WINTER 2015
PBL
Sparking Innovation in Education
CREATING DEEPER CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL INTRODUCED
SENIORS HELP SENIORS RECONNECT THROUGH MUSIC
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GIVES USM COACHES AN EDGE
In November, students from University School of Milwaukee’s House of Technology (HOT) presented at the 2014 Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) conference in Indianapolis.
The House of Technology at USM includes approximately 15 USM Upper School students who provide technical support to teachers, fellow students, and School families. Their support includes work on iPads, iPhone and computer repairs, the installation of hardware such as Smart Boards and projectors, the creation of instructional videos for technology tools, and much more. Accompanied by Director of Academic Technology Nikki Lucyk and Upper School Technology Coordinator Deidre McCain, HOT members shared examples of their daily work and presented on the processes and tools used to solve technology problems in ways that reduce support costs, increase revenue, and inspire creativity.
Pictured above from left Jacob Wine ’16, Robert Hermanoff ’16, Aaron Petzold ’16, Justice Kelly ’16, Brandon Schneiberg ’16, Anne Havlik ’17, Madeline Cohen ’15, and Christopher Armbrust ’16.
in this issue 03 PBL
USM to Provide a “Summer Spark” in June
02 Head of School Message 08 Events Around Campus
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12 Academic Achievement 17 Andrea Giard Stone Scholarship Fund
Creating Deeper Cultural Connections
18 Legacy Students 20 USM Receives Edward E. Ford Foundation Grant
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21 Sharing Your Reasons to Give
Introducing USM’s Incoming Head of Lower School
22 Alumni Association Board 24 Alumni Profiles 26 Alumni Events
32 Cross-Divisional Collaborations Establish Community, Enhance Learning
34 Seniors Help Seniors Reconnect Through Music
36 Professional Development Gives USM Coaches an Edge 40 A Look Back ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
29 Class Notes 30 In Memoriam 38 Holiday Shops 2014
USM TODAY USM Today is published by University School of Milwaukee three times per year. USM is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students from prekindergarten through grade 12. Our editorial staff has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of information reported, and we apologize for any inadvertent errors that may have occurred.
2014–2015 LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Tim Eilbes Director of Marketing and Communications
HEAD OF SCHOOL
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL
Ryan Cardarella Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Julie Piwowarczyk Associate Director of Marketing and Communications CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Laura Fuller Gregg Bach HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Stuart Cushman HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Pamela Nosbusch
Maria Stone Director of Development
HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Jennifer Flierl Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN
PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD
Kathy Choren Richard Seesel
McDill Design
James G. O’Reilly ’78
PHOTOGRAPHY
PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
James Schnepf Visual Image Photography McDill Design 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.
Niven Kingwill
HEAD OF SCHOOL LAURA FULLER As we continue celebrating “50 Years of USM,” I often find myself thinking about all of the progress that has occurred since the merger of our predecessor schools—Milwaukee Country Day School, Milwaukee Downer Seminary, and Milwaukee University School— in 1964. In some ways, that initial decision to merge, and to also expand our footprint, was simply the first of many progress points our School has experienced in its 50 years. Another significant step forward occurred when the decision was made to consolidate the north and south campuses of USM onto our current location on Fairy Chasm Road. This was yet another decision for the school that required careful planning, articulation, and execution, but which was clearly a decision that resulted in positive forward momentum for USM. More recently, the physical improvements and additions that were made to the campus during the Next Generation Campaign brought our facilities into the 21st century, and ensured that our students and teachers would have excellent facilities in which to work and collaborate. The additions also allowed us to increase the offerings in our Preprimary Program and Lower School, which in turn has led to an increase in families who choose USM for their children’s entire PK-12 academic experiences. Looking ahead, I believe that two very significant recent developments will also be positive gamechangers for our students, families, faculty, and staff. USM will host an inaugural two-day summer
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symposium—Summer Spark—in June. It is being developed as an innovative approach for USM faculty and teachers from other schools, in all grades and disciplines, to learn about and share best practices in innovative teaching. Our aspiration is that this and other similar initiatives will help further our own teachers’ professional development, ultimately providing our students with even more exceptional learning opportunities and reaffirming USM’s status as one of the finest independent schools in the country. The feature story in this issue offers more about Summer Spark. USM has also been selected as the recipient of a grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation. The grant was written to help support and fund a crisis simulation program that is part of our Global Scholars Program, which itself is now a component of our broader global studies initiatives in our Strategic Plan. While we will not officially receive this grant until the required matching funds have been secured, we are confident that the grant will serve this program and our initiatives well. You can read more about the grant and crisis simulation program in this issue as well. These represent just two of the numerous examples of continued progress and evolution for USM as our Strategic Plan rollout continues, and as we strive to maintain USM’s well-earned reputation as one of the finest independent schools in the country and succeed in achieving our mission as a college preparatory school. I look forward to you joining us on this exciting journey ahead.
PBL
USM to Provide a Summer Spark for Educators School to host two-day symposium highlighting innovative teaching
T
he best educators know that there is always a better way to drive student learning and engagement. With that in mind, University School of Milwaukee’s faculty made the concept of innovation in education a central focus of the School’s current Strategic Plan initiatives. The result of that forward thinking is Summer Spark, a two-day symposium for educators of all ages, subjects, and schools to learn about and share best practices in innovative teaching. USM will present and host the inaugural event at the start of this summer, on Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16. Helping to strengthen USM’s standing as a primary and secondary education thought leader in the greater Milwaukee community and beyond, Summer Spark is expected to host up to 300 educators, mostly from Wisconsin and the greater Milwaukee area, but with many coming from across the country and some from around the world. One hundred of the spots are being reserved for USM faculty, with several grant
opportunities also being offered to local educators. USM has formed a partnership with Schools that Can Milwaukee, and will invite a host of educators from those member schools as connections continue to form and develop. An additional benefit for educators who will be attending the symposium is the opportunity to earn graduate-level credits for their participation through a new USM partner, Concordia University Wisconsin, which can be applied to their re-licensure requirements. According to 8th-Grade History Teacher and Middle School History Department Chair Chuck Taft, the creation of a summer professional development program for USM teachers had been in the works for some time, but the Strategic Plan provided an added impetus for the symposium. “The Plan gave us a bit of a push to get this moving forward, and helped make Summer Spark a reality,” Taft said.
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e already know that USM is academically excellent, so we have really been able to focus our Strategic Plan on our teachers, students, and on outcomes that establish the School as a top-notch, cutting-edge, leading institution,” said Pamela Nosbusch, head of Middle School and Strategic Plan implementation team chair. “Our vision for the symposium is to help educators start their summer off with a spark, get their ideas going, and inspire them to start their school year off with a bang, implementing what they have learned.” Summer Spark will feature keynote speaker Dave Burgess, a nationally renowned presenter on the topic of student engagement and author of “Teach Like a Pirate,” and will feature a number of educational experts from both within and outside of the USM community, who will present on a series of topics centered around innovation in teaching. Outside experts will include Matt Miller, innovative teacher and author of “Ditch that Textbook;” Lucy Gray, a global education leader and technology integrator; Pernille Ripp, teacher, author, and founder of the Global Read Aloud Program; and Jason Bretzmann, flipped classroom master and education consultant. USM will also welcome Pedro Aparicio, a global education leader, founder of #mexedchat, and elementary school teacher from Mexico City as a featured presenter. In securing the presenters, USM relied heavily on social media to find the most influential academic minds in each area of innovation. Twitter served as a particularly useful resource to find presenters who are cutting-edge in their respective areas and about whom educators are talking. Burgess will kickstart the symposium with his keynote address, which will be followed by a series of track sessions that will allow educators to dive deep into their topic areas through a progression of three afternoon sessions. Tracks will touch on every component of classroom innovation and are scheduled to include sessions focused on active learning, arts integration, assessment, connected educator, engagement, the flipped classroom, gamification, genius hour, global education, Google Apps for Education (GAFE), innovative elementary education, leadership, project-based learning (PBL), science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and technology. Day two of Summer Spark will allow educators to attend sessions on a variety of broader topics before they break off into small groups for individual work or small group collaborations. The format is intended to allow attendees to focus on a singular track while also being able to take away knowledge from several other areas of interest. The format will also provide significant time for small group work, one-on-one interaction and discussion among attendees and presenters,
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and “un-conference” time, during which individuals will be able to develop and explore particular areas of interest with each other. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect on Monday evening at a Lakeshore Chinooks baseball game, which is intended to provide a social forum for participants to network, relax, and get to know each other better. “I like to describe Summer Spark as an innovative symposium about innovation for innovators,” Taft said. “Even the structure of the conference is different than anything else that is out there.” The presence of Burgess was made possible through a Think Big Fund grant that provides substantial professional development opportunities for USM faculty on an annual basis. The importance of securing Burgess was not lost on Taft, who had seen Burgess present at a conference several years ago and believed strongly that he was the guy to pursue as the keynote for USM’s inaugural Summer Spark symposium. Taft knew that getting Burgess on board would get other top presenters to commit, and it has also generated a buzz among potential attendees. “I came away from seeing him and thought he was the best presenter I’d ever seen,” Taft said. “Burgess is the single-best anchor we could get for Summer Spark, no question about it.” Ultimately, these featured presenters, along with the other Summer Spark presenters, hope to inspire teachers to pursue new and exciting ways to engage and teach their students in this age of short attention spans and a multitude of options and distractions. “Educators are up against video games, television shows, and other forms of technology, so we need to inspire that same type of excitement for our classrooms,” Nosbusch said. “This symposium gives our teachers the opportunity to start their summers with great professional development on innovative topics that will elevate their level of teaching and how they engage their students this fall and beyond.” Taft echoed the importance of education innovation, and hopes that Summer Spark can be a catalyst for continued growth, with USM at the forefront of that development. “One of my main goals for the symposium is to make sure that the innovation and the discussions don’t stop on June 16,” Taft said. “I want 300 people to leave that day thinking that they cannot wait to communicate further with the contacts they have met, to put the innovative ideas they discovered at the symposium into practice in the fall, and to return next summer eager to do it again.”
