USM Today Winter 2016 Final

WINTER 2016
ATHLETICS
FLOURISH
IN MIDDLE
SCHOOL
SCHOLASTIC ART
AWARDS HIGHLIGHT
CREATIVITY, SKILL
DEVELOPING
STUDENT
LEADERSHIP
INTRODUCING
THE INAUGURAL
USM ATHLETIC
HALL OF FAME CLASS

After an eight-year hiatus, the Phoenix Magazine, an online USM literary arts publication, has
risen from the ashes.Production of the magazine was spearheaded by Upper School English Teacher and faculty
advisor Rebecca Schwartz and a dedicated staff of Upper School students, led by co-editors
Nikita Mullick ’17 and Jordan Mutschler ’17. The students were inspired to revive the magazine
in order to “share the amazing talent that USM classmates and teachers have to offer, and to
bring our School community together.”
Originally created by and for USM’s Upper School, the magazine now features art and
literature produced by Middle School students, Upper School students, and USM faculty
and staff members.
The editors of the Phoenix Magazine intend to produce a new edition every semester, which
will be available online. To check out the latest issue, please visit www.usmk12.org/phoenix.

32
Developing Student
Leadership
04
The Arts Shine at USM
14
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of Service
30
Introducing the
Inaugural USM Athletic
Hall of Fame Class
36
Athletics Flourish
in Middle School
02 Head of School Message
03 New Community Room
Coming Soon
12 Grandparents and Special
Friends Day
16 Academic Achievement
18 Alumni Association Board
19 Leave a Legacy with USM
20 Giving USM Style
21 Dick Kramlich MCDS’53
Blazes Trail as
Venture Capitalist
22 Alumni Events
28 Legacy Students
34 Inside the Scholastic
Art Awards
40 A Look Back—25 Years of
Summer I.D.E.A.S.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
25 Class Notes
27 In Memoriam
38 Holiday Shops 2015
in this issue
USM TODAY
USM Today is published by University School of Milwaukee
three times per year. USM is an independent, coeducational,
college preparatory day school for students from prekindergarten
through grade 12. Our editorial staff has made every attempt to
ensure the accuracy of information reported, and we apologize
for any inadvertent errors that may have occurred.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Tim Eilbes
Director of Marketing and Communications
MANAGING EDITOR
Ryan Cardarella
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN
McDill Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
James Schnepf
Rick Ebbers
Visual Image Photography
Corrections:
In the Fall 2015 issue of USM Today, Michelle Hevey was
erroneously identified as a member of the class of 2007.
We apologize for the error.
In the Annual Advancement Report, the 2014-2015 USM
Boosters Board was incorrectly identified, as the 2015-2016
Board was listed in its place. To view the correct 2014-2015
Board, please visit www.usmk12.org/1415boosters.
2015–2016 LEADERSHIP
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Laura J. Fuller
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL
Gregg Bach
HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Stuart Cushman
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Pamela Nosbusch
HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Michael Tauscher
PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Richard J. Seesel
PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD
James G. O’Reilly ’78
PRESIDENT, PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Molly Kubly Fritz ’80
To change your address or unsubscribe from the USM Today mailing list, please contact the USM Advancement Department
at 414.540.3339 or usmadvancement@usmk12.org.
Cover: Hope Riesterer ’17 and Tejay Echols ’16
perform during the Upper School Players’
presentation of “Once Upon a Mattress.”
“Jellyfish,” by Emme Wiederhold ‘16.

HEAD OF SCHOOL LAURA FULLER
As we leave winter behind and move into spring, I find
myself thinking about the theme of renewal. As the grass
begins to green, buds begin to appear on trees, birds
begin to return home, and flowers begin to emerge from
the ground, I think about renewal not only as we see
it in nature at this time of year, but also as it relates to
our mission as a School. We are so fortunate to benefit
from the generosity and good will of so many who have
come before us, and are privileged to be able to think
about the generations ahead of us for whom we can
pay it forward as well.
While looking online one day, I found this definition of
renewal: “the state of being made new, fresh, or strong
again.” In many ways, that definition fits perfectly with
my thinking at this time about our great School. From
a physical plant perspective, work has already begun
in earnest to beautify our grounds ahead of our spring
activities on campus, including Commencement.
From an educational perspective, work continues on
the implementation of our Strategic Plan initiatives,
which will provide for even more and greater learning
opportunities for our students.
But I also find myself thinking about renewal from
a mission perspective. No different from the nearly
165 years that came before us, there have been many
changes at USM in the last several years, some of which,
like the tightening of our security measures to keep our
students, faculty, and staff safe, were necessitated
by the world in which we now live. I have heard from
countless teachers, parents, alumni, and even students
who all understood the need for the changes we made,
but felt like they caused a bit of the community feel of
the School—something that has always been critically
important to USM—to be lost.
With that in mind, I am excited to announce that the
new Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room
is scheduled to open at the start of this next school
year. You can read about this new space, and about
their motivations, on the following page. Based on the
impact of his senior year at USM, Bruce and his family
recognized the significance of his USM experience
and made a commitment to the School, and to our
community. I am confident that this space, which will
be used by parents, faculty, and alumni alike, will
become a central hub of activity throughout the day,
and will quickly become a valued gathering space for
our School community. I hope that you are as excited by
this new space, and what it will mean for USM, as I am.
The members of our Board of Trustees have made
many thoughtful decisions about the current needs
of our School over the last several months, and have
followed that work with their own generous financial
support of a number of new initiatives to benefit our
community. The Lee Community Room is the first of
several new and “renewed” additions planned over the
next several years that will enhance Our Common Bond
as members of the USM community. I am excited for
all of us to join together in these efforts as we seek to
continue to improve the educational experiences and
opportunities for our students.
USM TODAY | WINTER 20162

