SPRING / SUMMER 16–17
Educating at the Speed of Change
TAKING ON THE NYSE
A DEEP DIVE INTO FRESHWATER EDUCATION
SPOTLIGHTING THE ARTS AT USM
From left Alana Rostad, Shelley Read, Nathan Rausch, Andrew Puetz, and Arundhati Pillai.
Commencement 2017 On Saturday, May 13, 86 graduates joined the esteemed ranks of University School of Milwaukee alumni. Elisa (Tharps) Basnight ’87 addressed the Class of 2017 as the Commencement speaker. Basnight has a wealth of experience working in a variety of government and private sector organizations, including serving as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Mint. Anshul Bhatnagar ’17 gave the valedictorian’s address, telling students, “Today is a day to celebrate all that awaits us, but also to remember everyone, including teachers, parents, and family, who helped us get to where we are today.” A commemorative booklet was mailed to all current families in June, containing additional pictures and a full list of award winners. To request a copy, please email communications@usmk12.org.
Cover; from left Prekindergarten students Griffin Resch, Livy Abele, Sheel Sharma, Julia Gibson, Harrison Lee, and CJ Housiaux staged their own “groundbreaking” ceremony in the preprimary garden recently. Read more about the official groundbreaking ceremony on page 3.
in this issue Educating at the Speed of Change In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s nearly impossible to predict what types of jobs will be around in 20, or even 10, years. So how does USM prepare students for a world we can’t even imagine?
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22 A Deep Dive Into USM’s Freshwater Education
26 Hedging Their Bets
28 To Spark a Fire
22 28 cover to cover
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Arts Live
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32 04 | View from the Tower
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22 | Spotlight
Going the Distance
34 | Locker Room
38 | 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
SUMMER INTERN
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Hannah Engel ’17
Pamela Nosbusch
Susan Brennan
PHOTOGRAPHY
Gwendolyn GaBree Visual Image Photography
Corrections: In the Fall/Winter 16-17 issue of USM Today, we erroneously excluded Ryan Piper ’31 from the legacy family list. We apologize for the error.
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 Leading an independent school—especially one the caliber of University School of Milwaukee—is a huge responsibility, but also a tremendous honor. In working with our incredible teachers, committed parents, proud alumni and parents of alumni, skilled administrators, and dedicated Trustees, I have been privileged to build upon such a strong foundation of excellence. That foundation was evident at our Commencement ceremony in May, as we graduated the Class of 2017 and welcomed back alumna Elisa (Tharps) Basnight ’87 as our speaker. Even though I was already aware of Elisa’s planned remarks to our graduates, her message struck me as I heard her deliver it, as it represented all that is professionally possible when a child launches from this strong educational foundation. Elisa went on to earn degrees from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Boston University-Brussels, Rutgers School of Law-Newark, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She is also professionally accomplished, to be sure, most recently serving as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Mint, but also previously serving as the director of the Center for Women Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs and as corporate counsel at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. She also founded Girls Action Network Inc., a nonprofit with the mission to shatter stereotypes and expand opportunities for girls and young women, especially those from underserved communities. Yet it was her personal stories that resonated most with me.
had to withdraw her due to a family financial situation. She had been upset about having to leave USM, but it wasn’t until she was able to compare that experience with one at a local public high school—one with a strong academic reputation of its own—that she really began to understand just how transformational and important her USM education could be for her life ahead. That story reaffirmed for me just what a unique and special experience USM is for our students, alumni, and their families. Her message could not have dovetailed better with the unveiling of our brand new Portrait of a Graduate statement, which I shared for the first time at Commencement. Our community has been hard at work this past year developing this statement, which is intended to capture the School’s aspirations for its students as they leave and continue on in college and life. The Portrait of a Graduate summarizes the qualities of our graduates in the categories of students as learners, leaders, and citizens. It articulates the very essence of what we do, and what we aspire for, here at USM, and is exemplary of the “who” we hope to graduate. As with Elisa, it is truly wonderful and humbling to stay connected with our alumni and hear about their journeys and amazing stories, and all of us look forward to following the Class of 2017—as well as future graduating classes—as they embody the ideals of our Portrait of a Graduate in the future.
Elisa shared that she had begged her parents to re-enroll her at USM to finish her education after they Editor’s note: You can view USM’s Portrait of a Graduate at www.usmk12.org/portrait.
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Building Excitement As reported by Hannah Engel ’17, who is interning with USM’s Marketing and Communications Department for the summer. Engel obtained the internship through USM’s Internship and Shadowing Program.
On a sunny day in May, students, faculty, staff, members of the Board of Trustees, and other distinguished guests gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction projects related to the $27 million Our Common Bond campaign. Contributions through the campaign will better equip students for a rapidly changing world through facilities that foster innovation, experiential learning, global education, the arts, and professional-preparedness training. In addition, the campaign will increase the School’s endowment and expand the USM Fund, the School’s annual giving program. The groundbreaking highlighted both the community feel of USM and the many exciting improvements to enhance the USM experience for all students. “Ensuring our place as an educational leader requires the support of everyone in the School community,” said Head of School Laura Fuller. USM recently launched www.USMOurCommonBond.org, which follows the progress of the Our Common Bond campaign. Visitors will find a variety of videos, stories, and photos that explore the exciting campaign initiatives while tracking the funds raised, promoting giving opportunities, and highlighting campaign donor stories.
From left Head of Middle School and longest-tenured faculty member Pamela Nosbusch; Campaign Cabinet co-chairs Rick Stratton ’92 and Karin Werner; President of the Board of Trustees Andrew Petzold; Head of School Laura Fuller; Charles Mellowes ’87; David Lubar; Charlie Hauske ’12; Leadership Gift Division co-chair Mike Darrow ’86; Immediate Past Board President Dick Seesel; and Campaign Cabinet Member Sarah Olson Zimmerman ’92. 3
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Creating Friendships in the Fold It’s the little things in life that can make a big difference, and for students in Prekindergarten Teacher Muffie Browne’s classroom, simple folded napkins were enough to make their day go from good to great. The napkins were the work of 8thgrade students who, for weeks in a row, took it upon themselves to fold napkins in the shape of boats and leave them for the next group at their lunch tables, which happened to be Browne’s class. Browne’s students were so delighted with the napkins that they learned how to make origami Willie the Wildcat shapes to present to their 8th-grade friends as part of a special thank-you. “Every day, the children were so happy to find their napkins magically folded, and they were quite curious to discover who was making the napkins look so fantastic,” said Browne. “They were excited to meet the 8th-grade buddies in person and they beamed with pride as the 8th-graders read the words on the thank-you note.” “When I was in PK I loved seeing the older kids, and when they did something for me it meant so much,”
said Lauren Glusman ’21. “It feels great to know that I am now the older kid making younger kids happy.” Added Neil Dogra ’21, “I thought the napkin folding was just a silly custom at our table. I didn’t expect the napkins to bring joy, but I’m delighted that they did!”
Top left Neil Dogra ’21 folding the origami napkins. Top right Lauren Glusman ’21 (left) and Maahum Jan ’21 with origami Willie the Wildcats made by prekindergarteners. Bottom Prekindergarten students presenting their 8th-grade friends with a handmade thank-you poster.
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Honoring Global Diversity University School of Milwaukee celebrated its second-annual Global Enrichment Fest in February, embracing cultures, customs, and food from around the world. The event featured booths representing many different countries including China, Mexico, India, Nigeria, Scotland, Australia, Kenya, Pakistan, Poland, and more. Sponsored by the Parents’ Association, the theme of this year’s event was “Water is Life,” with each booth highlighting, among other things, various water themes and issues for that respective country. Global Scholars students also created booths, and many featured fun educational games that were related to water. Above Preprimary Program students getting their passports of knowledge stamped at the annual event.
Victorian London Comes to USM This winter, 7th-grade students experienced first-hand what it was like to live in Victorian London as part of Dickens’ Streets of London: A Victorian Experience. Dressed in traditional Victorian costumes, students role-played various scenarios in front of handmade building facades. They also performed short reenactments highlighting hardships faced by many people in Victorian London, such as dangerous working and living conditions, and wage inequalities. In addition, author and historian Dr. Annette Laing gave a presentation about the industrial revolution and child labor in the Victorian era.
Above Raymond Juranitch ’22 (left) and Sophie Zaba ’22 representing “street urchins” who make a living off of menial work on the street, like selling flowers. Left Ibrahim Motlani ’22 representing the British military.
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WWII Veterans Visit Upper School General Hospital in England and France; Exner served as a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy who saw action at Normandy and in the battle of Iwo Jima; and Kobriger served as a fireman first class with the U.S. Coast Guard on the destroyer USS Sellstrom as part of antisubmarine warfare and convoy duty. Dan Nettesheim, a history professor at West Point and an Academy graduate, also spent time with the students crafting questions and underscoring the value of primary source documentation.
History came to life in April when three World War II veterans visited campus as part of the Veterans’ Oral History Project. Marge Behlen, Al Exner, and Dallas Kobriger (pictured above) met with U.S. History students and participated in oral history interviews. Behlen served as an Army Corps Nurse with the 199th
The veterans’ candid accounts of their time during the war served as a powerful reminder of the importance of recording their memories for future generations to learn from. In addition to writing a paper largely based upon the interviews, the students, in partnership with the Bell Tower Memorial and St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, will contribute videos of their interviews to add content to a series of DVDs that will be presented to the Library of Congress.
UPPER SCHOOL PLAYERS PRESENT: OLIVER! THE MUSICAL In February, Upper School actors presented “Oliver! The Musical,” which is based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens. The streets of Victorian London came to life during the colorful production.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAYERS PRESENT: MARY POPPINS In May, Middle School thespians proudly presented “Mary Poppins” in the Virginia Henes Young Theatre. The show was filled with memorable songs and valuable lessons that can apply to both children and adults.
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Art, Theater, and Superheros
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Sixth-grade art, English, and theater classes joined forces for a special ComicCon evening. Students wrote monologues in English class, prepared and practiced monologue performances in theater, and created a superhero drawing focusing on body proportion, muscle structure, and costume design in art. Once drawn, students used Adobe Photoshop Elements to color their superheroes, focusing on color contrast and value. Students then performed their monologues and showcased their artwork for guests.
HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
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University School of Milwaukee was closed on January 16 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but that doesn’t mean the USM community took the day off. Students, faculty, and staff participated in a variety of service projects at Urban Ecology Center (C/D), Easter Seals of Wisconsin, Habitat for Humanity (A), Milwaukee Women’s Center, City Year, Next Door Foundation, and Kathy’s House. In addition, Middle School students held a special sandwich-making event on campus to benefit Guest House of Milwaukee (B). They also helped to run a basketball clinic for children with special needs from the Miracle League.
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view 8TH-GRADE CLOSING CEREMONY
As part of the Middle School Closing Ceremony, 84 8th-grade students were welcomed into the Upper School by Head of Upper School Stuart Cushman. In addition, the following students were honored at the ceremony: - Academic Recognition (determined by 8th-grade cumulative grade point average through the third quarter)— Anna Fitzsimmons, Caroline Harkless, Kala Siddalingaiah, and Thomas Wright - Citizenship Recognition (determined by students’ vote)— Hunter Klas and Teghese Okunseri - Sportsmanship Recognition (determined by coaches’ vote)— Laine Bolton and Thomas Hayden
4TH-GRADE MOVING-UP CEREMONY
At the annual Moving-Up Ceremony, 77 4th-graders shared some of their favorite Lower School memories as they prepared to join University School of Milwaukee’s Middle School. 8
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CELEBRATING SUCCESSES DURING TOWER WEEK
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Students in 4th grade, 8th grade, and 12th grade were proud to present their finished capstone projects to parents, faculty, staff, and other students during Tower Week in April. Projects ranged from reports on walleye fishing and French food culture (Lower School) to handmade furniture, a codedfrom-scratch website (Middle School), a canoe built by hand (Upper School) and much more. While it was a notable accomplishment for all who participated, the final product was less important than the journey it took to get there. Students developed skills in research, communication, team work, and perseverance, amongst others, in topic areas they were passionate about.
Top Two 8th-grade students made custom-crafted hockey training tools and demonstrated them to others. Bottom Ethan Feldner ’25 presented on the history of the Green Bay Packers. Far left Hannah Engel ’17 created a film adaptation of John Green’s novel “Looking for Alaska.” Left Peter Ells ’21 displayed his customized XBox.
Staff Retirements Fred Chester (pictured right, top) is retiring from USM after more than 16 years as a bus driver. “USM is a wonderful place to work,” he said. “I love being with the students because they tell me jokes.” Chester’s son, Mike, is a USM graduate of the class of 1979. Upon retirement, he’s looking forward to continuing his volunteer work. Jerry Powell (pictured right, bottom) is retiring from USM after serving for more than 10 years as a bus driver. He will miss interacting with the students and teachers, but is proud to end his time on a high note with no accidents. He is excited to visit as many national parks as he can. “I’ve got brothers in Arizona and Florida, so I have places to go and people to visit,” he said. Raul Bautista is retiring from USM after more than 18 years with the Custodial Department. “Raul is a hard-working and sincere family man who takes great pride in his work,” said Isabel Ornelas-Davila, director of human resources. “He made sure that the rooms he cared for were in top shape.” Bautista was not available for a photo. 9
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After a suspenseful sudden-death tiebreaker, Thomas Wright ’21 finished in second place at the National Geographic Bee on May 17. This is the second year in a row that Wright competed at the national event; last year he finished in eighth place. Wright is the first person ever from the state of Wisconsin to finish as high as second place. He lost to Pranay Varada, who represented Texas, after Varada won on the first tiebreaker question by correctly identifying the Kunlun Mountains as the 1,200-mile range that separates the Taklimakan Desert from the Tibetan Plateau. Wright received a $25,000 college scholarship as the second-place finisher.
CAROL WOODWARD/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT PLACES SECOND AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY BEE
From left Thomas Wright ’21 on stage at the 2017 National Geographic Bee with moderator Mo Rocca and Pranay Varada of Texas.
HAJIRA FUAD NAMED REGENERON SCIENCE TALENT 2017 SCHOLAR
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In January, Hajira Fuad ’17 (pictured below) was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search 2017 Scholar for her project titled “Computational Discovery of Pharmacological Chaperones to Rectify Protein Misfolding Using a Novel Support Vector Machine Classifier.” Only 300 entrants were selected from more than 1,700 nationwide, with Fuad being the only one from Wisconsin.
Fuad’s findings can potentially shave years off drug research, not to mention millions off research and development costs. “That’s the beauty of drug repurposing,” said Fuad. “These drugs are already FDA-approved so they could get to those in need much faster.” The algorithm can also be used to repurpose pharmaceuticals for diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.
For her project, Fuad programmed an algorithm to search a database of FDA-approved drugs that contain pharmacological chaperones that are structurally similar to curcumin, the active ingredient of the turmeric spice. Curcumin acts as a pharmacological chaperone by binding to the protein involved in Alzheimer’s and helping it fold properly. Her program searched approximately 1,300 drugs and found 20 with the highest probabilities to be structurally similar to curcumin chaperones. Of those 20 drugs, six were found to perform well in Alzheimer’s models and dementia animal models. “The results of my study proved my theory that structurally similar molecules will have similar biological functions,” said Fuad.
Fuad submitted her project without the knowledge of, or assistance from, anyone at USM or even her parents. “When they found out I was named a semifinalist they were pretty shocked and excited,” said Fuad. “They were wondering what I was spending so much time working on.”
USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2016—2017
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USM’S TOP SCIENTISTS COMPETE AT INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR For the third consecutive year, five University School of Milwaukee students earned the opportunity to represent the School as finalists at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles in May. After progressing through the Upper School Science Fair and the Badger State Science and Engineering Fair, each participating student defended his or her work to a group of scientists at Intel ISEF. Congratulations to the finalists:
Kailas Sane ’17 and Veda Sane ’19: “Political Trends: Examining the Future of Politics.” Candace Walther ’17: “Establishment of a Working System for Engineering Programmable Bacteriophages.”
INTEL ISEF
Arundhati Pillai ’17: “Low-Cost Gravity Driven Filtration System Designed Using Iron Oxide NanoparticleLoaded PU Foam for Arsenic Removal from Polluted Water in Developing Countries.” Received fourth award in environmental engineering.
Nabeel Quryshi ’18: “Crucial Role of Telomerase Activity in Mitigation of Chemotherapeutic/ Cardiovascular Disease Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Mediated Oxidative Stress and Reconstitution of Microvascular Function.” Received first award in biomedical and health sciences, which places Quryshi’s project as one of the top 40 science fair projects in the world.
From left Arundhati Pillai ’17, Veda Sane ’19, Kailas Sane ’17, Nabeel Quryshi ’18, and Candace Walther ’17.
WINTER 2017 CUM LAUDE SOCIETY INDUCTEES Eight USM seniors were welcomed into the Cum Laude Society, an organization that honors superior scholastic achievement in secondary schools. The top 10 percent of USM’s senior class is inducted into the Society each fall, and another 10 percent joins in the winter. Congratulations to (back from left) Cole Stephany, Kailas Sane, Daniel Glazer, and Emily Chou (front from left) Hannah Engel, Hajira Fuad, Sierra Schuh, and Eva Karademas.
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STUDENTS EARN SILVER MEDALS AT NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS Hailey Farrington-Bentil ’18 and Maisie Wicks ’17 earned silver medals from the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in March. More than 330,000 works of art and writing were submitted by students in grades 7–12 this year, and receiving silver medals places Farrington-Bentil and Wicks within the top one percent of all submissions. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens.
“Depths of Darkness” by FarringtonBentil won a Gold Key award at the regional competition and a silver medal at the national competition. The subject is a man she had just met. “The light was perfectly positioned on his face so I took the photo,” said Farrington-Bentil. “Depths of Darkness” “It was definitely a spur-of-the moment shot, unplanned, yet still beautifully composed in my opinion.”
“Jacob”
“Jacob” by Wicks won a Gold Key award at the regional competition and a silver medal at the national competition. Wicks believes her unintentional use of old film caused the photo to be distorted. “What captured me about this photograph is its ability to make a bold statement through its subtle take on the blending of masculinity and femininity,” she said. “It was kind of a happy accident that the picture turned out the way it did.”
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Six University School of Milwaukee seniors were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists: (from left) Elizabeth Keuler, Candace Walther, Arundhati Pillai, Leo Simanonok, Anshul Bhatnagar, and Daniel Glazer. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation honors academic excellence by awarding scholarships to the nation’s top students each year. Finalists had the opportunity to compete for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $35 million. Winners are chosen based on academic records, SAT scores, extracurricular and leadership experiences, and essays.
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USM FORENSICS TEAM WINS STATE
GREG MARKS
USM’s forensics team, in its inaugural year, competed in the state tournament on April 22 and earned a gold medal in every category entered (categories noted in parentheses). From left Talulah Mitchem ’18 (poetry), Shreya Gundelly ’20 (four-minute speech), and Lisa Wong ’20 (prose) each received perfect scores for their performances and were also named critic’s choice in their respective categories.
PLAYERS COMPETE AT STATE SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS Twelve USM chess players competed at the State Scholastic Chess Championships at UW-Oshkosh in March. The students performed exceptionally well across their divisions. In the K5 division, Aradh Kaur ’26, Jindh Kaur ’28, Hersh Singh ’24, and Jiyan Singh ’30 took first place and earned the title of state champions, a first for USM. In the K8 division, Divya Pandey ’22, Aditya Pillai ’23, and Logan Walls ’22 took sixth place. In the varsity division (the top division at the tournament), Jack Glusman ’19, Hadi Najeeb ’20, Ritika Pandey ’20, Keise Prewitt ’20, and Antonio Rodriguez ’19 took sixth place. Finally, in the bughouse tournament, USM took the second-place school trophy and sisters Ritika Pandey ’20 and Divya Pandey ’22 tied for first place. 13
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STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS AT STATE SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL On April 29, Middle School and Upper School musicians participated in the Wisconsin School Music Association’s State Solo and Ensemble Festival at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Students performed for a panel of judges in either a solo or ensemble capacity. Congratulations to the following participants who received medals: Middle School Gold Medal Recipients: •N icolas De Torre ’22 (Violin) • Isabella Vesely ’23 (Violin)
• Savannah Miracle ’18 (Musical Theatre) • Gaby Musickant ’18 (Classical Voice) • Meg Stewart ’19 (Classical Voice) • Maia Thompson ’19 (Classical Voice) • Jose Zarate ’20 (Violin) Silver Medal Recipients: • Addison Elliott ’20 (Classical Voice)
Silver Medal Recipient:
• Mia Jaeger ’18 (Classical Voice)
• Joe Zimmerman ’22 (Piano Solo)
• Blakely Martin ’20 (Classical Voice)
Upper School Gold Medal Recipients: • Addison Elliott ’20 (Piano) • Jacob Gold ’20 (Violin) • Blakely Martin ’20 (Violin)
• Blakely Martin ’20 (Musical Theatre) • Lucia Rondini ’20 (Musical Theatre) • Lucia Rondini ’20 and Ari Sadek ’20 (Classical Duet) In addition, Jose Zarate ’20 was nominated for the exemplary Best of the Day award, the top award given at state.