PBL Featured track sessions include:
Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16 Summer Spark 2015, presented by University School of Milwaukee, is an annual two-day symposium for educators of all ages, all subjects, and all schools, to learn about and share best practices in innovative teaching.
Active Learning
Genius Hour
Arts Integration
Global Education
Assessment and Grading
Innovative Elementary
Connected Educator
Leadership
Engagement Flipped Classroom Google Apps for Education
PBL
Project-Based Learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Technology
Gamification
To give you a sense of some of the innovative teaching methods and approaches that will be on display in June, we have featured several Summer Spark presenters below.
Dave Burgess Burgess is the New York Times bestselling author of “Teach Like a Pirate,” and his creative, entertaining, and outrageously energetic presentation style has made him one of the most sought-after educational speakers in the country. Embracing the theme of his book, Burgess hopes to inspire teachers to embody the spirit of a pirate in the way they approach their classrooms. “Pirates are unconventional, they reject the status quo, and they are willing to sail daringly into uncharted waters with no guarantee of success,” Burgess said. “It’s that risk-taking, maverick spirit that we need to navigate the rough and constantly changing seas in education today.” His workshops serve not only to motivate and inspire teachers, but also to help them to develop practical ways to become more creative and engaging in the classroom. Burgess empowers teachers to embrace their purpose as educators and sparks them to design classes that bring content to life, creating life-changing experiences for their students in the process. Burgess also believes that finding new and innovative ways to make content come alive underscores a higher level of responsibility for teachers as they try to positively impact their students. “We must tap into our passions as educators, and embrace the mighty purpose of being a changer of lives,” Burgess said. “We are all unbelievably creative, and we need to channel that creative energy so that we can make school amazing for students.” 5
Jason Bretzmann Bretzmann is a respected educator who has effectively used technology in the classroom since the 1990s. Most importantly, Bretzmann has continued to change along with educational technology, excelling in contemporary approaches such as the flipped classroom model. “I try to look at what my students need, what I can get them to do, and what is available to help them achieve their goals, with the balance tipped in favor of being slightly uncomfortable,” Bretzmann said. “We try to push ourselves a bit and, based on each class and each student, we try to adjust what we do as much as we can. We try to stretch beyond what we’ve done before as we attempt to create authentic opportunities to learn and connect with the real world.” As a leading flipped classroom and educational technology expert, Bretzmann is eager to share his work with Summer Spark attendees and inspire them to try new things in their classrooms. “I hope to give educators a license to innovate,” Bretzmann said. “I hope to transform their mindsets to add a restless urgency to what they do. I hope they get a little less sleep—for just a few summer days—because they get one little idea that leads to a hundred others. Then we’ll all keep learning together.”
Nicola De Torre USM 5th-Grade Teacher and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) presenter Nicola De Torre often tells her students that science puts math into context as she continues to develop her classroom project that touches on all STEM elements. De Torre’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) project involves students working on the design, engineering, and construction of a functional ROV. The project, which De Torre developed with Lower School Science Teacher Pat Ziegelbauer last year, integrates each element of STEM, from engineering and design elements of the vehicle to buoyancy calculations, as students attempt to stabilize their vehicles underwater. In addition to learning new and compelling ways to incorporate STEM into her classroom, De Torre is looking forward to assuming more of a leadership role as a presenter and collaborator. One of her driving goals is to step out of the classroom and share her innovative teaching practices with others. She also hopes that her role at the symposium will be an excellent professional development opportunity as she continues to enhance her curriculum. “It’s eye opening as an educator to see what others are doing, and it gives you a good reflective lens to look at your own practices,” De Torre said. “It’s inspiring to collaborate with other educators, learn of what obstacles they have overcome in their teaching as they progress through similar units, and share those ideas and insights.”
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PBL Michael Matera As a leading educator in the field of gamification, USM 6th-Grade Social Studies Teacher Michael Matera is eager to share his knowledge and expertise with attendees and fellow presenters at Summer Spark. “I’ve tried just about every product out there, experimented with different game dynamics and mechanics, and believe I can speak to what works and what to avoid,” Matera said. “But ultimately, gamification is about building a classroom culture. It’s about so much more than points and badges.” Matera hopes that events such as Summer Spark can help draw educators out of their respective shells to share their hard work and ideas with others in a collaborative environment. He believes that many fall into the trap of mistakenly thinking they have little new to offer on a subject, and hopes to encourage more opportunities to share and grow with other educators. “I think that as educators, we need to give up being humble. We live in the most connected digital age in history, and we all have special talents and ideas that we can share and build upon,” Matera said. “I enjoy connecting with, and find great value in learning from, other educators.” Matera also noted that being a presenter can serve as a catalyst to re-evaluate and improve upon what he is already doing in his classrooms. “As a presenter, I’m even more motivated to dig deeper, look for additional resources, and push more innovation in my classroom,” Matera said.
Laura Tomczak USM 4th-Grade Teacher and project-based learning (PBL) presenter Laura Tomczak has been a proponent of that learning style since her years as a teacher in the Kenosha Unified School District. She believes that project-based learning provides students with a feeling of ownership of a project, and she strives to give them the freedom and flexibility to figure out how to address a presented problem. “When students have that sense of ownership, they see value in what they are doing, and wish to make a difference,” Tomczak said. “Sometimes 4th-graders take the approach of, ‘What difference can I make? I’m just a 4th-grader,’ and we want to move beyond that.” Her students are currently working on projects with a freshwater focus in several areas, including pollution, conservation, and invasive species, and she hopes to have her students present their final work to graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences later this spring.
PBL
Tomczak looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other project-based learning educators during the symposium, and hopes to bring new ideas and partnerships to her classroom this fall. She also views the symposium as an opportunity for USM to communicate some of the great, innovative teaching that takes place at the School. “I think this event will bring a great deal of community awareness to what we do here at USM,” Tomczak said. “We do a lot of great things here that perhaps the outside community may not know about.”
For more information on USM Summer Spark, follow @USMSpark on Twitter or visit www.usmsummerspark.org. 7
events around campus GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY Sponsored by the Parents’ Association, University School of Milwaukee was delighted to host Grandparents and Special Friends Day on November 26, 2014. USM students gathered with their grandparents, family members, and other special friends in the Marion and Verne Read Lower School Gymnasium before spending the morning interacting with them in their classrooms.
A Grandfather Vadim Mnushkin, Ava Gurina ’26, and grandmother Victoria Mnushkin. B More than 700 grandparents and special friends gathered in the Marion and Verne Read Lower School Gymnasium before breaking off into classrooms. C Eloise Hayden ’23 with grandfather Russ Trimble. D Hudson Wells ’29 with grandmother Janie Asmuth. E Dyan Wagner with granddaughter Ella Wagner ’28. F From left Grandparents and Special Friends Day Co-Chairs Shelly Farrow, Karen Schneiberg, and Melissa Sheppard. G From left Dr. Rao Anne and his grandson Eashan Anne ’26. H T op from left Andrew Puetz ’17 and Jordan Puetz ’20. Bottom from left Grandparents Bob and Carol Puetz. I From left Maternal grandmother Rita Kamps, Nathan Steinbach ’24, and paternal grandmother Jane Steinbach. J From left Paternal grandfather Steve Marcus, maternal grandmother Carol Breshears, Samantha Marcus ’19, and paternal grandmother Janice Marcus.
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY Students, faculty members, and parents joined together for a series of service projects throughout the greater Milwaukee area in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 19. Turning a “day off” into a “day on,” members of the USM community volunteered at several area events, working in support of nonprofit organizations such as City Year, Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin, the Aurora Adult Day Center, the Child Development Center of St. Joseph, RedLine Milwaukee, the Next Door Foundation, Kathy’s House, and more. More than 125 students, parents, and faculty members served 12 nonprofit organizations, as the reach of the day continues to grow within the USM community.
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academic achievement
CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
Fall 2014 Cum Laude Society Front from left Julia Veitinger, Linnea Fischer, Ellie Van Why, and Meredith Short. Back from left Sam Meyers, Tyler Smith, Laura Marlin, Drew Glaeser, and Adam Malkin.
Each fall and winter, USM welcomes the top ten percent of the senior class into the Cum Laude Society, an organization honoring superior scholastic achievement in secondary schools. After a breakfast with their parents and faculty members, the seniors each deliver a short speech about an important and meaningful academic experience. Congratulations to the following 2014-2015 senior inductees: Fall 2014
Linnea Fischer, Drew Glaeser, Adam Malkin, Laura Marlin, Sam Meyers, Meredith Short, Tyler Smith, Ellie Van Why, and Julia Veitinger. Winter 2015
Angela Arensmeier, Margaret Bodalski, Jennifer Brostrom, Charlie Burton, Zoe Costomiris, Elana Fishbaine, John Havlik, Abigail Nowakowski, and Dana Parekh.
Winter 2015 Cum Laude Society Front from left Jennifer Brostrom, Dana Parekh, Margaret Bodalski, and Abigail Nowakowski. Back from left Charlie Burton, Angela Arensmeier, Elana Fishbaine, Zoe Costomiris, and John Havlik.
The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906. Approximately two dozen of the 382 chapters are located in public schools, with the majority in independent schools. Membership is predominantly in the United States, but chapters are located across the globe.
