extraordinary community of alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff. But just what is the USM community? From left Mia Johnson ’20, Lisa Wong ’20, Leen Mortada ’20, and Brianna Pearson ’20 share a funny story while walking to class this past spring.
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While there are many things that make a USM education outstanding—world-class faculty and exceptional facilities, to start—the community is what makes it unique, loved, and cherished. But how is it the same, or different, for students from prekindergarten to 12th grade? Why is it important, and how does it impact students’ educational experiences? When examining the USM community it’s helpful to start at the beginning, in the Lower School. This is where children begin to learn about the Common Trust—relating to one another and the School with respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness— before they can even tie their shoes. Examples abound of how community is established and bolstered in the Lower School. “Lunch is an obvious place to start,” said Gina Bongiorno, assistant head of Lower School. “Each teacher sits at a table with the kids, and the grades are mixed so the students can interact and make connections.” Within the classrooms, faculty work to build trust, understanding, and empathy amongst their students. “Many classrooms have what’s called a ‘VIP’ or ‘Star of the Week’ where students are invited to bring in something that’s special to them,
tell a story about themselves or get interviewed by their class,” Bongiorno added. Every child is spotlighted at some point, and it allows the class to get to know that student on a deeper level. Establishing an understanding of the Common Trust and learning how to apply it to everyday life is a key component of building community in the Lower School, and it positions students for success at USM as they learn and grow. “Faculty in Middle School have a special saying,” said Will Piper, 5th-grade social studies teacher. “It’s ‘Everyone deserves a good day.’” Establishing a cohesive and supportive community is one way that teachers in the Middle School ensure that students have a good day, during what is often a physically and emotionally turbulent period in their lives.
Faculty work to build trust, understanding, and empathy amongst their students.
Middle School recently launched a new program called CAT Academy, in which students suggest course topics via a survey, and faculty design classes around those topics. Students choose their preferred course, which meets twice per cycle for one quarter. Course topics have ranged from clothing design to beekeeping, and fantasy football, among others. “The fantasy football course was a great example of bringing students together from different age groups who wouldn’t normally interact with each other,” said Piper, who co-taught the
Gretchen Miller, Lower School Spanish teacher, engages a classroom of Preprimary students with a song. 14
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course with Brian Markwald, 7th-grade social studies teacher and dean of students for 7th and 8th grades. “I see those same students talking in the hallway and playing together at recess. This one course, plus other CAT Academy courses, has built a supportive, positive community within the Middle School.” Building a compassionate, cohesive culture in Middle School does more than make for an enjoyable learning environment. “Ultimately, our job is to prepare kids for the outside world,” Piper said. “A key skill for success is the ability to work together. Building a positive community in the Middle School empowers students and teaches them that we might be different people but we have a responsibility to treat each other with
“ USM encourages students to pursue their own interests, things they’re passionate about. Students are their own leaders.”
respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness.” By the time students reach Upper School, and in many cases even before, community has taken on a broader context. Students are provided with different opportunities to learn about various service organizations in Milwaukee and encouraged to get more involved with those that interest them. Some students, like Erica Lofton ’19, take it one step further and start their own organizations. The sophomore is the CEO and founder of the nonprofit Girls in Action Inc., which encourages and educates young girls on how to be successful leaders. “I just love how USM encourages students to pursue their own interests, things they’re passionate about,” Lofton said. “USM students are their own leaders. That, along with the support of my teachers and friends, has allowed me to do bigger and better things.” “Service is important for our students to understand the world they live in,” said Stuart Cushman, head of Upper School and Upper School English teacher. “In order to do that, we need to build empathy by getting out there and working with people. It also prepares students for when they leave here.” Djdade Denson ’14 can speak first-hand to the power of USM’s community. “Coming to USM as a freshman was a culture shock,” Denson said. “But the community brought me in without hesitation, and never once did I feel like an outsider. That’s why I enjoyed my time at USM so much, because it was so welcoming and everybody was so nice. I try to at least pay that forward because it meant so much to me.”
Lower School Science Integration Teacher Andrew Stone enjoys lunch with his table of Lower School students.
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Juniors and 2nd-graders retreat.
USM is a positive and supportive environment for everyone. Third-grade students visit Riverwest Food Pantry, where they volunteer their time and learn about how the organization works to feed the hungry in Milwaukee.
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Denson is currently a junior majoring in environmental engineering at Marquette University, and a volunteer with Project Homeless Connect. “I’d say my time at USM helped me become more focused on service, and it helped me see where people and places needed help,” Denson said. “I try to help out in ways that may seem small but could mean the world to someone else. I’ve been on the other side of the table, and it comes full circle when I can do something for someone who appreciates it like I did. I want to do for others what others have done for me.” While members of the USM community may have different approaches, values, and attitudes, they all share a desire to make USM a positive and
supportive environment for everyone. Furthermore, they all benefit from the community in different ways. Students, as the cornerstone, gain from the obvious support and guidance of their teachers, parents, and other students. Conversely, parents are able to rely on the collective wisdom of other parents, teachers, and staff for help navigating the sometimes difficult periods of their children’s lives. They also benefit from the lifelong friendships formed with other parents. Alumni know they have a support system at USM consisting of former teachers, coaches, mentors, and other alumni as they tackle higher education and beyond. Finally, faculty and staff enjoy the encouragement of colleagues, parents, and an organization that applauds innovation and professional development.
