GREETINGS T H E O L D E S T A L U M N I P U B L I C AT I O N I N A M E R I C A
Breaking Ground BUILDING THE FUTURE OF WAYLAND ACADEMY
SPRING 2022
Introducing the Four Pillars Membership Program B R O U G H T T O YO U B Y T H E AC ADEMY FUND the four corinthian pillars of Wayland Hall symbolize the four pillars of a Wayland education—Scholarship, Faith, Health, and Service.
Your generous monthly donation provides our students with an exceptional, world-class education and one-of-a-kind experiences.
The Academy recognizes these components as essential to developing well-rounded individuals and preparing each student for college and beyond.
$10 /mo.
$20 /mo.
$50 /mo.
$100 /mo.
When you become a monthly sustaining donor and join the Four Pillars Sustaining Membership Program, you show others that you believe in the transformative power of a Wayland education while inspiring others to give. A monthly gift of $20—just $5 a week—can make an impact. This may not seem like much, but over the course of a year, this adds up to $240 for current Wayland Academy students! Are you interested in becoming a Four Pillars member? Contact Mandie Zopp, Director of the Academy Fund and Alumni Engagement, at azopp@wayland.org or call 920-356-2120 ext. 247. 2
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Monthly gifts add up fast:
Transportation of students to regional and statewide academic competitions, showcasing student scholarship
Maintenance for musical instruments on campus, allowing for beautiful music to be played during Chapel
Athletic gear for our studentathletes, allowing them to participate in conference competitions
Food, materials, and supplies needed for student-led community activities such as our Day of Caring
When you give to Wayland Academy, you help us to keep our promise to generations of students: Discovering knowledge and building character. Together.
G R EE TI N G S
IN THIS ISSUE
Greetings, May 2022 wayland.org/greetings Greetings is published for the alumni, parents, students, friends, and staff of Wayland Academy. We welcome letters concerning the content of this magazine and/or issues relating to the Academy. Letters must be signed and we ask that you include your address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. The editorial staff retains the right to edit at their discretion. Send correspondence to:
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State of the Academy
Greetings Editor, Wayland Academy 101 North University Avenue Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Or, email us at: alumni@wayland.org HEAD OF SCHOOL
Rosina Samadani `85
Jason Warnick jwarnick@wayland.org
Onnie Leach Smith P`12 H`21
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Board
David C. Larson `71, Chair Shelley Greenwood `73, Vice Chair Dottie Jung `75, Vice Chair Peter Sensenbrenner `71, Treasurer
Burnett G. Sullivan `69 Bethann Vaubel P `12, `14, `16
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Athletic Hall of Fame
Elizabeth Burnham Wallman `71, P`21 Jason Warnick, Ex Officio Trustees Emeriti
Fred Bishop `57 R. Scott Jones `63
Michael C. VanHaren `82, Secretary
CONTRIBUTORS
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Trustees
Photography
Wayland Made Campaign
James L. Janik `74 Richard H. Kimberly `54 Elizabeth W. Parker `72 P`06, `08 William T. Luedke IV `70 Patricia Martin `96 John P. McConnell `82 John B. McKinstry H`10 Pete T. Patterson H`12 Megan Petersen `11, Ex Officio, Alumni Board President
Justin Behm Fine Arts Co-Chair jbehm@wayland.org Sarah Hafey Assistant Dean of Admission for Marketing shafey@wayland.org Jim Michaletz Michaletz Zwief Ltd. jim@mzltd.com Design
Ariel Esser arielesser@gmail.com
special thanks to our many field reporters and special contributors who are noted with bylines in this issue. Their contributions are invaluable in creating this magazine.
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Alumni You Should Know
on the cover Shelley Greenwood `73 and Elizabeth “Betsy” Burnham Wallman `71 dig in at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new girls dormitory—Burnham Hall. Spring 2022
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State of the Academy
successfully navigating through the pandemic and moving forward by JASON WARNICK, head of school
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ntering the 2021–2022 school year, we were preparing for a more “normal” academic year, yet the COVID impact this year has been substantial. Thankfully, our Health Services team is unparalleled, and always ahead of the curve. After an extra cautious start to our third quarter, we shifted our focus to caring for symptomatic individuals, maintaining capacity in the quarantine dorm, and keeping all our programs in-person. We understood that Omicron cases would occur at a higher rate (and they did), but that the symptoms would be less severe. We were able to navigate the challenges with health and safety at the forefront. It is one thing to plan and discuss a shift like this, but quite another to live it as a teacher, student, or staff member. Karyn Kroschel P`25, our Director of Health Services, has been an inspirational leader and caretaker throughout the pandemic. Karyn and nurse Deb Hankes P`24 have risen to the occasion repeatedly with courage, compassion, and character. Our entire community is doing the same. Our teachers, staff, and administrators demonstrate the Wayland Academy values every day, their selfless work on behalf of the Wayland students will never be forgotten. Educating young people in 2022 is no easy task. Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation, Seth Ahlborn, is tracking data in the academic realm to assess achievement, skill development, and trajectory. The work of schools and educators for a long time to come will be to assess the educational impact of the last three years and to chart a course for the future. At Wayland, teaching and learning will continue to evolve. Our commitment to meet students where they are continues to guide our work. Even with the challenges, it is no surprise that our students and teachers are finding remarkable success. Our Director of Student Success, Amanda Kidwell, continues to work closely with our Health Services team to meet students where they are in the realm of mental health. Amanda meets with students
individually and in groups throughout the week in a counseling capacity. In collaboration with Karyn Kroschel and Dean Kayla Slusher, Amanda implemented “Wellness Wednesdays,” a weekly block in the schedule to connect as a community, addressing mental health issues, self-care, and life skills. We begin each Monday and Friday morning in Kimberly Chapel, with a mindful meditation led by faculty members, Justin Behm and Catherine Mangonès. These mindful moments center our community, keeping us present with ourselves, and with one another. These are simple but powerful exercises that clearly impact our community’s health and happiness!
tracking ahead on enrollment year over year. There is a lot of work to do, but also good reason to believe we will meet our growing enrollment goals.
Despite the challenges, Wayland continues to grow and innovate. Our media studies program shifted into the classroom second semester with a Media Literacy course. I’ve been fortunate to be involved and to teach this course collaboratively with Michelle Miller `13 and Andrew McDonnell H`20. The students are highly engaged. Wayland competed in our first lacrosse games in February, and the team is gearing up for several more games this spring. Rowing began this spring as well. Seth Ahlborn has partnered with Beaver Dam Paddlers to launch this program as a joint venture for Wayland Academy and the city of Beaver Dam. Our fencing club, led by physics teacher Igor Proleiko, was a big hit throughout the winter and will continue this spring.
Finally, the most amazing innovation to date—our new dorm, Burnham Hall! We have been fortunate to work with The Boldt Company, HGA Architects, and to have Janel Vertz overseeing this project for Wayland. As a result, the building is taking shape and it is nothing short of amazing. The design and construction fit into our campus seamlessly. Our Director of Advancement, Carrie Ahlborn, and the advancement team, along with Judy Hill H`08, our amazing Wayland Made campaign co-chairs, Betsy Burnham Wallman `71 and Shelly Greenwood `73, and our honorary campaign co-chairs, Dick Kimberly `54 and Karen Kimberly H`08, have inspired us all by bringing our community together to source the capital for this project. We are excited to be officially launching this public phase of the Wayland Made campaign! You will read all about this historic initiative in this issue of Greetings. We still have a lot of work to do to fully fund the project, and we are counting on your support.
Dr. Josh Labove and the admissions team have been working tirelessly to grow our student body. Thanks to their hard work, and the hard work and vision of our Director of Marketing, Crystal Verran, Wayland’s position in the independent school market is strong and getting stronger. We have a beautiful new website, new tools for digital marketing, a refreshed brand, and our school rankings are climbing on sites like Niche and others. Dr. Labove’s team managed to triple our application numbers at deadline, and we are
Another groundbreaking moment occurred last quarter. Wayland’s CFO, Janel Vertz P`25, identified an opportunity to apply for a federal grant to support our Student Success program. Janel led Wayland through the application process that resulted in Wayland Academy receiving a $1-million grant. A monumental boost to a critical program and to our entire institution, this grant is inspirational and transformational for the Academy.
It is my hope that you are excited, inspired, and moved, by the heroic efforts of our students, faculty, staff, parents, and trustees. I hope your enthusiasm matches mine (though, that is a tall order), and I hope you will join us as we build on tradition and transcend our challenges to ensure Wayland’s future.
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MESSAGE FROM THE TRUSTEES
Gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure by DAVID C. LARSON `71, chair of the board of trustees
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ithout television ,
and long before cell phones, computers, social media, and streaming, we created our own fun at Wayland. Most of it started in the dorms, spending time together with our friends. I often reflect on our days in Beaver Dam. Judging from conversations with other alumni, time has not clouded those memories for others either. Wayland shaped our lives. If you were to enter Wayland Hall or the Dye Dorms in the late 1960s, there was a chance you might have witnessed something that more recently you could only have experienced watching WWF WrestleMania. Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair, wrestling any and all-comers. It didn’t matter how many of us there were—oneon-one or Ric against ten—he always prevailed. Thinking back, we shouldn’t have been surprised that his wrestling career was only just beginning. I remember life in the classrooms, especially Mr. Schlicher’s math classes, Mr. Hansgen’s science classes, and Mr. Proctor’s English classes. I am so grateful for the study habits and project management skills we built at Wayland. These skills were ones that carried me through college and through my career. It wasn’t just the classes. At Wayland, everyone also participated in extracurricular activities. I remember life on the sporting fields, but I remember above all, Sol Wolfe `34 running up and down the pool deck encouraging his swimmers. Wayland made sure that we were all ready for college and life beyond. I, for one, know that I am Wayland Made. After repatriating from Europe, where my wife and I worked for a number of years, I was invited to join the Wayland Board of Trustees by Will Luedke `70. I jumped at the chance, as I owe so much to Wayland. The Academy is governed by the Trustees, in concert with the Head of School. Our Board is a group of twenty men and women and is composed of more than just alumni of the school. The Board is made up of friends, parents, as well as alumni who volunteer their time to help ensure that Wayland not only survives but thrives for another 167 years. I have learned a lot from my fellow trustees, especially Dick Kimberly`54 and Karen Kimberly H`08. Their love and care for Wayland has spanned more than six decades. Another role model for me has been John B. McKinstry H`10 who is always there to help Wayland. The reasons for serving Wayland vary from individual to individual, but from my experience in leading the board, I have noted some common traits. They have all made Wayland a priority in their adult lives, giving back to the school with their time, talent, and treasure.
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The Trustees meet four times a year on campus, where we spend hours with faculty and administrators in Board meetings. More importantly, we get to spend time with the students, visiting classes, watching games, and attending events on campus. This always reminds us for whom we are working. Wayland’s Trustees are an extraordinary group of people. They represent a wide variety of professions including education, business, manufacturing, consulting, law, government, philanthropy, medicine, sales, and marketing. The Board members meld their talents and experiences to help set a path for the future of the Academy. The trustees are so confident in the future of Wayland and boarding school education, that 100% of the trustees give every year to support the priorities of Wayland. In fact, the Trustees are very generous and lead the way in giving. The trustees support the Academy Fund, they support the initiatives of the Gala & Auction, they frequently sponsor ever-important campus projects, and support capital campaigns. All of the trustees have made sizeable multi-year gifts to our current campaign—Wayland Made—as well as many adding Wayland as a beneficiary in our planned giving programs. We know that EVERY gift matters. Before the trustees or others on the campaign committee invite someone to support Wayland, we want everyone to know that we have made our own gifts first—usually making a stretch gift—to maximize the impact. Wayland has made it very easy to give. Donations can come through any means, including cash, credit cards, ACH, appreciated securities, Donor Advised Funds, foundation gifts, and bequests. Wayland’s Advancement Office will work with you to help make creative, tax-smart decisions about the best way for you to donate. We hope that you too will consider volunteering your time, talent, and treasure, and invite you to follow the lead of Wayland’s Trustees in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and thinking strategically about supporting a brighter future for our students and their families, as well as our faculty and staff. Please join us in actively supporting Wayland. We have now launched a major capital campaign, entitled Wayland Made, with the primary focus of building a beautiful new girls dorm—Burnham Hall, refurbishing Discovery Hall, and expanding our endowment. I am asking everyone to get involved. We want you to give back, through gifts of your time, talent, and treasure. Wayland determined the course and direction for my life, as I am sure it did for many of you as well. I suspect that you too are Wayland Made!
Alumni Association Update CONNECTE D AND GIVING B A C K T O W AY L A N D by MEGAN PETERSEN `11, president of the alumni association board
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1855, the Wayland Academy Alumni Association has existed with the purpose of keeping alumni connected to one another and to the Academy. With this long tradition in mind, I’m proud of the work that the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors has done in the last year to fulfill this purpose. ince
We are also working to change the Association’s bylaws to better reflect Wayland’s four pillars (Scholarship, Faith, Health, and Service), promote equality among alumni board member representation, and restructure the Board’s committees to encourage closer coordination with campus. The Board has already started operating under this new committee structure, and we’ve invited representatives from the Academy’s admission and academic departments to sit on our committees to ensure that our initiatives best serve the needs of Wayland. In the last year, we’ve seen a level of volunteerism, engagement, and innovation from the Board that is unprecedented in recent memory. We launched Coffee Chats, an alumni speaker series that invites alumni to share their advice on careers, college, networking, and more with current students. We also supported the Advancement Office efforts, including making fundraising and thank-you calls for the Waylandtines phonathon. The Board has also come together to be a sponsor for the Big Red Tourney golf outing in June, and we plan to be well-represented among golfers and volunteers at the event. We have exciting plans in the works to support the Admission Office, which I will share in a later update. The Board is also continuously evaluating our policies and procedures to ensure that we can be as effective, efficient, and equitable as possible for Board
members and the Association at large. This includes publishing our meeting minutes on Wayland’s website and reporting out more frequently on our activities in Greetings.
Megan Petersen `11
As a final note, I thank our retiring members, Rebecca Tyson `07 and Scott Posnanski `86, for their service, and welcome our new members, Beth Ratajczak `96, Adam Benavides `08, and Serena Wolfe `07, to the Board. I also want to recognize Anna January `08, who served as Board President from 2018 until 2021 and has stayed on as Secretary, and KunHo Yoon `07, who served as Board Secretary from 2019 until 2021 and has stayed on as a Board member, for their leadership and continued commitment to Wayland. We’re excited about everything the Board and Alumni Association have in store for the coming year, and we would love to see more alumni get involved! Please feel free to reach out to us at alumni@wayland.org if you would like to volunteer with us.