•M adeline McNichols ’18 (Classical Voice)
TWO PROJECTS ADVANCE TO NATIONAL HISTORY DAY FINALS Of the 29 8th-grade historians who participated in the Wisconsin State National History Day Competition, three advanced to the national competition in June. Ava Erickson and Juliana Tovar were finalists in the group exhibit category, and Sydney Miracle was a finalist in the individual exhibit category.
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educating at the Speed of Change
Twenty years ago, it would have been difficult—if not impossible—to imagine using your phone to order a ride from a stranger, pay for groceries, check into a flight, open your garage door, and listen to millions of hours of streamed music. If that is our reality today, what will our world look like in 20 years? Or 50? Now imagine today’s students who will be entering a world that we can’t even imagine. How can schools possibly prepare them? USM is using an innovative approach to answer that question, and to equip students with skills that will never expire.
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For her senior-year capstone project, Anne Havlik ’17 tasked herself with the ambitious goal of building—from scratch—a solar-powered computer. She knew it would be a challenge but, given her interest in technology, it would also be a good opportunity to teach herself new skills. In her mind, Havlik envisioned a laptop powered by solar panels that could fit in a backpack, combining portability over rough terrain with a renewable power source for use in areas of the world where reliable power is unavailable. Nothing like it exists in the marketplace today. She wasn’t too far into her research for the project when she ran into a hurdle. Or a major roadblock, more like it. “I was doing a phone interview with Patrick Keily, who is a senior project strategist at We Energies and works with a lot of renewable energy,” said Havlik. “He told me that I would need upwards of 30 pounds worth of solar panels to power the type of computer I wanted to build.” Rather than a backpack, Havlik’s computer would have to be transported by wagon—not exactly the model of portability. It was a turning point for her project, but she didn’t realize it at the time. “It was a bummer, because I knew I couldn’t build it the way I initially wanted to. But I also felt challenged to be innovative and come up with a new design to work around the problems I faced.”
The portable computer designed and built by Anne Havlik ’17 for her senior-year capstone project. It is made from energyefficient components and is powered by a battery, which can be recharged by a solar panel.
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The ability to think innovatively and tackle tough problems head on are exactly the type of skills that students gain at USM. One of the ways in which USM teaches these skills is through design thinking. “Design thinking is a process we use to get students to solve problems that matter to them,” said Director of Innovation and Exploration Nikki Lucyk. “Students identify a problem and look at
“ It actually takes a lot of work and probably some failure. It builds grit.” ‑ elaine griffin
it from different perspectives. From there, they examine and research potential solutions. It’s an opportunity for us to harness their creativity and use it to find solutions to problems they care about. When they are connected to the content, they retain it.” Havlik’s capstone project is an example of the design-thinking process at work. But it is not limited to Upper School students. In the Lower School, 4th-grade students spend a year researching a topic of their choice and then present their findings to other students and parents during Tower Week in April. Middle School students also participate in Tower Week, and put design thinking to work on a wide range of projects of their choice, from coding a website to building furniture, soap-making, and much more. The Lower School and Middle School even have dedicated spaces for tinkering, called the Wildcat Creation Station and Nerdvana, respectively, which are used by students on a wide variety of projects. “I think a lot of the Lower School and Middle School teachers would agree that learning a skill has more lasting value than memorizing things,” said Tom Mussoline, Middle School academic technology coordinator.
Caroline Van Bell ’21 (left) and Maahum Jan ’21 constructed a bench in Nerdvana for the Lower School butterfly garden.
Large-scale projects, like the Tower Week capstone projects that 4th-, 8th- and 12th-grade students work on are complex and open ended. “It isn’t a studyfor-the-test-and-then-it’s-done type of class,” said Elaine Griffin, assistant head of Upper School and Upper School English teacher. “It requires students to keep looping back to make something better. It actually takes a lot of work and probably some failure. It builds grit.” Grit, as it turns out, is an essential component of success. In his book “How Children Succeed,” Paul Tough noted that what matters most in a child’s development “…is whether we are able to help her develop a very different set of qualities, a list that includes persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit, and self-confidence. Economists refer to these as noncognitive skills, psychologists call them personality traits, and the rest of us sometimes think of them as character.” For alumna Kelly (Baumgartner) Fitzsimmons ’89, the USM education her two daughters receive today is much different than the one she experienced at USM. “We still had the same caliber of phenomenal teachers that they do today,” she noted, “but the
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educating at the Speed of Change
“By reworking my original plan, I ended up with a better design in the end.”
curriculum approach was pretty straightforward—lots of homework and memorization. I don’t remember much out-of-the-box thinking in terms of pedagogy. I see the School today as a learning laboratory. It is so fantastic how willing and open USM is to implementing new ideas and creating a framework of curiosity and a love of learning.”
Fitzsimmons has founded six startups, four of which were in information security. She currently serves as co-founder and managing director – strategy for Custom Reality Services, a pioneer in the world of virtual reality filmmaking. “In my world of virtual reality, Moore’s law is very much alive and well,” she said, referring to the Intel co-founder’s prediction that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years. “The speed of change is exponential. It’s real, and it’s happening. We’re living in a world today where I couldn’t tell you what the good jobs are going to be in 10 years, much less 20.” That presents an exciting opportunity for USM. While we may not be able to teach to a job that does not yet exist, we can use design-thinking techniques to prepare students with skills that will serve them well in any career, in any industry. “We have to teach kids to be strong in the diplomatic arts—how to advocate a position, research a problem, engage in debate, and be comfortable with a clashing of ideas and not see it as off-putting,” said Amy Riley, an education consultant and academic dean with Independent School Management, with whom the School has recently worked. Added Fitzsimmons, “The skills of being self-directed, asking for help, formulating a good argument, putting an idea together and then selling it—those skills aren’t going away. There are
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‑ Anne havlik ’17
real-world applications in 20, even 50 years that will require them.” Having the ability to stick with a problem and see it through to the end is a major component of design thinking, and a vital way in which USM students gain those important skills. Fitzsimmons experienced this with her own daughter, whose USM teachers worked with her to master the art of failing. “Her teachers noticed from early on that she could grasp concepts very quickly, but if she failed at something it would be disastrous. They very deliberately encouraged her to accept and overcome failure, to keep her excited about learning. Now, several years later, she’s much more curious. And she has the tenacity to push through the hard stuff. In fact, she’s found that the hard part of pushing through is actually kind of fun.”
Despite her setback with the solar panels, Havlik was determined to design and build a computer that was both portable and solar powered, so she went back to the drawing board. “I played around with the idea of a battery that could be charged with solar power, and then having the computer run off the battery instead of off the solar panels,” she said. In addition, Havlik took a closer look at each component that was used to build the computer, including finding a more energyefficient hard drive and motherboard. “Not only did I have to research each component to make sure it was energy efficient, I had to ensure that they were
project creation, and experimentation. “It was so nice because I could leave my stuff in there and work on the project when I wanted to. I was even able to charge the battery by setting up the solar panels near the window,” she said. As part of the Our Common Bond campaign, USM is building a new, expanded space, named the Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration, for this and other types of creative projects (learn more about it on page 21). The new House of Technology will reside within the Lubar Center. The merit of design-thinking courses is well documented, but what about students who want a more traditional, structured class? And what about faculty members who prefer to teach that way? The cornerstone of a USM education is its strong curriculum, which includes giving students the freedom to choose how they prefer to learn. “Everyone learns differently, but the main goal is to learn as much as you can and have it stick with you,” said Havlik. “I had the foundational knowledge that compatible, too,” said Havlik. The end result is a computer that functions like a normal PC, including operating Windows 10 with Wi-Fi connectivity, but runs off of a battery that is powered by one solar panel weighing just a few pounds. “By reworking my original plan and paring down the computer components into something smaller and more efficient, I ended up with a better design in the end,” said Havlik. “If I had gone with my initial plan, I don’t think the finished product would’ve been as good as it is.” While researching and building her project, Havlik set up shop in the House of Technology, which is a dedicated space in the Upper School for building,
Top A backpack, which was made by Brodie Mutschler ’19, holds the computer that was designed and built by Anne Havlik ’17. The netting helps to keep the computer cool. Bottom Anne Havlik ’17 worked on her capstone presentation in the Upper School’s House of Technology. 19
educating at the Speed of Change
I learned in AP Physics and AP Computer Science, which I relied on when I had to go out and teach myself a lot of things on top of that for my capstone. Open-ended and traditional classes are both equally valuable in my mind, but they’re two different types of learning.” Havlik also relied heavily on her English and art classes while working on her capstone. “As a high school student working on this project and trying to solicit help from outside sources, I had to set the tone that I was serious about it. Having proper spelling and grammar in my emails, using the correct salutation, proofreading—those were really important. I also drew a lot of sketches of what I needed and how I wanted to build the computer, and art class helped a lot with that.” Although students in every division have the opportunity to take an open-ended course if they choose, traditional classes are not going away. Nor should they. Through traditional courses, students learn a valuable skill that many pre-internet-age adults take for granted: concentration. “Let’s say we’re reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in AP English,” said Griffin. “I don’t allow students to have their computers out; it’s just themselves and the book. We’ll begin by reading out loud and discussing the language, and then they might analyze the characters. They are required to annotate. I can’t control if they’re texting while reading when at home, but I give Sparknoteproof quizzes that require students to actually read the book. I think having 30 pages of reading homework, plus quizzes and required annotations, trains them to do an exercise that is different than something they would be asked to do on the computer.”