This multi-faceted community, with so many different viewpoints, ideas, perspectives, and opinions, leads to one important thing: a better education for USM students. And while students are the common thread that weaves the community together, the group exists to serve and benefit all of its members, not just the students. There are many things that make USM an exceptional place to learn, starting with the superior faculty and world-class facilities. But the heart of USM is its community, which cannot be substituted or replicated. It is each and every one of us.
Kristen Chou ’19 (left) and Zoe Francis ’19 (right) share milk and cookies with their Lower School buddy Ondine Mastrolia ’27. 17
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From left Anand George ’26 and Sofia Elejalde ’26 sort food, which was donated by 3rd- and 4th-grade students, at Riverwest Food Pantry.
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spotlight
A Lesson in Kindness Third-grade students put their classroom knowledge to work helping others.
It’s no secret that the Common Trust— agreeing to relate to one another and the School with respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness—is an important component of a University School of Milwaukee education. But in addition to learning about it in their classrooms, students are encouraged to practice it in their everyday lives. Nowhere is this more evident than in a recent 3rd-grade field trip to Riverwest Food Pantry in Milwaukee. “I wanted the students to dive deeper into the Common Trust and what it can mean for them on a daily basis,” said Brita Willis, 3rd-grade teacher and field trip organizer. “Not only can we be kind to those in our classrooms and hallways, we can carry that into our neighborhoods and communities.”
As part of the project, students completed chores at home to earn money, which they then used to purchase food to donate to Riverwest. They were encouraged to apply what they learned in class when shopping for food. “I was thinking about getting spaghetti for dinner because that’s what I would eat,” said 3rd-grader Gurleen Ahuja. “I’m not a huge fan of macaroni and cheese, but my dad said we should get it because I’m not the one who’s going to eat it.”
IT PLANTS A SEED OF AWARENESS THAT WILL GROW AS THEY CONTINUE WITH SERVICE
Prior to the field trip, students learned about the cost of food in class and were challenged to “feed” a family of five on a limited budget. They studied grocery store fliers and coupons to assess what types of food would provide the most value. “They had fun pretending to be mom or dad planning meals and making nutritious choices,” Willis said. “Even though it’s make-believe, I think it plants a seed of awareness that will grow as they continue with service learning during their time at USM.”
This is the second year students have visited the food pantry. “The children are very hands-on at the pantry, doing everything from sorting to weighing and recording their donations,” Willis said. “They feel empowered that they are trusted with such responsibility. Many times I overheard students asking the food pantry staff, ‘What else can I do?’ Because they were involved throughout the entire process, I believe they feel personally connected to the experience.” The students donated roughly 700 items to Riverwest, including canned goods, boxes of cereal, pasta, and more. “I think that our School is making a big donation and I feel like we’re really helping,” said 3rd-grader Nina Goldberg. “I think this is really fun.”
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Supporting USM from to
A Z
The USM Fund is our School’s number one giving priority. Dollars raised through our annual giving program support virtually every area of USM life, from classroom materials to faculty and staff development opportunities, athletics, arts, facilities, and maintenance, to name a few. Support of the USM Fund demonstrates the loyalty, commitment, and generous spirit of our USM community. Visit www.usm12k.org/usmfund to donate today.
Stewardship is an important value within our family. USM has provided the very best education for our children in an environment that is innovative, rewarding, and nurturing. Through our contribution to the USM Fund, we are able to support USM’s mission and ensure it will continue.” Kara Nelson, USM Fund Co-Chair 20
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USM has done a lot for me and my family. Supporting the USM Fund is my way of giving back and ensuring that others are afforded the same opportunities.” Mike Williams ’70, USM Fund Co-Chair
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun! Mark your calendars for the annual Reunion Weekend! Catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and reminisce about the good times you had at USM. All Friday, June 23 alumni are invited 5:30–8:30 p.m. and welcome to Summer Soirée at attend! Milwaukee Country Club 7 p.m. Class of ’67 50th Reunion Dinner
In
1967…
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The class of 1967 was the third graduating class of the newly unified University School of Milwaukee, albeit housed on two campuses.
The junior prom was held in the North Campus gym, and the theme was “Atlantis, the Lost Continent.” Music was provided by the Skunks and the Sheer Coincidence.
REUNION WEEKEND
June 23 & 24, 2017 Saturday, June 24 All-School BBQ Tours of Campus and Class Parties Off-Campus
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in the first Super Bowl.
The Beatles released the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
Thurgood Marshall was confirmed as the first African American Supreme Court Justice. 21
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Learning By Doing
By Miriam Altman
Middle School Music Teacher Miriam Altman traveled to Ghana to learn traditional drumming and dancing. Here she shares her experience, and the importance of community when learning and teaching these traditional art forms.
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y morning lessons in Ghana started with formal greetings of all my teachers. We would meet in the rehearsal space, shake hands, greet each other using a long exchange in Ewe, the local language (there isn’t a direct translation for “Hello” or “Good Morning,” but rather a conversation with multiple questions and responses), and ask about one another’s sleep and breakfast.
dancing. “This is a warrior’s dance,” he said. “You are a warrior. All the imaginings in your head of what that means should come across. It shouldn’t just look like you are exercising. There needs to be style and power. And you need to have that from the very beginning.” As a student of this beautifully complex music and dance, one must learn to be an adept aural learner.