Get Your Big Red Gear the wayland spirit store is now available online 24 hours a day. You can order all your Wayland gear from ball caps to polos to wall decals. It’s all available! Shop now: wayland.org/spirit-store Spring 2022
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2021-2022 Wayland Parents Council Amy Pippenger P`20, `23 Co-Chair Phillips, Wisconsin Karl Pippenger P`20, `23 Co-Chair and Advancement Committee Chair Phillips, Wisconsin Angela Fogerty P `20, `24, `26 Secretary and Immediate Past Co-Chair Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Update from the Wayland Academy Parents Council by TYLER J. RATAJCZAK P`25, M.A. director of major gifts and planned giving
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an incredible year for the newly revamped Wayland Parents Council. The group is led by Amy and Karl Pippenger P`20, `23, who took the leadership reigns last fall. Their focus this year continues to be three-fold—the re-formation of subcommittees established by the Council last year, improved communications, and assisting the Admission Office. The committees being re-formed are communications, enrollment, advancement, and membership. The Communications Committee, led by Jaime Blossom P`21, `23, focuses on improving communications between Wayland, current parents, prospective parents, and incoming parents. The Enrollment Committee, led by Todd Benson P`23, works directly with the Admission Office, and the Advancement Committee, led by Karl Pippenger P `20, `23, supports the Academy's fundraising efforts. t has been
In addition to the efforts of the three committees, the council has been concentrating on bringing the parent community together on a regular basis. This includes organizing Parent Town Hall meetings every other month as a place for current parents to stay connected to teachers, student clubs/ activities, and administrators. The
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meetings are intended to be informative and fun, and we have received positive feedback from parents after each meeting, especially when we have students and teachers as featured presenters. The Council also spearheads many volunteer opportunities for the parent community. The group has assisted with mailings, phonathons, welcoming new parents, set up of the 46th Annual Spring Gala & Auction, and they sponsored a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week celebration. They will also coordinate snacks in the dorms for finals week. This is an incredible group of volunteers. They have fun together and do a great job of connecting all parents through engagement and a Facebook group only for current Wayland parents.
Peter Fogarty P`20, `24, `26 Vice Chair and Immediate Past Co-Chair Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Jaime Blossom P`21, `23 Communications Committee Chair Fish Creek, Wisconsin Todd Benson P`23 Admissions Committee Chair Columbus, Wisconsin Kristi Agnew P`24 Fall River, Wisconsin Rosanne Benson P`23 Columbus, Wisconsin Jennifer Buss P`23, `24 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Marcella Evans P`24 Nassau, Bahamas Mandy Gill P`23 Fox Lake, Wisconsin Deb Hankes H`18, P`24 Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Meredith & Andrew Harmon P`22, `24 Columbus, Wisconsin Tamara Miller & Jonathan Wertz P`24 River Hills, Wisconsin Dr. Oghomwen Sule P`21, `24 Minocqua, Wisconsin
To get involved with this group, contact Tyler J. Ratajczak at 920-356-2120 ext. 282 or via email at tratajczak@wayland.org.
above Wayland Parents Council members who were in attendance the 46th Annual Spring Gala & Auction—Marcella Evans P`24, Todd Benson P`23, Rosanne Benson P`23, Tamara Miller P`24, Pete Fogarty P`20, `24,`26, Amy Fogarty P`20, `24,`26, Jaime Blossom P`21, `23, Amy Pippenger P`20 `23, and Karl Pippenger P`20 `23
opposite Wayland “W” cookies provided by the Parents Council during Teacher Appreciation Week in 2021.
Student Success by SETH AHLBORN, M.S., director of curriculum, instruction, and innovation meeting the adaptive learning needs of students who have lost more than two years of their “normal” school experiences has been extraordinarily challenging for educators and students. These words about teenagers from Lisa Damour (below), the author of Untangled and Under Pressure, have been used as a guide for our faculty. Why is your teenager so tired? There are many reasons. ONE: Under normal conditions, each school year helps kids build capacity to do more and harder work than in previous years (think strength training). There was no slack in this system *before* the pandemic. TWO: No School was able (or even should have tried) to keep academic capacity building at typical levels during the height of the pandemic. THREE: This means that high schoolers are trying to lift eleventh grade work (for example) with mid-ninth or tenth grade muscle. FOUR: Add to that the fact that, for many kids, it’s hard to say no to any social opportunities. They feel like they missed out (because they did) and are eager to make up for lost time. Under normal conditions, they might pace themselves, go out less, stay home more. FIVE: Add to that the sadness, frustration, stress, and anxiety caused by the pandemic itself—which, of course, is still ongoing. At Wayland, we began the year meeting outside as much as possible to reduce the need for masking until the weather and fading daylight forced us inside as we entered November. Our focus in the first quarter was on engaging in learning as a group in person. Based on course selections, students came together. They also were reunited in sports, clubs, activities, the library, in the dorms, at meals, and on the weekends. As we entered the second quarter we elevated personal academic accountability, focusing on demonstrating skills and earning full academic credit for the first semester. Students who struggled academically were assigned to independent library study. We added Wellness Wednesday, offering teachings targeting developmentally appropriate topics for groups, and, during optional meetings providing a “breather” to the pace of daily life in a college preparatory program. Recently Dr. Dominque Pritchett visited campus to present a Wellness Wednesday
above Dr. Dominque Pritchett with Wayland students (Photo courtesy of Dr. Pritchett)
session focused on burnout—Spaces to Burnout to Breakthrough: The Deets. Dr. Pritchett—a licensed therapist, speaker, and mental wellness consultant—has been featured in Wisconsin, nationally, and internationally on BBC London, on Shondaland, in Women’s Health Magazine, in The New York Times, and more. The students responded well to her presentation and there was a great discussion that followed with many questions, ending with selfies with Dr. Pritchett. Throughout the ups and downs of the pandemic, our faculty and students have demonstrated true resilience, learned a new level of compassion, and approached each new evolving situation with smart aspirations for success. We focused on in-person learning and teaching and offered remote access when students were in quarantine—and faculty were flexible in providing opportunities to make up work. Additional support was added this year for struggling students and those who desired to go beyond in their studies. • The launch of our Student Success focused primarily on the social/ emotional needs of individual students and small groups. We moved the program to the Health Center for greater confidentiality and launched our Wellness Wednesday program. • During the fall semester, we reinstated peer-tutoring in math and writing. In January we hired a Graduate Resident position who provides support for students—from dorm supervision to academic support in the library. Library assignments became proctored to support students struggling to meet their academic expectations and provide teacher-led tutoring to get back on track during the third quarter. • Wayland is in the process of hiring a Director of Student Success who will work directly with the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation to lead additional programs to support learning and teaching to meet the needs of our students. In addition, a math coach and an English coach will be hired to support specific skill development in students who have missed various aspects of instruction and learning over the past two years. We look forward to finishing the year strong and being well prepared for a successful launch to the 2022-2023 academic year!
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In 2022-2023 Wayland will initiate our oneto-one PC laptop program for all students entering grade nine, using a school-lease plan. New students will also be able to participate as we move to a fully implemented and standardized student and faculty computer program. Other computers and devices will continue to be available in Swan Library and in the media studies studio within the Seighman Learning Lab. All devices will have school-required software and network protection installed which will better protect the infrastructure and safeguard students from inappropriate websites, ads, and gaming.
Jenny Managa `22, Erin Jaison`22, and Keza Rutembesa `22 talk with parents about their Strut to the Beat fashion show during the Senior Capstone Fair.
Academic Innovation by SETH AHLBORN, M.S., director of curriculum, instruction, and innovation
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he innovations within Wayland’s academic programs are meeting the needs of our students and families. We offered 16 Advanced Placement (AP) courses to 156 students, with many students taking multiple AP classes. These students will have the opportunity to earn college credit and/or placement based on their performance on the AP Exam(s). AP courses are offered in English, world languages, history, economics, mathematics, and science. The Capstone program at Wayland provides students with the unique opportunity to conduct passion-driven research through project-based learning. Beginning in their freshman year, the curriculum in our Capstone program introduces students to proper research methods. As students progress from their freshman year to their senior year, the expectations of the program grow in complexity, critical thinking, and assessment, culminating with their Senior Capstone project. This year’s projects included the Strut to the Beat fashion show (Jenny Managa, Keza Erin Jaison, and Keza Rutembesa), the Big Red Broadcast and Red Hot Sports Segment (Anthony Gilliam and Andy Mugabo), a debate skills workshop (Nam Nguyen), crafting and testing a wooden set of bow and arrows
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(Connor Purvis and Artemis Demsey), the revival of the Discovery Hall pond (Gabrielle Johnson), an on-campus thrift store (Hailey Kowing), and many more. Students presented their research and project outcomes during Family Weekend in April at the Senior Capstone Fair in Swan Library. This provides stimuli for younger students to pursue interests in future years. Learning from each other is a fundamental benefit at Wayland. A huge shoutout to Ms. Lori Bird for all her work in guiding the seniors on their projects and putting together the Senior Capstone Fair! Wayland’s student speaker program during Assembly is a new tradition and provides opportunities for learning from each other and role modeling public speaking in a safe environment. Overcoming what many adults consider “more frightening than death” as a natural growth opportunity provides a level of confidence and encouragement to participate when a friend has met the challenge. Student support of each speaker reinforces respectful risk taking to overcome natural reluctance. This spills over to classroom discussions and deep thinking on issues, providing a safe and welcoming environment for students to speak up in class and amongst their peers.
As an independent school, accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), perhaps our greatest opportunity lies in Wayland’s freedom from governmental oversight to adapt instruction and design of curriculum. We will be growing several inter-related areas of study over the next two years: environmental science, media studies, computer science, and mindfulness training. environmental science: We are developing courses in collaboration with alumni John Unland `70 and Sharon Hartzell D’Arco `70 focusing on the utilization of our natural surroundings including the worldrenowned Horicon Marsh, glacial moraines, and limnology data collection opportunities with college research institutes and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. media studies: Assessing content in a critical way instead of an emotionally responsive way is as important as creating content to present publicly. Critical thinking skills, generative content development, and the editing process of personal and group-developed imagery and sound are all important parts of project-based learning in media. computer science: Further integrate coding, web design, and digital citizenship into our curriculum—as stand-alone courses and within other courses. mindfulness: Coming out of the pandemic, students have been isolated and frequently affected by digital stimuli and the lack of close in-person human interactions. The research is strong on the maladaptive impact of excessive screen time and isolation created by time spent in computer gaming. Mindful training and skill development that counteracts this type of isolation and tendency toward those habits is essential for many young people. Wayland has been innovating in college prep education for more than 166 years and we look forward to expanding our offerings to provide the best experience in preparing our students for their next steps.
Mrs. Ladron working with a student in the renovated biology classroom/lab
Spaces that Support Teaching and Learning by SETH AHLBORN, M.S., director of curriculum, instruction, and innovation
the development of strategically designed learning and teaching spaces is an important part of Wayland’s competitive advantage for our students— present and future. Discovery Hall received significant upgrades, allowing for innovations in program design with the plant room/greenhouse, flexible classroom, and laboratory/exploration spaces—all funded by the Wayland Made campaign. Our science curriculum will continue to evolve as we explore innovative teaching methods through use of technology and classroom spaces, both indoor and outdoor.
• We are looking into innovative ways to use the lecture hall that was designed in the 1960s. It is important to make it a space that can be adapted for a variety of uses by our creative faculty and students.
• With the completion of Burnham Hall, the landscaping plan will provide a natural learning space for observations, experimentation, and data WITH THE COMPLETION collection. The design OF BURNHAM HALL, THE will flow from a butterfly garden in front of Discovery LANDSCAPING PLAN WILL Hall, to the mindfulness PROVIDE A NATURAL pond (being expanded LEARNING SPACE. and improved as a Senior Capstone project this year), connecting to the impressive native species selected for the surrounding landscaping of Burnham Hall.
• We continue to investigate ways to enhance learning in each of our science spaces—from improving presentation technology and visibility of white boards to controlling ambient light and upgrading energy efficient lighting. • We are investigating our Discovery Hall Smith Observatory and ways to reduce local light pollution to rejuvenate and enhance our astronomy opportunities.
• We have budgeted to increase the offerings in our physics lab for greater hands-on learning of theories. Our use of digital texts underpins our opportunities and expectations of anywhere/anytime learning.
below Wayland students at the Horicon Marsh
We are excited to announce the launch of an environmental science program for 2022–2023, which was created through the efforts and support of alumni, John Unland `70 and Sharon Hartzell D’Arco `70. John and Sharon provided Wayland’s academic team the foundation to kick off this new signature program at Wayland, through collaboration with the Horicon Marsh, worldrenowned polar explorer and climate change educator/ advocate Will Steger, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. The program will provide students with the opportunity to conduct research both in and outside of the classroom. It will be an amazing experience for students.
Learn more about our new signature environemental science program at: wayland.org/environmental-science Spring 2022
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Wayland Announces Our New Athletic Hall of Fame during the summer of 2021, a group of alumni and trustees came together and reminded us of the athletic legacy that Wayland Academy has coveted for decades. Cobb and Brown Fields, the tennis courts, softball and baseball diamonds, Lindsay Gym, Sol Wolfe `34 Pool, and the Field House were the other classrooms where students learned character, honor, and teamwork—and where the Academy earned its spot competing with many of the top schools and colleges in the Midwest. The new Athletic Hall of Fame will recognize and honor members of the Wayland Academy community who distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to athletics while at the Academy, and who have continued to exemplify the core values of athletics at Wayland Academy—Integrity, Respect, Caring, Gratitude, and Passion—in their personal and professional lives. If you know a person who exemplifies these characteristics and meets the criteria below, please consider nominating them for the Wayland Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. criteria for studentathlete nomination • The nominee must have demonstrated excellence while competing at Wayland Academy. • The nominee must have graduated at least 10 years ago. • The nominee must be a positive role model and show leadership qualities. • The nominee must demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship and spirit.
criteria for team, coach, posthumous, or benefactor nomination • The coach nominee must be currently unaffiliated with Wayland or pending retirement. • The team nominee should be 10 years removed from its season of accomplishment. • The nominee must be a positive role model and show leadership qualities. • The nominee must demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship and spirit.
Nominations are due by July 1, 2022. Complete the nomination form online at wayland.org/athletic-hall-of-fame/nomination or download a PDF form to print and mail to Wayland Academy, Athletic Hall of Fame, 101 North University Ave, Beaver Dam, WI 53916.