“More people will view a PK-12 education as the most worthy investment for their children.” ‑ amy riley While USM has wholeheartedly embraced the use of technology in school—students in grades 3–12 bring their own computing devices every day—it has not disregarded the importance of solid, foundational knowledge and skills. “Preprimary-through-grade-12 institutions operate on the premise that there are skills every human needs to develop,” said Riley. “If I can’t read, write, digest information, and understand math, I’m not going to succeed no matter how much is on the internet.” These basic skills—reading, writing, math, and science—that are so critical to establishing a baseline of knowledge, are not taught in college. “The PK-12 setting becomes the most important educational environment because it addresses those finite sets of skills,” said Riley. “It stands to reason that more people will view a PK-12 education as the most worthy investment for their children.” It’s impossible to predict what the world will look like in 20 years, and that can be a frightening reality for
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Clockwise from upper left Brooke Welsh ’17, Anshul Bhatnagar ’17, Erin Watton ’17, Greta Weiss ’17, Jon Schumus ’17, and Alana Rostad ’17. USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2016—2017
students and parents alike. But although we may not be able to teach them job-specific knowledge, we can certainly prepare children with an aptitude for learning, communicating, and solving problems— skills that will serve them well in their careers and lives. While the way in which USM students learn and the tools they use are keeping up with the rapid pace of change, the curriculum is rooted in a solid foundation of tradition that has benefited students for more than 160 years. Rather than being oppositional,
the two schools of thought strengthen each other and make for a more well-rounded educational experience. “USM operates from a place of ‘and’,” said Lucyk. “This is important, because to solve the world’s problems, you have to understand how they impact humanity. You need to know how to communicate, to understand history, to listen, and to be a creative thinker. If you can do those things, you can do anything.”
many paths to many possibilities With the new Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration scheduled to open in August, USM is excited about the many ways in which students will use the space. Although it will house the Upper School’s House of Technology makerspace, the Lubar Center is intended as more than just a place to design, tinker, code, and make. Inside its walls, students will participate in purposeful and playful investigation of their own interests and ideas in order to build skills in asking questions, seeking answers, challenging themselves, solving problems, and taking action. The Lubar Center will allow students in all grades to practice curiosity, observation skills, connective thinking, collaboration, and problem solving. It is expected that, in its first year, the space will welcome more than 300 Upper School students who will have at least one class in it, with every Upper School student being exposed to the space in one way or another throughout the year. In addition, every Lower School and Middle School student will also have a chance to explore, create, play, and learn. The Lubar Center will be complemented by the existing Wildcat Creation Station in Lower School and Nerdvana in Middle School. Innovation will permeate all classroom spaces in new and exciting ways—and all
Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration
USM students will be equipped to embrace and tackle problems and challenges in ways we never dreamed of. These many paths of innovation will become a tangible part of USM, and will lead to many exciting possibilities for our students, both now and in the future. View more renderings and a fly-through video of the new Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration at www.USMOurCommonBond.org. 21
spotlight A Deep Dive Into USM ’ s Freshwater Education University School of Milwaukee is taking full advantage of Wisconsin’s geographic location to make the most of our freshwater education.
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en it comes to freshwater, Wisconsin h has the market cornered. The state has 1.2 quadrillion gallons of groundwater, the country’s only School of Freshwater Sciences is located in Milwaukee, and 86 percent of Wisconsin’s borders are water1. University School of Milwaukee curriculum planners recognized the rising tide several years ago, and made freshwater learning part of USM’s educational priorities in support of the School’s strategic plan. The ways in which students learn about freshwater in each division are almost too numerous to list. Preprimary Program students track weather and precipitation, while Lower School students study invasive species in the Great Lakes and learn about biodiversity, rivers, and caves, to start. In Middle School, freshwater education encompasses more of a global reach, including studies of the Ganges in India, the Yangtze in China, and underground freshwater in Australia. In the Upper School, the Global Scholars made water their theme in 20162017. Their summer reading and visit from author Ben Rawlence centered on climate refugees in East Africa, and the annual Global Crisis Simulation examined the impacts of a water crisis in the region. Upper School History Teacher and Director of Global
Studies Henry Wend, and 8th Grade Science Teacher and Academic Dean Nicola De Torre, worked with a panel of local freshwater experts who presented at Middle School and Upper School assemblies. Upper School students also learn about freshwater in science classes including AP Environmental Science. In an effort to formalize its water education, USM established a freshwater committee in 2014, consisting of seven teachers from all three divisions. A major outcome of the committee’s work has been to bridge connections between USM and other organizations. USM has partnered with UWMilwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences on many projects, including inviting graduate students to give presentations and having a team of Middle School students compete in the Wisconsin MATE Regional ROV Competition hosted by the School of Freshwater Sciences. Hundreds of USM students have toured the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility, and Riveredge Nature Center. In addition, many have volunteered at the Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s Annual Spring Cleanup event to remove trash and debris from the watersheds. Ultimately, the freshwater curriculum at USM does much more than teach students the ins and outs of freshwater ecology. It connects students to handson learning opportunities that make the education more meaningful, personal, and exciting. “There is an on-going debate over who has access to the Great Lakes, from other states and even cities as close as Waukesha, Wisconsin, and we talk about that,” said De Torre. “We look at real-life issues that translate to real-life learning.” From left Fourth-grade students Miles Gourlay, Mason Milliner, Talia Lurie, Robin Cushman, and Sarah Mackey play Mussel Madness, a game developed by Michael Timm to teach players about invasive species in the Great Lakes.
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CHERYL BAIR
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In addition, the freshwater curriculum weaves through many different courses. “In English, students read articles about garbage and its impact on the waterways,” said Will Piper, 5th grade social studies teacher. “In World Cultural Geography, we study how lack of proximity to freshwater impacts people in Africa, and how factory pollution in New Delhi can pollute the Ganges River hundreds of miles away.” The result is an education that is deeper and more impactful. “Students are able to use critical thinking skills to make really neat conclusions about water because of all of these integrated experiences.” By the time they graduate from USM, students have a greater appreciation for the incredible resources we have in this state. “Most of the world does not have access to freshwater like we do, and it’s a resource that provides so much in terms of industry, geography, and tourism,” said Piper. “Students learn that as they grow throughout their time at USM. Which is good, because our graduates will be future leaders who will, no doubt, have to make decisions on freshwater issues both locally and globally.” https://thewatercouncil.com/why-water/
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Top Middle School students experience the Milwaukee river in three settings: rural, suburban, and urban. Here, they walked along the river in downtown Milwaukee to see how it is used commercially. Bottom Fifth-graders (from left) Benjamin Van Bell, August Neumann, Nathan Merriweather, and Jack Torinus participated in this year’s Annual Spring Cleanup hosted by the Milwaukee Riverkeeper organization. Since 2006, USM 5th-grade students have removed 4,322 pounds of trash from the Milwaukee River.
Middle School students studied the watershed on a field trip to Riveredge Nature Center.
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Family, Future, and Philanthropy At University School of Milwaukee, we strive to create a caring family community—one that is supportive, respectful, and challenging. Alumni, parents of alumni, parents, and grandparents are vital contributors to the USM community as they provide life experience, advice, connections to college and employment opportunities, as well as financial support. Enhancing the educational experience through planned gifts to the USM Endowment is another wonderful way to support future USM students. Did you know that making a planned gift to USM could allow you to redirect assets that would otherwise be subject to taxes? You may be able to provide more for your family while also achieving your charitable goals. Would you be willing to have a conversation and start exploring the possibilities? Please contact Steve Farwig ’75, director of major and planned gifts, at 414.540.3333, or sfarwig@usmk12.org. Requesting information will not obligate you in any way and all conversations will be kept strictly confidential. You are also invited to visit www.usmk12.org/plannedgiving.
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An Enduring Legacy One family’s bond to USM yields generations of support.
As a member of the Our Common Bond campaign cabinet, current parent, and University School of Milwaukee Trustee, Sarah Olson Zimmerman ’92 is excited for the future of the School. But she also recognizes that it is important to remember and honor those who have supported the School to make it what it is today. “Everything that my children are experiencing now as USM students is because prior generations of donors made gifts to create and support those opportunities.” Zimmerman knows first-hand the importance of those gifts. More than 30 years ago, her grandmother, parents, and aunt and uncle collectively contributed to build the Upper School’s Bradley Dining Room in memory of her great-grandmother, Margaret Bradley. Today, as the School embarks on its fundraising efforts for Our Common Bond, the family has come together once again to support the construction of the Jack Olson ’67 Commons in memory of her late father, who served as a USM Trustee in the 1990s. “More than 30 years after that initial gift, it’s clear the School has outgrown the original space,” she said. “So we felt it was appropriate to re-invest in a new dining and gathering space.” Contributors to the family gift include Zimmerman and her husband, Steve; her
mother, Lynde B. Uihlein MUS’63; her brother, John U. Olson ’95; and her aunt and uncle, Julie ’68 and David ’67 Uihlein, and their children Alex ’98, Liza Uihlein Sadoff ’99, and Charlie ’02. Aligning with the family’s enduring dedication to USM, the Olson Commons will provide increased space for USM’s student and faculty tradition of dining together while enjoying conversations, connections, and collaboration. It will accommodate 240 students and faculty for lunch, an increase from the current capacity of 170, and will be an important area on campus for building relationships and fostering community. The flexible-use space will be conducive to a variety of community-building events, such as study groups, House meetings, collaborative learning, parent and alumni gatherings, special events, banquets, and presentations. “I’m grateful to my family for coming together to make this gift in memory of my dad,” Zimmerman said. “I was really thrilled to see the excitement we all shared in the gift, and the chance to honor him. It’s our turn to step up now and make the same opportunities possible for future children. Not just today’s students—but those who come after, too.”
From left Nathaniel Zimmerman ’25 with his grandfather, the late John “Jack” Olson ’67, Joseph Zimmerman ’22, Sarah Olson Zimmerman ’92, and Steve Zimmerman in 2013.
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Hedging Their Bets A team of 7th-grade students used current events to give them an edge in the Wisconsin Stock Market Simulation—winning the competition and a trip to New York City.
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hat’s the secret to success in the stock market? Just ask Xavier Barth ’22 and Lexi Lee ’22. The 7th-grade duo took first place in the Wisconsin Stock Market Simulation, and earned a 180 percent return on their hypothetical $100,000 portfolio, by investing in dry shipping container companies. Not only did Barth and Lee win their division (middle school), they won the overall competition—the first time ever for USM—beating high school teams from Brookfield Academy, Pius XI Catholic High School, and Arrowhead High School, among others.
