USM Today Fall 2015 by University School of Milwaukee

FALL 2015

EXPLORING

USM’s Internship and Shadowing Program HOMECOMING 2 015

ENGAGEMENT IS KEY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA

STUDENTS PARTNER WITH MILWAUKEE’S AMANI NEIGHBORHOOD

FACULTY MEMBERS THINK BIG

It was a whirlwind two days of innovative learning, sharing, and networking at

Summer Spark 2015. University School of Milwaukee extends a huge thank-you to the more than 200 participants from more than 80 schools across the country (and a few from other countries!) who joined us for this inaugural two-day innovation symposium.

Save the Dates for 2016! June 13 and 14 Join us for Summer Spark 2016, featuring keynote speaker George Couros, the Division Principal for Parkland School Division and an innovative teaching, learning, and leadership consultant. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss it! Visit www.usmk12.org/summerspark for additional updates and information.

in this issue 06 Homecoming 2015 02 Head of School Message 04 Events Around Campus

08 Exploring the Internship and Shadowing Program

16 USM Faculty Members Think Big 19 A Greater USM 22 Alumni Profiles 28 In Memoriam

29 Class Notes

Engagement Is Key in Middle School Drama

34 Students Partner with Milwaukee’s Amani Neighborhood

38 Inside the Tessa Nowakowski ’10 Memorial Field Hockey Game 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. EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Tim Eilbes Director of Marketing and Communications MANAGING EDITOR

32 New Campus Hive Allows Students to “Bee Educated” 36 Filmmaking Talents Thrive in Upper School 40 A Look Back

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

03 Introducing the 2015-2016 Board of Trustees 24 Reunion Weekend 2015 31 Parents’ Association

2015-2016 LEADERSHIP HEAD OF SCHOOL

Laura J. Fuller ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

Gregg Bach HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Stuart Cushman HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pamela Nosbusch

Ryan Cardarella Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael Tauscher

McDill Design

Richard J. Seesel

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

James Schnepf

James G. O’Reilly ’78

Visual Image Photography

PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Molly Kubly Fritz ’80

Correction: In the Spring 2015 issue of USM Today, Jordan Puetz ’20 was incorrectly omitted from the list of qualifiers for the State Solo & Ensemble Festival, which took place on April 25. We apologize for the error.

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.

Cover: Left Arvind Goday ’16 and Lexie Van Den Heuvel ’16 examine Internship and Shadowing Program offerings in Mellowes Hall.

HEAD OF SCHOOL LAURA FULLER One of the truly great things about my role is that I get to have and be part of so many conversations with both current parents and parents of our alumni about just how impactful a USM education has been for their children. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing about the many successes of our students and graduates. It is also gratifying that so many of these success stories involve students whose families made the decision to enroll their children here as early as 1st grade or even our Preprimary Program grades. These “lifers” carry with them the full experience of their USM education in everything they do in life. While we know the value and importance of adding outstanding, well-rounded students in each division every year, I believe there is definitely an advantage to “getting in on the ground floor” and experiencing our full curriculum as it builds upon itself, grade after grade, year after year. The students whom we add to each class every year have more than earned their place at USM, and they bring their own unique backgrounds, learning, and experiences with them and add greatly to our community. They are also quickly welcomed to the School community, forming new friendships in the classrooms, on the playing fields, and outside of school. However, there is something very special about the overall experience had by a student who has spent 12-15 years on this campus, in our classrooms, and with our faculty. One of the things we have been talking about in recent months is how to also educate the greater Milwaukee community about our entire continuum of education, and the value of starting a USM education as early as possible.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Especially as the waiting lists for our Upper School grades–and now, even our Middle School grades– continue to grow, it is even more imperative that we share all of the exciting and transformative opportunities that our youngest students experience with the wider community. As we enter the third year of our Strategic Plan, even more of our lofty plans are becoming real in all three of our divisions. These developments continue to add value to the full USM educational experience, and I invite you to read about our continued progress in the Strategic Plan update document included with this issue. Finally, I am excited to be able to recognize and thank those who have supported the School financially this past school year in our 2014 -2015 Annual Advancement Report insert included in this issue. We are a fortunate community indeed to have the support required to continually invest in our students and their futures. As we have continued moving our Strategic Plan and other educational priorities forward, we have also been discussing the funding needs for implementation and sustainability. You will be hearing more about our plans in the months and years ahead as we look to enhance critical areas of School life and continue to “think big” across our curriculum, and in the greater Milwaukee community and beyond. This work will yield significant academic returns and long-lasting value to the School and our students, while extending the spirit of community that is our common bond and is so central to our mission. I am excited to begin sharing more about those plans as we continue to move them forward.

2015-2016 Board of Trustees Board of Trustees Front from left Sangeeta Khanna, Karen Huffman, Sarah Zimmerman ’92, Stephen F. Geimer ’78, Board of Trustees President Richard J. Seesel, Head of School Laura J. Fuller, Andrew A. Petzold, Catherine Robinson, Melanie Booth, and Karin Werner. Back from left Michael C. Williams ’70, Stephen Guy, Erskine Tucker Jr. ’79, Edie Turnbull, Parents’ Association President Molly Fritz ’80, Gregory Smith, Michael Grebe ’85, Jon Hopkins, and Frederick P. Stratton III ’92. Not pictured Deanna Doerr, R. David Fritz ’81, Dr. Patricia Hoben, Tamora Martin, Charles Mellowes ’87, Linda Mutschler, and Marina Rosenberg.

USM Welcomes New Trustees

Melanie Booth

Catherine Robinson

Michael C. Williams ’70

OCCUPATION

Former Regional Director of Public Relations for Hyatt Hotels and Director of Public Relations for the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Retired attorney, member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Executive Committee

Chief Deputy, United States District Court—Eastern District of Wisconsin

BOARD COMMITTEES

Advancement and Community Relations; Finance

Athletics; Facilities; Auxiliary Revenue

BOARD COMMITTEES

Athletics; Facilities; Auxiliary Revenue

events around campus

OPENING DAY 2015 In August, the School joined together outside in the main circle to formally commence the 2015-2016 school year. Seniors entered the circle hand-in-hand with their senior kindergarten friends; class prefects delivered speeches on the meaning of this year’s Common Trust tenet of trust; and Head of Middle School Pamela Nosbusch rang the ceremonial first bell of the year. Moments later, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the foot of the 8th-grade stairs to indicate the start of their school year.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

HOMECOMING MILK AND COOKIES BREAK Preprimary program students enjoyed a brief milk and cookies break with their Upper School friends on “Pajama Day” during Homecoming Week in September. On this special all-School dress day, Upper School students visited Preprimary classrooms with milk and cookies while the younger students picked out a book for their older counterparts to read during the morning gathering.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION BACK-TO-SCHOOL COFFEE Following the Opening Day Ceremony, the USM Parents’ Association welcomed families to campus with their annual Back-to-School Coffee. The coffee provides parents the opportunity to connect with one another and learn more about volunteer opportunities with the School.

JUNIOR WILDCAT JAMBOREE USM community members joined together in September for the third annual Junior Wildcat Jamboree, a spirited morning of athletics and family fun for Middle School students and families. All fall Junior ’Cats athletic teams (with the exception of 5th-grade football) were in action around campus, while attendees enjoyed a variety of Willie’s Corner concession items and a dunk tank featuring several brave USM faculty members.

25-26 2015

SEPTEMBER

Members of the University School of Milwaukee community visited campus for a series of festive events in celebration of Homecoming 2015 on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26. The week leading up to Homecoming weekend included the traditional senior pep rally on September 18, an all-School outdoor picnic lunch on Monday; a milk and cookies break for Upper School and Preprimary students on Tuesday; and Homecoming spirit dress days on each day leading up to the weekend. The Homecoming All-School Pep Rally on Friday kicked off the weekend festivities.

Lower School students showcase their excitement at the Homecoming All-School Pep Rally. 6

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

The event featured Homecoming cheers from each class, a terrific performance by the Upper School Pep Band, a tricycle race featuring several USM administrators, a traditional Hawaiian dance performance by Brook Uihlein ’18, and a return appearance by FOX6 sports director Tom Pipines. The rally was capped off by a dance competition that pitted USM’s Willie the Wildcat against his mascot friends Bernie Brewer, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Barrel Man, Roscoe from the Milwaukee Admirals, and Gill from the Lakeshore Chinooks. Powered by a supportive “home” crowd, Willie was able to out-“Nae Nae” his competition and was named Homecoming mascot dance champion for the second consecutive year! Evening events included a Homecoming BBQ, held outside behind the Don Forti Stadium bleachers, where several hundred Wildcat fans gathered for food and fun prior to the Homecoming football game. The Wildcats rewarded the raucous home crowd, defeating Kenosha Christian Life 16-6. The festivities continued on Saturday morning with the Blue and Gold 3K Fun Run/Walk. Entrants of all ages took part in the run through USM’s scenic cross country trail, while other participants opted for the walk around the Tom “Butch” Richardson Track. Meanwhile, younger Wildcats enjoyed a series of carnival games, including several bounce houses, outside near the Upper School athletic fields at Willie’s Fall Fun Fest. Wildcat varsity athletes helped send Homecoming fans home happy on Saturday morning, as field hockey routed Living Word Lutheran 8-0 in the Tessa Nowakowski ’10 Memorial Field Hockey Game (see page 38 for additional coverage), and boys’ soccer defeated St. Anthony 4-1. Festivities concluded later that evening with the Upper School Homecoming Dance.