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Greetings
All-class photo from Homecoming 2021
every wayland academy alumni
has a story and we want to hear all of them—from playing football on Brown Field, cramming for that final exam in Chemistry, to working through the clues to find the axe during the Axe Hunt. That is why we have embarked on a new oral history project called “In Your Words.” Many of you have already shared your stories. For those that haven’t yet, no need to worry, you will have the opportunity to share your story in your own words, for generations of Wayland students and alumni to enjoy. A collection of alumni stories will be documented in a book that will preserve and celebrate the impact that Wayland has had on your lives. We’re so excited about this project and look forward to reading all of the stories.
WAYLAND.ORG/ IN-YOUR-WORDS
Wondering what kind of stories to share? Here are some ideas to get you thinking. • A love story that began at Wayland • Being a part of a Wayland family legacy • Memorable moments of life on campus • A faculty or staff member who had a lasting impact on your life • Performing in a concert, play, or musical • Being a part of a sports team that won a championship or maybe didn’t win at all • Student activities or clubs you were involved in at Wayland • Making connections at Wayland that turned into lifelong friendships
The oral history project is being led by Wayland Academy in partnership with PCI (Publishing Concepts, Inc.). This partnership provides Wayland access to PCI’s trained staff of real, live human beings who are excited to talk with our alumni and listen to the stories. PCI will also help collect and assemble the stories into the In Your Words—Wayland Academy Stories book that will be available to all Wayland Academy alumni for purchase. You may have already received an email and/or a postcard communication from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. We hope that you will share your stories with us and take part in this first-of-its-kind project to honor the experiences and voices of our alumni, preserving the rich history of Wayland. Stories will be collected through August 19, 2022. After that, the project will enter a post-production phase. We hope to have the book ready for distribution by April 2023.
• Advice to future Wayland students
If you have not been contacted or you have questions regarding the project, please reach out to the PCI customer service desk at 1-866-647-3130 or Wayland’s Director of Advancement Carrie Ahlborn, at 920-356-2120 ext. 222.
• Wayland traditions—Homecoming, Lessons & Carols, the Axe Hunt, Prom, and more
We look forward to hearing from each one of you!
• Being on campus during a historic moment for Wayland or the world • The many ways that Wayland prepared you for your future
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Our campaign priorities are within reach—this final push is imperative to raising the $1.2 million still needed to meet the campaign goal.
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his spring, on behalf of its Board of Trustees, Wayland Academy was thrilled to announce the launch of the public phase of the Wayland Made capital campaign. “This is a bold, inspiring reflection of Wayland’s commitment to excellence in education,” said Head of School, Jason Warnick. “We’ve taken the courageous step to support three major initiatives—to build a beautiful state-of-the-art dormitory for the young women of Wayland, to renovate spaces in Discovery Hall to foster our science and STEAM programs, and to build the endowment to ensure our future. We still have a lot of work to do, and we need your help.” With a goal of raising $10 million, the quiet phase of the campaign has had much success over the past four years—with $8.8 million committed by generous donors. While we are within reach of our goal, this final push is imperative to raising the $1.2 million still needed to fulfill the campaign’s ambitious initiatives. For more than 166 years, Wayland Academy has offered students remarkable opportunities for knowledge, discovery, and growth. Since the very beginning, our community has remained deeply committed to ensuring that students thrive throughout their education at Wayland—as well as in college and beyond. Campaign co-chairs, Elizabeth “Betsy” Burnham Wallman `71 and Shelley Greenwood `73 recently sat down to talk
1B urnham Hall—view of the main entrance and Mary's Courtyard 2 One of two study alcoves overlooking campus 3T he Bridge study area, with a view of the Smith Student Lounge below 4 A rendering of one of 34 student rooms 5T he dorm features wide hallways with soft seating and bulletin boards
about what it means to be Wayland Made. Both women are longtime stalwarts of the institution. Betsy is a Trustee and a key donor to the campaign. Burnham Hall, a key cornerstone of the effort, will be named in honor of her parents, John and Betty Burnham. Shelley currently sits as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and began her career in independent school education at Wayland Academy as a member of the faculty. “When you’re Wayland Made, you are prepared,” Shelley said. “Sometimes without you even knowing. You are ready for a broader array of life’s experience than your typical senior might be. There’s also a resilience that comes through the experiences. It isn’t always perfect. There are challenges.” Sometimes, a student’s first days at Wayland are fraught with homesickness, as Betsy experienced. Despite her excitement at the time, knowing that Wayland was exactly where she wanted to be, Betsy made several teary calls home from the phonebooth behind the lobby stairs in Warren Cottage. But soon, she gained her footing and quickly began to blossom as she formed relationships with the girls who lived around her. “I loved coming home at the end of a night [out] and you’d sit around in your pajamas in one of the lounges and you’d rehash the whole [evening.] Those informal, spontaneous gatherings where you’d talk about your week, or your night, or your day, it was really nice and so easy, whether it was your best friend or just other people who lived on your floor.” Today, Warren Cottage is still a place for students to come as they are, and to discover who they are going to become. Now is the time to create a new space for these young women to dream even bigger dreams. The hallmark of the Wayland Made Campaign is the new girls dorm—Burnham Hall—to be located on
Wayland’s main campus between Ella Dye and Discovery Hall. The two-story building will house 68 students as well as faculty members on each floor. The facility is designed from the ground up with today’s students in mind, emphasizing shared spaces where young people can relax, engage, and study together, helping everyone become a part of the community. Burnham Hall will also have bright modern apartments for our faculty, providing them with places they are proud to call home, right in the heart of residential life. Trustee Dick Kimberly `54 noted, “The new dorm will align with the renovations made to Wayland Hall during the Sesquicentennial and is one of the key elements for maintaining a strong enrollment, as well as building on our endowment and keeping our academic facilities up to date with the renovations to Discovery Hall. Karen and I hope each of you will find good reasons to assist Wayland with one or more of these important projects as we have done.” When it was first built in the 1960s, Discovery Hall represented the best in Space Race-era science education. Since then, the world has changed. To be at the forefront of innovation means investing in upgrades that will once again elevate our science facilities to ensure that Wayland remains on the cutting edge of STEAM and science education. With funds already raised through the Wayland Made campaign, our new biology labs have been updated to reflect the innovative, integrated learning already happening on our campus today. This includes bright and flexible learning spaces that emphasize natural light and allow for group work, full-class discussions and experiments all in the same lab. In addition, we will transform our current lecture hall into a spacious, state-of-the-art, multipurpose facility. The new lecture hall will be fully technologically equipped and feature 60
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Construction of Burnham Hall (May 2022)
Discovery Hall biology classroom after renovations
Wayland Made Campaign Steering Committee Elizabeth Burnham Wallman `71, P`21 Campaign Co-Chair Shelley Greenwood `73 Campaign Co-Chair Dick Kimberly `54 and Karen Kimberly H`08 Honorary Co-Chairs Gerry Cumpiano `06
James L. Janik `74 Dave C. Larson `71 Onnie Leach Smith P`12, H`21 Elizabeth W. Parker `72, P`06, `08 Pete T. Patterson H`12 Rosina Samadani `85 Burnett G. Sullivan `69
H. Jeff Hamar `76
retractable seats that can convert the lecture hall between classes, lectures, and project space. Classrooms will be extended into the outdoor spaces with a butterfly garden in front of Discovery Hall, to the mindfulness pond, connecting to the impressive native species selected for the surrounding landscaping of Burnham Hall. From Discovery Hall across the Wayland campus, we give great minds a place to learn and to make an impact. This innovation requires inspiration. “Education is one of my family's giving priorities,” said Trustee Elizabeth W. Parker `72, P`06, `08. “But the importance of a strong science preparation for girls is a personal priority. Giving to Discovery Hall also means Wayland can attract great faculty who can deliver a quality science education to our students. That will attract more students, too. Additionally, we have many alumni who have excelled in the STEM fields and this is also a way to honor them.” Providing young people with a cutting-edge education also requires attracting talented and dedicated faculty. Our goal is to recruit and retain the caliber of teachers who could work anywhere—locally or nationally—but chooses to be at Wayland. Teachers come
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here for many reasons—our community and culture, our students, and our programs— and compensation remains a critical driver. Through additional investments in endowed faculty support, Wayland Made will ensure that the Academy can continue to offer attractive salaries and benefits packages for our teachers in a highly-competitive market, while also providing funding for professional development. Growing this endowment will equip Wayland to support faculty as they pursue continuing education credits, work to complete advanced degrees, attend conferences to stay up-to-date on best practices in their field, pursue independent research or projects that enrich their teaching, and collaborate with one another to develop cross-curricular learning opportunities that directly benefit our students. Gerardo “Gerry” Cumpiano `06, son of Trustee Elizabeth W. Parker `72 and member of campaign steering committee, recalls being truly challenged by the faculty at Wayland, which inspired deep respect on the part of the students. “They knew when to give you just enough rope to make a mistake, but would rein you back in just in time. They also prepared me academically for college. Presentations, writing papers, working collaboratively, and when I had to conduct
myself in a certain way—I knew exactly what to do. I was a lot more independent than my fraternity brothers. I was used to waking myself up, going to class, doing my laundry, and picking up mail. I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Academically, I knew how to study. I knew how to do all those things because Wayland prepared me.” “I think more than anything,” said Mikki Hebl `87, former Trustee, Alumni Achievement Award recipient, and commencement speaker, “Wayland showed me the vast influence that educators can have on young people. The faculty at Wayland who believed in me lit torches when I could not see or fully believe in myself. I remember how good it felt to be believed in and helped. That experience is what I try to replicate as a professor—to care, to listen, to meet the students where the students are, and then gently push them beyond, to inspire, and to share my passion with them for learning.” Mikki began her own Wayland journey when a benefactor funded a scholarship for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to attend. Now a psychology professor at Rice University, Mikki’s research focuses on the barriers stigmatized individuals (such as women and ethnic minorities) face in social interactions, the hiring process, business settings, and the
Campaign Co-Chairs Shelley Greenwood `73 and Betsy Burnham Wallman `71
medical community. “I remember thinking, at the time,” said Mikki, “Someday I am going to make sure that I do this for another student. It was really important for me to ‘pay it forward.’ Socioeconomic status should not play a role in who does or does not get a wonderful education. Unfortunately, it does. Talent deserves opportunity and in my line of research, there is a great deal of empirical evidence showing that diversity in background leads to increased creativity and performance. Supporting scholarships at Wayland is not only good for the students who get them but it is also paramount to making Wayland a better institution.” Engaged. Dynamic. Diverse. High achieving. These are just some of the words that describe the students that come to us from 20+ different countries around the world, as well as across the United States, local region, and Beaver Dam community. To find this level of global diversity in the heart of Wisconsin is truly transformative. Endowed support for financial aid makes it all possible, ensuring generations of Wayland students enjoy the very best education in a supportive, thriving environment. “Students arrive on campus from a diversity of
backgrounds, and they leave with a totally unique perspective,” said Gerry. We also know that when great minds from diverse backgrounds come together, anything is possible. At the heart of Wayland are the people. “The community at Wayland creates a climate where each person can grow in his or her own potential with support and acceptance,” said Trustee Elizabeth W. Parker `72.
“Get out of your comfort zone because Wayland is the perfect place to do it. You have these influences here, people nurturing and guiding you, and yet, also, expecting you to be accountable, to be responsible, and through that you learn to be independent, to be more selfconfident, which puts you on a path to go out into the world, prepared and ready to take risks. You’ve been with people who tested you, personally and academically, and, through this experience, you also learned a sense of respect and responsibility for yourself and for others. You came out prepared and formed by the experience.” – E LIZABETH “BETSY” BURNHAM WALLMAN `71
No matter where we begin our journey, Wayland allows students the time and space to both innovate and form meaningful relationships, to discover our raw talents and passions and our discipline and resilience. When we challenge ourselves to be better, we set a precedent for the whole community. That’s what it means to be Wayland Made. To be deeply formed by the Wayland experience. To begin where we are and to embrace the possibilities of something new. To come together to shape the world and the Wayland community. The same community that helped shape all of us.
To learn more about the Wayland Made campaign and to make a gift, visit WAYLAND.ORG/WAYLAND-MADE
above Dean of Students Kayla Slusher and Betsy Burnham Wallman `71 with future residents of Burnham Hall
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Warren Cottage THROUGH THE YEARS
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arren Cottage was built in 1888 to provide housing for a growing population of girls on campus. There have been numerous renovations made to Warren Cottage over the years, including a large addition in 1925 (when it was renamed Warren Hall) and the building of Pickard Dining Hall in 1954. On November 2, 1949, there was a fire in the attic causing $8,000 in smoke and water damage to the three upper floors, which resulted in significant renovations. Over the years there have been redecoration projects that improved the appearance and livability of this grand old hall. This is a tribute to Warren and the many women of Wayland who have lived in Warren over the years. To see more photos of Warren throughout the years, visit: wayland.org/warren-cottage If you have more photos from life at Warren that you would like to share, please send them to Crystal Verran, Director of Marketing and Communications at cverran@wayland.org.
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5 1 Three young women hanging out in their Warren Hall dorm room in 1972 2 Warren girls stacked in a doorway, with “Norma” on bottom 3 The lounge in Warren Hall before a social event in 1942 4 This young woman of Warren is spinning an LP on the record player
7 New roommates smile for the camera as they settle in to their dorm room for the 2016–2017 school year
5 A student perched in their window at Warren taking in the view of campus, while her roommate reads
8 A group of Wayland students playing a game of Scrabble in Warren Hall lounge (2015)
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6 Ms. Kesler H`08, Head Resident in Warren Cottage (1998–2010), with Rachel Pazar `06, Claire Ptaschinski `07, and Madeleine “Maddie” Mindling `06 in Warren lounge (2004)
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Alex Bruderer `12
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northodox” is how
Alex Bruderer `12 describes his path after graduation. “Wayland Academy is a college preparatory school,” Alex explains. “I initially took the opposite path by enlisting in the Marines just two weeks after graduation.” After joining the United States Marines, Alex served as a 4421 Legal Service Specialist. He spent most of his time after the initial training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina studying and learning how to apply the laws of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and working on courtsmartial, investigations, and administrative separations. He was also deployed to the Gulf of Aden on the USS Iwo Jima for eight months, serving as the sole legalman supporting the Staff Judge Advocate in similar work. “To nobody's surprise,” Alex says “The U.S. Marine Corps had a profound impact in my life. The Marines are famous for giving more responsibility to their noncommissioned officers than any of the other branches of the armed forces. They taught me not to back down or be intimidated by increased responsibility, and that any job is achievable if you're not afraid to reach out to your peers for help. Additionally, it taught me that your peers are always willing and happy to help.”