Great things happen when
great minds come together. This
is evident every day within our
School community, as members
dedicate themselves in so many
ways to supporting the educational
development of our students
while contributing to the vitality of
University School of Milwaukee.
The new Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room will
be an asset for all at USM—a place where parents and other
community members mingle, connect with teachers, exchange
ideas, and share more than a passing hello at drop-off and
pick-up. This important space, located adjacent to the School’s
main entrance, will celebrate the USM community when it
opens at the start of the 2016-2017 school year.
The room will feature collaborative work spaces, coffee-and-
conversation areas, and flexible seating for larger gatherings,
New Community
Room Coming Soon
IntroducingtheBruce’81and JenniferLeeCommunityRoom
including admissions events and faculty and Parents’
Association meetings.
Crediting his senior year experience at USM as a “pivotal
year” in his educational journey, Lee believes that it is the
intimate parent-teacher-student interaction that sets the
School apart.
“When all three work together as a team, the outcome is a
better education,” Lee said. The new space, made possible
due to his family’s support, will help to foster the strength of
the School’s community.
Lee currently serves as a member of USM’s Alumni
Association Board, along with other community organizations in
Chicago, and works as the Managing Director, Private Banking
and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch. USM is grateful to the
Lee family for their generous contribution as we strengthen our
commitment to building connections and camaraderie among
all members of the USM community.
University School of Milwaukee is grateful for this generous commitment from the Lee family, and for their desire
to be a part of our Community Room major gift effort. For more information about ways you can contribute to Our
Common Bond, please contact Patrick Tevlin, Chief Advancement Officer, at 414.540.3330 or ptevlin@usmk12.org.
Rendering of Community Room.Head of School Laura Fuller and School parent
Cathie Torinus in front of what will be the new
Bruce ’81 and Jennifer Lee Community Room.
3

“Students who study the arts seriously are taught to see better,
to envision, to persist, to be playful and learn from mistakes,
to make critical judgments, and justify such judgments.”
AN EXCERPT FROM “STUDIO THINKING: THE REAL BENEFITS OF VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION.”

University School of Milwaukee believes that every child has abilities
in creative expression, and that all students should be offered the
opportunity to refine their artistic skills and showcase those abilities.
With that belief in mind, USM provides students with a rich, vibrant,
and comprehensive arts experience beginning in prekindergarten,
establishing a foundation of creativity, exploration, and vision that
benefits them for a lifetime. Recognizing the importance of the arts
to the intellectual and emotional growth of young people, students
develop their expressive capacity and strengthen their inner resources
and self-confidence through participation in the arts.
USM’s robust arts curriculum—which includes programs in the visual
and performing arts—promotes appreciation and respect for the diversity
of cultural and historical experiences, as well as the self-discipline,
collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance that lead to success
in many areas of life.
The arts enrich the lives of students in all grades at USM and inspire them
to explore their interests, discover new ways to express themselves,
and pursue their passions.
5

Lower School Forms the Foundation
Particularly at a time in which many school districts are struggling to support their
arts programming, USM has continually renewed its commitment to the arts
across all grade and age levels, beginning in the Preprimary Program. Formal
music instruction with a music teacher begins in prekindergarten, as children
begin to experience the School’s curriculum through movement, singing, and
hands-on activity.
In addition to teaching 8th-grade choir and several subject areas in Upper School,
Music Teacher and Middle School Music Department Co-Chair Ellen Shuler also
works with the School’s youngest students, introducing them to music.
“Students at that age learn best through movement,” Shuler said. “We move non-stop
as they learn tempo, beat, and rhythm.”
These quick-hitting lessons promote basic skill development and prepare students
for more comprehensive music instruction, beginning in 1st grade with Lower School
Music Teacher Tracy Huffman.
“Students arrive in my class already knowing how to read rhythm patterns, and we
work on expanding their knowledge base to ensure that they leave Lower School
loving music,” Huffman said.
In Lower School, the arts are integrated into classroom lessons and studied in relation
to history and cultures. Another primary goal of the curriculum is to ensure that
students understand how to read music and think critically about what they perform,
so that they are able to hit the ground running as they progress in band, orchestra, or
choir as they enter Middle School.
“The biggest change that I see in Lower School students is in their emerging
independence,” Huffman said. “They grow from being consumers of information
to developing their critical thinking skills.”
She also attributes that development to an institutional commitment to provide the
best opportunities possible for students and arts faculty members.
“At a time in which many institutions feature arts teachers who are spread across
multiple schools or have other resources that are stretched thin, USM offers students
a comprehensive, well-rounded, and well-connected education,” Huffman said.
In addition to their music instruction, students in grades 1-4 take dance and engage
in formal art instruction. The dance curriculum guides students in the creative use
of movement, engaging them in body awareness and movement exploration, which
promotes a recognition of self and others.
Lower School Dance Teacher Cynthia Collins sees a great deal of growth at this level
as students become more comfortable expressing themselves creatively.
“I’ve found that the key to success is earning their trust. Once you earn that trust,
anything can be accomplished,” Collins said. “To be able to do what I love each day
and watch students blossom into well-rounded, creative, artistic, intelligent people
is really incredible.”
MARK RYLANCE ’78
Fromstagetoscreen,theremaynot
beamoretalentedandaccomplished
actorintheworldtodaythanMark
Rylance’78.Thethree-timeTonyAward
winningthespianearnedthe2016Best
SupportingActorOscarforhisrolein
theStevenSpielberg-directedColdWar
thriller“BridgeofSpies,”ashecontinuesto
bolsterhisresumeasoneoftheverybest
characteractors.Rylancewillalsostaras
theleadinDisney’s“TheBFG,”another
Spielbergfilm,inJulywhilecontinuing
toshineasastageactor.
Rylance played Romeo in “Romeo
and Juliet,” and worked on adaptations
of Homer’s Odyssey and Fyodor
Dostoevsky’s “The Idiot,” during his time
at USM before matriculating to London’s
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Duringapreviousassemblywith
USMUpperSchoolstudents,Rylance
describedhimselfas“oneofthoseodd
peoplewhohadacleardirectionatan
earlyageforwhathewantedtodowith
hislife.”WhileattendingUSM,hemade
thestagehishome,admittingtostudents
thatonmorethanoneoccasion,hehid
intheventilationductsovernightonthe
weekendsinordertoworkonstagesets.
“ImetShakespeareatthisSchool,”
Rylancesaid.