USM administrators faced off in a spirited tricycle race during the Homecoming All-School Pep Rally.

Some younger Wildcats enjoyed an inflatable slide at Willie’s Fall Fun Fest.

In an increasingly competitive college admissions application process and job market, internship experience is a key differentiator. While most students focus their career pursuits and apply for internships during college, University School of Milwaukee Upper School students are getting a valuable head start on their careers through the opportunities provided by USMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Internship and Shadowing Program.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Since its inception in 2009, USM’s Internship and Shadowing Program has provided summer opportunities for current juniors and seniors, connecting students with seasoned professionals and providing them with hands-on opportunities to gain valuable insights and explore possible career interests. The program is currently one of the only in the country that offers such opportunities to high school-aged students. “After USM parent Bill Ardern created the program, he asked me to join him and help grow and improve it. We then took a close look at the few existing programs in the U.S. and tried to extract the best aspects of those programs,” said Julie Buchanan, USM parent, former chair of the Internship and Shadowing Program Committee, and current Committee member. “From the start, we wanted the program to provide real-world experience for students. The other big component of this involved assembling a group of really talented and dedicated parent volunteers. Without them, the program never would have progressed the way that it has.” Powered by a Committee that includes parents from all three divisions and current and retired USM faculty members with a broad range of previous experience, the Program offers experiential learning opportunities for nearly every interest. Internship experiences range from two to 12 weeks and cover a variety of areas including human resources, finance, business, accounting, engineering, marketing, corporate and criminal law, information technology, and many more. Opportunities are posted in the Upper School and on myUSM in mid-February and applications are submitted throughout the spring.

In 2015, the Program placed USM students in a total of 88 (up from 65 in 2014) internship or job-shadowing experiences—including several opportunities at Fortune 500 organizations—that provide Upper School students with a unique opportunity to bolster their résumés before attending college. The Program has also been valuable for students as they prepare to apply for colleges and universities and settle on a major. “Participation in the Program has allowed students to approach the college selection process and potential choice of major with much greater clarity and confidence,” said Susan Bell Zarwell ’87, USM’s director of college guidance. “Their applications’ supplementary essays and activity sections are richer and more informative to admissions officers as a result.” Following each internship experience, students and participating organizations complete surveys that help the Committee make decisions that will enhance the Program. The Committee attributes the growth within the Program to this formalized feedback process that ensures continual improvement and informs the direction of the Program. “The feedback we receive has been really pivotal with both employers and students in terms of how we shape what we are doing and where we see gaps that can be filled,” said Mimi Singer, USM parent and chair of the Internship and Shadowing Program Committee.

Shadowing Opportunities

Help Shed Light on Career Paths

While most shadowing experiences last only a day, their impact can be career-altering. Medical and non-medical job shadowing experiences give students the opportunity to spend a day observing practitioners in clinical or research environments in their areas of interest. In 2015, 22 students participated in medical shadowing opportunities with 20 different specialties. These opportunities provide students with a first-hand view of a specific career field and a forum to ask questions of skilled workplace professionals while still in Upper School. “Students want to know about the day-to-day of a particular career, and also what my decision-making process is,” said Dr. Greg Watchmaker, an orthopedic surgeon at the Milwaukee Hand Center in Mequon, Wis. who had two USM students shadow in 2015. “Students that shadow get a more in-depth look into my practice than almost anyone else.” Other students engaged in non-medical shadows and gained valuable experience. Lexie Van Den Heuvel ’16 shadowed with Rachel Kruse, founder and CEO of Organicville, a producer of organic foods, beverages, and condiments. During her shadow, Van Den Heuvel, who operates her own non-profit, learned a great deal about how to build and grow a brand. “She owns a growing business and I’m trying to grow mine, so it was really great to be able to exchange ideas and have her as a contact.” Van Den Heuvel said.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

In recent years, internship and shadowing opportunities have become more student-centric, as relationships grow between the School and participating organizations. Singer noted that companies want students who are interested in them, and many have tailored their internship experiences to allow students to explore multiple areas of interest.

Developing Necessary Workforce Skills Before students choose to apply for their selected internship or shadowing opportunity, participation in a workforce training program is mandatory. During this session, students build their résumés, learn how to answer typical interview questions, and better understand how to talk about themselves in a professional environment. These important skills challenge students to dig deep into their academic and extracurricular experiences, particularly during the interview session, during which a series of open-ended questions that mimic a traditional job interview are asked. For most students, this training session represents their first exposure to many job-related processes and provides invaluable teachable moments that prepare them not only for their pending internship experiences, but also future job opportunities and the college application process. Students are also asked to think of themselves as a brand that future employers will continually evaluate. “We talk about the fact that everything that is out there on the Internet, on social media, is a reflection of who you are to a potential employer,” said Julie Gilpin, a USM parent, Internship and Shadowing Program Committee member, and human resources professional with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. “The training gives students exposure to a workplace environment, and gives them a frame of reference for the interview process. I think that a big advantage for them is the comfort level they gain having gone through this process, often ahead of their college interviews.” In addition to leaving the training session with a professional résumé in hand, students learn about a wide range of topics including proper social media conduct, acceptable business attire, and tips for how to settle into their work environments. Other training objectives include the creation of résumés and cover letters that highlight students’ accomplishments, establishing positive interviewing behaviors and effective ways for students to differentiate themselves, and proper office etiquette. With some tweaks throughout the years, the training has proved to be an effective way to help students acclimate to their internship experiences.

“The session helped me with assessing interviewers and the types of questions that they would be asking me, and helped me write my résumé in a way that wasn’t boring, too lengthy, or with facts that were not necessary,” Ayren McGahee ’16 said. “It also helped me become more professional and confident. I realized that a lot of the things I’ve done in school are important for a résumé and for what future employers will think of me.”

Students Gain Valuable Real-World Work Experience Jacob Van Den Heuvel ’15 and Arvind Goday ’16 were drawn to the intimacy of an internship opportunity with Airsan, a worldwide supplier of air filters in Milwaukee. The students’ collective charge was to prepare a value proposition for Airsan and present about what makes the company special, and how the company could differentiate itself from its competitors to key stakeholders within the organization. Their research project involved becoming immersed in each level of the company, from initial customer service through delivery of the product. At the end of the internship experience, Van Den Heuvel even had the opportunity to work alongside engineers in the shop, putting the air filters together during a hands-on session. “It was important for us that we were able to do something of value for the company,” Goday said. “Because Airsan is a smaller business, I was able to do more and gain experience in every aspect of the business.” In addition to his internship with Airsan, Van Den Heuvel also had the opportunity to pursue an internship in finance with Balyasny Asset Management (BAM), an investment firm in Chicago. While Van Den Heuvel relished the opportunity to learn valuable skills in his role with BAM, he found the connections forged through the internship to be of most value.

“What you do at the internship certainly matters, but get your work done, do it correctly, and then use the rest of your time to talk to the people in the company,” Van Den Heuvel said. “You have to put yourself out there. Learning the skills is important, but building relationships with people is the most important thing you can do with your time at an internship.” Van Den Heuvel established several contacts during his time at BAM, and received several leads on future internship opportunities for next summer through his experience with the investment firm. He is currently attending Babson College in Babson Park, Mass., and plans to explore additional opportunities in the financial sector following his freshman year. Hayden Heun ’15 and Ayren McGahee ’16 pursued internship opportunities with Harley-Davidson Motor Company and were intrigued by the chance to work for the iconic Milwaukee organization. “I wanted to see how a big company functioned and also get a taste for business,” Heun said. Heun’s primary responsibilities included running human resources reports and working on a large project that aimed to increase the efficiency of those reports. While Heun still has interest in a variety of areas including physics and business, he believes that the skills he developed during his internship experience will serve him well in future endeavors.

Hayden Heun ’15 conducts some market research during his Harley-Davidson internship.