Top; from left Lexi Lee ’22 and Xavier Barth ’22 at the New York Stock Exchange. Bottom Ducan D. Bell of E & J Securities Corp. (center) shows Lee ’22 and Barth ’22 how transactions are completed using tablets on the floor of the NYSE.
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“Starting out, our main focus was investing in what we knew and liked,” said Lee, “which included companies like Apple, Netflix, Starbucks, and Hasbro.” Added Barth, “Right after the election we were looking around at what stocks were doing well. We discovered that four of the 10 most actively traded stocks were for dry shipping container companies. Given [President] Trump’s view on business and trade, we were expecting good results and we got them.” The SMS is a state-wide, 10-week competition in which teams of students manage hypothetical $100,000 investment portfolios and compete for a cash prize. Barth and Lee had a final portfolio value of $280,503.66, out-earning the second-place team by a whopping $100,905.89.
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I’VE THOUGHT ABOUT BEING A STOCKBROKER AND HOW MUCH FUN IT WOULD BE. From left Lexi Lee ’22 and Xavier Barth ’22.
As first-place winners, Barth and Lee enjoyed a paid trip to New York City in March, where they toured the New York Stock Exchange and took in a Broadway play, among other activities. “In my 18 years of doing this simulation at USM, we’ve never had a team be in overall first place for even one day, and this team was in first for a whole month,” said Brian Markwald, 7th grade social studies teacher and grades 7-8 dean of students. “I like doing the simulation because it teaches students how hard it is to pick stocks on their own. It also gives them a chance to see how world events affect the global economy.” While both students enjoyed the experience, they are less confident about investing with their own money. “My parents brought it up,” said Lee, “but it kind of scares me.” Barth has considered a career in stocks as a result of the simulation. “I’ve thought about being a stockbroker and how much fun it would be,” he said. “Plus, their salaries are super high.”
INSIDER TRADING: LEXI AND XAVIER SHARE THEIR TIPS FOR SUCCESS » Invest in companies you know and understand » Avoid stocks from companies that are in the news—other people see the articles too, and will likely take their grab at the stock » Do your research to find the hidden gem; for example, we frequently visited Yahoo! Finance to see how companies were performing
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To Spark a Fire By Chuck Taft For the past three years, University School of Milwaukee’s Summer Spark innovation symposium has been the top destination for teachers who want to learn new ideas, collaborate with others, and better impact their students. Chuck Taft, 8th grade American Studies history teacher, history department chair, and Summer Spark chair, shares how the event has helped further establish USM as an educational leader.
“You really hit it out of the park!” When keynote speaker Dave Burgess, author of “Teach like a Pirate,” said that at the end of the first day of the inaugural Summer Spark, we knew we had a great thing going. In three short years, Summer Spark at USM has become a highly regarded destination for educators and administrators interested in kicking off summer with innovative professional development. The two-day symposium on innovative education, a key component of our strategic plan, brings together educators from across Wisconsin, the country, and the world. Summer Spark’s success has helped establish USM as an educational thought leader in Milwaukee and beyond.
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As we began to develop Summer Spark nearly four years ago, we took some of the best ideas from other conferences and smashed them up to create ours. We bring in nationally known keynote speakers and exciting featured speakers with cutting-edge educational ideas, such as gamification, brain-based learning, innovative assessment, and teaching with graphic novels. Our breakout sessions are presented by USM faculty and other educators from across the country, and hands-on workshops offer active and collaborative learning amongst attendees. We also include two “unconference” sessions, where participants pitch their own ideas to discuss and share. Finally, we integrate as much fun, socialization, and interaction amongst the participants as we can. An awesome raffle of innovative and tech-oriented teacher tools doesn’t hurt either!
Main 2016 keynote speaker George Couros. Inset 2015 keynote speaker Dave Burgess.
spotlight What has Summer Spark done for the most important people involved—our students? Simple. They are experiencing more innovative teaching methods, utilizing engaging technology platforms, and in some cases, working with students from across the United States and the world. I have heard multiple comments from USM teachers who are integrating ideas from Summer Spark, such as using Google slides to collaborate on an algebra problem, building representations of global culture out of LEGOs, and making changes in assessment practices to offer more authentic feedback to students. “Sparkers” from outside USM share many similar examples on social media as well. A hallmark of Summer Spark is its appeal to a wide audience. While some sessions may be geared toward a certain level of learner, presentations overwhelmingly target a broad base of educators from all disciplines and grade levels. High school instructors learn next to preprimary teachers, college professors chat with middle school teachers to improve their craft, and public, parochial, and independent school educators open up a dialogue of what works best in engaging and teaching kids of all ages.
would not be possible without the very generous support from the Board of Trustees, USM’s “Think Big” professional development funding, and the administration and faculty in all three divisions. With everyone pulling in the same direction, and working toward the same goals, it has been a tremendous success. What does the future of Summer Spark hold? Hopefully more offerings for innovative professional development and an even greater presence for USM as an incredible institution of learning. We will continue to enhance our two-day conference, and would like to have smaller targeted professional development experiences during the summer and school year. Our driving force is bringing great educators together to enhance our ability to succeed in our ultimate charge— educating the students who are our future!
FROM THE TWITTERVERSE
One of the best benefits of Summer Spark has been the professional connections developed among the participants. These connections last well beyond the two days on campus. Relationships have been fostered among the attendees and continue through social media and other professional conferences. Educators collaborate and share beyond the conference, and also look forward to seeing each other the next year. It’s amazing how Twitter has increased our ability to communicate (or using the Summer Spark term, “connectate”).
by the #s
I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the support that has made this symposium what it is. Summer Spark
Kristin Kochheiser @mrskochheiser Best summer experience so far was attending #USMSpark Feeling excited to try new engaging strategies! Beyond that... poolside! #sstlap Brit Francis @united008 I am so honored to be connecting with so many fantastic educators because of #USMSpark. Let the learning and collaboration continue! Jessica Walker @jwalkerscience I was #inspired at #usmspark to do my #inquiryproject for my #mastersdegree on #honeybees
Since its beginnings in 2015, Summer Spark has seen … countries represented
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USM Welcomes Scholarship Recipients The following five freshmen have been selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive full-tuition scholarships and join the University School of Milwaukee community for the 2017–2018 school year. In an effort to provide an exemplary educational experience for students of all backgrounds, USM’s scholarship program provides various levels of financial assistance to qualifying students. The scholarships, which exist thanks to the generosity of donors, are awarded based on outstanding academic merit, character, leadership skills, and community service, among other requirements. Here the students share, in their own words, how they overcame a challenging time in their lives. ENRIQUE ALDAPE 2017 JOHN “J.S.” STEPHENS SCHOLARSHIP I began to think maybe my new neighbors were just as fearful of our differences as I was. How could I challenge this fear? How could I make others change their minds about me? A move to a new neighborhood—one with different traditions and customs—proved challenging for Enrique Aldape. But he learned to overcome his differences with his new neighbors and perform small acts of kindness that made a positive impact. Aldape comes to USM from Bruce-Guadalupe Middle School. He’s excited to try his hand at hockey, and hopes to continue playing the violin while at USM. The John “J.S.” Stephens Scholarship was created by a donor who wanted to honor his USM student experience with Stephens, a former faculty member and administrator who served the School for more than 50 years.
AMARI BLASINI-BUSH 2017 STAR SCHOLARSHIP We worked with an organization called Voces de la Frontera, which helps families that have lost, or are about to lose, a family member to deportation. My cousins and I participated in rallies and protests. I was on the news and talked about my feelings with deportations. As a child, Amari Blasini-Bush did not give her American citizenship much thought. But after Immigration and
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Customs Enforcement detained her uncle for nearly 18 months, her view changed. The experience led her to work with Voces de la Frontera and join others going through similar circumstances. Blasini-Bush is an avid reader and loves to sing. She won the talent contest at Bruce-Guadalupe Middle School, and is excited to play basketball and volleyball at USM. The STAR scholarship is offered to a new, incoming minority 9th-grade student who lives in the city of Milwaukee.
JAMES GRAHAM 2017 MILWAUKEE COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARSHIP My little brother and I were playing around in the bathroom, not thinking about our surroundings. We fell right on the glass shower door and were left with huge cuts on our legs. At the hospital, the doctor said I might not be able to move my ankle much. After an accident in 2011, James Graham was unsure if he would be able to play basketball again. Rather than losing hope, Graham tackled his challenges head on—completing painful resistance band and leg exercises with his father, going to physical therapy, and spending time in the gym. Thanks to his diligence and hard work, Graham’s ankle is coming back—just in time for him to join USM’s basketball team. KENYON KIRKSEY 2017 MILWAUKEE COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARSHIP I have had to overcome many obstacles in my life, but the most challenging was when my Great Aunt Meldoris passed away in 2013. She knew I had what it takes to be successful in life, and she is why I push through challenges. Kenyon Kirksey cites his positive attitude as a quality that sets him apart from others his age. For him, a challenge or mistake is simply an opportunity to do better next time. He enjoys math class and has attended engineering camps to improve his skills in computer engineering. Kirksey loves football and plans on playing at USM. Not only does he think it’s fun, he likes the opportunity to be part of a team working toward a common goal.
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Both Graham and Kirksey are recipients of the Milwaukee College Prep Scholarship. Several USM families provide the annual funding for two Milwaukee College Prep Scholarships, which celebrate the achievements of these talented MCP alumni and recognize the relationship between our two schools.
ALONDRA MORA-MUNOZ 2017 JOE LUBAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT When I’m on stage, I feel inspired. When I’m conveying a story to an audience, I feel strong. When I’m playing a Seitz concerto or a Bach suite, nothing in the world can stop me. An inability to discover a passion or life’s calling left Alondra Mora-Munoz feeling like she might never be successful. But after taking summer classes at First Stage Theater Academy, she finally found her passion: the stage and self-expression. She is excited to audition for her first theater production at USM and is an avid viola player, having played the instrument for the past eight years. She also enjoys playing volleyball and tennis, and comes to USM from Bruce-Guadalupe Middle School. Established by the Lubar family, the Joe Lubar Scholarship honors the memory of Joe Lubar ’08, who exemplified the character and traditions of USM through his contributions as a student, citizen, and athlete.