“Wayland Made means you have been instilled with the combination of selfsufficiency and compassion. When you graduate, you’re confident in your ability to succeed wherever life takes you and you’re always willing to share what you’ve learned along the way with others. My closest friends to this day are the friends that I made while at Wayland, and I’d think they would agree that these are traits we all shared upon graduation.” – ALEX BRUDERER `12
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The Marines also helped Alex realize that the computer science degree he had originally applied to college for was definitely the wrong path for him. Instead, he reapplied to the University of Michigan and went to school to study aerospace engineering. Beyond his academic education, the University of Michigan rowing team defined Alex’s college experience. “The level of camaraderie that I had on the team was on par with that which I had been accustomed to [in the Marines]. As for the school itself, the University of Michigan is an incredible place. Every program they have is highly reputable, and there are more clubs, teams, and activities than you could ever imagine. There's quite literally something for everyone at this school.” Today, Alex works as a Mechanical Test Engineer II performing structural testing on composite spacecraft structures and deployable assemblies. Alex is also currently enrolled at the University of Southern California working on a Masters of Business for Veterans. “Mechanical Test Engineers at Northrop Grumman are somewhat of a hybrid role,” Alex explains. “We take nearly every piece of a satellite, attach hydraulics to them, and bend them with thousands of pounds of force. This is done to replicate the forces the satellite will see during its launch in a rocket and to ensure that it can survive that violent journey. Our job is to take requirements given to us by design engineers, and author sets of instructions on how a group of technicians are to accomplish that test. For example, we would get told, ‘I want to put a thousand pounds of force on this structure’ or ‘I want to fold the sunshield of the James Webb like origami’ and our job is to write the steps on how to do that, and work with other engineers to design fixtures and tools to aid in the process.” Over the course of his career, Alex is most proud of his work on the James Webb Space Telescope—first as an intern and then as full-time staff. As an intern, Alex had tremendous drive and desire to learn, which the senior engineers on his project immediately understood. They allowed
him to take the reins on as many assignments as he could manage in the time he was there. In total, he assisted with two full deployment and folding cycles of the sunshield. Alex still feels immense pride knowing that the work he did had a measurable impact on the success of a mission, which will be instrumental in the advancement of humankind and scientific discovery for decades to come. Reflecting upon his time at Wayland, Alex feels that he was very well prepared to succeed in the Marines and beyond. “It taught me independence,” Alex says, “The ability to self-discipline, and how to live well with others. All of which are skills I have used repeatedly in every stage of my life and career.” The faculty and staff, in particular, stood out to Alex as compassionate and impactful role models. “One of my favorite memories,” Alex says, “is one of many examples of the generosity and caring shown by the teachers and staff [there.] Ms. Kesler, in particular, found out that I wasn't able to buy a swim team sweatshirt my senior year, and without hesitation, purchased one for me. The care and passion that Wayland faculty and staff show is incredibly special and has a significant impact on the students. Everyone there always looked out for me as an individual, not just as another student. I still have the sweatshirt in my possession, though it definitely does not fit me as well as it once did!”
ALUMNI PROFILE
Madeleine Mindling `06
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s a wayland alumna,
Madeleine Mindling `06 has achieved a vibrant and creative career, from film and filmmaking to her current role as Senior Platform and Community Manager at Tongal, which connects businesses in need of creative work with an online community of writers, directors, and production companies, and is used by studios, brands, and talent worldwide. Although she describes her career as “unexpected,” those who knew her at Wayland might say otherwise. “One of my favorite memories is the opening (and closing) night of a Wayland-themed musical I had written for our one-act play showcase,” Madeleine recalls. “Our senior year happened to land during Wayland’s Sesquicentennial and to celebrate, Wayland was putting together a time capsule to commemorate 2006. So, naturally, I wrote a musical comedy about a group of Wayland students from different decades trapped together in a time capsule. The only way out, of course, was through knowledge and character. I’m not entirely sure whether the script ever made it into the actual time capsule. I’ll guess we'll have to wait and see.” After graduating from Wayland in 2006, Madeleine attended Willamette University, where she earned a degree in Cultural Anthropology (2010), focused on ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies. She also attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program in 2009 to study film producing and screenwriting. True to the writer that she is, Madeleine describes Wayland in ways that feel both evocative and universal. “One favorite
memory is a particularly chilly Wisconsin night. When the clock struck 9:30 p.m., I ran outside with my roommate to make snow angels.” The image sticks—two young women delighting in one snowy evening at Wayland, comfortable enough in their own skin to make snow angels together outside their dorm. This simple memory, like so many others, is just another glimpse into the impact that the Wayland experience has on its students. Madeleine’s time here prepared her not only academically, but in other enduring ways that have led to a more balanced and fulfilling life. “When I reflect on my time at Wayland, I think a lot about my senior year, Madeleine says, “I went into my senior year with a full tank of gas but ended up with a case of burnout. I wanted to do as much as possible with the little time I had left there. This was an early and valuable lesson in the art of time management and learning to ask for help when it's needed. In short, Wayland taught me to keep up a good pace and to check my vitals every once in a while. Life is more like a treadmill than a staircase; one with a broken speed dial. Wayland taught me how to stay nimble, upbeat, and resilient.” These skills have been tremendously valuable to Madeleine in a fast-paced, creative career. At Tongal, she has worn many hats; most recently managing a collaborative storytelling platform for The LEGO Group. “This is where LEGO fans and creators can go to build out original storyworlds. Yes, that sounds totally made up and it’s as wonderful as it sounds,” she says. Madeleine’s professional life has been personally, as well as creatively, fulfilling. For several years,
“Wayland Made means well-roundedness. Initiative. Resourcefulness. And, most importantly, a life-long commitment to learning and doing good wherever you end up.” – MADELEINE MINDLING `06
she also volunteered as a content creator for Women Tech Founders, a non-profit dedicated to growing the next generation of women tech leaders. “I never would have imagined myself doing what I do now. I love working with creators. I love working with people who love what they do,” says Madeleine. “Most recently, I worked on a campaign celebrating women creators across the AFOL (Adult Fans of LEGO) communities. I got to meet some wonderfully talented women and showcase their work. I’ve had the opportunity to work with NASA on an annual film competition called Cinespace that challenges filmmakers from around the world to make short films using imagery and footage from NASA’s Image Archives.” Madeleine has also taught film and filmmaking to international students at Tokyo International University of America in the American Film Studies Program, worked as a grant writer for the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office, and served on Willamette University’s Sustainability Council. In many ways, Madeleine’s impressive career in the film and creative industries began at Wayland. “The teachers and staff are what make [it] so special,” Madeleine says. “Before going, I was an aimless wallflower—unsure of myself and severely under-watered. Wayland helped me grow into the person I am today.”
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SEATTLE—HOSTED BY CHARLEY SHAW `94 AND WILLIAM SHAW
ALUMNI GATHERINGS with many of the COVID-19 restrictions lifted in many areas of the U.S., Wayland returned to hosting and coordinating in-person gatherings in late 2021. As of May 2022, there have been gatherings in Wisconsin , Minnesota, California, Arizona, Florida, Washington D.C., and Illinois. A HUGE thank you to Trustee Betsy Burnham Wallman `71 and Charles Wallman, Trustee Burnie Sullivan `69, Susan and Trustee Jim Janik `74, Jennifer Lombard `88, and Jordan Roberts `13, Trustee Dick Kimberly `54 and Karen Kimberly H`08, and Dr. Josh Labove, Randall Harris `13 and Matt Nielsen `90 who made these gatherings possible. Plans are underway for more gatherings including one in Green Lake, WI, on June 9, hosted by Tom and Trustee Bethann Vaubel P`12, `14, `16 and Emily and Trustee Peter Sensenbrenner `71. Watch for future gatherings to be announced in the coming months. Additionally, Wayland hosted virtual football, swim, and ski team gatherings during the fall and winter. Thank you to coaches Craig Hill H`06, Marissa Hansen, Martha Kessler H`08, Philip Resch, Jeremy Starz `97, George Cobb H`80, David Kasper H`81, and Diane Alpaugh H`83, who helped to relive many of the memories and re-engage with past students.
SAN FRANCISCO—HOSTED BY JORDAN ROBERTS `13
WASHINGTON D.C.—HOSTED BY TRUSTEE DICK KIMBERLY `54 AND KAREN KIMBERLY H`08
We hope you will join us at a future gathering!
WAYLAND.ORG/ALUMNI-EVENTS CHICAGO—HOSTED BY DR. JOSH LABOVE, RANDALL HARRIS `13, AND MATT NIELSEN `90
SCOTTSDALE—HOSTED BY SUSAN AND TRUSTEE JIM JANIK `74
MARINA DEL REY—HOSTED BY DR. JOSH LABOVE
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TWIN CITIES—HOSTED BY TRUSTEE BURNIE SULLIVAN `69
VIRTUAL SKI TEAM GATHERING
NEWS & NOTES 1940s Marjorie Espersen Thornton `48, who lives in Tempe, Arizona, was inspired to share all that her experience and education at Wayland has meant to her life of 90 years. “I became comfortable with public speaking through many opportunities, including Toastmasters Club. Drama club even led to me having the lead in the senior play. I am so grateful for the grounding I received in ethics and good citizenship. When asked who my favorite teacher was, I always reply, Mr. Whitman, who taught American history from a text we went through twice. We learned what good government really was and not just dates and events. I ended up being a lobbyist at the Arizona state legislature for Common Cause for seven years and served as a local president of the League of Women Voters. None of my family had gone to college, and it was even rarer for women to go in those days, but at Wayland, there was no question of my attending college. Thank you, Wayland, for contributing to me leading a happy, productive life!”
1950s Jane Porter Jensen `55 wrote to us from Bellingham, Washington, “We own and operate Northwest K-9 Inn and Spa, a full-service boarding kennel. I am still involved in my passion for breeding, exhibiting, and judging golden retrievers.” Mary Lou Miller Williamson `55, from Greenbelt, Maryland, recently shared, “Back to the job of editor for the Greenbelt News Review, a weekly newspaper for the city. Still working in my garden.” Charles H. Morgan `56 wrote, “Sorry to miss my 65th class reunion. I’ll be at my 70th! The Villages, Florida, continues to be a great place to live. Come on down!” Daniel F. Barber `56 traveled from Libertyville, Illinois, and had a great time with classmates at Homecoming last fall to celebrate the classes’ 65th anniversary. James G. Abbott `56 shared that their firstborn turned 60 this year. “Where have all the years gone? Life in South Carolina is good. God bless and take care.” Stephanie Reinert `58 is newly married, retired, and loving life in Hendersonville, North Carolina, with five grandsons. (Formally Stephanie (Stevie) Sink Emmett `58)
Class of `79 Alumni Left to Right: Elizabeth Head-Osterhaus, Amy Roedl Dodge, Lisa Gehrke, Mark Duffy, and Michael Shohoney
1960s Elizabeth Miller Reed `60 wrote, “I will spend part of the year in New York City and the other part in Florida. Guess which part. Love to hear from you at eareed42@gmail.com.” Dr. Peter DeGraff Cross `61 retired from the Mayo Clinic and now summers in Lake City, Minnesota, on a sailboat, and winters in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Budd Sprague `61 of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, shared he’s a marine engineer for Universal Services, but is semi-retired. He LOVES traveling! “I’m still working; it has kept me relevant in the boat business. Because of work, I’m in excellent condition for a 78-year-old. Big bike trip this spring to the Bay area. Life is good.” Charles “Lafe” Altier `61 and his wife Barbara own Tai Care in Tacoma, Washington, and they alternate living between Bay Island, WA, and Tucson, AZ. He is the retired owner of Midland Enterprises, Inc. Lafe went to the University of Oregon. Judith Jensen Schwartzbaum `61 was named one of America’s Top Women Advisors in 2021 and made the 2021 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list by Forbes. Judith lives in Sarasota, FL. Mark D. Edwards `64 of Red Lodge, Montana, has officially retired after teaching 18 years of downhill skiing. Philip Templeton `64 loves spending his summers playing golf and clay shooting in Illinois. He vacations to Boca Grande, FL, during the winters, where he continues his target shooting hobby.
Thomas Jon Goetting `64 married Katharine Purdy `68 and started a small software company. They live in California during the winter and Maine during the summer. Craig Smith `65 is the co-inventor of Enbrel; the recombinant soluble TNF receptor used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. His research interests focus on the TNF gene superfamily, viral immunopathology, and systems biology. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA; and his B.S. from UW–Madison. Craig has strong ties to Wayland. His father, Harry Smith, taught at Wayland in the early 1960s, his mother served as the school nurse during at least one of those years, and Craig’s three brothers (Judd `61, Terry `62, and Scott `63) preceded him at Wayland. Edgar F. Lentz, Jr. `65 and his wife Sharon celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 2021. Dr. Christopher D. Stanton MD `67 is happily retired as of May 2020 but still volunteers to give COVID shots at the Reno Rodeo Grounds in Reno, Nevada. “I am playing more banjo than ever and am still married to my college sweetheart, Laura Ashkin. Life is good!” Kenneth Lloyd Gallenbeck `67 shared, “Still doing the snowbird thing. Spending our winters in Lakeland, FL, and summers in Byron, IL.” Jeanne Frink `67 is an artist living in Minneapolis, MN. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA. Jeanne has a studio in the Historic Grain Belt Bottling House and is a member of the Sumi-e Society of America and Minnesota Ming Chiao Chapter.
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Mary Gale `67 is an educator, entrepreneur, business leader, and consultant with over 30 years of strategic marketing and operations experience across various industries, including software-based services, diagnostics, telecommunications, surface preparation, consumer electronics, consumer packaged goods, and education. Mary has taught in the Babson College Entrepreneurship Division since fall 2011, has been involved in eight start-ups as an investor, director, and/or senior executive, and recently served as CEO of a start-up software services business, Pet Health Network, Inc. She was also a senior marketing executive at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. during a period of early growth through IPO. She began her career in product management at General Foods. Her consulting experience includes Booz, Allen, Marketing Corporation of America (a boutique consulting firm in Westport, Connecticut), and her assignments. Mary currently serves on the board of advisors for ROVA Academy, a sports academy in Nairobi, Kenya, is on the board of directors of SpongeJet, Inc., Portsmouth, NH (advanced, recyclable, industrial surface preparation technology), and is a Trustee Emerita at Gould Academy in Bethel, ME. Bob Shaw `68, from Laguna Niguel, CA, is president of Medical Waste Services. Throughout his career, Bob has built, purchased, and operated over 36 medical waste disposal plants across the U.S. and testified twice to U.S. Congress on regulated medical waste issues. He started working in the environmental industry in 1973 for Browning Ferris Industries (BFI). Bob started as an entry-level employee and is now one of twenty corporate officers for BFI—a $6-billion international environmental company headquartered in Houston, mar. While at BFI, he built the largest Regulated Medical Waste Company globally, BFI Medical Waste Systems, with over 2000 employees working out of 130 locations. Nancy Detweiler Metzger `68 has a new grandchild, Mei Mei. “So I have four altogether, all great, everyone is great!” Jim Cape `69 is on the Board of Directors of WXPR.org, a northern Wisconsin public radio station, and is the host for the station’s Friday Crossroads Cafe. Todd Zaseck `69 sold his company (that helped with the promotions for Wayland’s Sesquicentennial celebrations) and retired on January 1. His wife Becky will also retire on April 1. Their twin sons and their families (two granddaughters) live in the Seattle area, and Todd’s daughter and her family (one grandson) live in Ft. Collins, Colorado. They suspect they will be spending some time travelling west!