“Getting to work for such a great organization, I was able to make connections and also learn very valuable skills that I can take with me to college and to future jobs,” Heun said. McGahee was attracted to her role by the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. In addition to completing human resources tasks, McGahee also wrote and edited web pages, helped organize several events, and felt her confidence grow throughout her experience as she contributed more to group discussions and meetings. “I’m a fairly introverted person, and this experience helped me become more extroverted in terms of sharing my ideas and demonstrating value to my boss,” McGahee said. “Being in a professional environment and becoming comfortable with sharing my ideas was very important to me.” McGahee also credited her academic experience at USM for providing some of the foundational skills that helped prepare her for her internship with Harley-Davidson.

Program Also Fruitful for Participating Employers While the Internship and Shadowing Program has been immensely rewarding for students, the organizational partnerships have been fruitful for employers as well. As previously mentioned, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has offered several internship opportunities to USM students in recent years, often bringing interns back for subsequent opportunities. Harley has also adjusted its internship experiences to better cater to student interests, while still finding value in the work performed for their organization. “The mix we are striving for gives students enough of a focus in a single area so that they can recognize the impact they have on a specific department, but still ensures that we are connecting them with other areas of interest for that exposure within our organization,” said Shanna Beanan, IGNITE program manager at Harley-Davidson. Harley-Davidson’s IGNITE Program

develops talent through internships, co-ops, and full-time rotational development programs. Another meaningful, long-term relationship was established with ManpowerGroup in 2012, and the organization currently offers three internship opportunities—in the areas of human resources, global marketing, and global communications—to USM students through the Program. Citing a vested interest in identifying, recruiting, and retaining top talent in the area, the partnership with USM has been a success for the organization, as well as for the students that intern for ManpowerGroup. The identified goals for ManpowerGroup interns include fostering personal development, helping them to bolster their employability and prepare them for the steps ahead in their respective careers, the obvious desire to get work done, and the potential of grooming interns for possible employment by the organization. “We are a people-focused organization. Because of the nature of our business, which is ultimately about connecting people with honorable work, we feel very passionate about youth employment issues and connecting people with the skills they need in the workforce,” said Mark Jelfs, former senior global strategic communications professional with ManpowerGroup. “But we also know that getting that initial foot in the door can be difficult.” Once USM students have been able to get that foot in the door, Jelfs and his colleagues have been impressed with their work. Charlie Burton ’15, Zoe Costomiris ’15, and Elana Fishbaine ’15 excelled in the areas of global marketing, global communications, and human resources for ManpowerGroup this past summer. “The relationship has evolved really well, and has been more successful than I had imagined,” Jelfs said. “We feel that these students will be three steps ahead in their next role.” From left, Zoe Costomiris ’15, USM parent and ManpowerGroup Chief Executive Officer Jonas Prising, Elana Fishbaine ’15 and Charlie Burton ’15.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

In addition to gaining valuable skills and experience in a professional environment, internships also help students make key career decisions and help them determine what their next roles should—or should not—be. “My advice would be to apply for internships in multiple fields. The skills you learn will be valuable, even if they aren’t for the field you end up studying in,” Heun said. “You may also find you like something that you may never have considered as a career path before.”

Building Momentum for the Future As the program continues to grow and incorporate additional organizations in more varied fields, Singer can feel the momentum growing. “The program is building energy across all divisions. I think that even parents of our Preprimary students recognize the benefits of this, because they know that some day their kids will be in Upper School and be able to take advantage of the breadth of experience and opportunities that the employers provide,” Singer said. “People want to be a part of an effort that makes a difference and invest in it. It’s been a rewarding Program to be involved with.” Singer also remarked that the Program will continue to use student feedback to inform the kinds of opportunities they offer, and the Committee will use that data to find additional organizations that are willing to tailor opportunities to students. “It was definitely a worthwhile experience for me,” Goday said. “The ability to work and conduct research on our own was really valuable, and my internship gave me the opportunity to see how one facet of business really works.”

How to Get Involved The success and growth of the Internship and Shadowing Program relies on the involvement of talented and dedicated members of the USM community. If you are interested in sponsoring an internship or shadowing opportunity or learning more about the program, please contact a member of the Internship and Shadowing Program Committee. NON-MEDICAL:

Bill Ardern bardern@wi.rr.com Randy Perry rperry@ccreekpartners.com Deb Pokel debpokel@gmail.com MEDICAL:

Christina Plzak cplzak@gmail.com

Upper School students conduct interviews during an Internship and Shadowing Program training session.

Engagement is key for Middle School Drama Teacher Mark Edwards, and nothing has ever been quite as engaging for the educator than the theatre.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

According to Mark Edwards, University School of Milwaukee’s new Middle School Drama Teacher, just about everything has an element of drama to it. “Lessons have always turned into something theatrical for me, because it’s sort of a natural extension of who I am,” Edwards said. For Edwards, his experience in theatre began in college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he started writing varieties and performed at several local community spaces. “I always wanted to try it out and just fell in love with it,” Edwards said. “I learned a great deal from my instructors and people from local theatre spaces.” After completing his bachelor’s degree at Wisconsin, Edwards moved to San Francisco, where he started his own theatre company, put on shows, and promoted artists and live music. “I was able to use that experience as a vehicle to write a lot of original stuff,” said Edwards, who has written more than 30 original plays and musicals over the past 17 years. Edwards transitioned to his role in education following a stint with the Peace Corps in Suriname during which he taught middle school-aged students and put on several plays in their native language. Upon his return to the U.S. eight years ago, he embarked on an educational career by starting and running the theatre program in the St. Francis School District, before making the move to University School of Milwaukee. Much of Edwards’ work at the beginning of the school year is to help students step out of their shells and to learn more about themselves. The theme of the school year in Edwards’ classes is for students to take risks and for each student to embrace his or her individuality, with the understanding that every voice is going to be different and unique.

In addition to helping students find their voices and develop confidence in their abilities, Edwards hopes to accentuate the many positives he sees as he “inherits a really strong program.” He plans to have his students write, produce, and direct a show on their own by the end of the school year, and will also encourage students to get involved in the aspects of design, lighting and staging, and marketing shows.

“One of the things I try to impart on my students is to let their personalities out and help them find their confidence in whatever they may be doing, whether it be public speaking, collaborating, or working in small groups.” Edwards also wrote the curriculum for a new Middle School debate elective over the summer that he is teaching this year. The course emphasizes the art of argument and rhetoric, and covers a number of social justice topics that coincide with curriculum in other Middle School classes. Debate competitions are planned for participating 7thand 8th-grade students for later in the school year, and Edwards hopes that the program becomes a positive segue for a debate program at USM. “I’m excited about it. I love the idea of it and the class is going really well so far,” Edwards said.

“A lot of theatre is about finding your voice and letting that out,” Edwards said. “One of the things I try to impart on my students is to let their personalities out and help them find their confidence in whatever they may be doing, whether it be public speaking, collaborating, or working in small groups. Theatre fits into each of those realms.”

Middle School Science Teacher Nicola De Torre and Middle School Technology Coordinator Tom Mussoline are hard at work at the Constructing Modern Knowledge Conference.

Faculty Members “Think Big” in Pursuit of Professional Development University School of Milwaukee takes pride in its long-standing academic reputation and the rigorous curriculum that it offers students. Thanks to the generosity of a USM family during the Next Generation Campaign, the Think Big Fund was established as a named fund in USM’s Endowment as a way to provide substantial professional development opportunities for faculty members on an annual basis, distinguishing the School from its peers. This past summer, the Think Big Fund supported an assortment of opportunities, including the following experiences that have allowed participating faculty members to bring valuable ideas, skills, and perspectives back to the students in their classrooms.

Constructing Modern Knowledge Conference USM faculty members from each division attended the Constructing Modern Knowledge Conference in Manchester, N.H. in July. The conference was described as “a minds-on institute for educators committed to creativity, collaboration, and computing,” and was hosted by Gary Stager, Ph.D., the author of “Invent to Learn,” one of USM’s summer development reading options. Participants engaged with peers, guest speakers, and a world-class faculty on computer-rich project development that focused on hands -on learning. Each day’s program consists of a discussion of powerful ideas, on-demand mini tutorials, immersive learning adventures designed to challenge one’s thinking, substantial time for project work, and a reflection period.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

“The conference experience, no matter what project a group tackled, fostered the core skills anyone needs to develop a successful project,” said Elaine Griffin, assistant head of Upper School. “We collaborated on our project idea and design; communicated through the obstacles we encountered to collectively trouble shoot problems; and used critical thinking throughout the process to learn how to integrate technology that was new to us.” The conference was attended by Gina Bongiorno, Patti Ptak, Bonnie Seidel, and JoAnne Williamson in the Lower School; Nicola De Torre, Brad Dunning, and Tom Mussoline of the Middle School; and Penny Greene, Elaine Griffin, Drew Mullen, and Nikki Lucyk of the Upper School.