USM’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Back, from left Kenyon Kirksey and James Graham. Front, from left Enrique Aldape, Alondra Mora-Munoz, and Amari Blasini-Bush
USM’s Office of Enrollment Management works in partnership with prospective and current families to help ensure that a USM education remains affordable. Many of USM’s scholarship opportunities exist due to the generosity of donors who contributed to the establishment of named, endowed funds, the annual incomes of which provide scholarships to qualifying students. In addition to the five, full-tuition scholarships featured here, USM has 45 other named, endowed scholarship funds that range in value, with principals of all funds averaging $500,000. They are the result of directed donations from individuals, families, and entire classes of alumni. USM is exceedingly grateful for the thoughtful generosity of these donors and the impact the scholarships have on the recipients, their families, and the entire USM community. If you are interested in establishing an endowed scholarship fund, please contact Maria Stone, director of development, at 414.540.3331 or mstone@usmk12.org. 31
spotlight ARTS LIVE The fourth-annual Arts Live event, held throughout two days in late April, was a School-wide celebration of visual arts, theater, and music. The theme was #VisualizePeace, and students were asked, “When you close your eyes and visualize peace, what do you see?” Their responses were photographed and hung throughout the School for visitors to see. Students in all divisions displayed a variety of artistic talents, from collaborative Mount Fuji sculptures and symbolic Sgraffito coil pots in the Lower School, to Mexican drinking vessels and music performances in the Middle School, and public speaking and Shakespeare monologues in the Upper School. A While the jazz band performed, Anne Filali ’17 interpreted the music through painting while on stage. B T hese photos were taken by Alana Rostad ’17 as part of a nighttime, long-exposure assignment for Photography II.
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C Emma Smith ’17 played the harp in the band, orchestra, and choir curricular concert. D F ifth-graders created these Kokeshi dolls, inspired by Japanese folk art, as part of their study of Asian culture. E Zara Vaseem ’26 sang in the grades 3 and 4 curricular concert.
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F Daniel Glazer ’17 performed the part of Hamlet while demonstrating the “in-class” rehearsal process. G A Cappella 8th-grade singers (from left) Ana Bhushan, Mimi Norman, Kala Siddalingaiah, Anna Schultz, Audrey Ferrer, Margaret Rankin, Tesse Okunseri, Gabrielle Fellenz, Sophia Luciano, Audrey Treptow, and Sara Musani performing on stage.
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H Mackenzie Petersen ’23 performed a Shakespearean monologue from “The Merchant of Venice.” I From left Abby Moyer ’22 and Amelia Ackles ’22 performed a dance piece that they choreographed. J Mason Milliner ’25 played the xylophone. K D avid Hutton ’18 designed and 3D-printed these functional materials from scratch in his Digital Art Portfolio class. L G uests were invited to make their own art with Kohl’s Color Wheels. 32
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Celebrating Signing Day at USM
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ational Signing Day, the day when high school seniors around the country announce their college athletic commitments, is an exciting milestone. It caps years of practices, competitions, struggles, and triumphs. Nine University School of Milwaukee seniors were joined by their parents, coaches, teammates, friends, and the USM community at a special ceremony in Mellowes Hall on February 1 to announce their commitments to playing intercollegiate athletics. “University School has a long-standing tradition of supporting student athletes, and this year is no exception,” said Director of Athletics Luke Houdek. “Our students tend to be recruited by academically rigorous universities, and I’m confident that USM prepared them athletically, scholastically, and socially for college. We wish them the best of luck.” Congratulations to the following students for their achievements (pictured below, back row, from left): Walter Taylor, basketball, Benedictine University; Michael Balistreri, football, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Nathan Sampson, soccer, Emory University; Anne Havlik, track and field, University of Chicago; Kailee Nicholas, volleyball, Baldwin Wallace University; (front row, from left) Davis Collison, track, Williams College; Ellie Barney, hockey, Middlebury College; Jordan Mutschler, soccer, University of St. Andrews; and Abby Dillon, volleyball, Macalester College.
TWO GIRLS LACROSSE PLAYERS HONORED A G race Berrien ’18 was named a 2017 Academic All-American by the Wisconsin chapter of US Lacrosse. B Alex Ventress ’17 was named a 2017 All-American by the Wisconsin chapter of US Lacrosse.
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Conference Accolades Sylvester Cutler (standing, far right), the boys’ basketball head coach, was named the Midwest Classic Conference Coach of the Year in March. Cutler was nominated by Patrick Clarey, Brookfield Academy’s head varsity basketball coach, and unanimously selected by the other coaches in the conference. In addition, Walter Taylor ’17 (standing, third from right) was named the Midwest Classic Conference Player of the Year. The Wildcats won their first conference title since 2001 with the help of a six-man senior class that led the team to an impressive season. Cutler has served as the head coach for the past three years, is the assistant director of enrollment management, and has worked at USM since 2008. “It was very humbling to have the respect of my peer coaches,” Cutler said. “I’m very happy with the award.
And for Walter to be recognized as conference player of the year, it really speaks to who is the conference’s most valuable player. Walter is a player who makes everyone around him better, and other coaches recognized that as well.” “I am honored that I was even considered for the award,” said Taylor. “It was a big surprise at the banquet when Coach Cutler told everyone. Without my teammates and the great coaching staff, I would not have received the award and I’m blessed for all of it.”
USM ATHLETES COMPETING AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS A Ben Hayes ’18 claimed state championships in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard breaststroke at the WIAA Division 2 state meet in February. He finished the 100-yard breaststroke event in 57.94 seconds, the ninth-fastest finish of all time for the WIAA. “I have been working harder than ever and this, coupled with growing a few inches and putting on some muscle, allowed me to cut a few seconds off my best times,” said Hayes. B Matthew Cooper ’19 (top) and Addison Elliott ’20 (bottom) competed in the WIAA Division 2 State Doubles Championship Tournament in June at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison, making it to the second round. They lost to junior Peter Lamberton and senior Joe Rudd of The Prairie School, 7-5, 6-3. C Brandon Staudt ’18 represented the USM golf team as an individual qualifier in the WIAA Division 2 State Boys’ Golf Championship, tying for eighth place. He ended the first day in 16th place but moved up eight spots by the second day. His score of 73 was the second-best total carded by any of the 52 individual golfers on the last day.
A B
C D
D D avis Collison ’17 competed at the WIAA Division 2 State Track and Field Tournament in June. She had the best finish for the Wildcats in the tournament, placing third in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.94 seconds. This serves as new personal record for Collison, as well as a new School record. She also finished seventh in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.32 seconds. 35
locker room
Standing, from left William Kennedy ’18, Alex Ventress ’17, and Cole Stephany ’17. 36
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locker room
Going the Distance These three-sport athletes make juggling school work and year-round athletic commitments look like an easy hurdle.
T
he old saying “There’s no ‘I’ in team” is especially applicable to William Kennedy ’18, Cole Stephany ’17, and Alex Ventress ’17. These three-sport athletes excel at both academics and their year-round athletic commitments, but if you were to ask them about the secret to their successes, they’d quickly point to their teammates. For example, Kennedy was named first-team all-conference at safety and unanimous first-team all-conference at running back in 2016, but he is reluctant to take any of the credit. “The team should be more proud of those awards than me,” said Kennedy, “because it was a team accomplishment that I won them. Most of the work is done by the linemen in front of me—they have the hard job of moving people. I just get the ball and run,” he said. Added Ventress, “I really like sports. I like the bonding, the exercise, and being part of a team. High school sports, especially the level at which we compete, is more about winning for the team than showing your skills in a particular sport.”
For Ventress, athletics gives her a much-needed outlet. “If I’m stressed about something, I’ll go to practice and probably forget about it. I’ll have some fun and then come back to it with a clear mind.” Football, according to Kennedy, has made him a more well-rounded student and person in general. “A lot of things I learned from being a football captain are applicable to being a leader in school,” he said. “Sports is based on successes and failures. It’s like life in general. If you don’t succeed you need to change how you do things.”
sports is based on successes and failures, it’s like life in general. If you don’t succeed You need to change how you do things.
Playing three sports a year while also tackling considerable school work is no easy feat. Yet the athletes insist that the separate commitments add to, rather than detract from, their successes. “I would say being an athlete helps me use my time more wisely,” said Stephany, who was inducted into USM’s Cum Laude Society in February. “I’ll check my schedule and see what I have the next day, how much I need to do that night versus another night, etc. Coaches stress that school work comes first, so athletics helps me be more focused.”
In addition to learning new athletic skills, sports has served as a vital pipeline for meeting new friends. “In high school, the team is always changing so it helps you develop friendships with more people,” noted Stephany. Added Ventress, “I’ve met a lot of younger girls who I probably wouldn’t have known as well if we weren’t on the same basketball team.”
That said, few people would hold it against them if they admitted to feeling some burn out every now and again. “Sometimes it can be difficult, especially in the winter when I go to school in the dark and come home from hockey practice in the dark,” said Kennedy. “But in the long run, it’s what I want to do. Being out with my friends playing sports, it’s totally worth it. The effort you put in and the results you get, they’re totally worth it.”
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beyond
class notes The following pages include news and notes submitted prior to May 31, 2017. To submit a class note, email your news to alumni@usmk12.org.
’60s
LINDA C. LOVING ’66
recently published her first book “A New Song to Sing: Breast Cancer as Journey of Spirit.” The workbook invites women with breast cancer— whether recently diagnosed or long-term survivors—to gather for seven sessions of sharing stories, insights, and wisdom as they name Holy hope and claim their own truth and healing. The book can be used in faith communities, book groups, community centers, and hospital/clinic settings, and is designed so that participants do not need outside leadership. As a cancer survivor and pastor, Loving is well aware of the need for such a resource.
A group of USM alumni (from left) Bill Hansen MCDS’64, Steve Becker MCDS’64, Joe Messinger ’66, Hack Noyes ’66, Mike Williams ’70, Richard Wells MCDS’64, and Phil Recht MCDS’64 joined Audrey Arndt (seated) to celebrate her 93rd birthday in April. Arndt started working at Milwaukee Country Day School in 1946 and retired in 1992 as the assistant to the head of Upper School, after 46 years.
CRAIG STEHR ’67
recently moved to the lower Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. He is close to the Mechanics’ Institute Library and Chess Room, City Lights Bookstore, and Vesuvio’s bar, just across (Jack) Kerouac alley. “Uncertain if I’ll make a trip to the midwest for the reunion, but if the circumstances are right, we’ll see!” he said.