1970s Sharon Hartzell D’Arco `70 is a registered nurse with MedExpress. As a Wayland volunteer, she has been the class correspondent/agent for the class of 1970 and is doing a great job!
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Greetings
April Retzer Linscott `71 shared with us, “My husband and I are wintering in Florida at The Villages. I still work as a “stewardess” and dabble in acting . . . still! So sorry to have missed the 50th. Hope there will be more opportunities to get together.” Deborah Leichtle Egeland `71 just published a book of poetry spanning forty years. Stepping off the Ledge is available on Amazon. Bruce E. Ogden `72 from West River, MD, recently wrote, “After a 35-year telecommunications career that has taken me from coast to coast and around the world, I swapped my Cole Hahns for Top Siders last week. It’s been a fun, entertaining, exciting, and rewarding ride from the early days of divestiture to Hybrid IT network connectivity. Many thanks to all the wonderful friends and colleagues I have had the good fortune to know and work with throughout the years. Just in case you were “wondering” what I will do to stay busy, I am retiring from work to work on boats; what else? We are about finished with a hull up refit on ‘Avalon,’ a custom 1993 Shannon Downeast 36. Bay Belle Marie (1973 26' Lyman Hardtop Sleeper) is now in the water. ‘Lura,’ the 1975 Cape Dory Handy Cat I restored as a wedding present for Jill, is about ready, and then there is the Whaler and the kayaks for when I get bored. I am also a docent at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (serc.si.edu). They asked me to join the SERC Director’s Circle, a small advisory group coordinating activities and community outreach. SERC has been monitoring and conducting research on climate change for over 50 years, and the 2650 acre campus in Edgewater, MD, is just 15 minutes from the house by land or water. Perfect!” Richard Russo `72 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a new Ripon College Board of Trustees member. After serving as president for five years, Richard retired from Isabella Bank in 2015. His previous positions included serving as senior vice president and senior leader at Union Bank and senior vice president at Chemical Bank. He graduated from Ripon College in 1976 with a degree in biology and earned an M.S. in Personnel Management from George Washington University. He also has a graduate degree from the Graduate School of Banking at UW–Madison (1990). Russo has been active in various community activities throughout his career, most recently serving with the Greenville Rotary. He became a Paul Harris Fellow, and is a member of the Coalition of Greater Greenville, and a board member of Greenville Chamber Commerce, in MI. He was a member of the Ripon College Alumni Board for six years, with his term ending last year. “I enjoyed my time on the Alumni Board, especially working with the students,” Russo says. “I served two years as the vice president. Now I would like to continue my service to Ripon College by assisting the school in these unusual times and to make sure the school can provide a quality liberal arts education for students for years to come.”
Thomas George Rhines `72 has been in the chimney business for 35 years. In 2017, he was a member of a nine-person team to inspect and sweep all the fireplaces in the White House mansion. He now lives in Charlotte, MI. Connie Coley Loden `73 retired at the end of 2020 and now runs a consulting firm, #Makeithappen w Loden LLC, specializing in strategic planning and community and economic development. “I’m enjoying summer and biking on the Lake Michigan shores by Two Rivers, WI.” Rob Howard `73 retired from Pope Architects in 2019. It all started in 1994, the year the Zip Drive came out, Disney’s The Lion King was released, and the Wisconsin Badgers won the Rose Bowl. More importantly, it was the year that Rob joined Pope Architects. Rob graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1978 and worked for two architecture firms before joining Pope in 1994. His 40+ year career has focused on a variety of project types, including industrial, worship, and institutional architecture and senior living, multi-family housing, and retail projects. He is most known for his unique ability to assess design challenges and create high-quality and well-conceived outcomes quickly. Rob’s approach to design combines a high level of technical knowledge, sensitivity to goals, and great people skills. Through his 25 years at Pope, Rob became most known for his blended hand sketch, computer imagery, and mastered 3D tours. Lawrence Patrick Niles `74 recently retired but is also a certified pet dog trainer. He is also the in-house trainer for the German Shepherd Dog Club of Wisconsin and conducts private sessions. “And, I’m still a professional musician, playing drums in local rock bands for over 40 years. Now that’s how you retire!” Paul Schmidt `74 is the senior vice president– financial controls for News Corp–News America Marketing in Wilton, CT. He is responsible for financial and business controls for News America Marketing, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. He conducts process improvement reviews for business processes, manages Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and advises the company on various other risk and compliance matters. James M. Lehnen `76 shared, “I am fully retired, but continue to work 10 hours weekly to have a little walking-around money, more importantly, to stay in touch with the working world. Also, to have a place to show up and perform. Now all that’s missing is a couple of needy, senior golden retrievers!” John Socha Ph.D. `76 works for Microsoft and is a software developer best known for creating Norton Commander, originally written for DOS and was the first orthodox file manager. Over the years, Socha’s design for file management has been extended and cloned many times. John earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UW–Madison and his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University. He now lives in Bellevue, WA, with his wife. His son is a graduate of the University of Washington.
counsel at Michael Best (michaelbest.com). I’ve lived on boats for several years in San Francisco Bay. Played a lot of golf and did a lot of sailing. Married (Laura) for 35 years as of Valentine’s Day 2022. I have six kids, 11 to 32; three biologic and three adopted.” Andrew J. Woodrick `77 shared, “I’m alive and living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I continue to do things much differently than most people. I am married and have two boys, Jackson (12) and Alex (9). Other interesting facts I’m sure can be found online. I’ll leave it there for now, but promise to share more next time. All my best to the class of `77!”
Sanjay Murthy `06 during his two-day nuptials in 2020, which featured Hindi and Christian ceremonies.
Elizabeth Wendorf Thompson `76 recently retired and moved to North Carolina! Nick Cress `76 is a senior product manager for Ryerson in the Twin Cities. He went to Indiana University. Nancy Parent Santarella `76 retired after 40 years of teaching and performing music in May 2021. She can be found biking with her husband, Neil, on their tandem, and traveling as much as possible in the western U.S. and Europe. Nancy and Neil live in the high desert in southwest Colorado. Lisa D. Yoder `76 shared, “In January 2021, I retired from an 18-year career in sustainability, energy-efficient housing, alternative fuels and transportation, and policy-making for state and local government in Utah. Being a public servant who worked to mitigate climate change was an honor and incredibly rewarding. Now I’m playing hard and traveling with my wife, who also retired this year.” Paul A. Jones `77 wrote in, “Forty-plus years is a lot of ground to cover. Earned a B.S. and MBA from Northwestern and JD from the University of Chicago. Probably two dozen jobs in and around venture capital/high-tech startup world in Silicon Valley, North Carolina, and now back in Neenah, WI. Practiced law (I’ve quit practicing four times); was a serial venture-backed entrepreneur; worked in venture capital; did some B-school teaching; served on miscellaneous boards and in advisory roles. Currently, I’m the vice president of corporate strategy at Paraclete Energy (paracleteenergy.com) and of
Barrie T. Clay `77 wrote, “I know I still have to cut my hair(s) every four to five weeks! I typically do not go outside without a Green Bay Packer hat—still a Wisconsinite at heart. We have been in the Sunshine State for almost 21 years; whereas we do not miss the snow, we lament not having seasons we do not have unless you consider hurricane and non-hurricane seasons. It has not been that bad; only have lost power for an extended period twice due to hurricanes. Karen and I will celebrate 40 years at the end of this year; it sounds strange to say that!” “Our three boys, Adam (37), Ean (36), and Gavin (34), all have families, and we have six grandkids, 10 years to 6 months, five boys and one girl. It’s tough to see Gavin’s kids a lot since they are in CO; the others live within two hours or fewer from us.” “I am still working as a senior project manager with Hoar Construction, and Karen came on board again about four years ago as contract administrator—so we go to work together most days unless I know I’ll be on site. I have been almost exclusively working on Disney property here in Orlando for 12 years. Enjoy working with Imagineers and designers on a wide range of projects. Not quite ready to retire, plus Karen has not decided where we should be; no snow is the only criteria! It also has to have somewhere I can do more woodworking. I’m a novice, but want to get more creative with wood and metal.” “My mom passed away many years ago, and my dad was on his second stint with the Peace Corps when he passed away suddenly back in 2013. I do not think you know that my two older sisters, Beth `72 and Mibby `73, both retired and are living in the mountains near Livermore, CO. My brother John `79 just retired from teaching in Edina Prairie, MN this past year, and David `83 is moving to UT next year (his wife retired and wanted to be close to her kids) after many years in CO.” Bradley G. Garvey `77 shared, “Hi everyone! I’ve been retired for three years after running our family business for 37 years, and love living in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Hopefully plan to travel extensively when this pandemic eases. I hope all my Wayland friends are well. See you all at the next reunion.”
David Socha Ph.D. `77 is an Associate Professor at the University of Washington. He has worked in various software organizations as a programmer, architect, manager, teacher, ScrumMaster, product designer, change agent, and agile coach. His interests have consistently been about how to effectively design software and human systems, focusing on the human and social aspects of software development. David noted, “I am a pragmatist. A collaborator. An optimist. I look for simple solutions that address underlying design forces.” David received his Ph.D. in computer science and engineering from the University of Washington. He received his B.S. in Zoology and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin. Joe Schwab `77 is the owner of Euclid Records St. Louis and has expanded into Louisiana with Euclide Records New Orleans. He is married to Sandy Schwab, and they have three children: Chris (40), Mandy (33), and C.J. (23). They are patiently waiting for grandkids! Michael J. Ecker `77 retired in March after 36 years in mass transit management, including running bus depots in Manhattan, and four years in charge of the Bronx. “I met my wife, Beth, at Brandeis University, and 33 years of bliss have ensued. Had I known she would end up as a matrimonial attorney, I still would have proposed. Our kids, Mel (27) and Ted (23) got their good looks and brains from their mom. Retirement is even better than advertised. Still living in New Rochelle, NY, just a piece down the road from where the Dick Van Dyke Show was allegedly filmed. I’m volunteering at a local soup kitchen, studying Judaism, writing some short stories, gardening, reading plenty of great books, and exercising.” “My brothers, Steve `79 and Paul `85, and I are not planning to endow a Chair anytime soon, but we did splurge on a tile in Wayland Hall. Our dad, Gerson, is 88 and still full of energy and as sharp as a tack, happily married, and living in Lincoln Park. Our beloved mom, Karen, passed away in 2013. We miss her and acknowledge that the rum balls she baked for our Wayland teachers helped get us into college.” Christine Baumann Lillesand `77 recently shared, “After 35 years working with kidney transplant patients, I have officially retired! Looking forward to traveling and other new adventures.” Deborah Sperry Kerr `77 wrote, “I have three grown children—one in Columbus, OH near me, one in Boulder, CO, and one in Richmond, VA (soon moving to Dallas). My son in Boulder has a son 17 months old, so I am a grandmother! I have been divorced for a few years. I am building a house in TN on a lake with Joe Steuer `77, who has also been divorced for a while. We are looking forward to our new life together!” Robyn Jeffords `77 shared, “I’m living in Wisconsin, less than an hour from Beaver Dam, in Sun Prairie. I made a career change in 2013, and haven’t looked back. With three of my five children diagnosed with dyslexia, I learned firsthand just how many challenges dyslexic students face. At Achieve More Reading Center, we go beyond providing students and families with appropriate intervention, to giving them
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hope for successful futures! It’s rewarding to be making a difference in so many lives. My leisure time finds me spending time outdoors, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and exploring interesting new places. After an extended break from competitive ballroom dancing, I decided it was time to dust off my dance shoes. This time, just for fun. Hopefully, the pandemic will soon be a thing of the past, and we can return to social dancing once again. It’s been great to connect with many of my Wayland classmates on social media. Hope to meet up one of these days.” Karen Lesko `79 wrote in about how she met and married Andrew Lesko `79. “I transferred to Wayland my junior year of high school, and there was a guy in my English class who occasionally dozed off. I got to know him a little. During senior year, I decided I liked him and asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance and we started dating after that. Our first date was a Wayland trip to Madison. We saw the movie the China Syndrome and went to Ella’s Deli after the movie. Andy ordered the biggest root beer float I had ever seen and ate the whole thing. After we graduated, I went to UW–Madison, and he went to Iowa State. He later transferred to UW–Madison, and we got married a week after we both graduated. We moved to South Carolina and spent the next 35 (or so) years working in the nuclear industry (ironic, since our first date was China Syndrome). We have both retired now and have two kids and four grandchildren. We live in the Atlanta area, close to two of the grandkids and their parents.” Kevin W. Bruning `79 is the principal and managing attorney at the law firm of Bruning & Associates, P.C. He established Bruning & Associates in January 2000. Prior to 2000, Mr. Bruning practiced with the Complex Commercial Litigation Group of one of the nation’s largest law firms. He received his JD from DePaul University College of Law and his BA from Loyola University. Felicia Linsky `79 updated us, “I’m proud to be a part of this season spray tanning the pros and celebrities for Season 30 of Dancing with the Stars.”
Eric T. Wagenknecht `92 lives in Vail, CO with his wife and kids.
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Greetings
Serena Wolfe `07, Anna January `08, Lindsay CiesliK `09, and Carlton Radford `08 at Lindsay’s beautiful wedding in Madison, WI on August 14, 2021.