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation honors academic excellence by awarding scholarships to the nation’s top students each year. USM is pleased to announce that the following seniors have been named National Merit Finalists: Sean Flanary, John Havlik, Adam Malkin, Sam Meyers, Meredith Short, Tyler Smith, and John Venable. These students will have the opportunity to compete for 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million. Winners are chosen based on academic records, SAT scores, extracurricular and leadership experiences, and essays.
National Merit Finalists From left John Havlik, Sean Flanary, Sam Meyers, Tyler Smith, John Venable, Adam Malkin, and Meredith Short.
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Additionally, three USM students have been named finalists for a 2015 National Achievement Scholarship. Congratulations to Taylor Benard, Sean Flanary, and Tyler Smith.
SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS
A USM-record eleven students won a total 25 state recognition awards, including three gold keys, from the Scholastic Art competition. Gold Key recipients advance to the national competition in New York City this May. Award-winners were honored in a closed ceremony at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Saturday, February 14, and their work will be on display at the museum from February 7–March 27. A total of 413 outstanding works by students in grades 7–12 comprise the annual Scholastic Art Awards–Wisconsin Regional exhibition. Students from 88 schools throughout Wisconsin entered the competition. Congratulations to the following USM students: Maia Thompson ’19 – Silver Key for a sculpture, “Trying” Hannah Hakami ’18 – Silver Key for photography, “Bathed in Red” Mia Cudahy ’18 – Gold Key for photography, “Ghostly” Madeline McNichols ’18 – Silver Key for photography, “Wrapped Up;” and Honorable Mention for photography, “Bemused” Erin Watton ’17 – Honorable Mention for digital art, “Target Zone,” and “Michelle” Rebecca Banghart ’16 – Silver Key for photography, “Exploration” Joshua Holmes ’16 – Gold Key for photography, “Fire Clouds;” and Honorable Mentions for photography, “Frost Tree,” “Banana Flower,” “At the Edge,” and “Rainbow Star-scape” Caroline Carrothers ’15 – Honorable Mention for photography, “A Time of Prayer” Adam Malkin ’15 – Gold Key in digital art for “Wax Flower Radial;” Silver Keys in photography for “Lonely Boat,” and “Aldea;” a Silver Key in digital art for “Cordoba Capital;” and Honorable Mentions in photography for “Speckled,” and “In the Shadows” Laura Marlin ’15 – Honorable Mentions for painting, “Raymond,” “Katherine,” and “Snow White” Merrill Read ’15 – Honorable Mention for art portfolio, “Sifting Through Elements of Identity;” and for photography, “What the Future Holds”
Top: “Ghostly,” by Mia Cudahy ’18 Middle: “Fire Clouds,” by Joshua Holmes ’16 Bottom: “Wax Flower Radial,” by Adam Malkin ’15
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USM 5TH-GRADERS DEVELOP AND PRESENT OFRENDAS TO GREATER MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY
The United Community Center’s annual Day of the Dead celebration featured a bright and eclectic collection of ofrendas prepared by local, regional, and international artists.
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Creating Deeper Cultural Connections
Each window of the collective project featured another ofrenda, or welcome offering for an individual who has passed away.
Digging deeper into the legendary “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) holiday, University School of Milwaukee 5th-graders embarked on a multidisciplinary cultural project that culminated in a showcase at Milwaukee’s United Community Center this past fall. Students created their own ofrendas, or welcoming offerings, placed on an altar for an individual or individuals who have passed away, which are staples of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos celebration. The offerings are decorated as a celebration of the lives of the deceased, often containing or representing their favorite items and activities. While many USM students were familiar with the iconic “look” of the Mexican holiday, the project helped students conceptualize the true meaning behind the day on a deeper, more meaningful level. Crossing over several disciplines, students studied the culture and history of Latin America in 5th-Grade Social Studies Teacher Will Piper’s world geography class and their Spanish classes; learned songs related to Dia de los Muertos in chorus; and ultimately designed and created their ofrendas in art class. “We wanted our students to dig deeper and explore the culture, its people, and why Dia de los Muertos is celebrated,” said Middle School Art Teacher Sarah Markwald. “I think that our students walked away with a greater understanding and appreciation for honoring those who have passed on.” Not only did the project cross disciplines, it crossed borders. Piper’s class held Skype conferences with a 3rd-grade class in Mexico City, presenting their ofrendas projects to one another while they shared ideas and cultural perspectives. The classes
From left Middle School Art Teacher Sarah Markwald, Music Teacher Miriam Altman, 5th-Grade Social Studies Teacher Will Piper ’96, and Spanish Teacher Todd Schlenker collaborated to develop the multidisciplinary ofrendas project.
later built a collaborative webpage that logged their ideas and saved projects in a mutual document. “I think our students truly appreciated the culture more because they were exposed to it on so many different levels,” Piper said. “Those connections gave the students a real-world sense of importance in a world beyond the greater Milwaukee community.“ The project culminated in November, when students were invited to showcase their completed ofrenda exhibit to family and friends at an opening reception at the Latino Arts Inc. gallery at the United Community Center. With the help of USM Theater Director Jeremy Woods, the final projects were grouped and housed together for the exhibit, appearing as a larger building containing many windows, each representing an individual ofrenda. “What made the evening so special was that students had the opportunity to invite friends and family to the United Community Center, and really share in all of their hard work,” Piper said. “The evening not only showcased the vibrancy of Mexican culture, but also gave our students a chance to celebrate.” Their exhibit was featured alongside other eclectic ofrendas prepared by local, regional, and international artists, and was later viewed by more that 5,000 visitors during its time at the gallery. The exhibit was showcased through November 21, 2014. “I think that this project was probably my favorite thing I’ve done as an educator in my 13 years at USM,” Piper said. “I think it really connected with students on a deeper level and created rich, meaningful connections to the community.”
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Incoming USM Head of Lower School Michael Tauscher meets with faculty members during his visit to campus on February 4.
Introducing USM’s Incoming Head of Lower School Michael Tauscher This past December, Michael Tauscher, currently the principal at Horace Mann Middle School in the Neenah Joint School District (NJSD), was named as the next head of the Lower School at University School of Milwaukee. Tauscher will officially assume the role on July 1, 2015, but he has already visited campus since the announcement for meetings and to talk with Lower School faculty, parents, students, and School administrators. Tauscher, who currently resides in Appleton, Wis., will be moving to the Milwaukee area later this year with his wife, Caroline, a 5th-grade teacher at Oakwood Elementary in Oshkosh, and their two children—Carson, who is in 1st grade, and Addison, who is in a three-year-old program. “As a family, we are excited to join the USM community of learners,” Tauscher said. Culture building is important to Tauscher, and he is wellprepared to work and interact with parents and families. He separated himself from a strong pool of candidates based not only on his credentials and the strength of his references, but also due to the emphatic support he received from the faculty, staff, and administrators with whom he met during the interview process. It was clear to them that he is strong in both curriculum management and relationship management.
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“I enjoyed hearing about his early childhood background and experience, and was excited by his understanding of learning through play,” said USM Preprimary Teacher Jennifer Keppler. “But he also spoke of his need and desire to learn about what we in the Lower School find important, which made me feel like he understands that a school like USM comes with traditions and customs that make us stand out from the rest. I believe that faculty, staff, parents, and students will all respond well to his leadership style.” Tauscher earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, with a minor in early childhood education, and a certificate in adaptive education from St. Norbert College. He also currently serves as the co-chairperson of the Public Relations Steering Committee in the NJSD. He previously served in the NJSD as principal at Hoover Elementary School, Hoover Community Learning Center, and Taft Early Learning Center. He began his career teaching 3rd grade in the Green Bay Area Public School District before moving on to teach 4th- and 5th-grade students in the Oshkosh Area School District. In both his teaching and administrative positions over the past 14 years, Tauscher has been and continues to be very involved in curriculum evaluation and design. He is excited to now bring those experiences and skills to his role at USM. “It is clear that the School community is focused on providing wonderful opportunities for students,” Tauscher said. “I am already impressed with the faculty and staff and their commitment to enhancing the educational experience throughout all grade levels, and I can’t wait to officially start this summer and get to work.”
Announcing the Andrea Giard Stone Endowed Scholarship Fund to finish elementary school, but when it became clear that her mother would have to support them, they moved to Michigan, where a job opportunity existed for her mother. Education was very important to her family, and beginning in her middle school years, Stone was provided the opportunity to attend fine schools thanks to the support of others in the form of scholarships. She secured full scholarships for middle school at Cranbrook Schools in Michigan, and for high school at the Shipley School in Pennsylvania. Stone then attended Radcliffe College for her bachelor’s degree and continued for graduate school at the University of Michigan for library science, also on full scholarship.
Andrea Giard Stone MDS’43 in 1962.
Those whose educational pursuits are restricted by financial ability often develop a strong appreciation for their academic opportunities. Andrea Giard Stone MDS’43 has done her part to make a University School of Milwaukee education available to deserving USM Middle School students. Her philanthropy and dedication in the establishment of the Andrea Giard Stone Endowed Scholarship Fund was borne out of early years of hardship, coupled with the benefit she received from scholarship opportunities throughout her education. Stone was born on September 10, 1926. She was a sickly girl from the onset and her doctor advised that she was too frail and delicate to attend public school. Therefore, she was enrolled in a class of three students at the Lake School, a predecessor to Milwaukee Downer Seminary.
After World War II, Stone worked for three years as a librarian in Heidelberg, Germany for the American Military Intelligence Corps, becoming fluent in both German and French. When she returned to the United States, Stone worked in advertising in New York City. Although recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency, she turned down the opportunity, and instead married Philip L. Stone MCD’45 in 1956. Her grandchildren, Peter Philip Grimes ’20 and Petra Joy Grimes ’25, are students at USM. Stone turned 88 in 2014 and remains grateful to the schools that granted her scholarships. She is convinced that without these scholarships to enrich her education, she would not have reached the heights accessible to her. She is passionate about returning this opportunity to other young bright students in need of a helping hand with their education. She wants to help them receive the same exceptional education to enrich and create their own successful and rewarding lives. USM is pleased to provide this scholarship opportunity to current or incoming Middle School students, made possible by an alumna who received similar support throughout her impressive educational career.