Upper School History Teacher Rishi Raghunathan works with colleagues at the Leadership Lab at Fountain Valley School.

Greg Duncan Visits USM

Leadership Lab at Fountain Valley School This week-long Leadership Lab in Colorado Springs, Colo. was presented by the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to researching, developing, and disseminating a pedagogy of leadership drawn from research based methods, brain science, psychology, teaching, and learning. The lab was attended by Upper School History Teacher Rishi Raghunathan, Upper School English Teacher Emily Ihrke, Middle School English Teacher Brad Dunning, and Lower School Physical Education Teacher Jane Keily, who joined 55 other educators from independent schools from across the country. Each day featured intensive study of the topic of teaching leadership, as attendees heard from leaders in the field and practiced their new skills in lab groups. Continuing their lab work at USM, the group has committed to promoting a culture of leadership at the school through a series of Leadership Forums, where attendees share their major takeaways from the Leadership Lab and lead discussions on how to embed a culture of leadership at USM among students, faculty, and staff. The Lab also helped reinforce USM’s definition of leadership and affirmed the School’s direction in fostering and developing leadership across all divisions.

USM welcomed world-renowned world languages expert Greg Duncan to campus in May 2015 to review the results of STAMP, an external oral proficiency test administered to students in grades 7-12 in April, and to offer a two-day workshop on proficiency-based assessments, one of the School’s 2015 C.A.R.P. goals. USM’s World Languages Department has identified training and developing all department members in proficiencybased teaching and assessment as important next steps in establishing the School as a place where every student is provided with the opportunity to achieve an advanced level of skill in a second language. “One important takeaway from our work with Greg Duncan was that plotting out a K-12 curriculum, though not an easy task, is worth the effort,” said Upper School Spanish Teacher Jean Plum. “Colleagues learn a lot about each other and about the essential nature of their craft. It may take time to complete the work begun during our workshop with Greg, but there is no greater reward than having a cohesive and intentional curriculum that will help develop students who are proficient in the target language.” Duncan is the founder and president of InterPrep, a company that provides assistance to schools and other educational entities in matters related to foreign languages and international education. He was also a longtime high school Spanish teacher, and served as the department head of the largest public school foreign language program in the state of Georgia.

“The Institute really validated our definition of leadership— being student-first, allowing students to take risks and learn from them, giving them multiple opportunities to fail and develop—and backed it up with scientific research,” Raghunathan said. “We feel very lucky to be where we are in terms of leadership development and to have the support of the School through the Think Big grant. The Lab gave us the confidence to push forward, and really empowered us.” The group is also excited to welcome several colleagues from the Leadership Lab to campus during the upcoming school year as relationships with other independent schools continue to grow. Students in Upper School Spanish Teacher Holly Morse’s class deliver a presentation with new World Languages Department proficiency levels in the background.

Do your charitable goals include supporting the future of University School of Milwaukee? USM provides an exceptional education. Graduates are well-prepared to be leaders at top colleges and universities, in their chosen professional fields, and in their communities. Each student adds to a tradition of excellence—begun at Milwaukee Country Day School, Milwaukee Downer Seminary, and Milwaukee University School—and enduring now for more than 50 years at USM.

Another enduring tradition of excellence at USM is charitable support. Many types of gifts will benefit USM students for generations to come. Consider exploring: A gift that costs you nothing now. Name USM as a beneficiary in your will, or as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or a retirement account.

A gift that provides income to you or other family members and benefits USM later. Establish a charitable gift annuity or set up a charitable remainder trust.

A gift that protects assets by providing support for USM now, then directs those assets to family members later. Set up a charitable lead trust.

To learn more about these and other charitable planned giving opportunities, please contact Steve Farwig ’75, director of major and planned gifts, at 414.540.3333 or sfarwig@usmk12.org.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

A Greater USM This year, USM’s annual giving program has a new name—the USM Fund. The USM Fund is one of our School’s most important fundraising vehicles, providing approximately five percent of USM’s annual operating budget. The funds received enhance nearly every area of the School, including students, faculty and staff, program support, facilities and maintenance, and financial aid. The USM Fund allows us to go the extra mile by supporting initiatives like leadership development, experiential learning, the latest and best in faculty development, and Strategic Plan initiatives.

2015-2016 USM Fund Cabinet Members of the USM Fund Cabinet are ambassadors of the annual giving effort. These volunteer leaders work together to solicit support for the School from parents, grandparents, faculty and staff, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends. Together, they help us create a greater USM! Co-Chairs Tami Martin Margy Stratton Norman ’84

USM Fund Co-Chairs

Grandparent Division Co-Chairs Carol and Bob Puetz Alumni Division Chair Burt Bartlett ’74

Tami Martin

Margy Stratton Norman ’84

“Dollars raised through the USM Fund are a critical part of the USM budget. Every area of our School would receive less funding if the USM Fund didn’t exist, including our students, our classrooms, our teachers, our athletic programs…the list goes on. And if we didn’t have the USM Fund, tuition rates would have to be higher to cover these expenses. No gift to the USM Fund is too small, and what’s important is that our community comes together to support our School. The community, with the involvement of the parents, and the outstanding opportunities are what makes this place great. That’s what makes a greater USM.”

“The many fond memories I have of my years at USM are why my husband Greg and I send our children to USM. I cannot imagine them learning anywhere else at this wonderful time in their lives! The USM Fund supports the very types of experiences that inspired me and that foster lifelong intellectual curiosity. By serving in this role, I hope to help ensure that the students at USM come away from this great place with a deep love of learning and fond memories of their own.”

Parent of Alumni Co-Chairs Pamela Shovers Michael C. Williams ’70 Faculty and Staff Division Lower School Patti Ptak Middle School Mike Schwieters Upper School Rebecca Schwartz Administrative Staff Julie Piwowarczyk

Margy and her husband Greg Norman are the parents of Ellie ’19, Mimi ’21, and Annie ’25.

Tami and her husband Bruce are the parents of Bethany ’26 and Blakely ’20. She has also been a member of the USM Board of Trustees for two years.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

The USM Fund— it’s really quite simple.

USM’s annual giving program is now called the USM Fund. What is the USM Fund? We asked one of the most curious minds on our campus to help us figure it out. Quite simply, it’s a fund consisting of annual gifts from parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and other friends of the School that support every area of USM life. Field trips, theater, sports, facilities, custodial, School nurses, music, art, teachers, science, technology, and so much more are enhanced annually by your gifts. It may have a new name this year, but the USM Fund still supports all the things we love about our School. It’s not complicated. Your gift, simply put, equals a greater USM.

Make your gift today! www.usmk12.org/usmfund

Artwork by Bob Geniusz, Lower School art teacher Quinn Hammerlund ’23 21

Career Comes Full Circle for Screenwriting Veteran Richard Chapman ’68 As a veteran screenwriter and producer with credits that include “My Fellow Americans,” “Live From Baghdad,” and “Thank You For Smoking,” and screenplays written for Hollywood luminaries such as Mel Gibson and Sandra Bullock, Richard Chapman ’68 now finds pleasure working with a different group of people—his students. In the midst of a career that has seen Chapman write, create, and produce more than two hundred hours of network series, more that 20 motion picture screenplays, and a full-length documentary, Chapman has shifted his focus to teaching. He briefly taught a screenwriting course at Northwestern University before accepting a teaching role at Washington University in St. Louis, where he has taught screenwriting and advanced screenwriting for the past 15 years. He also occasionally teaches a course in episodic television writing at the college. “The rewarding part for me is that I’m able to pass on some of my wisdom to the next generation of creative people coming up—all of my experiences creatively as well as professionally,” Chapman said. “I have a lot of fun doing this.” Part of the fun for Chapman is keeping up with his students, something that helps keep his writing sharp. “I think that I get as much out of working with my students as I give,” Chapman said. “It keeps me current, because if you are out of touch with the different generations, especially as a writer, you are not going to have authentic dialogue.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Chapman continues to work on two upcoming projects, including a Broadway adaptation of the popular 1960s television show “Green Acres,” and “Tenn,” a film on the life and death of

Chief Advancement Officer Patrick Tevlin with Chapman.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Richard Chapman ’68 (middle) with Fred Astaire (right) on the set of “The Amazing Dobermans” in 1976.