’70s
JOHN S. SCHEINFELD ’71
had a one-night-only screening of his latest film, “Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary” at Milwaukee’s Downer Theatre on May 15. He introduced the film and conducted a Q&A after. The film premiered in New York on April 11, and attendance was so strong that the film was extended to a third week. It opened in Los Angeles on April 18 at two theatres, was extended for another week at both, and also opened in two more theatres. In total, the film will be played on nearly 110 screens across the country and the number keeps growing. The documentary will be on Netflix this summer and on PBS and DVD in the fall.
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beyond
’80s
JANE R. BEST ’78
recently attended a grant awards reception and luncheon hosted by the Green Bay Packers Foundation in the Atrium at Lambeau Field. Best, the director of development for Christ Child Academy, accepted the grant on behalf of Christ Child Academy for a gym remodel project. Another highlight of the day was briefly catching up with classmate Toula (Demopoulos) Akladios ’78, who works for the Packers organization. Best and Christ Child Academy are very proud of being recognized and supported by the Green Bay Packers Foundation.
JULIE QURESHI BRUSH ’85
was awarded the Senior Executive of the Year Award at the Watermark Make Your Mark Awards ceremony in November. Watermark is the leading women’s executive and professional organization in California. Brush was recognized for her leadership and support of executive women in the corporate community, and for her advocacy of women serving on public and private company board of directors.
’90s
JOHN ROTHERAY ’98
and Heidi Rotheray welcomed their first child, a boy, Arthur Davidson Rotheray on February 18.
It wasn’t until after his great uncle’s death that Steven Kaplan Pistiner ’13 learned the real meaning behind the rose tattoo on his great uncle’s arm—it covered up the tattoos he received while in a Nazi concentration camp. That was the inspiration behind Pistiner’s piece titled “And Snow Would Never Reach That Limit” (pictured right). “It’s a symbol of beauty covering a dark past,” he said. “Stamped on the rose petals and leaves is an alpha-numeric code of Dante’s ‘Paradiso,’ which describes the kingdom of heaven as a white rose. It was an opportunity to make an heirloom for the side of my family that had our heirlooms taken away from us.” Pistiner, a 2017 fine arts graduate of UW-Madison, was named a Windgate Fellow by The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design. The $15,000 award is given nationally to 10 graduating college seniors with exemplary skill in their craft. In addition, he was one of five speakers chosen to represent UW-Madison at the annual Research in the Rotunda, where outstanding undergraduate student researchers from across the University of Wisconsin System shared their research findings with legislators, state leaders, UW alumni, and other supporters.
JIM ESCALANTE
Steven Kaplan Pistiner ’13 Named Windgate Fellow
He will use the award to travel to Europe to explore his heritage and further his research. He credits his USM education in part with encouraging his love of art. “Through [Upper School Art Teacher] Mrs. [Jessica] Michels, I was encouraged to think about the meaning behind the work. Basically my USM education taught me to always challenge what was expected, and push myself as hard as I could.” 39
beyond
’00s
HEATHER ROTHERAY MCDONELL ’01
and Kevin McDonell welcomed their second child, Ryan Alexander, on March 25. Ryan joins big brother Colin.
KATE (TAYLOR) MOUTON ’02
and Eric Mouton welcomed Billie Nell Mouton on April 1. She weighed 8lbs 3oz and was 19.5” tall.
CHARLES F. WRIGHT ’04
started the Wright Brothers Fund through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2011, with the help of his younger brother, Andrew, and his father, Charles Sr. ’68. The fund gives grants to organizations supporting environmental education initiatives. Though the three each pooled money to start the fund, both Andrew and Charles Sr. have since moved out of Milwaukee. Now, Wright is in charge of the fund, in addition to his roles on the boards of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Wright said he feels it’s his obligation to get involved. “I’ve been provided with a lot of opportunities and I feel like I want to give back to the community that’s given me those opportunities,” Wright said.
REX M. HUPY ’09
Mouton ’02
DAVID-ANDREW WALLACH ’03
makes an appearance as the frontman in an ’80s cover band in the Oscar-winning movie “La La Land.”
is an associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which was recently named “Practice Group of the Year” by Law360 in five categories: capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, real estate, and technology.
’10s
SPENCER W. HAAS ’13
who is currently attending Boston University, rowed for the Milwaukee Rowing Club Juniors. Haas competed in the U23 Trials in the Men’s 4x last July, and he and his crew won the race that qualified them for the U23 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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beyond
Stratton Siblings Receive 2017 Alumni Service Award Siblings Margy Stratton ’84 and Rick Stratton ’92 were recognized as the recipients of the 2017 Alumni Service Award and were honored by the USM Alumni Association in May. Margy was recognized for the numerous roles she has played at USM, including class agent, USM Fund cochair, Parents’ Association volunteer, and Athletic Hall of Fame Committee member. In the greater Milwaukee community, she has worked tirelessly to champion many causes ranging from the Wisconsin Humane Society to the United Way. She is also the founder of Milwaukee Reads. This fall, Margy will begin her term as president of the USM Parents’ Association. Rick has served on the USM Alumni Board, where he chaired the USM Fund committee and the networking committee. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees, and is a co-chair of USM’s Our Common Bond campaign. Rick is the founder of Great States Software, a web software company that produces Feed.Us, a web-based application used to publish content to websites and applications. Before Feed.Us, Rick started three previous internet companies and spent much of his early career working in art and design. In addition to their contributions through volunteer and leadership positions, Margy and her husband, Greg Norman, and Rick and his wife, Keri Sarajian, are members of USM’s Leadership Society, honored for their roles as generous benefactors of the School. Margy and Greg have three children at USM (Ellie ’19, Mimi ’21, and Annie ’25) as do Rick and Keri (Beckett ’25, Jocelyn ’27, and Cameron ’30). 41
beyond
From Seed to Song This USM alumna turned her vision for an environmentally friendly music festival into a reality. “I’ve always been really into the environment and the outdoors,” said Lindsay Stevens Gardner ’89. “At 15 I decided to become a vegetarian, and my parents started to wonder where I came from,” she joked. So it makes sense that her passion for conservation and sustainability would eventually grow into something big. She started her career at a record label in Boulder, Colorado, and segued into lifestyle marketing after moving to San Francisco. While producing hundreds of large-scale tours and festivals around the country, Stevens Gardner saw their environmental impact first hand. “Events generate a tremendous amount of waste, and when they are over there is a massive mess to clean up—dumpsters filled with food scraps, tchotchkes, you name it,” she said. She wanted to create a festival that was different: one that “greened” every aspect and made conscious production decisions to minimize energy needs and waste.
GRINNELL COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION
Marks ’13
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It’s amazing to be able to show my kids that you can start something from nothing.
The seed was planted, and in 2003 Stevens Gardner and her family moved to Milwaukee. “I was still producing events, but in the back of my head I had this idea to create a near-zero-waste music festival at Veterans Park.” She envisioned the festival to be an example and an educational opportunity for communities and music fans. In 2008 she put plans for Rock the Green, Milwaukee’s first eco-friendly music festival, down on paper. Stevens Gardner met with just about everybody she could, including then-county executive Scott Walker, Badger Meter CEO Rich Meeusen, Greater Milwaukee Committee’s Julia Taylor and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, to generate backing from key dignitaries and business leaders in the community. After countless meetings, the first Rock the Green festival was held in 2011 in Veterans Park.
TORAN MARKS ’13
was selected to participate in this year’s NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program. The program provides juniors and seniors, who have a career goal of working in Division III athletics, with an opportunity to attend the NCAA Convention, go to scheduled Division III programming, be matched with a mentor, and learn more about the Division and its governance process. Marks (pictured left, center, in red polo) is a senior economics major at Grinnell College.
beyond You might have just a seed of an idea, but if you stick with it, you can be successful and make an impact.
While the event has grown with subsequent sustainability festivals and Earth Day celebrations, its environmental footprint has shrunk through the use of pedal- and solarpowered stages, generators powered with bio-diesel fuel, free water-filling stations for reusable water bottles, compostable utensils, paperless ticketing, and food from local, sustainable vendors. Stevens Gardner worked with Goodwill to repurpose their gently used t-shirts into concert merchandise t-shirts, and even used commercial-grade garbage disposals from InSinkErator® to grind up food scraps that the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District recycled into Milorganite organic fertilizer. Rock the Green was named one of the greenest music festivals in the world by the UK-based A Greener Festival organization. “The goal of the sustainability festival is to have ecoeducation on site, but presented in an engaging way. Learning about sustainability and conservation is more fun if you can throw in world-class bands, a little beer, and great food,” said Stevens Gardner. Over the years, bands have included Imagine Dragons, Fitz & the Tantrums, The Fray, Third Eye Blind, Ben Folds, Lord Huron, Metric, Atlas Genius, Robert DeLong, and more.
Stevens Gardner credits her USM experience with helping to build her confidence. “At USM, I found my outlet in sports. It’s where I thrived,” she said. “In addition, the teachers were accessible. Mr. [Carl] John was my favorite teacher; he would give me extra help whenever I needed it and was always there to lend a helping hand.” Now, with two of her four children enrolled at USM, she loves how the school incorporates outdoor education into the curriculum. Ultimately, though, she is happy to serve as a role model for her children. “It’s amazing to be able to show my kids that you can start something from nothing. You might have just a seed of an idea, but if you stick with it, you can be successful and make an impact.” Far left Stevens Gardner ’89 is an avid rock and mountain climber, and equates challenges in life to climbing a mountain. “If you take a deep breath, stay focused, keep your head down and take one step at a time, you’ll eventually get to the summit,” she said. Middle Stevens Gardner ’89 back stage with Imagine Dragons at Rock the Green 2012. Above, right Stevens Gardner ’89 at Rock the Green 2012.
JOHN ROETHLE ’13
received the 2017 Arthur Fleischer Award for outstanding performance in chemistry, in recognition of his work in the classroom and the research laboratory. Roethle graduated from Yale in May, receiving a combined bachelor’s and master’s (intensive) degree in chemistry. He has been active in research in the laboratory of Professor Ziad Ganim to develop microscopes capable of studying complex chemical reactions. In addition, Roethle also won the National Award from the American Institute of Chemists for recognition of his leadership ability, character, scholastic achievement, and advancement potential in the chemical profession. Roethle ’13
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OLIVIA F. WILLIAMSON ’14
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS/MIKE MCLAUGHLIN
made the honor roll at Washington University in St. Louis, where she studies child development in a diverse setting. She is currently studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.