It was my third visit to the Dagbe Cultural Institute since 2010, with this most recent trip supported in part by University School of Milwaukee’s Think Big Fund. Dagbe is in the small rural village of Kopeyia in southeastern Ghana and has a world-famous legacy of drummers, dancers, and artists. This summer, I lived there for a month, studying music. The morning greetings are an example of the importance of community in Kopeyia. As I would take a walk down the nearby highway, people would routinely pull over on their motorbikes and in their cars to welcome me. When my Ewe became more proficient, the conversations became longer and more curious on both sides. The music of the Ewe people is like this, too. Every voice in the rhythmic architecture is expected to be strong, fluent, and communally improvisational. Conversations occur without a word being spoken. While this is all happening, there is a simultaneous expectation of artistry. On the first day of learning the historic and traditional music of Atsiagbekor, Emmanuel Agbeli, master drummer and director of Dagbe, stopped the class halfway through, frustrated by my
This is an oral tradition. It cannot be learned in isolation, from a book or video. There needs to be a community present: multiple people to play and dance all the parts, older and more experienced musicians to teach the newer ones. Many of my afternoon and evening lessons were taught with my teachers’ children and grandchildren present, sitting together side by side.
Watch a video of Miriam Altman’s students practicing and experience the sights and rhythmic sounds of the drumming for yourself at www.usmk12.org/drumming. 22
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Now back at USM, I am the master drummer for my students here. It is my responsibility to show them the challenges that come with learning complex music without written notation. Our goal is to create a deep understanding of how the music fits together so they can find their way independently when they are lost and also adapt when the rhythmic energy of the groove intensifies. I work to create a community of musicians bigger than our music classroom. Because of the great teaching artists I’ve met at places like Lawrence University and in Milwaukee and Chicago, our students can collaborate with other students and master drummers and dancers. It is through this music—all music!—that people can become more authentically connected, regardless of the initial differences or barriers. I work to create a community of musicians bigger than our music classroom. When we play, dance, and sing together, my students have told me that the music becomes something that is alive.
THINK BIG FUND
From left Miriam Altman, Eve DeToro ’21, Sammy Wood ’21, and Christina Wood ’21 practice traditional drumming techniques.
The Think Big Fund was established as a named fund in USM’s Endowment by a generous gift from a USM family. Since 2002, the Fund has provided substantial professional development opportunities on an annual basis for our faculty, distinguishing USM from its peer schools. This gift helps to attract and retain talented educational professionals and maintains USM’s position as an educational leader in the Milwaukee community. 23
spotlight
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS There are currently 169 University School of Milwaukee students who have a family legacy of attending USM, meaning one or both of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents attended the School or one of its predecessor schools. Those students are listed below, with many pictured above.
Savvy Adelman ’28 Zakary Adelman ’18 Zofia Adelman ’27 Zion Aiken ’23 Kate Bonnell ’25 Lilly Bonnell ’25 Penelope Bonnell ’28
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Camryn Brennan ’18 Elizabeth Burlew ’28 William Burlew ’28 Emily Chou ’17 Kristen Chou ’19 Gabey Ciralsky ’25 Tali Ciralsky ’23
USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
Mia Cudahy ’18 Holland Culver ’18 Benjamin Dahlman ’30 Jeffrey Dahlman ’30 Lucy Daniels ’22 Martha Daniels ’18 Addie Darrow ’26
Charlie Darrow ’24 Joey Darrow ’24 Aurella Dawson ’26 Conner Dawson ’24 Virgil Dawson ’29 Abigail Dengel ’27 F.R. Dengel ’28
spotlight
Francesca Drope ’24 Mandela Drope’27 Carolyn Ells ’18 Peter Ells ’21 Kristian Epperson ’24 Lexie Epperson ’19 Natalie Epperson ’22 Nickolaus Epperson ’17 George Erlandson ’21 Grace Erlandson ’23 Audrey Ferrer ’21 Margot Ferrer ’23 Brynn Fitzsimmons ’24 Reiley Fitzsimmons ’26 Mia Flemma ’24 Nicolo Flemma ’22 Jack Foley ’31 Michaela Fritz ’19 Shelby Fritz ’22 Sydney Fritz ’17 Alice Gardner ’26 Charley Gardner ’28 Lindsey Gardner ’26 Molly Gardner ’30 Owen Gardner ’22 Mercy Godfrey ’20 Liam Grady ’21 Lucy Grady ’26 Griffin Grebe ’24 Tripp Grebe ’19 Danny Gridley ’19 Gracie Gridley ’20 Petra Grimes ’25 Bastian Guten-Gale ’23 Matthew Hammerlund ’26 Quinn Hammerlund ’23