American playwright Tennessee Williams. The film is told through the eyes of Williams’ brother Dakin, who still suspects foul play in Tennessee’s death in 1983. “Out of anything in my career that I’ve written, this screenplay is what I’m most proud of,” Chapman said of his script for Tenn. Looking back on his career, Chapman is thankful for the many mentors he had as a young writer at Paramount and Universal Studios, where he learned the ropes as he contributed to several television shows. He also reflected fondly on many Milwaukee Country Day School (MCD) and University School of Milwaukee faculty members that he credits for much of his creative development and the ability to execute his ideas. Chapman acknowledged former English Teacher Peter Straub MCD’61 for opening him up to creative writing and appreciating the written word, former History Teacher John “J.S.” Stephens for his interest in history and critical thinking ability, and former Latin Teacher Elizabeth Brozovich for helping him learn the language that is the basis of all wordplay. “We received a college education from top -flight university- level educators before we went to college,” Chapman said. “Those were charmed years, and I’m able to call back on that as a reservoir for characters and stories.”

Family Legacy of Teaching Continues for Allison Stephens ’81

It wasn’t always so clear to Allison Stephens ’81 that she would one day follow in the teaching footsteps of her family, but after brief dalliances in retail management and development, she found the same calling that her mother, father, and two of her siblings had—as educators. Stephens, the eldest of four siblings, joined the teaching ranks along with brother John ’83, who currently serves as the Head of Middle School at Fort Worth (Texas) Country Day School; and Stephanie Stephens Sutton ’87, who teaches in the History Department at Latin School of Chicago. She warmly attributes her interests to her parents, and points to the strong academic focus of her childhood at USM as paramount to her career. “It all comes together through my dad,” Stephens said of her father, longtime University School of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Country Day School faculty member John “J.S.” Stephens. “But both of my parents were very influential in my academic orientation and development. Reflecting on it as an adult, I realize now how much of an academic focus we had as a family, and how important it was to be smart.” Now in her 27th year of teaching history and English at Mercersburg Academy (Penn.), Stephens’ academic focus began to shift in 2004, when she spent the school year teaching English literature in Rennes, France as part of School Year Abroad, a program that has hosted several USM students. In 2007, she traveled to Oman and Israel with a group of Mercersburg students. That experience compelled Stephens to develop a Middle Eastern history course that

helps provide Mercersburg students with the background and foundation necessary to understand the issues of the region. It also paved the way for Stephens’ most comprehensive teaching abroad experience in 2014, when she traveled to Afghanistan to help with the establishment of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), an all-girls boarding school in Kabul. Inspired by SOLA’s academic mission “to help Afghan women that demonstrate exceptional intellectual and leadership qualities gain access to education at the most competitive schools available to any woman, anywhere,” as well as by a lecture by the school’s founder which she attended, Stephens was immediately compelled to get involved. “I was ready to undertake something that was challenging and pushed me out of my comfort zone, and the experience allowed me to bring something meaningful back to my students at Mercersburg,” Stephens said. Teaching at the Afghan school presented a unique challenge for Stephens and her team, as they were charged with developing a collaborative program of teacher training that focused on student-centered education—a philosophy that differed greatly from traditional Afghan academic pedagogy. “The experience was amazing, and terrifying,” Stephens said. “We had to make it work across the culture and across language barriers. Communication was hard, but also incredibly rewarding when we felt we were accomplishing things.” Due to security concerns, SOLA was forced to temporarily close last year, but current plans are for the school to reopen in the near future. Stephens is still in contact with educators and administrators from SOLA, and she hopes to eventually return to the school after it reopens. As Stephens continues to grow and evolve as an educator, she still reflects fondly on her USM experiences as part of what brought her back to the classroom. “The faculty at USM were my family and my community,” Stephens said. “Because of the influence and the care of the people I grew up with, their commitment to their work, and the enthusiasm they brought to their classrooms; I think that is what helped me decide to return to a school community.”

Kip Jacobs ’74 led a group of alumni into Ka with Preprimar ren’s Garden, y students wh where they inte o were explor racted ing this fall’s cr op.

Melissa Lamot e and Andy Go rdon ’98 exam 3D printer in Up ine the per School’s Ho use of Techno logy.

Reunion Weekend September 25-26, 2015 University School of Milwaukee alumni returned to campus for Reunion Weekend in September—reconnecting and reminiscing with old friends and joining together with members of the USM community in celebration of Homecoming. Alumni and staff catch up in the halls with Assistant Head of School Gregg Bach.

Former faculty member Stev e Bruemmer of his famous treated alum political carto ni to one on presentatio ns during lunc h on Friday.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Stephanie Ghoston ’05 finds her name among other lifers on the USM Tower wall.

Friday Events Alumni were welcomed back to campus on Friday, September 25 to experience a day in the life of a current student. Campus tours were led by students and current faculty and staff members, and included a trip to the top of the School’s iconic tower, where alumni enjoyed a beautiful view of campus. Following the tours, alumni enjoyed an engaging political cartoon presentation by former faculty member Steve Bruemmer during lunch before heading out to Ken Laird Field for the afternoon All-School Homecoming Pep Rally. During the evening, reunion classes joined current USM families for food, fun, and fellowship during an all-School BBQ in a special alumni tent prior to the Homecoming football game.

Alumni explore the

halls during a tour

y. of campus on Frida

From left Bob Ruesch, former USM boys’ varsity basketball coach, Curt Wuesthoff ’75, Ed Richardson ’75, Carolyn Weigell Maples ’75, Kevin Delimat ’75, and Steve Farwig ’75, USM’s director of major and planned gifts.

From left Lee Rochwerger ’65 and Mark Olson ’65.

Saturday Events Continuing the festivities on Saturday morning, alumni joined the USM community in the Blue and Gold 3K Fun Run/Walk through the cross country trail while younger Wildcats enjoyed a series of fun outdoor games and activities during Willie’s Fall Fun Fest. Morning events also included the fifth-annual Tessa Nowakowski ’10 Memorial Varsity Field Hockey game, and a varsity boys’ soccer contest. Several of Nowakowski’s teammates were on hand for the field hockey game, which saw the Wildcats prevail 8-0 over Living Word Lutheran. USM’s 1975 Division 2 WISAA State Champion boys’ soccer team was also honored at halftime of the boys’ soccer game, as several members of that title-winning group were recognized by the crowd. The morning concluded with a picnic lunch, featuring food from Willie’s Corner, behind Don Forti Stadium. Reunion Weekend concluded with the annual Open House Cocktail Reception held at the Milwaukee Country Club on Saturday evening where alumni enjoyed a night of reconnecting with fellow classmates and faculty members. Several milestone reunion classes also held their class parties after the reception. USM wishes to thank all alumni who participated in Reunion Weekend 2015. Be sure to save the date as Reunion Weekend 2016 moves back to the summer, on June 24 and 25.

Members of the Class of 2000 gather during Homecoming weekend.

From left Je an Schmidt Lindemann Fengchi Che MDS’41, Dot n, Nancy Nor tie Dickens ris, and Claire Mestier MD Phillips Gre S’41, ene MDS’41 .

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

, sie Bence ’12 elms ’10, Cas ilh W e . gi ’10 r Au ft en Schroede Back from le ’10, and Laur an . ’10 hm t as et C t hu Bridge and Emily Sc ol Walker ’11 ar C ft le m Front fro

ger Meshe Memin rone Crosby, Ty 5, ’9 iba. an et ig t Mad 5, and Gina Ad From left Bridge ius Adetiba ’9 el rn Co 5, ’9 Crosby

’0 rnoski-Reuter uter, Kathryn Sa Re ew th at M t From lef vey ’05. ’07, and Matt He Michelle Hevey

From left Terry Anderson, Heidi Inbusch ’70, Heidi Huebsch Anderson ’70, Susan Boynton ’70 and Andrea Topetzes Mann ’72.

, ’ soccer team hampion boys C e at . St ng AA on 2 WIS turday morni M’s 1975 Divisi gnized on Sa US co of re rs re be we , em M h Tony Fritz er head coac joined by form

In Memoriam University School of Milwaukee wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of our dearly departed alumni and friends. We thank them for enriching our lives throughout their friendship.

1930s

1950s

1970s

Nancy Conger Sukes

Richard Miller

Bettelou Backus Conte

Robert C. Davis

MUS’32 July 27, 2015 Milwaukee

MCD’45 October 4, 2015 Hudson, Wis.

MDS’50 August 22, 2015 Sarasota, Fla.

’71 June 23, 2015 Brown Deer, Wis.

Richard P. Matthews

Ralph H. Bluhm MUS’47 August 7, 2015 Mequon, Wis.

Barbara Polacheck Blutstein

Arthur D. Elkon

MCD’38 February 1, 2015 West Trenton, N.J.

Ruth Detienne Schinner 1940s Gordon W. Butke MUS’40 September 20, 2015 Wyoming, Ill.

Richard D. Cudahy MCD’43 September 22, 2015 Winnetka, Ill.

MUS’47 September 6, 2015 Sun Lake, Ariz.