1980s Douglas Snow `81 and Jo Ann Prout `80 met at Wayland in the fall of the 1977–1978 academic year. “We were in the same orientation group. He claims that I punched him after doing the backward trust fall thing off the top of the bleachers. I say I shoved him due to the adrenaline surging in my veins. Doug and I weren’t particularly close at Wayland, though we did have some classes together. He was a townie, and I was a dorm student. He was also in the class behind me, so romantically invisible. I remembered him as the cute, nice guy in a brown corduroy jacket. I knew he wasn’t a psychopath.” “Fast forward to 2009 and the advent of Facebook. Cheryl Pivar `80 was a super sleuth and found everyone who attended Wayland during our years and got us all reconnected. She pointed out that Generalissimo Neige was Doug Snow.” “Doug and I became very close friends over the next five years, thanks to that Facebook algorithm. We shared a lot in ideology, spirituality, lifestyle, and interests, and we often commented on each other's posts.” “One day I posted a picture of myself with my husky in a St. Anne’s Episcopal Church pew for the Feast of St. Francis pet blessing. He saw it and messaged me, saying that he dug my vibe, and if I found it creepy, he would never bother me again, but he asked me to communicate oneon-one. I didn’t find it creepy at all—quite the contrary. Our relationship had developed over five platonic years, so we were not strangers. One day, he sent me a Google map highlighting the route from Warsaw, IN to River Falls, WI, and an invitation to come up. On Halloween, 2014, I did. When I pulled up to his house, the steps to the front door were covered with countless jack-o’-lanterns. I walked in and knew something important was going on. I started handing out candy.” “Things progressed quickly. We married September 27 of the following year.”
Tom Kelman `81, president and owner of Kelman Consulting, LLC, specializes in the ice cream and frozen novelty industry, and has 28 years of experience in food manufacturing, with over 20 years focused on the dairy industry. He has worked with domestic and international companies in company-owned and contract manufacturing facilities. During that time, he has established himself as a multifaceted individual in the dairy industry’s packaged ice cream and novelty frozen desserts segment. Kelman Consulting can assist you in moving your product from the conceptual stage to the marketplace presentation. The firm provides ideas and solutions in productivity, product formulation, product start-up, material control, and package design. Services consist of technical expertise in manufacturing troubleshooting, product quality, product costing, packaging, and machinery layout. Assistance is also available in vendor sourcing, co-packer sourcing, and nutrition and ingredient labeling. Jon Cushman `80 and Jenny Cobb’s `81 worlds collided in Monsieur Sampon’s French III class and on the ski slopes. One day during French class, Jenny talked Jon into going on one of many Sunday ski trips. That trip solidified their friendship. That, and the fact that Jon could get snacks in Mr. and Mrs. Cobb’s (Jenny’s parents) kitchen in Ella Dye after study hall. This Wayland couple married in 1991 and have shared their lives for 30 years! (But who’s counting?) Scott Wilson Millar `82 is working on a dual degree Master of Social Work and Master of Social Policy at the Brown School at Washington University in Saint Louis. On May 18, 2021, he had the honor of being inducted as a Clark Fox Policy Institute Graduate Policy Scholar! clarkfoxpolicyinstitute.wustl.edu/engagement/ student-opportunities/245-2 Glen Richards `84 re-joined the Wayland community this winter as a Grad Resident. Glen lives in Wayland Hall, takes on dorm duties,
supports students academically, and is coaching softball. In fall 2022, Glen will begin teaching at the Academy. James Rosplock `82 and Mary Lienke Rosplock `84 met at Wayland. “We first met at a bar in downtown Beaver Dam (audible gasp) called Louden’s (aka Howie’s), over Christmas break (1981–82). Jim was just 17 (a senior), and I was 15 (a sophomore). All the stars aligned because we were both in Mrs. Dohmann’s art class upon returning to school after break. After a semester of creating some priceless (??) artwork and flirting, sparks flew. My parents had agreed to host the `82 senior class party at our lake lot in the country, and it was there that we shared our first kiss and the rest, as they say, is history.” “We dated for six and a half years before we were married in 1988, so that’s a whopping 40 years that we’ve been together all because of Wayland . . . and Jim’s insane gift of patience in putting up with me. Seriously though, both Jim and I are grateful to Wayland for not only bringing us together but for the second-to-none education we received while we were there. The teachers and friends we met at Wayland are part of our fondest memories.” Sarah Goddard Adler `86 recently shared, “The past two years have been the start of a tremendous period of change for me. I continue parenting my two fabulous children and consider re-entering the workforce.” Renee Forrest Flanagan `87 has worked for Utah’s Forest Service, since 1993, as an engineer and a district ranger overseeing 170,000 acres of forest land. She is currently the public services group leader coordinating recreational activities in Utah. In 2020, she helped fight fires in Australia. Dr. Uzma Samadani `88 is the co-Founder and CEO of Oculogica and a neurosurgeon within the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. In January 2022, Uzma became a private practice neurosurgeon for the US Neurosurgery Associates in Minnesota. Amy Fisher `89 is a vice president at Padilla, where she directs integrated marketing and communications programs for sizeable B2B brands, focusing on client service and delivering
an exceptional quality of work. She helps define the strategic direction for her Padilla business sector, oversees business development efforts, marketing, and staffing sectors. Amy loves coaching staff and helping them define a career path. She also builds and delivers companywide professional development initiatives and operational improvement programs.
1990s Carter D. Reese `90 is an experienced president with a 20+ year history working in marketing, live events, broadcast and online media, and experiential industries. He is skilled in strategic planning/vision, impactful marketing, promotional campaigns, and authentic brand building. Carter has successfully created and executed awardwinning marketing initiatives and events for iHeart Radio, RocNation, the NFL, Riot Games, EA, Converse, NY Fashion Week, Magic Leap, Rolex, Pepsi, and Nestle. After playing a season on the Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Carter began his career in New York City at Arista/Bad Boy Records and Universal Music Group. He has a business and economics degree from UC Santa Barbara, where he was an NCAA Volleyball scholarship athlete, team captain, and multiple award winner. Carter lives in Manhattan Beach, CA, with his wife, three sons, and their dog, Gaucho. Rick Merizon `91 and Kristin A Merizon `90 met when Kris was a Junior and Rick was a sophomore. “Our first date was watching Pet Sematary at the Beaver Dam movie theater. We have now been married 22 years and have three amazing kids!” Erik J. Brandt `91 is still teaching English at Harding High in St. Paul, MN! Samara Rosa Condon `91 recently moved to La Grange Park, just southwest of Chicago, and lives with her husband, Thomas, and their nineyear-old son, Carter. She is working part time at a health care center and loves her job. “Looking forward to traveling and better days ahead of us. Peace and love.”
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION
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Sheffia Randall Dooley `91 shared, “I am very excited to share that I have been appointed as CEO and president for the Center for Arts Inspired Learning. Thank you to all of my champions and mentors for your guidance and support, especially my teachers, mentors, and friends at Wayland Academy. I look forward to continuing to serve the northeast Ohio community with such an amazing organization!” arts-inspiredlearning.org/center-for-arts-inspiredlearning-appoints-sheffia-randall-dooley J. Matt Keil `92 and his wife, Kristy, welcomed their third child, Eva Lynn Keil, into the world on February 17, 2022. Their two boys, Emmett (4) and Levi (2), are excited about the new addition to the family. Jeong Park `92 is entering his tenth year living in Orange County, CA. He hasn’t been back to Wayland since graduation but is looking forward to attending an alumni event soon. He is one of the founding members of Novus Automotive, an e-commerce company in Southern California. Mahin Samadani `92 wrote in, “Grateful for nearly eight years with my talented and inspiring colleagues at McKinsey & Company. On to the next chapter at Google! I couldn’t be more excited.” Tim Armato `92 works for One10 Inc. as a user experience architect. He received his BA in Geology from Gustavus Adolphus College and his BFA in graphic design and MFA in sculpture from The Minneapolis College of Art + Design. He and his wife Amy ran a small invitation design and letterpress printing studio in Minneapolis—Armato Design & Press. Eric T. Wagenknecht `92 recently shared, “In addition to doing commercial modeling and acting work, I have 40+ years of ski experience, run ultramarathons, and I’m an avid climber, bowhunter, and mountaineer.” Eric is available not only as a talent but as a high country guide with extensive knowledge of amazing locations throughout Colorado. He is also featured in campaigns for Ram Trucks, Celebrity Cruises,
did you know that you may be able to double your donation to Wayland Academy through our matching donation program? Many employers sponsor matching gift programs to match charitable contributions made by their employees. If you work for an organization with such a program, when you make a donation to Wayland Academy, your company will donate too! Companies usually match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at a 2:1, 3:1, or even a 4:1 ratio. Gifts from employees’ spouses and retirees may also qualify for a match. Find out if your employer has a matching gift program at wayland.org/support-wayland/matching-gifts. If you would like to learn more about matching gifts, please contact the Director of Donor Relations, Kelly Neuert P`15, H`17, at 920-356-2120 ext. 244. Spring 2022
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Royal Caribbean, Vail Resorts, Audi USA, Red Sky Ranch, Garden of the Gods Club, Game Creek Club, Keystone Ski Resort, and many others. Wags lives in Vail, CO, with his wife and lovely kids, also experienced models. Charley Shaw `94 and his wife, Carrie, moved from the Midwest to Washington State last year when Carrie accepted a position in the School of Music at the University of Washington as an artist in residence. Charley is enjoying the sights and sounds of Washington before joining the workforce again. For the last six and a half years, he was a public information officer for the Minnesota Senate. He received his bachelor’s from Lawrence University.
WAYLAND ACADEMY'S 1ST ANNUAL
FRIDAY JUNE 3, 2022
we invite you to support and participate in our first annual golf event at Old Hickory Golf Club in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Teams of four players will compete throughout the 18-hole course for prizes and prestige while having fun and supporting the Wayland community. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Academy Fund to support our students' educational experience, such as academics, athletics, and technology, aiming to improve every aspect of academic and student life. Register now: One.bidpal.net/ bigredtourney22 28
Greetings
Meghan Kronzer N’Cho-Allepot `94 lives in Illinois with her husband, Hughes, and their children. They run their clothing company, The French Education, specializing in elegant clothes made in the USA. Find them on Instagram at #thefrencheducation. Nicole Brandup Lucas `94 works as an account executive for Effectv (formerly Comcast). Nichole did her undergrad work at UW–Madison, and her grad work at The University of Freiburg in Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg. Stephanie J. Fisher `94 has returned to the U.S. after living in Dubai for 11 years. She founded Strategic Creative Consulting, which provides strategic advisory, business development, regional market research, and actionable strategies to grow businesses. She was also the advisor to U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2012. In 2019, Stephanie’s company was renamed Strategic Creative Ventures. The company’s focus is investing and advice on impact disruptive technologies in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, robotics, VR, fin-tech, clean-tech, and education and wellness. Regan J. Richardson `96 is living in Sacramento, CA. He is married and the father of three children, ages thirteen, eight, and six. “I have three careers that I love equally—media, international trade, and public health outreach.” Elizabeth “Beth” Schneider Ratajczak `96, P`25 left her position as the head of the science department at Wayland, after 15 years, to pursue a new position at Edward Jones in Beaver Dam, WI. Her son Jonah is a member of the Class of 2025 at Wayland Academy. Jeremy Starz `97 recently shared, “I embark on my 21st season at Camp Nicolet, our youth summer camp in Eagle River, WI. Since 2006, I’ve worked full time at camp and currently am the director of operations and finance. I teach sailing, waterskiing, lead a variety of wilderness backpacking and canoeing trips, and manage facilities, business finances, and logistics associated with our operation. It’s rewarding to work with today’s youth in a time-tested industry that continues to instill confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of “Learning to Live Together” in today’s world—all while garnering increased appreciation for the outdoors. I enjoy volunteering for WXPR Public Radio (Rhinelander, WI), alpine skiing, and riding my fat-tire bike in my spare time. Greetings to members of all the 90s classes at Wayland!” Dominic V. Ferraro `98 exchanged vows with the love of his life, Kristina, in February 2022. (He also donated his voiceover talent for one of Wayland’s recent commercial spots. Thank you, Dom!)
Stephanie Latimer `98 and Charles Latimer `98 sent in a class note together, saying, “A typical boarding student dating a day student for access to a vehicle. We married in 2004, have a few kids, are living in Florida, and still loving life together.”
2000s Eric Larimer `00 lives in Iceland with his wife, Amelia Faber Larimer `03, and two kids, while Amelia finishes her education. Before that, he was a social media manager for TalkLaunch (a company based in Colorado that creates narratives for various brands) and the owner of Republic Cycles in Boulder. Alison Galster Hostad `00 wrote to us last summer and shared, “I now have an almost five-year-old little boy—and good news Mr. Hill H`06, he’s a LOT like me! After years as an archaeologist, I chose to change my career to something with more room for growth and balance for the Forest Service. Now I have more time to indulge in hobbies and adventures with my little family!” Carla Radford Fair `00 recently shared, “I’m guessing that most books written by Wayland alumni are about topics like business models or medical studies. Yeah, that’s great, and all, but I’ve written a book that contains the words pee, poop, and even blowout.” “What would be a little gift for a friend turned out to be an actual book of 100 parenting tips I’ve learned/figured out over the years—Operation Applesauce. I couldn’t let it go to waste. Parenting littles is hard! I’ve got three, number four, arriving next month. You’ll giggle a few times, but this book is raw and honest, with no fluff to it. It will help anyone with kids newborn through kindergarten/first grade. One of my bedtime tricks involving “monster spray” originated in Warren Cottage. I was a prefect, and Maja Z. Stevanovich `03 claimed she couldn’t stay in her dorm room because there were monsters under her bed! If interested in a copy for yourself or a few of them to keep on hand for gifts, follow the link below. It’s only $10 (plus a flat U.S. shipping rate of $3). Big thank you to all my classmates that have already ordered!” operationapplesauce.com Kingston A. Reif `01 was the director for disarmament and threat reduction policy at the Arms Control Association (ACA) from October 2014 until November 2021, when he left to become the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control at the Pentagon. His focus at ACA was on nuclear disarmament, deterrence, arms control, preventing nuclear terrorism, missile defense, and the defense budget. Reif is an expert on the legislative process and closely monitors Congressional action on these issues. Prior to joining the ACA, Reif was the director of nuclear-nonproliferation at the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation and Council for a Livable World. Reif originally came to the Center in 2008 as a Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellow. From September 2008 until May 2009, he served as Dr. Morton Halperinâ’s research assistant on the
entails creating mitigation social history reports for clients facing criminal charges to humanize them to the courts. Wayland deeply helped shape my worldview, particularly in appreciating the perspectives and experiences of people from many walks of life. I carry my time at Wayland close to my heart everywhere I go!” Aaron Gascoigne `05 is the senior manager— financial planning & analysis (FP&A) of SeekOut in Bellevue, WA. Aaron got his Master’s in Finance from Seattle University and his B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. Jin-Woo Park `05 lives in South Korea and works as associate project manager on the S4 League Global Business Team in the GameOnStudio at Neowiz Games.