Katherine Heiny ’30 P.J. Heiny ’28 Emma Holbrook ’29 Matson Holbrook ’31 CJ Housiaux ’31 Liam Isaacson ’25 Mia Johnson ’20 Ella Joseph ’30 Jacob Joseph ’29 Viraj Kamath ’29 Kaitlyn Kennedy ’17 Michael Kennedy ’22 Ryan Kennedy ’19 Will Kennedy ’18 Sophie Kobylinski ’18 William Koch ’17 Cameron Krishnaney ’24 Gordon Leech ’19 Louise Lerner ’21 Stewart Lerner ’18 Charlie Mahoney ’17 Tommy Mahoney ’17 Nick Mayerson ’18 Chloe McCabe ’21 Ella McCabe ’22 Jack McGregor ’24 Grady Melick ’28 Hudson Melick ’31 Coughlin Mellowes ’29 Jackie Mellowes ’30 Jo Mellowes ’28 Madeline Mellowes ’27 Scanlon Mellowes ’22 Sullivan Mellowes ’25 Aksel Moe ’22 Max Moe ’23
Oskar Moe ’24 Brandon Montijo ’19 Miranda Montijo ’21 Lars Nelson ’30 Kasey Nimtz ’25 Lucy Nimtz ’27 Molly Nimtz ’23 Annie Norman ’25 Ellie Norman ’19 Mimi Norman ’21 Aston Omer ’27 Amelia Otjen ’25 Thea Otjen ’27 Ian Parker ’23 Grace Piper ’26 Hope Piper ’26 Sam Plummer ’19 Ainsley Polston ’28 Edie Polston ’25 Michael Polston ’23 Casy Prewitt ’20 Cliff Radtke ’28 Ellis Radtke ’31 Annie Read ’26 Mimi Read ’28 Reagan Read ’23 Sander Read ’21 Shelley Read ’17 Alana Rostad ’17 Jack Roulette ’22 Rowan Sadoff ’31 Nate Sampson ’17 Jimmy Schmidt ’23 Jack Schroeder ’21 Kelly Anne Schroeder ’19 Ella Scott ’26
Keegan Scott ’28 Kellan Scott ’30 Charlotte Siegel ’17 Ada Slaughter ’26 Charles Slocum ’26 Kat Slocum ’24 Anne Starrett ’18 Brandon Staudt ’18 Regan Staudt ’23 Meg Stewart ’19 Anna Straszewski ’19 Tyler Straszewski ’22 Beckett Stratton ’25 Cammie Stratton ’30 Jocie Stratton ’27 Justin Strauss ’17 Riley Strauss ’18 Logan Stanwyck ’29 Jack Suesse ’30 Logan Thickens ’27 Sawyer Thickens ’27 Lizzy Thurow ’25 Brook Uihlein ’18 Ashley Vogel ’19 Michael Vogel ’21 Candace Walther ’17 Grace White ’28 Katherine White ’30 Marina Wigdale ’25 Megan Winters ’19 Augie Wolf ’23 Joe Zimmerman ’22 Nate Zimmerman ’25
Visit www.usmk12.org/legacy for a more detailed listing of our legacy families. 25
spotlight From left Parents’ Association President Susan Brennan and Parents’ Association Presidentelect Margy Stratton Norman ’84.
Tom and Jane Lacy, Preview Party Chair.
Holiday Shops 2016 celebrated its 40th anniversary in grand fashion. In addition to a weekend of fabulous shopping, the Preview Party included a $10,000 raffle winner and an exciting live auction for World Series tickets. Many thanks to everyone who contributed their valuable time, talents, energy, and patronage.
2016 Holiday Shops Committee Leaders Shannon Bartz Lori Bechthold Natalie Blais Nancy Bolton Susan Brennan Shaw Bridges Susan Colman Colleen Cowen Kristi Dahlman Jackie Darr Jen Darrow Amy Taylor Diamond Abi Dyke Susan Ells Julie Erickson
Melissa Freeman Molly Fritz ’80 Natalia Goris Sara Hermanoff Penny Howland Patricia Kauffman Jennifer Keough Niven Kingwill Lori Klos Jane Lacy Dierdre Laterman Heidi Marcelle Ivana Marich Susanna Mortara Jock Mutschler
Stephanie Petersen Colleen Polston Jennifer Reese Kelly Reilly Rebecca Romano Renee Rooney Jami Ross Julie Sadoff Jen Schoon Kristin Sheehan Debbie Van Bell Pat Wood Lisa Wright Barb Zabors John Zabors
Save the Dates! Be sure to join us for the 2017 Preview Party on Wednesday, October 25 and shop with us from Thursday, October 26 to Saturday, October 28. Visit www.holidayshops.org for updates and additional information throughout the year.
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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
Holiday Shops sponsors Danielle and Tim Strauss.
spotlight
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Holiday Shops Auction Committee from left Shannon Bartz, Natalie Blais, Amy Taylor Diamond, Molly Fritz ’80, Jen Schoon, Jane Lacy, Jen Darrow, and Jackie Darr. Not pictured Susan Colman.
From left Rebecca Romano, Holiday Shops Coordinator, and Patricia Kauffman, Parents’ Association Office Manager.
From left Daniel and Beth Gibson, Sarah Hammes, and sponsor Georgia Dimitropoulos.
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locker room
TEACHER-COACHES
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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
ARE A
WIN-WIN University School of Milwaukee’s longstanding commitment to the teachercoach model is a vital aspect of the School’s dedicated sense of community. Here we highlight four individuals who, like all of USM’s teacher-coaches, challenge their students to perform at their best and support them through all of life’s wins and losses.