A precarious start in life was compounded by much adversity in her early years. When Stone was nine, she fell victim to Milwaukee’s encephalitis epidemic (more commonly known as “the sleeping sickness”). When she awoke after her battle with encephalitis, she needed to be retaught basic skills. She had no recollection of her early years, and had to relearn how to use eating utensils and how to read. While the young Stone was in recovery, tragedy struck her household. Her father died during a routine operation, changing her and her mother’s lives instantly and permanently. In that era, medical malpractice insurance did not exist and widows in the Depression did not receive support. Stone remained in Milwaukee
From left Peter Philip Grimes ’20, Peter Grimes, Petra Joy Grimes ’25, and Jennifer Stone Grimes. 17
A LASTING LEGACY This school year, 154 current University School of Milwaukee students have a family legacy of attending USM, with one or both of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents attending the School or one of its predecessor schools. The following is a list of those students, with many of them pictured above. We thank these families for their ongoing loyalty and support in helping to enhance the community aspect of the School with their multi-generational commitments to USM. For a complete listing of our legacy families, please visit www.usmk12.org/legacy.
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Savvy Adelman ’28
Gordon Allen ’19
Becca Banghart ’16
Camryn Brennan ’18
Zakary Adelman ’18
Karlie Allen ’16
Kate Bonnell ’25
Jake Brennan ’16
Zofia Adelman ’27
William Allen ’19
Lilly Bonnell ’25
Hayden Brown ’15
Sarah Aik ’15
Matthew Bach ’16
Penelope Bonnell ’28
Elizabeth Burlew ’28
Zion Aiken ’23
Elaina Bakke ’28
Charlie Borges ’15
William Burlew ’28
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
Emily Chou ’17
Shelby Fritz ’22
Marshall Lerner ’16
Edie Polston ’25
Kristen Chou ’19
Sydney Fritz ’17
Stewart Lerner ’18
Michael Polston ’23
Chad Christiansen ’16
Alice Gardner ’26
Charlie Mahoney ’17
Keise Prewitt ’20
Gabriel Ciralsky ’25
Charley Gardner ’28
Tommy Mahoney ’17
Merrill Read ’15
Talia Ciralsky ’23
Lindsey Gardner ’26
Nick Mayerson ’18
Alana Rostad ’17
Kendra Crump ’15
Owen Gardner ’22
Anne McCabe ’19
Jack Roulette ’22
Mia Cudahy ’18
Mercy Godfrey ’20
Chloe McCabe ’21
Nate Sampson ’17
Grace Culver ’15
Liam Grady ’21
Ella McCabe ’22
Jimmy Schmidt ’23
Holland Culver ’18
Lucy Grady ’26
Coughlin Mellowes ’29
Kat Schmidt ’16
Jeffrey Dahlman ’29
Griffin Grebe ’24
Jo Mellowes ’28
Jack Schroeder ’21
Lucy Daniels ’22
Tripp Grebe ’19
Madeline Mellowes ’27
Kelly Anne Schroeder ’19
Martha Daniels ’18
Danny Gridley ’19
Murphy Mellowes ’20
Meredith Short ’15
Addie Darrow ’26
Gracie Gridley ’20
Scanlon Mellowes ’22
Charlotte Siegel ’17
Charlie Darrow ’24
Petra Grimes ’25
Sullivan Mellowes ’25
Ada Slaughter ’26
Joey Darrow ’24
Philip Grimes ’20
Billy Miller ’16
Brandon Staudt ’18
Conner Dawson ’24
Bastian Guten-Gale ’23
Henry Miller ’16
Meg Stewart ’19
Abigail Dengel ’27
Matthew Hammerlund ’26
Brandon Montijo ’19
Beckett Stratton ’25
F.R. Dengel ’28
Quinn Hammerlund ’23
Miranda Montijo ’21
Jocie Stratton ’27
Francesca Drope ’24
P.J. Heiny ’28
Kasey Nimtz ’25
Justin Strauss ’17
Mandela Drope ’27
Emma Holbrook ’29
Lucy Nimtz ’27
Riley Strauss ’18
Carolyn Ells ’18
Liam Isaacson ’25
Molly Nimtz ’23
Logan Thickens ’27
Peter Ells ’21
Mia Johnson ’20
Annie Norman ’25
Sawyer Thickens ’27
Kristian Epperson ’24
Robin Johnson ’16
Ellie Norman ’19
Lizzy Thurow ’25
Lexie Epperson ’19
Viraj Kamath ’29
Mimi Norman ’21
Michael Tucker ’15
Natalie Epperson ’22
Justice Kelly ’16
Aston Omer ’27
Ashley Vogel ’19
Nick Epperson ’17
Kaitlyn Kennedy ’17
Amelia Otjen ’25
Michael Vogel ’21
George Erlandson ’21
Ryan Kennedy ’19
Thea Otjen ’27
Ella Wagner ’28
Audrey Ferrer ’21
Will Kennedy ’18
Daryl Perry ’16
Hudson Wells ’29
Margot Ferrer ’23
Sophie Kobylinski ’18
Will Perry ’15
Grace White ’28
Brynn Fitzsimmons ’24
William Koch ’17
Grace Piper ’26
Megan Winters ’19
Reiley Fitzsimmons ’26
Cameron Krishnaney ’24
Hope Piper ’26
Joe Zimmerman ’22
Grace Florsheim ’15
Alusha Leibsohn ’26
Liza Plummer ’15
Nate Zimmerman ’25
Sam Florsheim ’16
Sydney Leibsohn ’24
Sam Plummer ’19
Michaela Fritz ’19
Louise Lerner ’21
Ainsley Polston ’28
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Students met in groups and later gathered to act as political, military, or civilian leaders for specific countries in reaction to a prescribed global crisis as part of their simulation.
USM Receives Edward E. Ford Foundation Grant
“One of the most important aspects of the simulation is that the students are
As the University School of Milwaukee community was readying
The experience culminates in a six-day gamified experience in January, where
itself for Thanksgiving break this past November, the School
teams must react in real time to the specific developing crisis that has been put in
received word that it had been selected as a recipient of a grant
motion, with the ultimate objective being for teams to present realistic, researched,
from the Edward E. Ford Foundation.
supported arguments that propel their countries’ advancements through the
responsible for all of their research,” Wend said. “They have to construct logical, realistic responses based on how their country works and is structured, which represents the first step toward empathy and that sense of multiple perspectives that is so critical to being a global scholar in the 21st century.”
crisis. Teams respond and work collaboratively to deal with ongoing “breaking The grant will help fund a global crisis simulation exercise in
news” and are awarded development, democracy, or diplomatic points for their
its second year as part of the Upper School’s Global Scholars
proposed actions. At the conclusion of the simulation, the country’s team that has
program. The online simulation uses educational gamification,
accumulated the most points is declared the winner of the exercise.
an emerging trend in which game design elements are utilized in a non-game context to heighten the engagement
In addition to helping fund the School’s global crisis simulation exercise, the Edward
of students, leading to a deeper learning experience. Students
E. Ford Foundation grant will also allow USM to partner with other area high schools
act as political, military, or civilian leaders for specific countries
that have a commitment to global engagement and assist them by inviting them
and then ultimately react to a global crisis, which is put forth
to participate in the simulation exercise. Those schools’ teams of students will be
by Dr. Henry Wend, director of the Global Scholars program.
able to represent additional countries, increasing the complexity of the exercise and providing all students involved with an even more robust experience.
The simulation begins with students conducting in-depth research into their assigned countries during the fall semester,
“The students are the central actors in this script. They do the research; nothing
including the development of a country profile with vital
is given to them,” Wend said. “This is a student-centered, student-driven program,
demographic, political, religious, economic, geographical,
and will become even moreso in the future.”
and cultural facts and statistics. Team members become experts on their country and its foreign policy practices, while familiarizing themselves with the same for other teams’ countries, and then develop specific goals for their countries.
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USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
The $50,000 challenge grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation will be available after the USM community contributes $100,000 to the program.
WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR GIVING? This year, in celebration of 50 Years of USM, and with the understanding that everyone has their own reason for giving, we asked our USM community to share their reasons for supporting the School. The “50 Reasons to Give” communications in the fall inspired numerous community members to share their reasons. Below are just a few of the many responses that we received from parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and faculty and staff members that highlight the impact of USM’s academic excellence on the lives of our School community. For a list of the shared reasons, please visit www.usmk12.org/50reasonstogive. We hope that these examples inspire you to view the online list, and, if you haven’t already done so, to submit your reason on the website. If you have made your Annual Gift since July 1, 2014, we wish to thank you. If you have yet to make your gift, please consider doing so today by visiting www.usmk12.org/annualgiving.
GRANDPARENTS “As grandparents, we are honored to support the outstanding educational opportunities that USM provides our granddaughter.” — Harold A.
ALUMNI “We need a good school like USM to educate our young people to be future leaders in our country.” — Cynthia S. ’68 “I am a USM ‘lifer,’ and the School shaped the adult I became. I am so proud of the USM experience I had, and I want to help shape generations to come to be proud of who they are, and the great people and education that helped them get there.” — Toni F. ’78 “I benefited from financial aid as a USM student, so I want to help others receive the same outstanding education.” — Tiffany G. ’95
ADMINISTRATION “Just as many people did before me, I give so that the next generation will have the opportunity to have an exceptional education and learn how to live a life of meaning.” — Pamela N.