That trust is also evident during several live performances during the school year as
students showcase what they have learned, and how far they have come from an
artistic perspective.
In art, students participate in an array of daily classroom activities that hone their fine
motor skills, creative thinking abilities, and expressive potential.
As a staple of the Lower School arts program, students also have the opportunity to
become docents for a day. Beginning in 1st grade, students make several visits to the
Milwaukee Art Museum and other local museums and galleries each year to learn
about art history and build their knowledge base. In 1st grade, the emphasis is on
line, color, and shape; 2nd-graders learn about value, shading, texture, and space;
3rd-grade students are exposed to the critique process; and in 4th grade, students
research and present on a selected piece of art or architecture.
Once the students make their Docent Night choices and see their pieces in person,
they begin to sketch drawings or build sculptures to accurately depict and recreate
their selections.
“When students see their specific pieces in person, the textures, they always notice
something new that they missed previously,” said Lower School Art Teacher Bob
Geniusz. “It gives them ownership of the pieces and makes them theirs.”
The maturity and independence of their culminating 4th-grade docent projects and
development in other arts areas—on both emotional and functional levels—prepares
USM Lower School students well as they advance to Middle School.
“At a time inwhich many schoolsfeature arts teacherswho are spread acrossmultiple schools or haveother resources that arestretched thin, USM offersstudents a comprehensive,well-rounded, andwell-connectededucation.”
7

BENNETT WILLIAMSON ’11
Currentlyworkingtowardhiscollege
degree,BennettWilliamson’11haswasted
littletimemakinghismarkonthedesign
industry.Inadditiontohiscourseload,
Williamsonworksasanassistantdesigner
forNaeemKhaninNewYorkCityandalso
ownshisowncompany,EvelynBrawner,
acustomdesignerofeveningwear.
Williamsontookeveryartsclassthat
hecouldatUSM,andcreditsthedepth
ofhisportfolioaskeytogettingintoa
high-qualityartsprogram.“Mr.Geniusz
wasabsolutelyamazing,”Williamson
said.“Iwasinterestedinfashionfromthe
timeIwasfive,andeveryprojectthatI
didwasinfluencedbythat.Hesawthat,
andpushedme.”HealsocreditsSarah
Markwaldwithhelpinghimdevelopa
discerningeye,andtheentiretyofUSM’s
UpperSchoolartsprogrammingtohelp
himrefineandsharpenhisskillsandtaste.
Williamsonisontracktograduatefrom
ParsonsCollegeinNewYorkCitythis
Maywithadegreeinluxuryandfashion
management,andhopestoonedayown
andoperatehisownbridalboutique.
Students Develop Self-Confidence, Independence in Middle School
Students are afforded a number of elective choices as they enter Middle School,
which offers a greater breadth and scope of curriculum and allows them to explore
and pursue their artistic interests. A full year of drama and visual arts courses are
required in 5th and 6th grade, and students have the opportunity to select the
performing art of their choice between band, orchestra, and choir. Electives continue
to expand through Middle School, as 8th-graders can choose from a full menu of arts
options, including world drumming, guitar, debate, music technology, and more.
In addition to providing choices for Middle School students, arts faculty members
have also forged important partnerships with core academic teachers and
professional artists in the greater Milwaukee community to help integrate the
curriculum and bring it to life.
Teaching artists frequently visit USM to share their expertise with students and arts
faculty members, giving Middle School artists valuable opportunities to learn from
experts in their respective fields.
“It’s tremendously important to bring in teaching artists who can bring their expertise
to our students,” said Miriam Altman, Middle School arts teacher and Fine Arts
Department co-chair. “These professionals come in and play and improvise, and
suddenly the art form jumps another level to become a true representation of the
culture. You see students become more engaged.”
Artistic connections are woven throughout the Middle School curriculum, with the arts
intersecting and integrating with subject matter from history, world cultural geography,
science, math, and other core areas, which highlight just how functional and essential
the arts are in all academic areas.
“The arts allow students to think about their relationships with the world, their
personal understanding, their community, and with others in a really unique way,”
Altman said. “The students experience how things are interconnected in ways they
hadn’t previously considered.”
Moreover, those experiences provide additional exposure and context to the study of
different cultures and subject areas, and inspire creativity in new ways for students.
“It’s important for students to understand that the arts are integrated into all of their
other curricular areas,” said Middle School Art Teacher Sarah Markwald. “The design
elements and craftsmanship learned in the arts can be taken and applied to many
other projects and subject areas.”