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Sam Adey’s career at USM started with coaching rather than teaching. She joined the School as head coach of the varsity girls’ lacrosse team in 2009, and she loved USM so much that she pursued a teaching career here. “USM fully supports the scholar-athlete model, where athletics and scholastics work hand in hand,” Adey said. “Also, the athletes that I coached were great kids and their parents were incredibly kind and supportive. I knew I wanted to be more involved with the USM community.”
USM FULLY SUPPORTS THE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE MODEL. Adey joined the faculty in 2013 as an Upper School history teacher while continuing to coach. Serving as a teacher helped her to further grow the lacrosse program, which was still fairly new to the School. “If the students enjoy my class and feel comfortable around me, they might be more inclined to try lacrosse,” Adey said. “Plus, teaching and coaching further builds a community of School spirit. I’m more invested in the community because I can meet students whom I might not otherwise, and I’m part of something bigger than either the team or the classroom.” For Adey, athletics is much more than winning or losing. “Through athletics, you learn life lessons that you don’t always learn in class. For example, losing is an inevitability in sports. When you lose as a team, how do you learn from that failure so you don’t make the same mistakes? That’s often easier to teach on the field than in the classroom.”
PAMELA SEILER
Sam Adey Upper School History Teacher Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach
MIKE SWEET
STACEY RADKE
SAM ADEY
locker room
Mike Sweet 3rd Grade Teacher 5th Grade Basketball Coach Lower School Athletics Coordinator When it comes to building community, according to Mike Sweet, sports is a no-brainer. “Athletics is something that interests virtually every age group here,” Sweet said. “It’s something that can bridge the gap between all three divisions, and provide a great mentoring opportunity for Upper Schoolers.” Sweet helped to develop the Mighty Cats athletic program for Lower School students as a way to get them involved with, and excited about, sports. The extracurricular program consists of two sports per session, and the sports align with the Upper School’s seasons. “Right now we’re working on soccer and we have soccer buddies,” Sweet said. “During practices, varsity soccer players help us with drills. And during their varsity games, our kids serve as ball boys and girls.” Not only does it build camaraderie, it’s a great way to expose young students to athletics. “Varsity coaches love it because they see their numbers increasing as a result of students being exposed to the sport and the coaches.” For Sweet, being a teacher gives him an advantage as a coach. “I know what motivates them, I know when to push and when not to push, and I can alter my practice plan based on the individual needs of each player because I’ve had a lot of them in class. Plus, they see me as more than just someone who runs drills.”
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Matt Flack Upper School English Teacher Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Tennis Head Coach For Matt Flack, coaching tennis is more than just a way to fill the hours after school ends. “Coaching allows me to get to know the students in a different context,” Flack said. “I see these young people in very difficult, competitive situations that have immediate consequences. The psychology of that is very different than in the classroom.”
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While coaching two varsity sports often makes for long days and weekends away from home, coaching improves Flack’s performances both on the court and in the classroom. “As a teacher-coach, I am invested in the community in a different way, a fuller way. Because I see students in another context, I get a more complete picture and it helps me tailor what I’m doing toward their individual needs. It gives me perspective.”
AS A TEACHER-COACH, I AM INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY.”
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For Flack, USM’s community is what sets it apart from the other private schools where he’s taught. “From the administration to the teachers and staff, from prekindergarten through grade 12, there is a continuity here. As a teacher, coach, and employee, the whole community is committed to the mission of USM.”
USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
JSOH FERRER
TODD SCHLENKER
DANIELLE STRAUSS
MATT FLACK
locker room
Todd Schlenker Middle School Spanish and Guitar Teacher Middle School Cross Country Coach and Track Coach Todd Schlenker has been teaching at USM since 1996, and coaching here for almost that long, too. One of his earliest USM coaching experiences was 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade girls basketball, which his daughter was a part of. “I was a little nervous because I had never coached girls before, and 24 girls came out to play that year. So it was eye opening for me as a dad and a coach, and a great learning experience,” Schlenker said. Regardless of the athletes’ gender, Schlenker loves coaching Middle School students. “Middle School athletics is more recreational than seriously competitive,” Schlenker said. “Although the competition aspect is nice because it pushes athletes, the emphasis is more on performing to the best of one’s abilities rather than winning. It’s a great way for them to ‘try on’ a sport and see if they like it.” Schlenker also loves the community aspect of team sports. “Being part of a team helps to build community between grade levels, to compete and participate together, and to show leadership. Also, it helps them understand that the team’s success or lack of success does not depend solely on a single individual. Collectively they can accomplish great things if they work together. They learn to appreciate each other and learn about each other in a way that they might not be able to learn if they just did their school work and nothing else.”
beyond
alumni events USM Visits: MINNESOTA Alumni in the Twin Cities reconnected at Café and Bar Lurcat in November. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers while reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new friends.
Alumni Hoops Alumni from the past 5–10 years gathered in the Upper School gym to play some basketball the day after Thanksgiving. What better way to catch up with friends and burn off some turkey and stuffing at the same time?
From left Rick Lappin ’65 and David Montgomery ’65. From left Becky Halat ’00, Adam Schenck, Duke Rodda, Meghan Refinski Rodda ’02, Alice Geilfuss Havens ’04, and her son Fred Jr.
USM is hitting the road in 2017. Mark your calendar for the below dates, and visit www.usmk12.org/alumni for more information and additional cities to be announced. See you soon!