Ellen Shaw Tufts MDS’48 May 31, 2015 San Diego, Calif.

MUS’56 September 28, 2015 Milwaukee

1960s Linda J. Secord ’65 June 28, 2015 San Marcos, Calif.

Merrill E. Taft

’75 August 17, 2015 Shorewood, Wis.

FRIENDS Phyllis J. Huffman Grandmother of Bennett ’18 and Eleanor ’18; mother-in-law of Board of Trustees member Karen Huffman October 2, 2015 Milwaukee

MCD’49 March 4, 2015 Oro Valley, Ariz.

Barbara Puls Medlock MDS’43 February 19, 2015 Miramar Beach, Fla.

William D. Browne MUS’44 October 5, 2015 Bayside, Wis.

Robert L. Deckert MCD’44 August 16, 2015 Marco Island, Fla.

Philip L. Stone MCD’45 passed away on September 24, 2015 at the age of 87. Additional coverage of his life and contributions to University School of Milwaukee will appear in the Winter 2016 issue of USM Today. Updated as of October 15, 2015.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

class notes THE FOLLOWING PAGES INCLUDE NEWS AND NOTES SUBMITTED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 15, 2015.

40s

ALEXANDER L. PATERNOTTE

60s

Class of 1965

“Here’s to fellow 75th-ers!”

JOHN S. RAMAKER

MCD’46

50s

BARBARA TAYLOR BLOMQUIST

MDS’50

Her latest book is “Embracing the Adoption Effect”, published by Tate Publishers in 2015. Its subtitle, “29 Stories of Families Touched by Adoption,” alludes to the result of deep, intense interviews with adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents who revealed secrets, frustrations, and amazing love that is innate within the adoption world. All revealed how adoption positively and negatively affected their lives. Their brutal honesty provided insight into the strength, compassion, and coping skills of these remarkable people.

USM’s inaugural graduating Class of 1965 gathered to celebrate its 50th Reunion over the summer during events on June 26 and 27.

70s

CIA CHESTER MCKOY

’72

released her book “Poking Chocolates & Other Rude Habits” in January 2015. The book is described as “tracking the author as she bumps into the rich, odd, and famous in search of the sweet life.” More background is available at pokingchocolates.com.

STEPHEN FARWIG

’75

Class of 1956 The following members of the Milwaukee Downer Seminary Class of 1956 gathered at the home of Patty Van Dyke Gardner ’56 for their 59th reunion: Mimi Lang Mead, Patty Van Dyke Gardner, Shelley Ott Kotovic, Pat Seyfert Geiger, Alicia Auchter Mullins, Susan Momsen Sokol, Shelia Hannan Kirscher, Valerie Brumder, and Louise Trostel Hoffman. The group looks forward to reconnecting for their 60th reunion in June.

WILL DARLING

’92

MCD’40

visited with Jake Hedding MCD’46 and Joanie Waterman MDS’46 in April 2015 while in Arizona. He hopes to arrange a 70th reunion in 2016.

90s

was hired by University School of Milwaukee as director of major and planned gifts in September. Farwig previously served as the director of planned giving at Carroll University, and also has prior advancement experience at the Aurora Health Care Foundation, Valparaiso University, Lutheran Social Services, and Carthage College.

was featured in an August Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profile that detailed how he has utilized painting as a creative outlet to help overcome difficulties with substance abuse issues. He was the featured artist at Rock the Arts, a benefit for the Milwaukee advocacy organization Vital Voices for Mental Health held at Shank Hall.

L. KIERAN KIECKHEFER

’98

is a partner in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP based in the firm’s Silicon Valley office. Her practice focuses on patent, copyright, and trade secrets law. Kieckhefer previously worked at another top AmLaw 100 firm in Silicon Valley. During that time, she participated in nine trials involving patent, antitrust, copyright, trade secrets, breach of employment contracts, criminal, and family law subject areas. She first-chaired six of those nine trials and developed substantial experience examining and cross-examining a variety of expert and fact witnesses. Kieckhefer has litigated patent, copyright, and trade secret cases in federal courts across the country, and has a breadth of appellate experience before the Ninth Circuit, the Federal Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Throughout her legal career, she has been dedicated to the retention and promotion of women in the intellectual property field. Kieckhefer co-founded the Retention of Women in Intellectual Property taskforce and was actively involved in the Successful Women in Intellectual Property Forums. Kieran received her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is admitted to practice in California and Wisconsin. 29

00s

10s

’02

’11

ERIC TAYLOR

KABIR S. GUPTA

Kabir was on the Dean’s List of USC in 2014 and is working at Amazon as a software developer.

SHELBY M. SINCLAIR

’11 married Becca Schumann on July 18, 2015 in Racine, Wis. Taylor is a Milwaukee firefighter/EMT and Becca is a hair stylist at Moda Salon in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. They now reside in Cedarburg, Wis.

CLAIRE DERMOND CROFT

’03

and husband Tucker recently had a baby, Eloise Thea Croft. She was born on May 29, 2015. Her aunt Christina Dermond ’06 couldn’t be more excited about having a little niece. Eloise enjoyed spending the month of August in Milwaukee, and meeting her cousins Nico Dermond ’14, Sophie Dermond ’15, Matias Dermond ’19, and Fina Dermond ’21.

was selected as a Baccalaureate Student Speaker by Stanford University’s Office for Religious Life. Since 2005, a graduating senior offers reflections into his or her own spiritual journey while at Stanford, including hopes and dreams for the future for the entire class. Finalists are chosen from the pool of submissions and auditions are held before a winner is selected. Sinclair, who will be earning a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity with Honors, with a minor in history, is a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, President of the Stanford Black Student Union, a member of the Stanford Public Service Honors Society and a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. She has also been distinguished as a recipient of the Coley, Black, Crossfield Award for Exceptional Academic Achievement, The Alumni Association Award of Excellence, and the prestigious Director’s Award. On campus, Sinclair advocates for education access by mentoring high schoolers and serves as a diversity outreach associate in the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

A L UM N I E V EN T S USM visits… FLORIDA Save the date for upcoming USM events in Naples, Fla. at the residence of Michael and Billie Kubly on February 9, and in Sarasota, Fla. at the residence of Chris ’65 and Storm Elser on February 10.

SAN FRANCISCO & CHICAGO Be sure to check www.usmk12.org/alumni often for event information and updates on USM visits to San Francisco and Chicago this spring!

Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame Save the date for the inaugural Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, October 1, 2016 during Homecoming weekend. Look for additional details on the way in the coming months!

Reunion Weekend Moves to Summer 2016 Mark your calendars, as Reunion Weekend is moving back to the summer. Plan to reconnect and reminisce with us on June 24 and 25, and watch for additional information coming soon!

To submit a class note: Email your news to alumni@usmk12.org

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Parents’ Association Board 2015-2016

Parents’ Association President Molly Kubly Fritz ’80

Parents’ Association Committed to making USM a special place My family’s association with University School of Milwaukee goes back decades. I graduated in 1980 and my husband, David, graduated in 1981. (Yes, we are high school sweethearts!) Each of my six siblings attended or graduated from USM, three of our children have graduated, and we also have a junior, a freshman, and a 6th-grader currently at USM. I am so proud to be serving as this year’s Parents’ Association (PA) President. I have been an active volunteer at USM, but I had never held a position within the PA until last year, and boy did I learn a lot! I had no idea that our parents volunteered more than 18,000 hours of their collective time annually for the School, and that two-thirds of those hours go directly to support teachers, administrators, students, and fellow parents. The remaining third of our volunteer hours go toward fundraising, which is in turn reinvested in the School to the tune of approximately $230,000 for capital improvements, events like Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and an activity or event for every single grade from PK-12! I have also learned of the collaboration, care, and thoughtfulness that go into every decision, change, activity, or event.

As a direct result of a survey the PA sent out last November, I am excited to introduce two new volunteer opportunities, Power Hour and the PA Guild, which were designed to involve parents who don’t have a great deal of spare time but still want to participate either during or after school hours. Another initiative is the creation of a Community Coordinator position to help parents build community at the School, both among each other and with the faculty, staff, and administrators. It is my hope that these initiatives provide parents with more opportunities to connect with one another while also helping to foster USM’s commitment to community. I have met some of my closest friends working side-by-side volunteering for USM and I continue to meet new friends each year!

President Molly Kubly Fritz ’80

I look forward to continuing the school year with such a dedicated and passionate group of individuals. I encourage you to get involved as I truly believe it is one of the many opportunities that makes USM so special!