Students also continue to develop confidence and critical thinking ability through the
arts as they often tackle new challenges, such as playing an instrument or addressing
a more complex artistic concept for the first time.
“I have a saying on my wall that reads, ‘Permission to fail leads to success.’ In music,
students learn to break each part or component of a piece down, figure out what they
don’t do particularly well, and work to improve that component,” said Steve Johnson,
Middle School orchestra teacher. “It’s a step-by-step process that is applicable to
problem-solving in any area.”
Learning to fail, regroup, and overcome the problems they face at this age
provides tremendous development opportunities for students in the arts,
and it also establishes perseverance that carries over into the classroom.
The confidence earned by performing in front of a large crowd also prepares
students well for other endeavors.
“Students start to make their own decisions about artistic expression and musical
interpretation in Middle School. The light bulb comes on at different times for different
students, but you can see the confidence build once they learn how to play a few
notes. That is one of the really rewarding parts about my profession,” said Dain
Shuler, USM band director. “If you can get up in front of an audience and perform a
challenging piece of music, you can deliver a book report in class, and you can raise
your hand with confidence during discussion.”
The perseverance developed through the Middle School arts curriculum is essential
for students as they prepare to enter Upper School.
EMILY COOLEY ’08
Emily Cooley ’08 was recently awarded
the Charles Ives Scholarship from the
American Academy of Arts and Letters,
an honor reserved for exemplary
young composers. Cooley is currently
serving under the Milton L. Rock
Composition Fellowship at the Curtis
Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and
frequently travels the country to work
with orchestras and ensembles.
CooleyplayedinUpperSchoolconcert
andjazzbandandcitesDainandEllen
Shulerasimpactfulinfluencesonher
career.“Myfondestmemoriesareof
playingintheorchestrapitfortheUpper
SchoolMusicals,”Cooleysaid.“The
Shulersputonthoseproductionsand
theirloveformusicwascontagious.”
“Theartscanbringstudentstogether
inacombinedcreativeeffortthatcan
beemotionallymeaningful.Even
disregardingmusic,Ican’timagine
whatmylifewouldbelikeifIhadn’t
takendramacoursesandbeeninplays
atUSM.Studentsneedvarietyinwhat
theylearnandhowtheylearnit.”
“I’ve
found that the key
to success is earning
their trust. Once you
earn that trust, anything
can be accomplished.”
9

Choice, Creative Freedom Highlight Upper School Experience
Options in Upper School arts are dynamic and numerous, as electives in theatre,
music, and the visual arts provide experiences that lead to the refinement of skills
and expression. Students begin their Upper School arts experience by choosing from
one of five initial courses: Foundations of Art, Theatre, Choir, Band, or Orchestra.
From there, students can later choose more specialized courses that align with their
particular interests, such as photography, sculpture, metalsmithing, music theory,
stagecraft, art portfolio, music technology, acting, digital art, and more.
Each program expands in scope during Upper School, providing students with
more options and paths within their chosen specialty. Upper School theatre courses
become more hands-on and multi-faceted, as students play a role in scene creation,
stagecraft, and technology behind the scenes.
“It’s important to see students learn to make mistakes and not be intimidated or
discouraged. Sometimes that is the only way to learn,” said Jeremy Woods, USM
theatre director. “For them to be able to draw a picture of what we need to build, put
in several weeks of hard work, and then have it turn out as a beautiful set is really
rewarding. The students know what they did and can point to their accomplishments.”
Student work also rises to a higher creative level as USM thespians try to find
elements of themselves within the characters they portray.
“Instead of just reading the words on the page, students learn how to find their
character,” said Ann Johnson, Upper School theatre teacher. “What part of you is
in that character? How do you relate to the rationale of your character? Those
questions add a great deal of perspective for students.”
Juniors and seniors are provided even more choices, not only in the courses
they select, but in the projects they execute within those courses. Students are
pushed to pursue their passions and make their work personal based on their
individual interests.
“The curriculum is very individualized, student-based, and choice-driven,” said
Jessica Michels, Upper School art teacher. “The gold standard for me is when you
can get students to risk opening up about their own lives, their struggles, and their
own perspectives and visions. There’s no pretense, and that can be really scary for
students, but that is an amazing moment to witness and promote.”
Risk is critical to success in the arts, as students are often experimenting with new
materials and methods. Additionally, unlike other core subject areas, there is often no
correct answer or solution to an artistic endeavor, only the desire to work to the best
of one’s capabilities.
“The arts teach students to constantly reassess their work, because it is never truly
complete,” said Priscilla Woods, Upper School art teacher. “You are always trying to
think critically to help make things better.”
That approach has served Upper School students well in the visual arts, as USM
has consistently excelled in the Scholastic Art Awards (see page 34 for more), with
artists earning an impressive number of Silver Keys and Gold Keys on the state level
in recent years.