Austin, Texas January 21
Coffee with College Kids USM alumni from the Classes of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 were invited to attend this mini-reunion during Grandparents and Special Friends Day. They caught up with classmates and favorite USM teachers over bagels, donuts, coffee, and hot cocoa while they were home for the holidays.
Palm Beach, Fla. February 13 Naples, Fla. February 15
hosted by Brooke MUS’59 and Bob MUS’59 Walker
Los Angeles & San Francisco March 7–10 Chicago April 20 31
beyond
A Warm Welcome The Darrow Family Welcome Center is one of the School’s newest additions, and is a warm, friendly space welcoming parents, students, and visitors to campus.
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hen their children enrolled at University School of Milwaukee, it was easy for Mike Darrow ’86, along with his wife, Jen, to reconnect with the School. “USM offers so many opportunities for parents to get involved,” Mike Darrow said. “And with the website and social media, you can still be a part of the USM community no matter how often you’re on campus.” Added Jen Darrow, “It’s important for our kids to see that it’s a family thing. We engage in the USM 32
USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
community because we want to, not because we feel we have to. It shows our kids that not only are they committed, but we are too.” When the opportunity arose to support a new welcome center for the USM visitor entrance through the Our Common Bond capital campaign, the Darrows were happy to get involved.
beyond
With two kids in Middle School and one in Lower School, Mike and Jen knew first-hand the need for a safe, efficient, and welcoming entryway. “We wanted the Darrow Family Welcome Center to be a warm, friendly, inviting place,” Jen Darrow said. “Combined with the new Lee Community Room, it’s a great area to socialize, meet other families, and strengthen the USM community.” “There’s a great feeling to the space,” said Mike Darrow, a member of the Board of Trustees and a co-chair of the Leadership Gifts Division of the campaign. “For parents and visitors alike, you know the kids are in a friendly and secure environment.” It was Mike’s idea to invite his parents to contribute to the gift. “I felt that it should be a Darrow family gift, because USM has benefitted multiple generations of our family,” Mike Darrow said. Mike’s mother Susan (Slocum) Darrow MDS’59 graduated from Milwaukee Downer Seminary and his grandfather Albert Slocum attended Milwaukee Country Day School in the early 1930s. Susan Darrow was thrilled to participate, and treasures the 12 years she spent at MDS. “We are so proud of USM and we’re thrilled with the Welcome Center,” Susan Darrow said. “We want everyone who goes through those doors to feel welcome and we hope that they have the same wonderful experience that we had, and continue to have, with USM.”
Our Common Bond
From left Mike Darrow ’86, Jen Darrow, Susan (Slocum) Darrow MDS’59, and Russ Darrow.
“The Darrow Family Welcome Center is a beautiful, inviting new addition to our campus and we could not be happier with the impact on our students, faculty, staff, families and visitors,” said USM’s Head of School Laura Fuller. “We are so thankful to the Darrow family for this wonderful gift.” The Welcome Center and the adjacent Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room are initial projects of Our Common Bond, the School’s capital campaign that will yield significant returns and long-lasting value. “The Welcome Center provides our community with a gateway to our School and serves as a symbolic beginning to our capital campaign that focuses on the special bond that unites everyone within the USM community,” Fuller said. To learn more about the Our Common Bond comprehensive capital campaign priorities, strategic goals, and available naming opportunities for the proposed Performing Arts Center, Innovation Center, and Commons, please contact Patrick Tevlin, chief advancement officer, at 414.540.3330 or ptevlin@usmk12.org, or visit the School’s campaign page, www.usmk12.org/OurCommonBond. 33
beyond
class notes The following pages include news and notes submitted prior to November 15, 2016. To submit a class note: Email your news to alumni@usmk12.org.
’50s
BARBARA TAYLOR BLOMQUIST MDS’50
recently celebrated the release of the third edition of her book “Insight Into Adoption.” It has been updated for a new generation of adoptees, adoptive parents, and child care professionals. The book explores and explains the differences between an adoptive and a biological family; acknowledges the realities of adoption; and normalizes the feelings and emotions of those in the adoption world who often think they stand alone.
GILBERT C. THELEN MCDS’56
was inducted into the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame on Sept. 14, 2016. Thelen is credited as the first editor to bring team-building practices and disciplines to an American newsroom in Charlotte in the 1980s. He chaired American Society of News Editor’s (ASNE) Change Committee, and ASNE’s Interactive Media Committee. A graduate of Duke University, he worked in Associated Press’ Washington bureau as a consumer affairs reporter and then worked for a variety of newspapers including the Chicago Daily News, The Charlotte Observer and the Sun News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He became vice president and executive editor at The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, and then joined The Tampa Tribune as executive editor from 1998 to 2003 and publisher from 2003 to 2006.
’60s
ERIC HAGGMAN ’66
recently published his first novel, “The Apology,” which is inspired by his own world travels, interest in the underpinnings of the criminal world, a passion for history, and thrillers by his heroes James Patterson, Michael Connelly, and Stieg Larsson, among others. When he’s not traveling throughout Asia and South Africa shooting videos and gathering research for his book, you’ll find him at home, inches from the Atlantic, with his partner and wife, Emily, and Shanghai, their fluffy white ragdoll cat who thinks he’s a dog. You can find out more about Eric and “The Apology” at www.TheApologyBook.com.