Nominations Coordinator Jen Darrow

President-Elect Susan Brennan Treasurer Yulia Jigalina Secretary Shelly Likosar Preprimary Coordinator Julie Sellars Lower School Coordinator Christine Kinyon Middle School Coordinator Stephanie Petersen Upper School Coordinator Lisa Gibb Communications Coordinator Cathie Torinus Community Coordinator Melissa Sheppard

Special Events Coordinator Jane Lacy Volunteer Coordinator Jen Schoon

Parents’ Association Board Front from left Christine Kinyon, Jen Darrow, Cathie Torinus, Parents’ Association President Molly Kubly Fritz ’80, Jen Schoon, Lisa Gibb, and Shelly Likosar. Back from left Patricia Kauffman, Julie Sellars, Melissa Sheppard, Stephanie Petersen, Susan Brennan, Yulia Jigalina, and Jane Lacy.

On that day, I jumped around like a little kid, but the installation was met with mixed reactions. Some thought it to “bee” a great idea, while others were not so thrilled. I knew that this was going to be an excellent experiential educational project– people just needed to “ bee educated.”

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

new campus hive allows students to “bee educated” BY KIP JACOBS ’74

I first thought about putting a beehive on campus while at a STEM conference at the Italian Community Center. During a break, I bumped into Noel Lukic-Kegel ’00, who told me about a top bar beehive “pod” system that was really new and different. Noel was working on an organic farm and said the bees were calmer and easier to work with around the hive. It fascinated me that you could be this close to bees. In April of 2015, I received an email from a School parent about BeePods, a start-up company. She had met with Bradley James, one of the developers of the business, so I emailed him and he agreed to come to campus to look for a possible BeePod hive site. Going in, I knew much about the organism; its anatomy and physiology, lifecycle, and its remarkable social society. Bees are the premier pollinators and are responsible for many of the fruits and vegetables that we eat. Having them around is so important to us on a very basic level. Many people fear bees because of the potential to sting you, this is where bees have gotten a bad wrap. While a wasp or hornet can deliver a powerful sting, and are attracted to sugar in the fall months as they search for sweet things on which to feed, bees are off looking for flowers, which contain the nectar and pollen necessary to keep their hives going. Lower School Librarian Judy Clegg is a beekeeper, so I decided to talk to her. She was thrilled with the idea, but we thought that hives were not permitted on campus. After checking in with the School Nurse, I received approval for the hive and purchased the BeePod, which was installed in June. On that day, I jumped around like a little kid, but the installation was met with mixed reactions. Some thought

it to “bee” a great idea, while others were not so thrilled. I knew that this was going to be an excellent experiential educational project–people just needed to “bee educated.” The beekeeping staff arrived with a small hive of bees in a “harvest box,” which resembles a larger BeePod. It was sealed and transported to the campus site. We had set up our large BeePod, leveled it, and then the fun began. Bradley talked to us about raising bees and why it is important for us to understand them. He shared that the number of hives across the nation are declining, and we need to keep bees and the queen alive from one year to the next. The BeePod hive is very different in design, scale, and concept than a traditional hive. He then opened the harvest box and the bees started exiting the hive and flew in circles above our heads. These flyers were checking to see where their hive was in relation to the sun, and off they flew. Then we transferred the comb bars to our BeePod and moved the harvest box close to the USM’s BeePod so that the flyers would return to the hive with nectar and honey. With that, USM had its first honey bee hive. In the ensuing days, I was fortunate to take a nine-hour class on beekeeping the BeePod way, and learned hundreds of new facts that I never knew previously. I had to start thinking like a bee and become a “pattern recognitionist,” and understand life from their point of view. For the last three months, Judy and I have been monitoring the hive, doing bimonthly inspections, and recording the progress of the hive. The hive has doubled in size, and the bees are starting to make the honey that they will need to make it through the cold Wisconsin winter. They are busy. This has also given us the opportunity to show students the hive and to begin to add this information as a part of the curriculum in both the Lower School and the Middle School.

Kip Jacobs ’74 is a 7th-grade science teacher at University School of Milwaukee. 33

Compass 9 Project Between USM and

Front from left Nick Epperson ’17, Matthew Simonsen, Bobby Crowley, and Sophie Kies ’17 deliver boxes to Hephatha Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.

As a group of University School of Milwaukee students arrived in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood in October to drop off one of the final produce harvests of the season, a sense of accomplishment stemming from years of hard work washed over each of them. “It’s fun to see how something we were interested in several years ago developed into this,” said Charlie Mahoney ’17. What began as a plan to make and distribute peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless evolved into the repurposing of Karen’s Garden on the School’s northeast side of campus, with its produce to be distributed to one of the nation’s poorest communities. The Amani Garden Initiative was conceived as a Compass 9 project by a group of USM students who wanted to serve Milwaukee’s underprivileged. The group includes Mahoney and classmates Nick Epperson ’17, Austin Halbrooks ’17, Josh Holmes ’16, Sophie Kies ’17, Tommy Mahoney ’17, Brandon McGill ’17, and Justin Strauss ’17, many of whom had worked in Karen’s Garden under the supervision of Middle School Science Teacher Kip Jacobs ’74 as 7th-graders.

Upper School Spanish Teacher and Compass 9 advisor Holly Morse was able to connect the group with MacCanon Brown, founder of the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc. and a leading force against homelessness in Milwaukee, forming the key partnership that would link the produce to those in need. Brown and Amani community members met with the group on a few occasions throughout the project, sharing what kinds of food are needed in the neighborhood while forming a relationship with the students. With their charge clear, the group got to work under the guidance of Morse and Jacobs, and learned how to tend the garden through the spring and summer months, beginning in 2014. In May 2014, Karen’s Garden was moved to a new location just outside of the Lower School/Middle School Dining Room, and the old garden was renamed in honor of its new purpose during a short ceremony that included District 7 Alderman Willie C. Wade and District 7 Council Member Sydnei Parker ’15. Over the following year, the students began to take a more active role in the garden as they became more comfortable with the process. Most impressive was the tenacity of the Amani Garden group as they began to seize control of the project. “The beautiful part of this project is how the students really took it over,” Morse said. “The burden of responsibility shifted to the students, and they took on the planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting.”

The beautiful part of this project is how the students really took it over. The burden of responsibility shifted to the students, and they took on the planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. — Holly Morse Upper School Spanish Teacher and Compass 9 advisor

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Demonstrates Partnership Milwaukee’s Amani Neighborhood Each week during the late summer and early fall, a representative from Amani’s Hephatha Lutheran Church visited USM to pick up a harvest of vegetables. The project culminated in October when the group traveled to the church to deliver the harvest in person, allowing the Compass 9 group to experience first-hand the impact of their efforts. “I’ve found that it takes a lot of consistency throughout the spring and summer to get to the reward in the fall,” Mahoney said. “It felt really good to get to the final product after all of our efforts.” Members of the group will continue with the program through graduation, and Mahoney is hopeful that a new generation of USM students will be able to pick up where his group leaves off and make the initiative their own. Mahoney encouraged freshmen considering their Compass 9 projects to explore their interests and make the projects meaningful to them, adding that they are welcome to help with the Amani Garden project if they so choose, and continue their efforts into the future. “If they are interested in gardening, they can help us, add something to the project, and really make it their own when we graduate,” Mahoney said.

Front from left Marcus, a volunteer with Hephatha Lutheran Church, MacCanon Brown, founder of the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc., and Upper School Spanish Teacher and Compass 9 advisor Holly Morse. Back from left Sophie Kies ’17, Nick Epperson ’17, Matthew Simonsen, Justin Strauss ’17, Brandon McGill ’17, Charlie Mahoney ’17, Bobby Crowley, and Tommy Mahoney ’17.

Filmmaking Talents Thrive in Upper School As technology continues to evolve and the media of visual storytelling continues to emerge, University School of Milwaukee Upper School students are thriving as amateur filmmakers. “I think there’s been a shift from just listening to lectures and taking tests to allowing students to really explore their critical thinking skills, their creativity, and connect what they have learned in their classes and output that through the use of technology,” Upper School Librarian and USM Film Club Head Laura Klein said. “Students are inundated with technology, and they have so many tools that they can use to create their own media. To empower them to use those tools will really help them moving forward.” Klein works with Upper School faculty members throughout the school year to learn what media projects students will be

assigned, and serves as a resource as students put their ideas together. With smartphone applications making filming and editing more accessible than ever before, many faculty members, particularly in the world language programs, are using video assignments as a way for students to demonstrate subject knowledge and mastery in a more engaging way. Senior English students also complete a visual project during their study of “Hamlet,” but more and more USM faculty members are using video as a way for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned on a day-to-day basis. Upper School French Teacher Brett Lipshutz often asks his students to take their phones and film a short video in class to capture their interpretations of what they just read in class.

A scene from USM Film Festival entry “The Killing of the King,” by Nicky Hicks ’15.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Students sit in on a USM Film Club meeting.