PARENTS “To thank the great teachers at USM who work so hard to provide a supportive academic environment where our children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.” — Isabela T. “I feel confident that my kids are getting the best education in the most caring atmosphere.” — Alina G.
PARENTS OF ALUMNI “USM enabled my eldest ‘lifer’ daughter to attend the college of her dreams!” — Amy H. 21
B
A LETTER FROM JIM O’REILLY ’78 Alumni Association Board President
ecome a friend of the University School of Milwaukee
a special place and we are pleased to connect with you as we
Alumni Association this year. The Alumni Association Board is
showcase our impressive network to current students and families
working on numerous initiatives designed to provide USM and
who are proud to be a part of USM. You can help us by sharing
predecessor school alumni with greater opportunities to reconnect
updates on new life events, or by connecting with USM on Facebook
and engage with the School community in 2015 and beyond. In an
or LinkedIn. You can also assist us by updating contact information
attempt to connect with our alumni throughout the country, we are
for classmates, family, or friends who have lost touch.
holding events in the following locations this year: Florida, Arizona, San Diego, Washington, D.C., and Milwaukee. In addition, the
This is an exciting year for USM, as we celebrate “50 Years of USM.”
Alumni Office is visiting alumni in New York, Boston, San Francisco,
In honor of this important milestone, we encourage our alumni of
and Chicago.
all generations to share their reflections and memories by sending them to alumni@usmk12.org with “my memory” in the subject line.
Accessing the most current alumni information is easy. Visit
Every memory is part of our unique heritage, and we look forward
www.usmk12.org/alumni to find information on upcoming events,
to learning how your educational experience has impacted your life.
volunteer opportunities, and alumni news. Did you know there are
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more than 5,000 USM and predecessor school alumni living across
As always, we appreciate your feedback and suggestions, and
the United States and around the world? The USM community is
welcome you to assist in our efforts.
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
2014–2015 Alumni Association Board Officers President James G. O’Reilly ’78 Past President Thomas W. Parker ’79 *
Members Alumni Association Board Front from left Natasha R. Misra, Charles A. Gordon, Lindsey Canonie Grady, Tope A. Awe, John O. Graham Jr., Angela Topetzes, and Daphne Seaman Lerner. Back from left Cassandra Morello, Charles F. Wright Jr., Alumni Association Board President James G. O’Reilly, David M. Tacke, Haskell “Hack” Noyes, late Alumni Association Board President Thomas W. Parker, F. R. Dengel III, Avery L. Goodrich Jr., Burt Bartlett, Jessica Roulette, and Sumeeta Krishnaney. Not pictured John M. Borges, Lafayette L. Crump, and Bruce Lee.
Tope A. Awe ’03 Burt Bartlett ’74 John M. Borges ’85 Lafayette L. Crump ’91 F.R. Dengel III ’83 Avery L. Goodrich Jr. ’76
On a personal note, I would like to recognize the efforts and dedication of the former President
Charles A. Gordon ’98
of the Alumni Board, Tom Parker ’79, who sadly passed away this past November during his
Lindsey Canonie Grady ’91
term as Alumni Association Board President. Tom was the quintessential supporter of our
John O. Graham Jr. ’02
alma mater, and he will be missed by the entire USM community. For more information on
Sumeeta Krishnaney ’92
the life of Tom Parker ’79, please see page 31.
Bruce Lee ’81
Thank you for your continued support, and please let us know how we might better serve
Daphne Seaman Lerner ’88
you as a member of the USM Alumni Association. We look forward to connecting with you
Natasha R. Misra ’04
and celebrating our rich School history during this milestone year.
Cassandra Morello ’07 Haskell “Hack” Noyes ’66 Jessica Roulette ’88 Angela Topetzes ’78 David M. Tacke ’72 Charles F. Wright Jr. ’04 * Deceased
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Life is Sweet for Burke Candy Owner Julia Reilly Burke ’74
Julia Reilly Burke ’74 has a sweet tooth, and as the owner of a candy company, she gets to indulge! Burke, and her husband, Tim, are the owners of Burke Candy and Ingredients, a small-batch candy factory located in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood that has been in business since 1929. “It’s been such a fun journey because I get to do something that I truly love doing every day,” Burke said. The Burkes have run Burke Candy since moving back to Milwaukee from Chicago nearly 20 years ago, and represent the third generation of Burkes to head the operation. After working in the ingredient business Julia began taking classes to become a master chocolatier. Through her education, Julia formed a finished goods arm of the company, specializing in a full line of boxed chocolates that includes her Grandmother Reilly’s English toffee, sea salt caramels, truffles, and their trademark “Flying T’s.” The Burke/Reilly family has a long history with University School of Milwaukee, as Julia is one of eight family members to attend USM or one of its predecessor schools. Julia’s father, Paul Reilly Sr. MUS’39 was the first, followed by his four children; Paul Reilly Jr. ’70, Julia Reilly Burke ’74, Nancy Reilly Chase ’76, and David Reilly ’83. “With the education I received, I knew I was going to send my children to USM,” Burke said. And that she did, as Peter ’04, Catherine ’06, and Edward ’09 all attended USM. “The academics, both when I was growing up and for my own children, were truly amazing,” Burke said. “I feel so blessed to have had that learning opportunity, and to know that my children had the same experience.” Burke, who transitioned from a parochial school to USM in 7th grade, attributes much of her business acumen to the education that she received at USM. She expressed that after 30 years in the business world, it’s still hard to think about her success without crediting USM.
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USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
“My experience at USM gave me the confidence to find out that I could do anything as long as I worked hard for it,” Burke said. “Whether it was algebra with Mr. Bergen or History with ‘J.S.,’ I learned that passion and a strong work ethic would take me far. And with the added support of the faculty and staff, it gave me the confidence to pursue my own dreams, and has allowed me to run my own business.” Burke also reflected fondly on her graduating class, as a large contingent of the 1974 class gathered to celebrate their 40th reunion in 2014. “Our class really shares a strong bond,” Burke said. “We are still very connected and look forward to getting together for our next milestone reunion in 2019.”
A Former School Leader Reflects on the Merger Mark Olson ’65
As University School of Milwaukee celebrates its 50th year in 2014-2015, Mark Olson ’65 shared memories of his senior year when Milwaukee Country Day School (MCD), Milwaukee Downer Seminary (MDS), and Milwaukee University School (MUS) merged as one. Olson attended MCD beginning in 9th grade, and was a leader of the first USM senior class. A class prefect and three-sport athlete in basketball, track and field, and football, Olson recalled some growing pains as rivals became classmates. “There was definitely tension. You can’t take schools that were rivals in so many ways and put them together without there being a bit of a learning curve,” Olson said. “Athletically, we had been competing against one another for years and there was an active dislike there between the schools.”
private and public employers in the areas of labor, employment, benefits, and school law.
Ironically, it would be athletics, along with strong internal leadership from teachers and administrators, that would eventually bind the student body together. Led by legendary head coach Ken Laird, the 1965 USM football team finished a perfect 8-0 and helped to lay the groundwork for students, especially those from bitter rivals MUS and MCD, to come together as Wildcats.
Though he admits that he did not always have plans to become a lawyer, Olson has found great satisfaction helping people through his work.
“I think that athletics really helped smoothen the transition,” Olson said. “The teams were better as a result of the merger, and getting to know people as teammates made it easier to become friends.”
He credits the discipline that he learned under the watchful eye of teachers such as John “J.S.” Stephens, Jim Laing, Bill Church, and Thomas Hughes, among many others, as integral to his later success.
As the year progressed, Olson saw the foundation for what would become the strong, unified school that we know today.
“My teachers were top of the line as far as I’m concerned in terms of how they taught, what they taught, and the discipline they instilled in us,” Olson said. “All of my teachers required me to work to my utmost capabilities. My years here were as rigorous as any academic experience I’ve ever had anywhere.”
“There were bumps in the road as we got used to each other and a new system, but things settled down,” Olson said. “By and large, the School surged ahead as we became more at ease with the transition, and the end result was a stronger school because of the merger. I really believe that.” Olson, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School, has practiced labor law in the public and private sector in the Milwaukee area for nearly 40 years. He currently serves as an attorney at Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet, LLC, a Waukesha firm representing
“I really enjoy working with people and am excited to get up for work each morning,” Olson said.
Olson will return to campus in May to deliver the 2015 Commencement speech, an honor he is very much looking forward to. “It’s nice to have this reason to come back to the School,” Olson said. “I love USM and have always considered it to be a part of my foundation.”
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23•DEC •2014
Alumni Hockey Scrimmage On December 23, USM hockey alumni took to the ice for their annual scrimmage at the Polly and Henry Uihlein Ice Arena.
Front from left Ethan Padway ’08, Yves Preston, David Fritz ’81, Simon Leahy ’11, Matt Roadhouse ’05, Milton Padway ’13, Dane Maher-Mehciz ’09, Joey Judge ’13, Robby Schmidt ’13, and Ben Walker ’13. Back from left Will Bartlett ’06, Cal Roadhouse, Read Servis ’08, Ramin Eghbali ’84, Zach Hafeman ’11, Michael Crimmins ’09, Augie Fritz ’10, Kathan Chintamaneni ’08, Corey Roadhouse ’12, David Routier ’14, Nathan Burke ’12, Eric Meyer ’05, Colin Fritz ’09, Kenny Servis ’12, Vadim Sukhanov ’14, Bryan Botcher ’14, and James Shovers ’11.
From left Sam Nowakowski ’06, Peyton Stanford ’10 (in back), Bubba Heitman ’06, Jack Ulricson ’08 (in back), Mike Greenway ’02, Lane Stanford ’12, Charles Housiaux ’02 (in back), Josh Baker ’12, Adam Salaymeh ’12 (in back), Sam Bernstein ’14, Fitz Stratton ’10 (in back), Phoenix Ventress ’14, Austin Matthews ’14, Jack Hiller ’14, Chris Cooper ’14, Julien Addison ’13, and Jamie Taylor ’02.