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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
Thelen joined the University of South Florida faculty in 2007 as the Clendinen Professor of Critical Writing and is an inductee to USF’s Journalism Hall of Fame. Since 2006, Thelen has also served as executive director of the Florida Society of News Editors. Thelen has won numerous personal and professional recognitions including two Pulitzer Prize nominations.
beyond
’70s
SCOTT R. SIECKMAN ’77
was featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for his unique garden oasis, Ramhorn Farm. Sieckman and his partner, Matt Kastell, have devoted 12 years to developing 130 acres of rolling hills with prairies, wetland, woodlands, ponds, and gardens due to their strong interest in land and historic architecture preservation. Ramhorn Farm is now available as an event venue for those seeking the timeless splendor of a European Farmstead, right here in southeastern Wisconsin.
’90s
’00s
married Melissa Lamote on September 24, 2016.
and April Palin welcomed Luke Marshall Palin on July 29, 2016.
ANDY GORDON ’98
DREW PALIN ’01
ADAM VANDERVEEN ’01
and Pamela VanderVeen welcomed Remington Paul VanderVeen on August 13, 2016. He was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches.
VanderVeen ’01
Gordon ’98 35
beyond
HOLLY PALIN CORNILLE ’02
and Mike Cornille welcomed Ryder Read Cornille on October 12, 2016.
ELLEN G. WERNECKE ’02
married Daniel Robert Mortenson on September 4, 2016 at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago.
JONATHAN K. LUND ’03
and Anna Lund welcomed their first child, a daughter, Sophie Mae Lund, on April 25, 2016.
JILLIAN R. COLBERT ’04
and Carl Fredrik Sebastian Alsheimer were married on August 27, 2016 on Martha’s Vineyard at the Allen Farm in Chilmark, Massachusetts. The officiant was Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the civil rights activist and a friend of the couple. The couple met at Columbia University, from which the bride received a law degree and the groom a Master of Laws degree. Jillian is an associate specializing in corporate law at the New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. She graduated from The George Washington University. Sebastian is an associate specializing in mergers and acquisitions in the New York office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, the London law firm. He graduated from Harvard University and received a law degree from Oxford University.
Palin Cornille ’02
ALYSSA Q. COLBERT ’06
married Gregory Paige Barrett on June 4, 2016, at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard. Alyssa is in her final year of law school at Harvard University, from which she received an M.B.A. She is also a cum laude graduate of Harvard. Gregory is a senior finance manager at Pfizer. He graduated from Morehouse College and received a master’s in accountancy from University of Notre Dame. He is also a C.P.A. The couple met when they were children, through Jack and Jill of America, a social, cultural, educational, and leadership development organization for African-American mothers and their children, and reconnected in 2005 on Martha’s Vineyard.
JESSICA E. SETER LANE ’06, married ANDREW LANE ’03 on August 20, 2016.
JEHAN H. HAMEDI ’08
Colbert ’04
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USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
recently launched his first tech startup, Adhark, in Boston. Adhark is a streaming marketing recommendation company whose first product, Cuckoo, is the world’s first task advisor for marketing. Learn more at www.cuckoo.io.
beyond
Seter Lane ’06, Lane ’03
Now on
Show us your likes! New photos are added weekly. Follow us at www.instagram.com/lifeatusm.
!
Also visit us on: www.facebook.com/usmk12 www.twitter.com/lifeatusm www.youtube.com/usmk12
Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame University School of Milwaukee hosted its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class at a special induction ceremony during Homecoming Weekend. The Hall of Fame was established to commemorate a legacy of exceptional athletic performance and accomplishments while connecting and uniting generations of School athletes and contributors. The inaugural class was selected by an esteemed Hall of Fame committee and consists of former USM and predecessor school student-athletes, coaches, teams, and distinguished contributors. Read more at www.usmk12.org/HallOfFame.
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beyond
GRACE K. HAUSKE ROBBINS ’08 married ANDREW ROBBINS ’04 on September 17, 2016.
RYAN STEWART ’09
married Natalie Revitte on August 13, 2016.
’10s EMILY A. V. BACH ’13
was named to the 2016 spring semester dean’s list at St. Norbert College.
DJDADE J. DENSON ’14
reunited with Mary Ellen Jones, one of his first USM track coaches, while volunteering for Project Homeless Connect. “It was amazing not only to reconnect with Mary Ellen, but to see people come together in one space for one mission: to help others,” he said. Read more about Denson and his passion for helping others in the feature story starting on page 12.
Graduating from USM is Just the Beginning
Robbins ’04, Hauske Robbins ’08
To do: { } Graduate from College { } Get Married { } Have a Baby
Have something exciting to share? We want to hear it! Send your news to alumni@usmk12.org, or call 414.540.3337. In addition, send us your updated address so we can keep you posted on USM’s news and alumni events. We’re excited to hear from you! 38
USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
{ } Get a New Job { } Obtain Advanced Degree { } Get Promoted { } Receive Award or Accolade { } Achieve Life Goal or Milestone { } Stay in Touch with USM
beyond
In Memoriam University School of Milwaukee wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of our dearly departed alumni and friends. We thank them for enriching our lives throughout their friendship.