The Arts Provide Marketable Skills
A common misconception regarding the arts is that the skills are not transferrable to
the job market. However, creative and cognitive skills honed through participation in
the arts are emerging in increasingly marketable ways, as more and more careers
require an understanding of design.
Technology goliaths such as Apple and Samsung are paying more attention to—and
devoting more resources toward—making their products more visually appealing, and
many companies are hiring employees with a keen eye for design and photography.
“Even surgeons are beginning to take art classes, because those courses train you
to have a much more discerning eye,” said Priscilla Woods. “You learn to identify
relationships between colors, textures, and spatial relationships. Those skills translate
to the job market.”
Superior craftsmanship and the ability to translate artistic vision into practical
applications were also mentioned as vital skills developed through work in the arts.
“I hear from so many of my former students in college how they value their ability to
use the Adobe Creative Suite,” added Jessica Michels. “Understanding the power of
those programs and of graphic design in general is extremely useful in school, as well
as the marketplace.”
Ultimately, the breadth and scope of USM’s arts offerings—along with the ongoing
investment in programming and facilities—provide students with a necessary creative
outlet to find and pursue their artistic interests and a diverse skill set that serves them
well in all future endeavors—whether they pursue a future in the arts or not.
“I believe that we have changed the lives of many of our students through the classes
that we offer,” Ellen Shuler said. “Everyone has their own unique talents, and it’s
important to let students choose their own paths and follow their passions.”
MAXINE HUPY ’07
Apassionfordancehasguided
MaxineHupy’07fromUSMto
NorthwesternUniversityand,
ultimately,toHollywood,whereshe
currentlyplieshercraftasaprofessional
dancerandchoreographer.Hupy,who
hasworkedwithartistsincludingIggy
AzaleaandCee-LoGreen,amongothers,
isstillinspiredbyapassionfordance
thatbeganduringheryearsatUSM.
“Istillremembertheencouragement
thatIreceivedfromUSMfaculty
membersandmyclassmates,”
Hupysaid.“Thatwasimpactfulin
mydevelopmentasadancer,and
formyconfidenceingeneral.”
Hupycreditsdancewithproviding
theself-confidencetoperforminfront
ofthousandsofpeople,andforher
abilitytoexpressherselfonstage,in
aboardroom,andasanetworker.
Throughthatself-confidence,Hupy
hasfoundsuccessonthehighestlevels
inherfielddoingwhatsheloves.
“Peopledrivenbypassionwillbuild
anempirethatnotonlyconsumes
them,butexcitesthemeveryday.”
“Even surgeonsare beginning to takeart classes, becausethose courses train youto have a much morediscerning eye.You learn toidentify relationships betweencolors, textures, and spatialrelationships. Those skillstranslate to thejob market.”
11

G
GRANDPARENTS AND
SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
Sponsored by the Parents’ Association, University
School of Milwaukee was delighted to host
Grandparents and Special Friends Day on
November 25, 2015. USM students were joined
by their grandparents and other family members
in the Marion and Verne Read Lower School
Gymnasium for a short program before spending
the rest of the morning interacting in classrooms.
A Maryeve Mesenbourg and Dylan Mesenbourg ’29.
B Karen Maclay, Kristen Maclay ’99, (front) Penelope
Bonnell ’28, Geoff Maclay Sr., and Geoff Maclay Jr. ’65.
C From left Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Co-Chairs Rosalie Schaefer, Melissa Sheppard, and
Shelly Farrow.
D From left Tommy Inda ’16, Terry and Gail Inda, and
Claire Inda ’13.
E Back from left Kristen Shalda, Morgan Geronime ’08,
and Diane and Ken Shalda. Front Anna Geronime ’25.
F Joe Zimmerman ’22 with Lynde Uihlein MUS’63.
G Top from left Christian Blomquist ’19, David Blomquist,
and Rose Mary Blomquist. Bottom from left Judy and
Don Van Buskirk.
H Sarah Mackey ’25 with Patrick Mackey.
I Fina Dermond ’21, 7th-Grade Science Teacher Kip
Jacobs ’74, and Sandra Dermond.
J From left Lin Ellis, Cliff Radtke ’28, Jim and Karen Radtke.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
DAY OF SERVICE
University School of Milwaukee students, faculty and staff members, and parents
teamed up to engage in a series of service projects throughout the greater
Milwaukee area in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18.
Turning a “day off” into a “day on,” members of the USM community volunteered
at several area events, working in support of nonprofit organizations such as City
Year, the Urban Ecology Center, Easter Seals of Southeast Wisconsin, the Guest
House, the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Kathy’s House, and more.
USM volunteers helped box food, provide and serve brunch, lead games and
activities, clean, paint, and beautify work and community spaces, assist classroom
teachers on school projects, and much more as part of their service opportunities.

academic achievement
CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
Each fall and winter, University School of Milwaukee
welcomes the top 10 percent of the senior class into the
Cum Laude Society, an organization that honors superior
scholastic achievement in secondary schools. All inductees
delivered a short speech about an important and meaningful
academic experience at assembly.
Congratulations to the following 2015-2016 senior inductees:
Fall 2015
Jacob Coran, David D’Ambrisi, Joshua Holmes, Marshall
Lerner, Max Levatich, Alanna McCauley, Noah Schatz,
Ethan Shuler, Riya Sood, Jay Truel, and Sam Wells.
Winter 2015
Jacob Bern, Jack Collison, Nate Engel, Minhal Gardezi,
Ashutosh Goyal, Lea Kemper, Ibrahim Khan, Michael
Marcus, Michael Schmidt, and Michael Smith.
The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906.
Approximately two dozen of the 382 chapters are located
in public schools, with the majority in independent
schools. Membership is predominantly in the United
States, but chapters are located across the globe.
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation honors
academic excellence by awarding scholarships to the
nation’s top students each year. USM is pleased to
announce that the following nine senior students have
been named as 2016 National Merit Finalists: Jack
Collison, Jacob Coran, Minhal Gardezi, Ibrahim Khan,
Max Levatich, Michael Schmidt, Michael Smith, Riya
Sood, and Shireen Zaineb.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation honors
academic excellence by awarding scholarships to the
nation’s top students each year. Finalists will have the
opportunity to compete for some 7,400 National Merit
Scholarships worth nearly $35 million. Winners are chosen
based on academic records, SAT scores, extracurricular
and leadership experiences, and essays.
Fall 2015 Cum Laude Society Front from left Jacob Coran,
Alanna McCauley, Noah Schatz, Riya Sood, and Marshall
Lerner. Back from left David D’Ambrisi, Joshua Holmes, Max
Levatich, Sam Wells, Jay Truel, and Ethan Shuler.
National Merit Finalists From left Jacob Coran, Jack Collison,
Michael Schmidt, Ibrahim Khan, Max Levatich, Minhal Gardezi,
and Shireen Zaineb. Not pictured Michael Smith and Riya Sood.
Winter 2016 Cum Laude Society Front from left Ibrahim Khan,
Michael Smith, Michael Marcus, Jacob Bern, and Jack Collison.
Back from left Minhal Gardezi, Lea Kemper, Michael Schmidt,
Nate Engel, and Ashutosh Goyal.