Adam Krohn `07 was married to Carly Webb on October 2, 2021. Left to right: Abby Rehfeldt `02, Jordan Cole Rehfeldt `02, Keegan Rehfeldt `04, Breanne Rehfeldt `06, Nicholas Schaalma `08, Adam Krohn `07, Dr. Andrew Luy Tan, P.J. Osvald H`11, Steve Boucher `07
Congressional Strategic Posture Commission. Reif returned to the Center in May 2009 as the deputy director of nuclear non-proliferation. Reif holds a BA in International Relations from Brown University and spent two years in the U.K. as a British Marshall Scholar. He received a Master’s of Science in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a MLitt in International Security Studies from St. Andrews. He is a 2014 Truman National Security Project Fellow and a 2018 Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellow. Ted Zieman `01 became property manager and president for Zieman Commercial Properties. He started the De Pere, WI division and has purchased properties in the Greater Green Bay Area, in Greenville, and Sturgeon Bay. Ted and his dad, Richard, the two main managing partners, have always believed that fulfilling a tenant’s needs is the most essential part of their business. Both have a hands-on property management style. They like to have extensive communication with tenants in dealing with issues that may arise. Both take pride in maintaining the properties, keeping them in excellent condition at an affordable price for the tenant. Tiffany Tropino Soriano `01 wrote in, “Javier Soriano `01 and I both transferred into Wayland our junior year. We had spoken a handful of times. After going through the yearbook, my friends and I decided to ask him to senior prom, since he fulfilled our criteria. We left the dance as more. We parted ways for college—he went to Regis and I went to Bates—and reconnected the summer before our senior year at a Wayland graduation ceremony. After graduation, we lived in Mexico City for a few years and then moved to San Diego, CA, where our adventures continue with our two kids.”
Dr. Chelsey Seippel `01 recently moved to Beaver Dam. She runs the Seippel Center for Music and the Arts as well as the Seippel Foundations. Chelsey is an active volunteer at Wayland Academy, P.A.V.E., The Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre (BDACT), and serves as an advisor on various community committees. Jordan H. Cole-Rehfeldt `02 and Keegan Rehfeldt `04 currently live in Orange County, CA. Jordan works for Walt Disney as an event coordinator for large-scale events—food and wine festivals and media launches— mostly based at the Disneyland Resort. Keegan works for Fox Racing as a senior designer for their mountain bike apparel line. Adam Bauman `03 graduated in May 2021 from Harvard with an M.S. in Liberal Arts, emphasizing management. Abbi Stuaan Sothmann `03 is the new chief operating officer of Prime Policy Group in Washington, D.C.! Natalia Rocha Fonseca `03, currently living in Columbia, wrote in, “Just wanted to share some interesting news about yours truly. My wife and I were selected to participate in the Investment TV show Shark Tank Colombia. So, I wanted to share the episode with all of you. All the preparation I got at Wayland paid off. Also, you can practice your Spanish if it’s a little rusty!” youtube.com/watch?v=Te87OsKKiIQ Vanessa Schmidt `03 lives in Seattle after receiving her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. “I’m currently working as a mitigation specialist/defense social worker with the Department of Public Defense. My role
Laura Thompson `05 is a program director at On Deck, where top talent comes to accelerate their ideas and careers, surrounded by a worldclass community. She will lead the charge for On Deck’s new program, Execs on Deck, a curated community for experienced leaders looking for their next career-defining, values-aligned VP or C-Suite role at a high-growth startup. Thinking about what’s next? Check it out at beondeck.com John K. Miller `05 is now a financial advisor for Benjamin F. Edwards in their Madison, WI branch. Sanjay Murthy `06 married Nicole in 2020 during a two-day ceremony held September 12–13, with one day being a traditional Hindi ceremony and day two a Christian ceremony at the Green Bay Country Club in Wisconsin. Akhil Bhatt `05 and Sam Radford `06 were both in the wedding party. Caitlin Randerson St. George `06 is the manager of Cream City Yarn in Brookfield, WI (creamcityyarn. com). She owns her own yarn company, Cast & Dye, which sells 100% Wisconsin-grown and spun wool. At Cream City Yarn, I coordinate and teach at our knitting retreat in Door County, WI. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @caitstgeorge and/or follow the store @creamcityyarn. Meredith L. Zafian `06 is currently in Seattle, working as a program assistant with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (on the TB and HIV Team), a nonprofit organization fighting poverty, disease, and inequity worldwide. Adam Krohn `07 was married to Carly Webb on October 2, 2021. Andrea E. Slosser Worth `07 recently earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Wyoming and is a postdoctoral fellow of Inpatient Geropsychology at the Milwaukee VA Hospital. Adam Benavides `08 married Linse Klingenmeyer in Milwaukee, WI, on August 21, 2021. Numerous Wayland classmates and staff enjoyed the celebration!
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Edgars Ezerietis `08 married Bailey Williams on August 6, 2021, at The Cooperage in Milwaukee, WI. “We got engaged at the summit of Grey’s Peak, one of Colorado’s 14,000 footers.” Matthew Breuer `08 received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Ripon College. He earned his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, CIIS. Matthew currently has his own practice in California’s Bay Area. He coordinates the Integral Health Network, a virtual fellowship of people and their caregivers receiving support for bipolar and other mood disorders. Lindsay Cieslik `09 and Tim Opsal were married on August 14, 2021, in Madison, WI. Adam Bunkoske `09 is a premier banker with Wells Fargo in the Twin Cities. He went to Macalester College (where he played football) and Concordia.
2010s Nick Derr `10 will receive his Ph.D. in Applied Math from Harvard in May 2022. For the last six years, he’s used math and computation to model physical and biological systems such as cytoskeletal gels, small swimming organisms, and branching erosion patterns. During this time, he has been supported by an NDSEG Fellowship and the NSFSimons Quantitative Biology Student Fellowship. In addition to his research, he has often served as a teaching fellow, being awarded the Bok Certificate of Distinction in Teaching five times. This fall, he will join the MIT Mathematics Department for the next three years as an instructor in applied math, where he will teach courses and maintain a program of independent research. Previously, he earned a B.S. in Applied Math, Engineering, and Physics from UW–Madison (2015) and a MASt in Applied Math from the University of Cambridge in 2016. nickderr.me Stephen J. Pepper III `10 married his wife, Holly, on April 3, 2021. Nick Kosewski `10 is a senior engineer and tech manager for HB Fuller. He recently moved to Minneapolis. Nick attended the University of Minnesota for his undergrad and Murray State for his graduate degree. Zach Schwartz `10 is in his last year of med school at Tulane. Jane Goski Krause `10 and her husband Alex recently bought their first house together in Victoria, MN, just a few miles down the road from her new school, Southwest Christian High School. Jane is teaching math to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors this year. Stephanie Hill `10 works for the Santa Catalina School as their associate director of admission. Stephanie joined Santa Catalina’s admissions team in 2019. Prior to that, she worked at all-girls schools in Ohio and Maryland before moving to Monterey. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with her dog Payton. She received her bachelor’s from Lake Forest College.
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Greetings
Anne Rauschert Raisor `11 recently wrote from her home in Felicity, OH, “Austin and I started this business—Anne Excavation Company: Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Excavation Company—a little over a year ago. It’s morphed into more than just excavation! If you need gravel pads, sunflower fields, habitat improvement, blind installation, drainage work, tree work, pond work, etc., we are here for you! We also assist with food plots, bedding area improvements, land clearing, small pond/water hole creation, chainsaw work, elevated blind installation, and Giant Miscanthus planting.” Leslie Walton `11 recently shared, “Matthew Bruning `11 and I met in 2007, during our freshman year. We started dating during our sophomore year in 2008 and we have been together ever since! We got engaged in October 2021 and are getting married in spring of 2023!” Mackenzie B. Miller `11 was married on February 21, 2021, to Mr. Khalil Barrett. Megan A. Petersen `11 married Jeff Shiu in St. Paul, MN, on July 24, 2021. Enrique Galvan `11 was a bridesman in the wedding party and delivered a message during their ceremony. Megan recently accepted a position as a TRIO Student Support Services Tutor at Dakota County Technical College. She will be tutoring and advising TRIO students, who are firstgeneration students who come from a lowincome background or are disabled. Siyi Wang `11 recently joined YouTube (a Google company) as an analyst currently working on YouTube`s new product, YouTube Shorts, focusing on serving short-form videos. Taylor Jordan `11 married Nick Blaul on December 18, 2021, surrounded by family, friends, and Wayland Academy alumni. Alexander M. Derr `12 started a new job in Denver, CO, at Visible Network Labs as their director of marketing and communications. “I’m a man of many passions: public policy, communications and storytelling, sustainability, and the environment. I want to make the world a cleaner, healthier place for all, using the power of stories to pass smart public policy. I’m a motivated, glass-half-full kind of guy who always finds the opportunity inherent in a challenge or obstacle. We face great challenges in combating climate change, species extinction, polluted communities, and overstrained resources. We have the solutions we need—we just need the right story, narrative, and words to move people to action. That’s what I do—craft stories that take us from problems to solutions. Let’s get started—we’ve got no time to lose!” Learn more about Alexander and his work at: thenextsummit.org Brendan Seaver `12 has been working for the Baltimore Orioles for the past two years. He works as the senior assistant groundskeeper at Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles spring training facility in Sarasota, FL. In November 2021, Brendan began working as the assistant director of field operations with the Houston Astros. Colin Wahl `12 is a Ph.D. candidate at UC Berkeley studying the accuracy of Particle-in-Cell
Megan Petersen `11 on her wedding day with bridesman Enrique Galvan `11.
(PIC) simulations of electrostatic plasmas (i.e., computer programming). Ryan Hayes `12 and Blair Thompson `12 were married on March 6, 2021, and bought a house in Chattanooga, TN. Zack Schubert `12 married Tori Nikolaisen on October 5, 2019. Selena Erdman Clark `12 is a gallery assistant at the Koplin Del Rio Art Gallery in Seattle, WA. She is responsible for various day-to-day administrative tasks, assisting with exhibition layout and planning, artist loan and on-site shipping coordination, and art handling and packing. “My role largely focuses on communications, organizing social media presence, MailChimp announcements, and some client outreach. As a gallerist and arts advocate, I am passionate about contemporary arts, community and local art projects, and performance—art as expression and reflection of culture, movements, and politics.” Her MA in Art History and Curatorial Practice is from UW– Milwaukee, and her BA is from Cornell in art history and anthropology. Her studies included nineteenth-century culture and objects as well as prints and early photography, particularly in France, Britain, and America. She and Geoffrey Clark `12 were married in January 2019. Geoffrey is a fabrication technician at Mackin Consultancy Ltd at Facebook AR/VR. “I am an innovator and a maker. I work in industrial design, model making, design engineering, and furniture making. I have experience in 3D printing and CNC machining as well as traditional wood and metalworking.” He received his bachelor’s from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and studies at Drake. Ann E. Schwab `12 wrote in and shared, “Received my B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from UW–Stout (2015) and my Master of Arts in Leadership with
a concentration in student affairs in higher education from the University of Colorado– Colorado Springs (2019). I am now the assistant registrar for curriculum management at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.” Kelly J. Yun `12 is a research assistant at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis and pursuing a career in orthotics and prosthetics. Aaron D. Ganske `13 got engaged to Grace Wilkie over Labor Day Weekend in 2021. Jordan Roberts `13 attended Southern Illinois University for journalism, where he was a walkon basketball player. In 2015, he transferred to the University of Illinois. Again, as a walkon, he was a wide receiver for the school’s football team, and in 2018 earned his bachelor’s in broadcast journalism with a certificate in sociology and recreational sports and tourism. Currently, Jordan is a buyers’ and seller’s agent at Asante Realty and is part of the top 1% team in San Francisco’s Bay/Tri-Valley area. He also owns his own LLC, JLR Realty Group, used for short-term rental arbitrage and real estate investment properties. Before becoming a real estate professional, he gained a wide range of experience in tech sales and corporate communications. Jordan is ready to help create a new chapter in the lives of buyers and sellers and fill the pages with values including honesty, excellent customer service, loyalty, commitment, dependability, and morality. Randall Harris II `13 wrote to us from Maywood, IL, “‘Knowledge is Power.’ For the past year, I’ve had the honor of training under the bestof-the-best through the #raddeneducationinstitute to understand the unique complexities of financial planning for physicians, business owners, and other high-net-worth households. I’m excited to pass on this information to clients and help them utilize it to build financial security for themselves and their families.” Bryanna Sanders Michaletz `13 married Carl Michaletz on June 12, 2021. Bryanna is the senior assistant dean of admission at Wayland Academy. Blake Neuman `14 married Tiffany Gantz on August 21, 2021, in Milwaukee at the Church of the Gesu. Hanchen Zheng `14 received his Master’s in International Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University in 2001. He worked for the US-China Business Council in Washington, D.C., but now works as an analyst for Morgan Stanley in China. Jason J. Jiang `14 graduated from UW– Madison in 2018 with a B.S. in Agricultural Business Management, with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. He moved to NY and, in 2021, obtained his M.S. in Real Estate, Finance & Investment at New York University, after which he moved to San Francisco and worked as a commercial real estate financial analyst for a company in the Bay Area. Currently, he is looking to build the outbound sales strategy as early sales hire at a mission-driven YC startup.
Zongzhi Li `14 is a project manager currently leading the hyperbaric oxygen chamber division within the Devon MD Group in the Philadelphia area. Holly Rantanen `14 recently wrote in, “Cameron Rantanen `14 and I are both Wayland alumni. I transferred to Wayland my sophomore year of high school, and we knew of each other then but never really talked to each other. Fast forward to senior year, we began talking in Mr. Walter’s AAP in the fall and quickly became inseparable best friends and began dating in April 2014, right before graduation. After we left Wayland, we moved between Colorado and California before making our way back to Wisconsin, where we live now with our two cats, Eleanor and Atticus. In October 2021, we got married in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and now we are enjoying our lives as newlyweds!” Aindrila Haldar `14 earned her Master of Arts in International/Global Studies in 2020 and is now working towards her Master of Arts in Web and UX/UI Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Micah Ganske `16 joined Spectrum Brands and will be part of the team in the Middleton, WI location as an associate commercial finance analyst in the home and personal care division. Dia Henderson `16 is currently a graduate assistant at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Paul Derr `17 recently graduated from UW–Madison with a B.S. in Neurobiology, Psychology, and Biochemistry. This fall, he will join Harvard’s Program in Neuroscience (PiN), working towards a Ph.D. in neuroscience. “So grateful for my time at UW–Madison and the unending support and guidance from my friends and family.” Easton Meier `18 was sworn in as a deputy for Dodge County Sheriff’s Department in January 2022. Easton was a member of the Dodge County Cadet program at Wayland.