1930s V. Frederick Nast MCDS’35 September 19, 2016 Mequon, Wis. Jane Grove Hird MDS’37 May 28, 2016 Carlsbad, Calif. Mary Jane Manierre Foote MDS’38 July 29, 2016 Milwaukee
Nancy Downing Touhey MDS’48 October 25, 2016 Gulf Stream, Fla. Stanley “Alan” Williams MUS’49 January 14, 2016 Bonita Springs, Fla.
1970s Mary K. Straub ’71 August 16, 2016 Mequon, Wis. Daniel E. Grossberg ’78 July 25, 2016 Milwaukee
1950s
1980s
E. Kearney Carpenter MCDS’50 June 15, 2016 Lakeville, Conn.
Gerritt Jon “Willie” VanWagenen Jr. ’84 October 23, 2016 West Bend, Wis.
William A. Dickens MCDS’50 September 14, 2016 Neenah, Wis.
Former Faculty/Staff
Patricia Bilty Huebsch MDS’50 September 26, 2016 De Pere, Wis.
David W. Gouls July 12, 2016 Durham, N.C.
John H. Burlingame MCDS’51 August 9, 2016 Sayner, Wis.
Mary L. Geniusz September 19, 2016 Cedarburg, Wis.
Julie Berry Schneeberger MUS’56 October 17, 2016 Richfield, Wis.
Beth Sieckman August 13, 2016 Hubertus, Wis.
1940s Richard S. Mayer MCDS’40 June 1, 2016 Hartland, Wis. Nancy Klapp Merwin MDS’42 July 17, 2016 Milwaukee John S. Ramaker MCDS’46 October 12, 2016 Racine, Wis. Peter L. Thorsen MCDS’46 November 7, 2016 Wilmington, N.C. Joan Trimborn Bluhm MUS’47 September 4, 2016 Mequon, Wis. Susan Tuttle Dickens MDS’48 July 20, 2016 Mequon, Wis.
1960s C. Parker Wilson MUS’61 September 21, 2016 Georgetown, Texas
Updated as of November 15, 2016. 39
a look back
Evolution of life at USM
By Charlie Housiaux ’02
I
as a 7th-grade student when I first knew that I w wanted to become a teacher. My teacher, Mrs. Roller, had assigned a simple project: identify a current career goal and seek out hands-on experiences to learn more about it. To gain experience working with kids, I volunteered to help with a Lower School lunch table for several days. I still remember helping students sit down (and sit up straight!), practicing our best table manners, and encouraging friendly conversation. Since graduating in 2002, I often imagined returning to teach here. I never envisioned that I would do so as a husband and father, 14 years later, after teaching English at Ransom Everglades for nine years. In August 2016, my wife Erin and I, along with our son CJ, moved from Miami to Milwaukee. Erin is English Department chair at The Prairie School in Racine, Wisconsin and CJ is a Preprimary student at USM.
and largely underground happening; and regular viewings in 3rd grade of “Storylords,” the fantasybased PBS television program designed to interest students in reading. When I walk through the hallways each day, I often remember vivid moments like these that are still alive and well. USM is a world-class School because of its community of passionate and innovative teachers; supportive and visionary administrators; dedicated and compassionate staff; invested, caring parents; and talented, hardworking students. My former teachers and coaches have fundamentally impacted what I believe about teaching and learning, about student growth and empowerment, and about meaningful education well beyond a classroom. The people of USM are world-class, and that is why my family and I are here.
I often imagined returning to teach here.
In my first days as a new faculty member this fall, dozens of memories flooded my mind: the speech that I gave to the Upper School as a senior, along with several other students, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, articulating how the USA should respond; Middle School “no-rules” basketball at recess, a preposterous
USM and its community continues to give me and my family so much. My sweetest moment in the transition so far was on my birthday when I read “The Book With No Pictures” to CJ’s class. That morning I entered Mrs. Keppler’s marvelous space, and the helper-of-the day handed me a custom-made crown. I read the absurd book to the group, and we had a grand time together. I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of it all once again.
Charlie Housiaux ’02 is an Upper School English teacher. He is the son of Kathryn Housiaux ’68 who retired from USM in 2014 after 29 years, and the nephew of Kip Jacobs ’74, Middle School science teacher. 40
USM TODAY | FALL / WINTER 2016—2017
BROOKE WELSH
JENNIFER WISNIEWSKI
a look ahead
Students from the Class of 2031 learned a valuable lesson this fall: playing outside is important. Play, both indoors and outdoors, is incorporated into the Preprimary curriculum at USM, and with new resources like these colorful rain suits, teachable moments need not be hindered by the weather.
Summer is closer than you think! Summer I.D.E.A.S. at University School of Milwaukee Full- and half-day camps and enrichment programs Age 3‑Grade 12 | June-August
www.usmk12.org/IDEAS | 414.540.3350
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2100 West Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
The community spirit was alive and well in 1993 when this photo was taken. Despite our best efforts, we were not able to identify all of these Upper School students, or determine why the photo was taken. Can you help? Check out the photo on www.facebook.com/usmk12 to post your comments. Balcony: Unknown. Standing, left to right: Unknown, Shana Harvey ’94, Ross Williams ’94, unknown, unknown, Susie (Birdsell) Steiner ’94, John Minahan ’94. Seated, left to right: Unknown, Vanessa Yuille ’96, Natalie (Giugno) Maciolek ’97, unknown, Chrissy (Wilson) Berger ’96, Rachael Neuwirth ’96.
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