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USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
28 • NOV • 2014
Alumni Basketball Scrimmage USM alumni basketball players showcased their skills at the post-Thanksgiving basketball scrimmage on November 28.
26•NOV•2014
young alumni brunch Recent USM graduates returned to campus in November to reconnect with faculty members and friends over brunch in Mellowes Hall.
From left Nico Dermond ’14, Austin Matthews ’14, 7th-Grade Math Teacher Heidi Abraham, Jack Wells ’14, and Phoenix Ventress ’14.
From left Assistant Head of Upper School Tim Quinn, Duncan Brown ’14, Head of Upper School Stuart Cushman, and Bryan Botcher ’14.
From left Natalie Halbrooks ’14, Ben Zaydman ’14, Jack Hiller ’14, Julia Hanson ’14, and Tyler Smith ’15.
USM Visits Florida
12 • FEB • 2015 Head of School Laura Fuller joined USM community members for two alumni events in Longboat Key and Naples, Fla. on Thursday, February 12.
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Upcomin g The University School of Milwaukee Alumni Association has several exciting events planned for spring 2015. Please plan to join us and reconnect with USM. We look forward to seeing you! For the latest alumni event information, visit www.usmk12.org/alumni.
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Sept. 25–26, 2015 USM invites you to celebrate your reunion with us during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2015. Make plans to reconnect, and join us for a full slate of fun, family-friendly activities.
USM visits… The School looks forward to reconnecting with alumni in the following cities this spring:
MILWAUKEE APRIL 16 WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 22 If you have a suggestion or would like to learn more about hosting an alumni event in your home city, contact alumni@usmk12.org.
Friday, September 25 • Welcome breakfast at USM • “A day in the life of a USM student,” with classroom visits and campus tours • An All-School BBQ • Homecoming football game
Saturday, September 26 • Chartered bus tour of USM predecessor school campuses • Reunion Cocktail Reception at the Milwaukee Country Club • Class parties at various locations • More to come Would you like to get involved? All of the milestone (5’s and 0’s) classes are looking for reunion coordinators to help assist with planning for events. If you are interested or have additional questions, contact alumni@usmk12.org or 414.540.3337. For more information on Reunion Weekend, visit www.usmk12.org/reunionweekend.
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USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
Varsity Club Hall of Fame The Varsity Club is thrilled by the responses to the new Athletic Hall of Fame. In fact, there has been so much positive response that the Hall of Fame has made the decision to delay its inaugural Induction Banquet by a year, in order to ensure that all of the nominees for inclusion can be properly researched and vetted, and to properly plan for a stellar inaugural event to honor the first class of inductees. Be sure to visit www.usmk12.org/athletichalloffame for further updates about the new date, planned for June 2016.
Joe Lubar Alumni Baseball Event June 6 • Alfred James Field The USM community will gather in celebration of the life of Joe Lubar ’08 at the Joe Lubar Alumni Baseball Event on Saturday, June 6 at Alfred James Field. Community members are invited to reminisce with old friends, enjoy a cookout, and share Joe’s love of baseball at the event, which will be highlighted by an alumni exhibition game.
class notes THE FOLLOWING PAGE INCLUDES NEWS AND NOTES SUBMITTED PRIOR TO JANUARY 28, 2015
50s
80s
MUS’58
’81
and her husband Bill Stilwell held a reunion at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, where they were married 52 years ago.
aka “Kiski,” who resides in Palm Springs, Calif., appeared as a contestant on the television show “Jeopardy!” on February 27. “After having taken the online test for Jeopardy! for 10 straight years, last year I was lucky enough to be chosen out of the 100,000 people who take the test to be among the 25,000 to get an audition. I was then among the 300 people to pass the audition and form the pool from which the 100 contestants for the year are chosen. I taped my episode in December, and although I didn’t win, it still felt like a victory—and a dream come true—to actually be a contestant on the show. I enjoyed the day of taping immensely. The highlight had to be hearing my name announced at the start of the episode. I later learned that the impact of this moment drew tears from my boyfriend Mark’s eyes, who was with me at the studio in the audience.”
BONNY SISSON STILWELL RICHMOND CURTISS III
60s
CHARLES DRUM
MCD’62
“Duplicate Bridge is my game. I recently went over 10,000 Master Points.”
70s
CHRISTOPHER GATES
’70
visited campus during a faculty and staff in-service day on January 26 to deliver an inspiring presentation on leadership entitled, “Without Integrity, Nothing Works!” In addition to serving as a speaker on leadership development, Gates is currently a managing director at J.P. Morgan in New York City.
90s
AYNSLEY BOURNE
’91
and Louis Spencer are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Charles Graham Spencer, and daughter, Ellery Gage Spencer, on November 12, 2014. Big sister Aliza is over the moon!
CHRISTINA WILSON BERGER
’96
is executive director of the Charles E. Kubly Foundation.
00s
JOSEPH TYSON III
’03
will join a long list of UVA Law graduates who have clerked for Supreme Court justices
in recent years. Tyson will clerk for United States Supreme Court Justice John Roberts during the 2015-2016 term. Currently, Tyson is clerking for Judge Srikanth Srinivasan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. “This year with Judge Srinivasan has been amazing, and now this gives me something incredibly exciting to look forward to when my clerkship [with Srinivasan] is done,” Tyson said. Tyson was also the recipient of the Carl M. Franklin Prize, which honors the student with the highest grade point average after the first year of law school, and served on the editorial board of the Virginia Law Review.
MAXINE HUPY
’07
brought Christmas presents for the orphans at the Salvation Army orphanage in Acapulco, Mexico.
REX HUPY
’09
spent a short time in Acapulco, Mexico and now is back at Georgetown Law School.
10s
LUCY BARTLETT
’11
is president of Georgetown University’s National Student Nurses’ Association chapter and a peer coordinator for the Peer Advising Program. One of the projects the chapter participates in during the fall semester is a flu clinic that is staffed by medical and nursing students and faculty. “We have seen up to 591 patients in just one three-hour clinic alone, which provides us with a unique opportunity to serve the Georgetown community,” Bartlett said. This summer, Bartlett also served as a child-care technician at the Children’s National Medical Center on the hematologyoncology unit, which proved to be a powerful affirmation of her passion for working with children. “Working with such resilient patients and families is what has made my experience so fulfilling and what excites me about my future profession,” Bartlett said.
To submit a class note: Email your news to alumni@usmk12.org 29
In Memoriam USM wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of our dearly departed alumni and friends. We thank them for enriching our lives throughout their friendship.
Marion Chester Read MDS’37 passed away on October 21, 2014 at the age of 95, joining her beloved husband of 63 years, Verne R. Read. Read attended USM predecessor schools for 10 years before completing her education at Milton Academy. She then graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1941 before working for the Defense Department in Washington, D.C., where she plotted maps for the European Theatre during World War II. After the war, she met Verne in Cambridge, Mass., and moved to New York City following their marriage in 1949. The Reads returned to Milwaukee in 1954. As a student at Bryn Mawr College, Read earned 20 varsity letters in tennis, field hockey, hardball, swimming, and basketball. Throughout her life, Read was an avid alpine and Nordic skier, pilot, and mountain climber, and played in competitive national tennis tournaments into her 80’s, garnering a No. 2 ranking in her age group. The couple traveled extensively, with highlights including climbing the Matterhorn to celebrate their honeymoon and participating in three expeditions to the Himalayas. Verne’s and Marion’s active lifestyles influenced the activities and athletic pursuits of their family. A true fan and booster of both academics and athletics, Read attended numerous events during her children’s and grandchildren’s years at USM. Continuing her legacy within USM athletics, each year, one female student is presented with the Marion Chester Read Sportsmanship Award for her leadership, attitude, conduct, and ability in athletics and in the School community.
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Read is survived by her brother Bill Chester MCD’42; daughter Alice Read ’72 (Drew Palin) and sons, V. Ross Read III ’69 (Mary), Alexander Read ’73 (Cynthia), and Thomas Read ’75 (Lisa); grandchildren Alexander Read ’11, Andrew Read ’09, George Read ’04, Marion Read ’07, Merrill Read ’15, Beau Palin ’09, Drew Palin ’01, Holly Palin ’02, Ian Palin ’11, Tyler Palin ’06, Ellie Read, and Carley Read; great-grandchild Finn Palin; and numerous Read and Chester nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Verne R. Read, and brothers George Chester MCD’40 and John Chester MCD’47.
Carl John MCD’46 passed away on October 31, 2014 at the age of 85. After graduating from Milwaukee Country Day School, John completed a five-year mechanical engineering program at Cornell University and enlisted in the Marines, where he became a Naval jet pilot. John rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and spent a year in Japan before leaving active duty to return to Milwaukee. John then worked at AC Spark Plug, and traveled to England to manage the installation of the Thor Missile Guidance program. However, he tired of sitting at a desk, and, having fond memories of his MCD education, he decided to begin a career in teaching and joined the MCD Math Department in 1959.
The Read family’s ongoing friendship, leadership, and generosity helped to shape the School in many ways, with support of the Next Generation Campaign, the endowment in support of coach and faculty compensation, the Marion and Verne Read Lower School Gymnasium, and the outdoor athletic complex, as well as athletic facilities for hockey and tennis. Read also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Board, and graciously shared her guidance and leadership throughout her life. In recognition of her service, Read was awarded the Alumni Service Award in 2001.