ELEVEN USM STUDENTS GARNER STATE RECOGNITION
AWARDS FROM SCHOLASTIC ART COMPETITION
A University School of Milwaukee record-tying 11 students
won a total of 17 state recognition awards, including three
Gold Keys and seven Silver Keys, from the Scholastic
Art competition. The Gold Key recipients advance to
the national competition in New York City this May.
All 11 students were honored at a special closed
ceremony at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Saturday,
February 6, and their work was displayed at the
Museum from January 30 through March 13.
Congratulations to the following USM students:
Rebecca Banghart ’16 – Honorable Mention in
photography for “Julia”
Jacob Bern ’16 – Honorable Mentions in drawing for
“Bless You,” and digital art for “Blessings;” Silver Key in
digital art for “Noelle”
Xinyu Cai ’17 – Honorable Mention in photography for “Oil
and Water;” Silver Keys in photography for “Oil and Water”
and “Scarf Girl”
Toriano Echols ’16 – Honorable Mention in photography
for “Colorpencil Closeup”
Hailey Farrington-Bentil ’18 – Silver Key in photography
for “Lack of Energy”
Hannah Hakami ’18 – Honorable Mention in photography
for “Wentworth;” Silver Key in photography for
“Observatory Pt. 2”
Joshua Holmes ’16 – Gold Key in photography for
“Beachscape;” Silver Key in photography for
“Pasture Sunset”
Mia Jaeger ’18 – Gold Key in mixed media for “Hira”
Jude Outwater ’16 – Honorable Mention in jewelry for
“Anatomical Broken Heart”
Emme Wiederhold ’16 – Silver Key in photography
for “Shark”
Shireen Zaineb ’16 – Gold Key in drawing for “Self Portrait”
Top: “Observatory Pt. 2,” by Hannah Hakami ’18
Middle: “Pasture Sunset,” by Joshua Holmes ’16
Bottom: “Oil and Water,” by Xinyu Cai ’17
17

A LETTER FROM JIM O’REILLY ’78
Alumni Association Board President
2015-2016 Alumni Association Board Front from left Jessica Roulette ’88, Natasha R. Misra ’04,
Angela Topetzes ’78, Alumni Association Board President James G. O’Reilly ’78, Daphne Seaman
Lerner ’88, Sumeeta Krishnaney ’92, Cassandra Morello ’07, and Lindsey Canonie Grady ’91. Back
from left Student Representative Jacob Bern ’16, Avery L. Goodrich Jr. ’76, Charles A. Gordon ’98,
F.R. Dengel III ’83, Haskell “Hack” Noyes ’66, John O. Graham Jr. ’02, and Burt Bartlett ’74.
Not pictured Bruce Lee ’81.
On behalf of the University School of Milwaukee
Alumni Association Board, I’d first like to thank you for your
continued support of USM. Your outpouring of time, talent, and
treasure is truly remarkable, and demonstrates the special people
who make up our School community.
Our Board continues to work toward a primary mission: to connect
alumni to the School and to former classmates and teachers.
We have social media pages and an updated alumni web page for
those who enjoy staying connected through computers and mobile
devices. We have scheduled events both locally and around the
country that encourage gatherings of old (and new) friends, and
updated the format for this year’s USM Summer Soirée (formerly
the Reunion Cocktail Party), to encourage all alumni and parents
of alumni to attend this social event.
We have also kicked off a career networking initiative in which
we match our younger alumni to potential job opportunities and
internships offered through older alumni connections. This is
an exciting program for both our alumni and the greater USM
community and we need your help to make it even stronger by
sharing opportunities with the Alumni Office. We are also happy to
announce the formation of the USM Athletic Hall of Fame (see page
30), which will hold its inaugural induction dinner over Homecoming
weekend on October 1. Stay tuned for more information and please
plan to attend!
Finally, we are implementing a new strategy designed to
provide alumni with resources, opportunities to connect, and
encouragement as we all progress from decade to decade. At the
end of the day, our goal as an association is to add value to our
members’ lives in any way possible.
I invite you to share in the exciting activities and opportunities this
organization has to offer. Wherever you are, at whatever stage
of life you are in, there’s something here for you. We are excited
about the future of the USM Alumni Association and look forward
to sharing information with you throughout the year. Contact us at
alumni@usmk12.org.

USM now offers a new, comprehensive resource for exploring planned giving options.
Planned gifts fall into three broad categories:
Please visit the new USM planned giving pages at www.usmk12.org/plannedgiving. There you will
read how each type of gift can match up with your family and charitable goals. There is also a gift
calculator, enabling you to “try out” various planned gifts according to your specific situation.
Gifts That Anyone
Can Make
Gifts That Pay You
Income for Life
Gifts That Protect
Your Assets
University School of Milwaukee, Legacies, and You
Today’s University School of Milwaukee is the legacy of three excellent predecessor schools—
Milwaukee Country Day School, Milwaukee Downer Seminary, and Milwaukee University School.
USM carries forward its tradition of excellence because its students and faculty and staff are the
descendants (some literally) of previous students and faculty and staff.
As you consider leaving an enduring mark on your community, have you thought about including
USM in the charitable portion of your legacy? There are many different ways for you to do just that.
These types of charitable legacy gifts are known collectively as planned giving.
Thank you for considering a planned gift to leave a legacy of support for future generations of USM
students. For more information or assistance, please contact Steve Farwig ’75, director of major and
planned gifts, at 414.540.3333 or sfarwig@usmk12.org.
19