JOHN D. OSTERMEYER ’16
was named to the St. Olaf College dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester.
ALI POLLACK ’16
led the Columbia College women’s tennis team in wins in 2017, with 16 victories as a freshman. She was the top recruit out of Wisconsin and the youngest tennis player to win the individual state title in Wisconsin at the age of 13.
Pollack ’16
Graduating from USM is Just the Beginning
Share Your News! Graduated from College? Got a New Job? Obtained an Advanced Degree?
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! 44
USM TODAY | SPRING / SUMMER 2016—2017
Got Married? Got a Promotion? Received Award or Accolade? Had a Baby? Achieved a Life Goal? Reached a Milestone?
alumni events
beyond
Joe Lubar Alumni Baseball Event Alumni, family, and friends gathered on Saturday, June 3 to celebrate Joe Lubar’s ’08 life and love of baseball. The event was open to everyone and included good food and fun. Despite the pouring rain, USM’s varsity baseball team won 3-2 against the alumni team in 11 innings. Guests also celebrated the varsity team’s successful season, finishing out the year as Midwest Classic Conference champions.
Top; front from left Sheldon and Marianne Lubar spoke with their grandson, Patrick Lubar ’12, at the event. Bottom Alumni baseball players pose before the game.
Inaugural Paddle Tennis Event Alumni, parents and friends gathered at The Town Club in Milwaukee for the inaugural paddle tennis event. Paddle tennis is a game adapted from tennis, played with a solid paddle on courts with lower nets. Back, from left Jason Diamond, Amy Taylor Diamond, Aaron Gardner ’96, Sarah Moede, T.J. Hauske ’08, Sue Bradley Schouten ’73, Peter Klug ’93, Heather Klug, Michael Williams ’70. Seated, from left Mark Short, Julia Reilly Burke ’74, Stephanie Asmuth Gardner ’96, Rachel Bennett, Gigi Mestier Short ’79, Catherine Meyer Williams ’79. 45
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 Barbara Brumder Buzard MDS’36 March 3, 2017 Chenequa, Wis. Philip G. Brumder MCDS’38 January 3, 2010 Hartland, Wis. Virginia Uihlein Martin MDS’38 November 28, 2016 Bozeman, Mont. Nancy Higbee Pollock MDS’38 December 1, 2016 Madison, Wis. Elliott M. Ogden Jr. MCD’39 April 9, 2016 New York 1940s Kathryn Desh Brady MUS’40 March 23, 2017 Milwaukee Alexander L. Paternotte MCDS’40 January 27, 2017 Wilmington, N.C. Catherine Murphy Folsom MDS’41 December 16, 2016 Woodbridge, Va. Suzanne White Frank MDS’42 January 29, 2015 Lafayette Hill, Pa. Barbara Schranck Watson MDS’42 May 14, 2017 Sarasota, Fla.
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Keith C. Johnston MCDS’44 December 30, 2016 Mequon, Wis.
David O. Decker MCDS’54 March 25, 2017 Salem, Mass.
William M. Thompson MCDS’44 April 24, 2017 Wiscasset, Maine
Ellen Huebsch Kraynik MDS’54 November 3, 2016 Anaheim, Calif.
Andrew Boyd MCDS’45 March 25, 2017 Milwaukee
James L. Stocking MCDS’54 March 22, 2017 Pewaukee, Wis.
Nancy Miller Houdek MDS’46 December 9, 2016 Milwaukee
Annemarie Karen Kessler Kreutner MDS’56 May 13, 2017 Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Lee C. Ziemer MUS’47 February 21, 2017 Milwaukee Jane Bond Tennessen MUS’49 January 15, 2017 Milwaukee 1950s Barbara Jensen Hartel MDS’50 February 28, 2017 Winfield, Ill.
Carol Lobb Kimball MDS’57 December 15, 2016 St. Louis Barbara Abert Tooman MDS’58 January 23, 2017 Grafton, Wis. Holly Troyk McGucken MDS’59 January 13, 2017 Brookfield, Wis. 1960s
James G. Schlick MUS’51 January 22, 2017 Omaha, Neb. Patricia Gran Cameron MDS’52 February 12, 2017 Huntington Beach, Calif. Judith Cron Friedman MDS’53 July 26, 2016 Canton, Conn.
Kenneth F. Burgess MCDS’62 July 26, 2016 Cedar Park, Texas Michael H. Trost MCDS’62 March 29, 2011 Rhinelander, Wis. Perry R. Zien MCDS’62 December 18, 2016 Milwaukee
beyond
Nancy Knight Christiansen MDS’64 December 2016 Oldsmar, Fla. Bonnie Miller Droegemueller ’65 December 2, 2016 Vero Beach, Fla. Kristina Distenfeld Hutcheson ’66 December 24, 2016 Toronto Jennifer A. Young Ph.D. ’67 March 3, 2017 Port Charlotte, Fla. 1970s Randolph W. Goree ’70 February 19, 2017 Muskego, Wis.
1990s
Friends
Adam E. Berk ’93 December 31, 2016 Bedford, N.H.
Nancy Holz April 3, 2017 Elm Grove, Wis. Mother of Erika Pond ’81, Pamela Rupright ’84, and Bradley Holz ’87
Lance L. Stanwyck ’99 February 15, 2017 Grafton, Wis. Former Faculty/Staff Judy Dolnick April 20, 2017 Middleton, WI Ruth Spooner January 3, 2017 Milwaukee
Christopher Kegel February 2, 2017 Hales Corners, Wis. Father of Noel Lukic-Kegel ’00 Janey MacNeil January 22, 2017 Mequon, Wis. Wife of Douglas M. MacNeil MCDS’57 Mother of Tracy Gallun ’86, Cog MacNeil ’84, Mike MacNeil ’88, and Amy Wolf ’94
Updated as of May 31, 2017.
James M. Laing passed away on January 28, 2017 at the age of 90. Laing was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in World War II. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1950 and received his master’s of education from Colgate University in 1953. Laing taught English at USM for 45 years. Beginning in 1964, Laing coached the USM boys’ tennis team to 36 Midwest Prep Conference and Midwest Classic Conference championships and 10 Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association (WISAA) team championships. His players also won 24 WISAA state individual championships. In 1971, he began also coaching the girls’ tennis team. He led them to an all-time record 12 WISAA state team championships. His players also won 41 WISAA state individual championships before he retired as head coach in 2000. Wanting to remain involved with USM tennis, Laing stayed on as an assistant coach in both programs for several more years, finally retiring completely in 2008, 44 years after he accepted leadership of tennis at the School. He was co-director of the Bachman-Laing Tennis Camp for more than 20 years. Known for his humor, he was well liked by his students, the players he coached, fellow faculty, and staff. 47
a look back
Evolving Tradition
By Elaine Griffin
I
s ometimes joke with my students that in this era of innovation, I could hold English class on a remote desert island, without electricity or phones. We could sit in a circle with our books in our laps, reading poignant passages aloud to one another while embracing all that it means to be human. Yes: my students also undertake a major project involving “Beloved” using digital technology and then post it to a class blog. But I still teach English in much the same way I learned to teach it nearly 20 years ago from my mentor here at USM, Mary “Peetie” Basson. Our English classrooms have long been distinguished by their round tables, prompting students to engage in thoughtful discussions addressing shared texts. Our model of instruction is traditional, and one we work hard to maintain amidst the onslaught of technological tools that can distract our students. In 2017, however, we must first ask students to drop their cell phones in a bin at the door. We must encourage them to be comfortable with the silences that punctuate deep conversations, and intentionally work to hone their concentration skills. Under such circumstances, they discover their own unique voices and learn to express themselves as readers and writers. This style of instruction will remain a signature part of our program because we know the transformative power it has. It’s no accident that returning alumni repeatedly note that often they’re the most prepared writers in their college courses.
And yet. Even as we hold fast to tradition, we understand that we have to remain relevant, addressing the needs of today’s students and the shifting expectations of universities. We recognize that students need to initiate more independent projects, to collaborate more frequently, and to do more handson application of their classroom learning. Multifaceted projects build what many psychologists say our nation’s young people, sometimes called “the anxious generation,” lack: grit. More important, students need to relate to technology not just in the obvious and easy way—as consumers—but rather as producers and entrepreneurs who shape content to solve problems. Just as our English classrooms are designed to promote a culture of reading that allows students to interpret the world, our new Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration will produce a culture of creativity and making that allows students to affect the world. In this space, students will explore solutions to real-world problems using the knowledge they have gained in the classroom. In this sense, traditional learning and entrepreneurial thinking are not oppositional, but rather two methods that at their best support and inform one another. We are proud to embrace a tradition of excellence and a future of innovation, as we prepare our students for their journey beyond USM.
Elaine Griffin is the assistant head of Upper School and an Upper School English teacher. She has worked at USM since 1998. 48
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a look ahead
“I can’t wait to see how it looks when it’s finished, and I’m excited to make something there.” —Mason Milliner ’25
Carl Jakubowski (rear, left), construction superintendent with CD Smith Construction Services, and USM’s Director of Facilities Todd Miller (rear, right) put (front, from left) Mason Milliner ’25, Kaitlyn Paullin ’26, Kiran Siddalingaiah ’25 and Lucia Reynal ’26 to work during a tour of the new Lubar Center for Innovation and Exploration. The space will serve as a hub for hands-on experimentation and learning and was made possible through a gift from the Lubar family as part of the Our Common Bond campaign. Read more about the Lubar Center on page 21.
Save the Date! HOMECOMING WEEK October 2–7 Plan to celebrate with USM! Mark your calendars for some family-friendly events including Willie’s Fun Fest, Blue & Gold Walk/Run, an All-School BBQ, and more! 49
2100 West Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
More than 30 years ago, University School of Milwaukee began construction on campus upgrades resulting from the Our Future is Now fundraising campaign. Building projects included a new gymnasium (pictured, above), the 300seat Virginia Henes Young Theatre (right), and the Polly and Henry Uihlein Ice Arena, among others. The visionary leadership of that time laid the foundation for USM to grow into the educational leader that it is today. As the School embarks on its Our Common Bond campaign, it is laying the foundation for excellence in the next 30 years— and beyond. Learn more at www.USMOurCommonBond.org.
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