“I’m able to assess not only students’ oral language skills, but also their written and translation skills, through one project,” Lipshutz said. “The lesson is more engaging, requires more understanding of the material, and shows their grasp of the content.” In addition to coursework, students have an additional outlet to express their visual creativity through the USM Film Club. The Club meets regularly, and students have access to computers in the Upper School Library, equipped with editing programs such as Final Cut Pro, to craft and hone their films. Club President Tejay Echols ’16 is excited for what the Club has planned for the school year, including their intention to plan, capture, and edit a full-length film. “We plan to start this project from scratch, and have Club members cover each different element of film production,” Echols said. The quality of student work led to the inaugural USM Student Film Festival last April where students, working under the guidance of Klein and other Upper School faculty members, filmed, edited, and produced their works. The films were judged by a professional panel that included Carl Bogner, a Milwaukee Film Festival organizer and senior lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, and Carolina Pfister, an independent filmmaker from Sao Paolo, Brazil. Winners were awarded in eight categories during a special School assembly. “The kids step up their game a bit when they know that, not only will all of their classmates see their work, but it will be entered into the film fest,” Klein said. “It raises the bar.” Several USM students have found success beyond campus walls, with several films earning their way into the Milwaukee

Megan Dogra ’17 has had three films shown at the Milwaukee Film Festival, including “Assist Bhopal” in 2014.

Film Festival’s “Milwaukee Youth Show.” Megan Dogra ’17 has had three films shown at the Milwaukee Film Festival, including her 2014 entry “Assist Bhopal,” which has also been selected for showings at the All American Film Festival in New York City and the International Student Film Festival in North Hollywood, Calif. The film has also been a catalyst for action, as Dogra has put on an annual fundraising dinner in support of the victims of the Bhopal gas leak disaster each December. “As I got into film in 8th grade, through my long-term project for National History Day, I found it to be a very unique way to present information that really captivates audiences and stays with them for a long time,” Dogra said. “My main goal for submitting the film has been to raise awareness outside of the Milwaukee area and to really take this cause to another level on a greater scale. The second-annual USM Student Film Festival is scheduled for spring 2016.

Homecoming athletic contests are important to each fall team, but for the University School of Milwaukee field hockey team, their Homecoming game carries a special significance. The Wildcats competed with heavy hearts during the fifth-annual Tessa Nowakowski ’10 Memorial Field Hockey game on September 26, defeating Living Word Lutheran 8-0 at Liz Krieg Field. The game was played in honor of the former USM student and field hockey standout, who passed away from colon cancer in the fall of 2009 during her senior year.

USM Field

Hockey

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

Since 2010, the USM field hockey community has organized and dedicated a game in Nowakowski’s honor, bringing current and past players and their families together each year to celebrate her life, and to raise awareness for colon cancer. The game has been scheduled during Homecoming weekend each of the past three years. “Each year, our student athletes know who they are playing this game for, and why they are playing,” said USM Varsity Field Hockey Coach Andrea Stoeckl Burlew ’93. “It is exhilarating to know that her memory lives on within our field hockey program through this event, and through our sportsmanship award, which is awarded each year to the student-athlete who best exemplifies Tessa’s spirit and passion.”

sticks it to

That spirit and passion is remembered “For those of you who never met Tessa, just fondly by former USM Varsity Field Hockey know that you are commemorating a girl Coach Morgan Oldenburg ’02, who recalls who was a star athlete, a beloved teammate, Nowakowski as a consummate teammate that and a true competitor,” Bridget Cashman ’10 said in a statement read before the led by example in the face of great adversity. game. “Every day, I try to live by those key “Thank you, Tessa, for gracing us with your traits because understanding teamwork, versatility and tenacity on the field, and your overcoming adversity, and giving your all are optimism, strength, and dedication in all that lessons that transcend the athletic field and you achieved. I hope all athletes can learn from the wonderful example that you have set,” will help you achieve success and happiness in all of your future endeavors.” Oldenburg said. In addition to remembering Nowakowski, game attendees also did their part to “stick it to cancer” for Tessa, raising money for cancer research at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Halftime festivities included the opportunity to take shots on celebrity USM goaltenders, which helped to raise approximately $1,600 for Children’s Hospital.

The Wildcats punctuated another successful field hockey season with a run to the state championship game, where they fell 2-0 to Arrowhead at Wauwatosa’s Hart Park.

Wildcat Tennis Duo Wins

WIAA Division 2 State Doubles Championship

Congratulations to the doubles team of Caroline Taylor ’16 and Riley Strauss ’18, who won the 2015 WIAA Division 2 Girls Individual Tennis Tournament in October at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Taylor and Strauss defeated Grace Gould and Emily Mettraux of The Prairie School 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals before prevailing over the top-seeded team of Abby Fox and Maddie Molitor of Madison Edgewood 6-1, 7-5 in the final to earn their title. USM sent five players to state to compete in the individual state tournament. Veda Sane ’19 represented the Wildcats as a singles competitor, while the teams of Taylor and Strauss, and Leah Schneck ’18 and Olivia Jonas ’17, competed in the doubles competition. Sane fell to eventual state singles champion Claire Czerwonka of Kenosha St. Joseph’s in the semifinals, while Schneck and Jonas were knocked out in the opening round of the doubles tournament.

cancer

in Honor of Former

Teammate, Friend 39

a look back THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Former Upper School English Teacher Peetie Basson

The old South Campus had quirky charm for both students and teachers–birds nested and chirped in the classroom fireplaces; there were fall-migrating monarch butterflies to walk among between the north and south buildings; the “Little Theater” was cramped but atmospheric. Initially, I was sorry to move north. But what the South Campus lacked was a good gathering spot for the whole Upper School. So for me, one of the attractive parts of the new building on Fairy Chasm Road was the Virginia Henes Young Theatre. True, I liked the performances we all saw (and participated in), but best of all were the assemblies–the thrice-weekly, sometimes ordinary, sometimes disappointing, sometimes inspiring, always valuable assemblies. What was special was the mere fact of the whole Upper School gathering together. I could snag a student I needed to talk to or a teacher I’d missed seeing at lunch. And there was comfort in predictability. I welcomed knowing where my regular seat was and who my seatmates were. But there was also power in the gathering, the sense that in that common space there was common purpose, common experience, common learning, and a feeling of community. If there was a speaker, that was good. If there was a student presentation, that was also good. If there was a talk by a faculty member or administrator or dean, that was good, too. It was all good.

USM TODAY | FALL 2015

And sometimes it was spectacular. The 90’s were a golden age for book lovers. Publishers had money to send authors into the hinterlands to sell their books, and we in the Upper School had a wonderful relationship with what was then the Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops. When special writers came to speak at the bookstore, we were sometimes able to entice them to drive uptown to give an assembly talk. What luck we had! Just for starters: Leif Enger, Sherman Alexie, Chaim Potok, Jonathan Safron Foer, Sheri Holman, Susan Vreeland, and Yann Martel, of “The Life of Pi.” Martel not only spoke at assembly but afterwards came into my classroom and actually drew Pi’s raft on my chalkboard. I wouldn’t erase it for days. Besides authors, we heard from community leaders, poets-in-residence, politicians, scientists, economists, artists, athletes, dancers, TV personalities, sociologists, missionaries, world travelers, and Buddhist monks. We heard Barbara Brown Lee MDS’58 and Laurie Winters from the Milwaukee Art Museum, and we listened to music from members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Learning comes in many forms, not only in the classroom and not only when you’re directly accountable for it. Experiencing the scope of the world and its ideas, whether you like them or not, can’t help but bring a listener into some kind of assessment of her own participation in what the world has to offer. I took direct inspiration from some of these assembly talks, leading to my post-retirement relationship with the Milwaukee Art Museum. Sitting in Assembly staged me for growth beyond my own education and training, beyond my work in the English classroom, and beyond my own personal life. I’m grateful to have had the chance to be in that assembly seat day after day, week after week, year after year.

Peetie Basson taught Upper School English at University School of Milwaukee and served the School in a variety of other administrative roles from 1969 to 2008.

a look ahead UPCOMING EVENTS THROUGH MARCH 1, 2016

dec

All-School Holiday Concert

Middle School Parent Coffee

Middle School Band and Orchestra Concert

Preprimary Holiday Sing

jan

Parents’ Association Open Door Update

feb

8th-Grade Science and History Exposition

Grades 5-6 Chorus Concert

Middle School and Upper School Parent Coffee

SMART Choice Event, Lubar Scholarship Reception

26-29

25-27 Upper School Musical

Lower School Book Fair

save the date! Homecoming 2016 September 30–October 1

2100 West Fairy Chasm Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Former USM Upper School English Teacher Peetie Basson rings the ceremonial first bell on Opening Day 2005.