OUR NEXT GENERATION
Every Wednesday, Milwaukee-area students spend time after school with USM Upper School
students as part of the School’s partnership with Our Next Generation, a nonprofit, community-
based organization that provides academic support and enrichment programs for area students.
Upper Schoolers work with the same students each week on homework, play games, and
engage in other enrichment activities, giving younger students the opportunity to improve
their grades and develop self-esteem, and for both groups of students to enjoy forming a
special bond with each other. USM has partnered with Our Next Generation for 10 years!
SECOND SATURDAY
Each February, Lower School students team up to participate in a service project that assists
single mothers and their children through Second Saturday, a nonprofit organization whose
primary emphasis is “to challenge poverty, one child at a time.” Each grade level collects or
creates items as part of “goodie bags” that are prepared for program participants. The contents
are then organized and sent off to the organization for distribution to in-need mothers and their
children each March.
KIVA
In 7th-grade economics, students develop small businesses to raise funds for Kiva, an
organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty by allowing people to lend money via the
Internet to low-income, underserved entrepreneurs. In addition to this year’s fundraising project—
creating arcade games entirely out of cardboard—students explored the issues of poverty and
fair access to banks and loans. Over the years, the USM community has provided more than
$25,000 in funding to people around the world.
RIVERWEST FOOD PANTRY
In November, 3rd-graders ran a food drive for the Riverwest Food Pantry. They first learned
about the concept of food prices and worked on money skills. Then, using money they earned
at home, they bought food items to donate. The classes delivered the items to the pantry and
weighed, sorted, and recorded them while learning about the path their donations take before
landing in the hands of community members.
Giving USM Style
At University School of Milwaukee, we believe in creating experiences that inspire our students to
make a difference. Whether in the Preprimary Program, Upper School, or any level in between, our
students have opportunities to connect with the greater community—and world—while fostering
personal growth and leadership. Below are just a few of the many examples of how our students
donate their time and energy to causes they are passionate about in the greater Milwaukee area.
You can help support opportunities for students to look beyond
themselves and discover the greatness of giving by donating to the
USM Fund today at www.usmk12.org/usmfund.

Recognized as “one of the top boys in
his class” from his days at Milwaukee
Country Day School, to his time as a
technology pioneer in Silicon Valley,
Dick Kramlich MCDS’53 has made
an indelible impact throughout his
academic and entrepreneurial career.
A visionary venture capitalist who
has been involved with 10 companies that have grown from the
start-up or near start-up stage to accrue market value in excess
of $1 billion, Kramlich was recently inducted into the inaugural
class of the Global Silicon Valley Hall of Fame in 2015.
Described as a “venture capitalist trailblazer,” Kramlich’s
induction took place during the Pioneer Summit, an annual
gathering of the world’s foremost technology leaders,
investors, and rising stars who are working together to
build a stronger society.
A steward of countless highly profitable organizations,
Kramlich has been involved with Juniper Networks, Ascend
Communications, ImmuneX, Macromedia, Financial Engines,
and Xoom, among many others. He was also a seed capital
investor in Apple in 1977.
Kramlich currently serves as co-founder of New Enterprise
Associates, Inc. (NEA), a leading venture capital firm based
in Silicon Valley, and is chairman of the NEA Management
Company. He began his venture career in 1969 as a general
partner with Arthur Rock and Co. following nine years in
general and investment management.
Following his family’s move to Milwaukee from Appleton to
expand Krambo, the family-owned grocery store chain, Kramlich
entered Milwaukee Country Day School as a freshman in 1949
and excelled both inside and outside of the classroom. He was
a member of the student council and served as class president
for his sophomore, junior, and senior years, and also lettered as
an athlete in football, basketball, and tennis.
He reflected most fondly on his time playing for legendary
MCDS and USM football coach Ken Laird, who implored a
young Kramlich to add weight. Working as a “pea pusher”
at a factory in Waukesha over the summer, Kramlich took
Laird’s advice, developed as a student and an athlete, and
was subsequently named Most Improved Player and second
team all-conference during his senior year.
Following his distinguished career at MCDS, Kramlich earned a
BS in History at Northwestern University and obtained his MBA
from the Harvard Business School. He currently resides in San
Francisco with his wife Pamela, and enjoys collecting art, hiking,
traveling, swimming, playing tennis, and spending time with his
four children and six grandchildren.
USM looks forward to welcoming Kramlich to Milwaukee in
May to deliver the 2016 Commencement speech to current
USM seniors and their families.
Kramlich Blazes Trail
as Top Silicon Valley
Venture Capitalist
Dick Kramlich MCDS’53
“Iconsidermyselfanentrepreneur,notafinancier,”
Kramlichsaid.“Ialwaysapproachnewopportunities
witha‘we’mindsetratherthana‘they’mindset.”
“Idon’tacceptfailure.Ifsomethingdoesn’tgoyour
way,youneedtoputitinadifferentcategory,perhaps
youwereaimingatthewrongtarget,”Kramlichsaid.
“Perseveranceisoneofthekeystosuccessandthe
abilitytoaddressandovercomeobstaclesiscritical.”
Dick MCDS’53 and Pamela Kramlich
21