John’s tenure as a faculty member spanned five decades, and during this time, he witnessed many changes, including the 1964 merger of the predecessor schools. He was a favorite amongst many students and colleagues alike. His cockpit experience earned him the nicknames “The Colonel” and “Jet John.” Fellow teachers knew him as a master of all mathematical disciplines from algebra to geometry to calculus. Students knew him as a beloved mentor whose wit, wisdom, and plain-spoken lessons helped them learn even the most esoterically elusive mathematical concepts. John coached soccer and football, and was the consummate colleague, exemplifying what it means to be a member of the USM family and faculty.
Read had numerous philanthropic interests beyond USM, serving on the Board at Lawrence University and the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin. Additionally, she and Verne co-founded Bat Conservation International in 1982 in Austin, Texas, with Merlin Tuttle, curator of mammals at the Milwaukee Public Museum. She was also active in the Junior League of Milwaukee.
After retiring in 1996, he returned to teach one last semester in 1997, and maintained his friendship with USM as a member of the Alumni Association Board, and as a volunteer for the Annual Fund, a reunion volunteer, and class agent. His numerous contributions earned John the Alumni Service Award in 2006.
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
1930s
Francis Murphy
Beatrice Jones Winkler
MCD’49 November 23, 2014 San Anselmo, Calif.
MUS’36 January 15, 2015 Sarasota, Fla.
William Walker MCD’39 Stone Mountain, Ga. Throughout his teaching career, John served on the Air Force Reserve as a pilot on weekends and during the summers. John and his wife Marilyn were also members of the Riveredge Nature Center. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn; daughters Constance John ’79, Christine John McBride ’80, Paula John Bartel ’80 and Carrie John ’82; and grandchildren Carly and Mitchell McBride. His mother, Paula Mayer John, graduated from the German English Academy in 1916 and his sister Susan was a member of the Milwaukee Downer Seminary Class of 1950.
1940s Nancy Ann Smith Sorenson MDS’40 October 5, 2014 Sarasota, Fla.
Shirley Doppelt Brenner MDS’41 October 10, 2014 Delray Beach, Fla.
Anne Pritzlaff Lindemann
Thomas Williamson Parker ’79 passed away on November 7, 2014 at the age of 53. Parker graduated from Southern Methodist University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and later worked as an advertising manager for the Living Church Magazine. Parker served USM as Alumni Association Board President from 2012–2014 and a member of the Executive Committee. He was recognized as a connector, both within his 1979 class and throughout the alumni community, and helped make the USM Alumni Association more relevant and purposeful to its members. His dedication and commitment to USM distinguished Parker as an ambassador for his alma mater, and for his efforts, Parker will be posthumously recognized as the 2015 Alumni Service Award recipient at the School’s Honors Assembly in May.
MDS’41 December 27, 2014 Mequon, Wis.
Irving Seaman MCD’41 January 14, 2015 Lake Forest, Ill.
Carl Syburg MUS’46 January 6, 2015 Genesee Depot, Wis.
Clark Jung MUS’48 Woodstock, N.Y.
Marcia French Robbins MUS’49 November 22, 2014 Mequon, Wis.
1950s Mary Carpenter MDS’54 January 6, 2015 Pewaukee, Wis.
Peggy Post Garrison MDS’56 New York City
1960s Barbara Lindemann Claybaugh MDS’60 November 29, 2014 Prescott, Ariz.
Anne Boak Smith MUS’60 September 24, 2014 Cherry Hill, N.J.
Ralph Sproule ’68 June 19, 2013 Greendale, Wis.
Updated as of January 28, 2015.
In addition to his service to USM, Parker was actively involved in volunteering for other community organizations including the Honor Flight and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Parker’s legacy of enthusiasm and service to the School will continue through the Tom Parker ’79 Endowed Scholarship Fund, recently established thanks to the generosity of an anonymous friend and classmate. Parker is survived by his wife Elizabeth; sons Ian and Hatton; mother Sophie Parker; sisters Porter Parker Hutto ’68 and Caroline Parker Robertson ’72; brother Charles W. Parker III ’79; and several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Charles W. Parker, Jr., who served on the USM Board of Trustees, and as Board President from 1979–1980.
Former USM Headmaster (1977–1986) Robert D. Johnston passed away on January 26, 2015 at the age of 83. Additional coverage of his life and contributions to University School of Milwaukee will appear in the Spring 2015 edition of USM Today.
31
From left Alexander Minus ’22 and Damon Mastrolia ’25 use an app while working on a collaborative class project.
Cross-Divisional Collaborations Establish Community, Enhance Learning Building upon the tradition of collaborative USM events such as Opening Day, the Masquerade March, and the School’s Homecoming celebration, many USM faculty members are fostering those same partnerships in their classrooms. Cross-divisional collaborations, most recently within USM’s Math Department, have proven to be extremely successful on both an academic and social level. The collaborations are activity-based, and give all students new and exciting roles to play. “Younger students benefit from material being taught in a different way, and the collaboration really allows for our older students to learn what it is to be a teacher, and to take responsibility for the learning of others,” said 1st-Grade Teacher and Lower School Math Department Chair Patti Ptak. “It really benefits everyone involved.”
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USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
Ptak added that the experience has also been valuable for faculty members, as the activities have promoted greater cohesion within the department and allowed them to see how concepts and lessons can build upon one another from grade to grade. 2nd-Grade Teacher Nina Darling has also forged a successful partnership with Debbie Judge’s 5th-grade mathematics classes, whose students have helped their younger counterparts develop their basic math skills and learn new technology. The classes first gathered to collect data for a graphing project, logging their birth months. During their next class together, the 5th-graders helped Darling’s students graph their data using Hopscotch, an iPad application that the 2nd-graders had not used before.
Judge has been impressed by the response of her students, as they have relished the chance to impart their knowledge in their new roles as teachers. “For our kids, I think it gives them confidence and they embrace the opportunity to be a role model for younger students,” Judge said. “When they work with the 2nd-graders, they are totally different kids. They are so much more accountable to the material in that role, and you see those leadership skills emerge.” Judge also referenced recent brain research that shows that cooperative work helps in the process of absorbing new material much more effectively. “I think other students can help relate to the material. They have been in those younger students’ shoes and they can find different ways to help them understand a concept,” Judge said.
The relationships that develop are really special to watch. It’s an incredible experience for my students to get to know 5th-graders, learn from them, and form those bonds. It’s a wonderful thing to see. 2ND-GRADE TEACHER NINA DARLING Darling also noticed a positive difference in her students, noting their excitement and increased attentiveness while learning from their older counterparts. “They are thrilled to work with them,” Darling said. “You can just see the added enthusiasm in the students.” Darling has also been working with Upper School Math Teacher Mike Snyder to develop an opportunity for her students to teach his students on a monthly basis. They are currently working on math games that showcase their basic skill comprehension to present to the “big kids” in Upper School. Perhaps even more valuable than the learning benefits that stem from this collaboration, participating students have formed connections with one another that stretch beyond the classroom. “The relationships that develop are really special to watch. It’s an incredible experience for my students to get to know 5th-graders, learn from them, and form those bonds,” Darling said. “They highfive each other in the hallways and the younger students get really excited when the older students recognize them. It’s a wonderful thing to see.”
USM 2nd- and 5th-grade students use apps and games to enhance their collaborative mathematics lessons.
33
seniors to seniors: connecting through music BY EMILY TYMUS IHRKE
Margi Piper interacts with Josh Thompson ’15.
Sophie Dermond ’15 with Newcastle Place resident Pat Best.
On December 8, 2014, 17 USM seniors and I, along with Upper School
We saw the Memory Care residents light up. We saw bright smiles,
Librarian Laura Klein, had the opportunity to celebrate the end of
tears of joy, and glimmers of recollection. We heard residents sing
our successful collaboration with residents at Newcastle Place in
along to favorite songs from their pasts, as USM students held
Mequon. We arrived at the senior living community by bus, as we’d
their hands.
done several times throughout the fall, and we carried in baskets of iPods, headphones, speakers, and home-baked cookies. Most importantly, we carried the hope that our work on the intergenerational project would have some meaning for the residents in Memory Care at Newcastle.
34
How had we gotten here? And why? Eight weeks earlier our face-to-face sessions with Newcastle residents began, thanks to a generous grant from the Harry G. and Charlotte H. Slater Family Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, to develop
Our hope became a reality that December afternoon when students
an intergenerational project. Together, seniors from USM worked with
placed headphones on the residents and pushed “play” on the iPods.
seniors from Newcastle to learn about music from various eras and
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
Nora Lucey ’15 and former USM faculty member Fengchi Chen help fit resident Gloria Kappel (left) with her headphones.
to create individualized playlists for the sixteen residents who live in
Through the Seniors to Seniors project, I wanted to have my students
Memory Care at Newcastle.
bring such solace and enjoyment to the elderly in the nearby community, and to the families of those individuals. I also wanted my
Recent research tells us that musical memory is profoundly linked
students to learn from the independent living seniors and to brighten
to emotions. These memories are stored deep in the brain. While
their days. My students did just that. They created playlists—but more
Alzheimer’s and dementia damage the ability to recall facts and
importantly they created relationships, contentment, and joy. They
details, they do not destroy the lasting connections between a favorite
did something that mattered.
song and memory of an important life event, no matter how long ago it may have occurred. When individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s
And therein lies one of the main reasons that I love my job: I love my job
or dementia hear a melody connected with a meaningful memory,
because it matters. The work I’m privileged to do with USM students
they can experience a re-awakening. Many people who have not
matters in their lives, in others’ lives, and gratefully—in my life.
spoken in years find words and sing lyrics. They often regain the ability to converse and connect with those around them. We were lucky to witness this kind of re-awakening during our time with the Newcastle residents.
Emily Tymus Ihrke is an Upper School English teacher at University School of Milwaukee.