Haley L. Fiegel `14 earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 2021. Jane Lee `14 shared, “Though I have always been so hesitant and worried that I had left Wayland, I still thank and honor all my time I’ve spent in the community, with the people and the lessons I learned. I miss every single person and moment I was at Wayland, and I truly hope everyone is doing well.” Megan L. Warfield `14 earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Eastern Carolina University and now lives and works in Hickory, NC. Maggie Jo Sanderson `15 is a Midwestbased furniture designer. Her work has been internationally awarded and sits in the permanent collection at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA). She recently shared in an interview, “My passion for design was accidentally discovered when I found myself at art school after getting denied from nearly every other college I applied. At the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), I discovered my potential. After four challenging and developmental years of studying interior architecture and design, furniture design, and sustainability, I graduated in 2019. Three months later, I started my own company. I was lucky to have gained some experience from another local furniture design company I worked for simultaneously during my first year in the real world. I’m proud to say that I now run my company full time. My clients are from all over the country, and my projects range anywhere from small benches to sets of 10+ chairs.” “My ideas and inspiration come from keeping things simple. I am constantly asking myself what is truly necessary for a piece and what can I eliminate? I want every feature of my furniture to be thoroughly considered. I often tell myself ‘a few good things’ rather than a bunch of okay design elements. Other than that, my inspiration comes from my time in nature and honoring the materials I’m lucky enough to use."
Join the Heritage Society at Wayland Academy and Leave YOUR Legacy by stating your intentions in your will, living trust, or as a designation on a beneficiary form you can give a gift without affecting current income, make a charitable gift with relatively little cost to you or your family, and support the future of Wayland Academy— making a difference in the lives of future students for years to come. For more information, contact Tyler J. Ratajczak, Director of Major and Planned Giving 920.356.2120 ext. 282 or tratajczak@wayland.org or learn more at wayland.org/plannedgift Spring 2022
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Ethan Buckner `18 is currently attending the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, majoring in accounting. Mohammad Nafisi Bahabadi `18 graduated from UW–Ripon and is in the process of starting a start-up business in San Francisco, CA. Elizabeth “Liz” Tyranski `18 works for Andrew McDonnell H`20 in the UW–Madison library. Grace Rowley `18 graduated from Truman State University in December of 2021, where she pursued a major in political science and minors in both Spanish and Latin. She shared, “I returned to Wisconsin where I now work at the capitol as a Senate Messenger in the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms office where I help manage administrative requests and needs of Wisconsin’s state senators and their interactions with one another and the public.”
Haoyan “Ken” Wang `19 (aka Klaus in all of his German classes) received the Undergraduate Achievement Award in Intermediate German Coursework from UW–Madison in April 2021. He is from Beijing, China, and is triple majoring in political science, international studies (global economic trade), and journalism, and earning certificates in German and public policy. “Studying German at UW–Madison not only helped me understand the German language, history, and culture, but also the German heritage in Wisconsin. I had the pleasure of featuring Professor Mark Louden on the Badger Herald podcast and conversing about Wisconsin’s German cultural heritage. When I first learned German, I had to choose between Spanish, French, Latin, and German. Eventually, I decided to study German because Germany has always been an important nation both economically and politically. As a political science student, I am deeply interested
Congratulations to Bryanna Sanders `13 and Wayland faculty member Carl Michaletz who were married on June 12. Sister Kandice Sanders `12 and alumna Alessandra DeFranco `12 were in the wedding party while other alumni, Wayland faculty and staff enjoyed in the celebrations.
Have an update to share? Write to us at Greetings, Wayland Academy, 101 N. University Ave, Beaver Dam, WI 53916 or email us at alumni@wayland.org.
in international politics and institutions, and it is extremely difficult to comprehend that without learning about Germany and its past. Learning German has helped with reading some primary historical documents and deepened my understanding of German history, culture, and politics. More importantly, I enjoyed learning the language and used what I learned in the classroom when I studied abroad in Germany with Mr. Borrud at Wayland; that was a great feeling. Studying German has helped me expand my network as well.”
former faculty Rosemary and Phillip Resch were recently hiking to find petroglyphs on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was very hot and windy, but they still sported the Wayland mask! Go, Wayland! FYI, we found many petroglyphs.
After teaching English and coaching baseball at Wayland, Jeremy Gregersen joined the faculty of the Meadows School as an English teacher in 2005. He was named department chair in 2008 and dean of studies of the upper school in 2010; moved on to become middle school director in 2011 and was appointed to his current position as head of school in 2014. Gregersen holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Michigan, a Master’s in English from the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor’s in English from the University of Utah. He is a graduate of the prestigious Klingenstein Center’s Head of School Program and sits on the board of governors of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools.
46th Annual Spring Gala & Auction the gala & auction was a huge success! It was wonderful to celebrate this year in person with alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends, and community members. Once again, Lindsay Auditorium was transformed into a beautiful venue—with twinkling lights above, candles, and beautiful floral arrangements scattered throughout the space—and the food was amazing (as always). From the over 150 auction items available for live and silent bidding to the Golden Ticket raffle and the launch of the public phase of the Wayland Made campaign, it was an exciting night for all in attendance. (See pages 14–17 for more information on the Wayland Made campaign.) This year’s raise-the-paddle initiative raised over $90,000 to cover the cost of furniture for the common spaces in Burnham Hall. All students of the Wayland community will enjoy these common spaces for many years to come. Thank you to all who supported, volunteered, and participated in the event. We look forward to celebrating the 47th Annual Spring Gala & Auction in person again next year on Saturday, April 15, 2023! 32
Greetings
in
MEMORIAM
We remember fondly the classmates, teachers and staff, and Academy friends who have passed from our presence on earth. Family members may contact Director of Donor Relations Kelly Neuert P`15, H`17 at kneuert@wayland.org to advise us of the passing of a loved one so that we may include them in our remembrances. Read additional details at wayland.org/remembrances
1930s
LOUISE THORNE MATSON `51 passed away on June 20, 2020
VIRGINIA DRAKE RADDATZ `39 passed away on April 30, 2021
DONALD E. YAHN `51 passed away on October 12, 2020 JAMES D. MCDANIEL `52 passed away on December 16, 2021
1940s
TRUMAN L. STURDEVANT `53 passed away on March 9, 2021
ROBERT A. GOLLWITZER `42 passed away on January 29, 2021
JAMES BURGESS `54 passed away on December 20, 2021
AUDREY KACHELSKI `43 passed away on August 13, 2021
FREDERICK KAPELLE `55 passed away on March 26, 2020
F. ADDISON JONES `46 passed away on June 18, 2021
WILLIAM M. HOAG, JR. `55 passed away on November 7, 2021
JUDITH JOHNSON WYMER `47 passed away on January 30, 2022
MARTHA LENTZ ANDERSON `56 passed away on February 19, 2021
LAVONNE WEBER MOBLO `49 passed away on April 22, 2021
JEAN ELSER LERITZ `56 passed away on May 3, 2021 PATRICIA BARKHUFF H`56 passed away September 7, 2021
1950s
LEWIS R. ELIN `56 passed away on September 30, 2021
ARON R. KLINK `50 passed away on July 16, 2021
SUSAN ENGLE SYDNOR `56 passed away on June 15, 2021
DONALD F. BUNGE `50 passed away on June 4, 2021
ANN HOYER FISHER `57 passed away on January 20, 2021
KRISTIN KELLY LAAS `50 passed on June 10, 2017
LAURA FAIRBANK SUDLER `58 passed away on August 18, 2021
MAYNA AVENT NANCE `50 passed on May 13, 2020
DAVID W. GEFFERT `58 passed away on November 11, 2021
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FRED R. FLOM `59 passed away on June 23, 2021
1990s
MARYANN MILLER `59 passed away in January, 2021
SANG WOOK HA `93 passed away on May 18, 2021
1960s
2000s
NANCY FERGUSON ROBINSON `61 passed away on September 28, 2021
BRIDGET R. KILLEEN `04 passed away on July 20, 2021
WARREN M. ZUEHLS `61 passed away in November, 2021 DAVID FREDERIC ZOERB `64 passed away on April 23, 2021 ROBERT S. GREENEBAUM `65 passed away on February 4, 2021 GREGORY S. MEYER `68 passed away on January 27, 2022 THOMAS M. BROWN `69 passed away on March 3, 2021
FRIENDS OF WAYLAND DORIS BOLTON P`13 passed away on March 22, 2020 BJ CHIMENTI passed away on February 22, 2021 FRANKLIN J. FOSTER passed away on February 12, 2020
1970s WILLIAM R. HARTZELL `72 passed away on August 14, 2021 SARAH VERSTEGEN `75 passed away on April 21, 2021 JEFFREY C. LAING `76 passed away on April 20, 2020 LAWRENCE L. SMITH `77 passed away on September 28, 2021 WILLIAM G. RICHARDS, JR. `78 passed away on February 21, 2022
GERALD GREENSPAN passed away on June 22, 2021 CARROLL HOWES passed away on June 25, 2021 JANE JAHN passed away on June 15, 2021 JOHN POWLESS passed away on May 20, 2021 DONNA RIPLEY BAILEY passed away on August 17, 2021 DONALD H. RUMSFELD P`86 passed away on June 29, 2021 WILLIAM R. THIEMAN passed away on May 19, 2020
1980s
DEWEY G. WESTRA passed away on September 13, 2021
WILLIAM N. MACNALLY `84 passed away on August 15, 2021
Save the Date for a Wayland Made Homecoming OC TO B ER 14–16, 2022 homecoming is a special opportunity for alumni to come together and explore Wayland’s past and present with fun gatherings and great programs. Save the date and make plans to join us on campus for a Wayland Made weekend of events celebrating everything that makes the Wayland experience special. Registration will open in July. We’ll celebrate milestones for class years ending in a “7” or “2,” with special recognition for the Class of 2012 (10th reunion), Class of 1997 (25th reunion), and Class of 1972 (50th reunion). Help energize your class and encourage strong attendance by becoming a Class Correspondent. Contact Mandie Zopp, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement at azopp@wayland.org for more information or call 920-356-2120 ext. 247.
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Greetings
A Conversation with Trustee Dick Kimberly `54 and Karen Kimberly H`08 HONOR ARY CO - CHAIR S OF T H E W AY L A N D M A D E C A M P A I G N
alumni has been special for us. Many of them have been an inspiration to me over the years and helped me to appreciate what a Wayland education meant to my career and life. Can you speak to the individual campaign initiatives and why they are so crucial for the future of Wayland?
trustee dick kimberly `54 and karen kimberly h `08
have been long time supporters of Wayland Academy—giving of their time, talent, and treasure. Dick has served on the Board of Trustees for more than 40 years, serving as Board Chair multiple times. Although Karen H`08 did not attend Wayland, she has always been very supportive of Wayland and its superior educational opportunities. Dick and Karen have supported many capital projects on campus—large and small—with Kimberly Chapel named in their honor. They have been guiding lights for Wayland and we are appreciative of their support.
Describe your journey at Wayland, from your first days on campus to your lifelong stewardship of the institution. I attended a Wayland “start of the year mixer” with a recent graduate and liked what I saw. I then convinced my parents to transfer me to Wayland for my junior year from another boarding school. There was a large number of students, who I knew, attending from the Fox River Valley area of Wisconsin. After my graduation two years later and a stint in the Marines, in appreciation, I got involved in the Alumni Association which led to a position on the Board of Trustees with some very special people. Eventually that led to my becoming the Chair of the Board twice and other involvement with the school. What does Wayland Made mean to you personally? With Wayland’s founding in 1855 and becoming co-ed in 1861, Wayland is one of the oldest co-educational school, if not the oldest still in existence, boarding and day schools in the U.S. In addition, over the years, Wayland has included grades 7–12 and a junior college before settling on a 9–12 curriculum. Preserving this heritage is very special to me and that is what the Wayland Made campaign will do. What are the particular moments from your experience at Wayland over the years that have inspired you to keep giving back? Our involvement with the various members of the Boards of Trustees, administrators, faculty members, students, former classmates, and
In order to attract the caliber of students and faculty which Wayland wants and must have to properly compete in a very competitive educational environment, it is essential that the campus and its facilities are kept up to date. Wayland Made is one of the key elements for accomplishing these priorities. We understand that you made a bold move and were very creative in your recent gift to Wayland. Please share what you did and how you did it. At a Board meeting early in 2021, it became obvious to us that we needed to get this campaign underway soon or possibly lose the opportunity to advance Wayland’s quality status indefinitely. Part of our contribution to the Sesquicentennial (2005) campaign was in cash and part was in a binding trust for Wayland with annual income to us. Some of the debt from the Wayland Hall renovation was rolled over by the Board to take advantage of the extremely low interest rates, allowing us to use the savings for other purposes. Karen and I decided that it would be best for Wayland if we relinquished the Trust and all benefits to us in order to pay off the remaining debt for Wayland Hall from the balance of the Trust and its increased investment value. This would allow the Board to utilize its debt free status to raise the funds needed to get the girls dorm project underway while interest rates were still low and Wayland’s need for the new dorm was urgent. Thankfully, it worked, and some major gifts followed. The Wayland Hall debt was wiped out but now we need to raise additional funds to allow the Board to meet the remaining needs of the Wayland Made campaign. You’ve provided tremendous support over the years—both individually and collectively and in so many different ways— of both the Academy and this current campaign. Why was planned giving also an important component of your support? Like in the case of our 2005 contribution, it became a key element for moving ahead at that critical time for Wayland. After the Sesquicentennial event, I walked past the steps of Wayland Hall upon which some recent graduates were sitting. One young lady piped up as I passed and said, “Mr. Kimberly, someday I hope I can do for Wayland what you have done.” This meant a lot to me and there are more essential things that others can do now, at various giving levels, in numerous ways, to advance Wayland’s competitive status—think of what Wayland has meant to you and/or your family.
Spring 2022
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Beaver Dam, WI Permit No. 150
G R E ETI N G S
If you are receiving this magazine and it is addressed to a Wayland alumni or friend who previously lived at your address, please contact alumni@wayland.org to provide updated mailing information for this person.
Save the Date JUNE 3
Big Red Golf Tournament, Old Hickory Golf Club JUNE 9
Green Lake Gathering JULY 1
Deadline for Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations AUGUST 12
Burnham Hall Ribbon Cutting AUGUST 24
Classes Begin OCTOBER 14-16
Fall Family Weekend/ Homecoming 2022
Mary “Mimi” Brazeau Brown `70 at Homecoming 2021
Wayland Academy 101 N University Ave Beaver Dam, WI 53916 36
Greetings
Toll free: 800.860.7725 Phone: 920.356.2120
WAYLAND.ORG