The idea for this project came from seeing the role music played in my maternal grandmother’s life. In April 2013, after years of struggling with memory loss and dementia, my grandma passed away, via hospice, at her assisted living facility. During the final weeks, days, and hours of her life, we kept music playing in her room, morning and night. Music had been one of my grandma’s greatest joys, and a source of tremendous comfort to her from the time she was a child until the end. My grandma hadn’t had an easy life. Through it all, though, a lively
Harry G. and Charlotte H. Slater Family Fund University School of Milwaukee appreciates the support of the Harry G. and Charlotte H. Slater Family Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Marcia Jill Slater Johnston MUS’60, for making the Seniors to Seniors
polka, a Glenn Miller song, or “The Missouri Waltz” could bring a
project a reality. The fund, established by Charlotte H.
smile to her face and a tap to her foot. Seeing that in her—the power
Slater in 1995, provides seed grants for small-scale startup
of music to bring the real her back to the surface—brought great
programs benefiting older adults in the greater Milwaukee
comfort to all of us—her family—until the final hours.
metropolitan area. 35
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GIVES USM COACHES AN EDGE The pursuit of professional development has been a foundational component to the success of the University School of Milwaukee Athletic Department, as USM coaches enhance their knowledge base through opportunities on the local, regional, and national levels. Mirroring USM’s academic program, the Athletic Department has fostered an atmosphere that encourages the pursuit of professional development so that coaches can offer the best educational-based athletic experiences for student-athletes, both on and off of the playing fields. “If we can create a compelling program, the on-field success will come,” said USM Athletic Director Rick Johns. “A huge part of that equation is having well-trained, professional coaches that can bring a strong knowledge of their sport and also connect with the kids.” The program has also instituted a series of benchmark requirements that extend beyond state regulations. All USM coaches are required to complete the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Fundamentals of Coaching course, a concussion safety course, and, for those coaching an outdoor sport, a water and hydration course. 36
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
In addition to those courses, many USM coaches attend national camps, clinics, and conferences that hone their coaching skills and expose them to new ideas and concepts. Samantha Adey has served as USM’s head girls’ lacrosse coach since 2009, and credits her experiences at state and national conferences as a key to her development as a head coach. Adey attends the U.S. Lacrosse Women’s Coaches Convention each year, bringing back a wealth of applicable knowledge and tactics to her players. “The game is always evolving and as a coach, you can’t rest on your laurels and assume you know everything,” Adey said. “It’s very helpful to see what other coaches are doing differently, and to have the opportunity to discuss and share new ideas and tactics.” Adey also serves as the state girls’ high school lacrosse director, sits on the U.S. Lacrosse Coaches Council, and has earned her status as a Level 3 Certified Lacrosse Coach. “I want my players to have the best opportunity to succeed, and to feel that they are at a program that is at the forefront of some of the best lacrosse in the state,” Adey said.
From left After connecting at the U.S. Lacrosse Women’s Coaches Convention, USM head girls’ lacrosse coach Samantha Adey hosted Monmouth University head women’s lacrosse coach Denise Wescott at a USM varsity practice. USM head boys’ basketball coach Sylvester Cutler addresses his team in the huddle.
Many USM assistant coaches also expand their knowledge base and engage in professional development opportunities as well. Three-sport USM assistant coach Erin Cermak also attended the national lacrosse coaching convention, and was able to glean a great deal of information relevant to her role as the goalies’ coach. “I was able to bring back a great deal of knowledge specific to my role to help our coaching staff and our players,” Cermak said. “The fact that the School is willing to send us out to national conferences to acquire additional skills and knowledge is awesome, and helps us be as relevant as possible for our players.” In 2011, then-USM assistant boys’ basketball coach Sylvester Cutler received a grant from the USM Athletic Department to work and learn at the prestigious Five-Star Basketball Camp in Springfield, Mass. While attending the camp, Cutler also visited the University of Massachusetts campus to pick the brain of then-assistant basketball coach Vance Wahlberg. Wahlberg is credited with the development of the “dribble-drive” offense, a system used by many high school and college programs around the country. “I arrived as he was finishing up his camp for the day and introduced myself,” Cutler said. “He brought me in and we just discussed offensive sets and drills, and he answered questions for nearly two hours.”
USM Assistant Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Erin Cermak credits attending national conferences to her development as a goalies’ coach.
Cutler also identified the opportunity to attend “Coaching University” with assistant coach Drew Mullen in Indianapolis as a defining moment that helped develop his coaching philosophy and values. The camp challenged coaches to consider why they coach, and what kind of program that they want to run, questions that made a lasting impact on Cutler, who was promoted to head boys’ varsity coach prior to the 2014–2015 season. “Early in my career, I felt that basketball coaching was about understanding X’s and O’s,” Cutler said. “What I’ve learned through coaching at various levels and through professional development opportunities is that it’s about so much more. It’s about building relationships with players, communicating roles, and learning how to manage a game. There’s a whole other level to understanding the game, and that has allowed me to continue to formulate my coaching philosophy.” At USM, coaches across all disciplines and sports are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities that allow them to enhance both their abilities as interscholastic coaches and the overall experience of USM student-athletes. “As an administration, we are here to support our coaches,” Johns said. “Whether it be through conferences, clinics, online opportunities, or webinars, it’s our philosophy to work with our coaches to provide whatever they need to develop and better serve our students.” 37
From left Ashley Borges, Head of School Laura Fuller, and Gwen Armbrust.
Past Parents’ Association Presidents and Holiday Shops/Christmas and Holiday Show Chairs.
2014 A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed their valuable time, talents, energy, and patronage to Holiday Shops 2014, which kicked off with an incredible Preview Party on Wednesday, October 29. 2014 Holiday Shops Committee Leaders
Barb Aik ’81 Janice Bloch Nancy Bolton Susan Brennan Patti Brose Shaw Bridges Marina Carlson Jen Darrow Amy Diamond Julie Erickson Genna Espinosa Liz Fleming Molly Fritz Jennifer Hadcock Sara Hermanoff Shannon Hession Penny Howland Lorre Inda Tina Karnes Patricia Kauffman Jennifer Keough Niven Kingwill
Christine Kinyon Sara LeBrun-Blashka Brenda Levatich Heidi Marcelle Susanna Mortara Jock Mutschler Don Neihardt Stephanie Petersen Wendy Petzold Stacey Radke Jennifer Reese Renee Rooney Jen Schoon Kristin Sheehan Melissa Sheppard Gigi Mestier Short ’79 Debbie Van Bell Ellen Venable Julie Whitney Lisa Wright Barb Zabors Jennifer Zwief
From left Holiday Shops Executive Team members Kristin Sheehan, Susan Brennan, Debbie Van Bell, Parents’ Association President Niven Kingwill, and Jennifer Reese. Not pictured Jock Mutschler and Jennifer Zwief.
From left Holiday Shops Selection Chair Liz Fleming and Shop Selection Committee Member Shannon Hession.
38
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
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From left Parents’ Association Presidentelect Molly Fritz and Fundraising Coordinator Kristin Sheehan.
Save the dates for 2015! Join us for the 2015 Holiday Shops Preview Party on
Wednesday, October 28 and then shop from
Thursday, October 29 to Saturday, October 31. Visit www.usmk12.org/holidayshops for updates and additional information. 39
This article appeared in a 1977 publication.
a look back
USM Will Shift Operations to 137 Acre North Campus The University School of Milwaukee has announced plans to consolidate all of its facilities and activities on the 137 acre north campus at 2100 W. Fairy Chasm rd., River Hills. The decision for consolidation of the school facilities and the closing of its campus at 6401 N. Santa Monica blvd., Whitefish Bay, was made after a school long range planning committee considered the school’s economic future, the severe deterioration of the aging south campus and the excessive amount of unused space at the north campus. The move to the north campus will be phased over a long
40
USM TODAY | WINTER 2015
period of time when funds and the necessary facilities become available. School trustees hope the consolidation can be accomplished within five to seven years. According to officials, the 137 north campus acres have remained largely undeveloped while the south campus’ 29 acres have been fully developed and would eventually face severe growth problems. Athletic fields are not now regulation size and expansion would eliminate existing playing fields and parking facilities. Moreover, the impact of the two campuses’ energy needs on
the school budget in the immediate future was crucial to the decision. Officials estimate additional expenditures for fuel and electricity could cost the school $500,000 by 1982. The north campus consolidation will essentially be contained in one building, which will enhance the flexibility of altering arrangements and programs. Eventually, the new sports facilities will result in substantial improvement in the overall sport program. Financing of the move will be from the private sector and the possibility of grants and contribution from local and national
foundations. The cost of the move will be considerable but no dollar amount has been determined. Officials said portions of the north campus will need major remodeling to accommodate the entire school and there will also be need for extensive indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, a new centralized library and assembly-theater, a hockey rink and possible a swimming pool. The south campus building will eventually be sold.
a look ahead UPCOMING USM EVENTS THROUGH JUNE 01, 2015
16-29
mar
Spring Break
8
apr
Parent Ed: Helping Your Child Deal with Stress and Anxiety
16 USM Visits Milwaukee Craft Brewery Tour and Tasting
1
15
Arts Live
Senior Send-Off
2-3
Senior Lunch
Rummage at the Rink
17
may
Senior Dinner
7
Upper School Commencement
Parents of Alumni Reception at The Watermark at Shully’s
8-9
20 Donor Appreciation Reception
Middle School Musical “Bye-Bye Birdie”
28 Lower School Dance Concert
22 USM Visits Washington, D.C.
25 Prom
29 USM World Expo
SUMMER IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!
Summer I.D.E.A.S. at University School of Milwaukee
Full-day and half-day camps and enrichment programs
Age 3 - Grade 12 | June - August
2100 West Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Opening day 1985, also the first opening of the Upper School at the Fairy Chasm Road campus.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 1025