26•DEC•2015
29•DEC•2015
29•JAN•2016
Alumni Hockey
Scrimmage
USM hockey alumni took to the ice at the
Polly and Henry Uihlein Ice Arena for their
annual scrimmage on December 26.
AlumniBasketballScrimmage
USM basketball alumni showcased their skills during a winter break scrimmage
on December 29.
From left Sam Bernstein ’14,
Zach Gilbert ’15, Michael
Tucker ’15, Phoenix Ventress ’14,
Austin Matthews ’14, Ve’Jhon
Johnson ’15, Peyton Stanford ’10,
Lane Stanford ’12, Adam
Salaymeh ’12, Chris Roth ’08,
Djdade Denson ’14, Josh
Baker ’12, and Chris Cooper ’14.
Nearly 30 current and former USM
hockey players returned to campus
on December 26 for the annual
alumni hockey scrimmage.
USM Visits New YorkUSM Visits New York
USM hosted a community gathering for New York City alumni
at The Winslow on January 29. Alumni enjoyed cocktails and
appetizers as they reconnected with familiar faces during this
social event.

25•NOV•2015
coffee with
college kids
Recent USM graduates returned to
campus in November to reconnect with
faculty members and visit with their former
classmates over coffee in Mellowes Hall.
From left Henry Weiss ’15, Upper School History Teacher
Rishi Raghunathan, and Haley Flagstad ’14.
From left Jack Hiller ’14, Brent Mackman ’14, Austin Matthews ’14,
Upper School Math Teacher Fred Lange, Nico Dermond ’14, Andy
Stewart ’11, and Will Gibb ’11.
From left Laura Van Why, Emma Van Why ’17, Head
of School Laura Fuller, Linnea Fischer ’15, Ellie Van
Why ’15, and Roofia Beg ’15.
Back from left Andy VandenBerg ’10,
Jack Ulricson ’08, Melissa Mayfield ’08,
Julie Chase ’09, and Will VandenBerg ’06.
Front from left Alexa Dumit-Sjoberg ’09
and Betsy Lucas ’08.
USM Visits FloridaUSM Visits Florida
Head of School Laura Fuller joined USM community
members for two alumni events in Naples and
Sarasota, Fla. in February. For more photos and
captions from Florida events, please visit
www.usmk12.org/usmvisitsflorida.
SARASOTA
NAPLES
23

UpcomingUpcoming
The University School of Milwaukee Alumni Association has several exciting events planned for
spring 2016. We look forward to reconnecting with you! For the latest alumni event information,
visit www.usmk12.org/alumni.
Joe Lubar Alumni Baseball EventJoe Lubar Alumni Baseball Event
The USM community will celebrate the life of Joe Lubar ’08 at the Joe Lubar Alumni Baseball Event
on Saturday, June 4 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Alfred James Field. Community members are
invited to reminisce with old friends, enjoy a cookout, and share Joe’s love of
baseball at the event, which will be highlighted by an alumni exhibition game.
ReunionWeekend
ReturnstotheSummer
thisJune24and25!
University School of Milwaukee invites all alumni and parents of
alumni to Reunion Weekend on June 24 and 25, 2016. New this
year, all reunion celebrations will be moving back to the summer.
The festivities will start Friday, June 24
with the USM Summer Soirée at Milwaukee Country Club. This
annual social is open to all alumni and parents of alumni—not just
those celebrating a milestone reunion year.
The celebration will continue on Saturday, June 25
with campus tours in the morning, followed by the Blue Gold
BBQ. Classes celebrating a milestone reunion will also hold their
class parties on Saturday, June 25.
WanttogetinvolvedinplanningforReunionWeekend?
Contact Vanessa Nerbun, Director of Alumni and Parent
Relations, at vnerbun@usmk12.org or 414.540.3337.
For updates and additional information, visit
www.usmk12.org/reunionweekend.
USM visits…
USM is reconnecting with
alumni in Chicago this spring:
CHICAGO
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
If you have a suggestion or would
like to learn more about hosting an
alumni event in your area, please
contact vnerbun@usmk12.org.

To submit a class note: Email your news to alumni@usmk12.org
50s
TED OVIATT
MCDS’51
reported that “after 13 years in the same
house across the street from my most
recent school, Brent International School
Subic in the Philippines, my wife of 13 years,
daughter who is graduating, and I will be
heading north to the province of Aurora,
where all the big typhoons strike first. Tired
of sitting up on our safe hill, seeing strong
winds but never a superabundance of water!
I taught at the school there for eight years
and was allowed to stay in school housing
until Angel’s graduation. Total change of
lifestyle—more later!”
DICK KRAMLICH
MCDS’53
caught up with old friend James Wigdale
MCDS’55 and many other USM/MCDS
community members during a visit back
to campus in November. Kramlich was also
recently inducted into the inaugural Global
Silicon Valley Hall of Fame in October, and
will be back on campus in May to serve as
USM’s 2016 Commencement Speaker. For
more on Kramlich, please see his profile
on page 21.
60s
CECILLE MENKUS
FRIEDLER
MDS’60
This is Jerry Friedler, husband of Cecille.
Cecille fell in 2011 and suffered a brain injury,
and can no longer attend events like the
Reunion—though I know she’d love to see
her old classmates! She is living in a nursing
facility and her memory going back to 1960,
I’m sure, is fine. I’m going to show her a list of
classmates and see whom she remembers.
If any of her classmates ever come to New
Orleans and would like to see her, that would
be great!
STEVE STEVENS
MCDS’61
and wife Sally are enjoying their
time in Naples, Fla., and their Brooks
Stevens Excalibur!
BETTY HALMBACHER
ADELMAN
MUS’64
was honored by the American Horticultural
Society, one of the oldest national gardening
organizations in the U.S., for “making a
difference.” The August 2015 issue of the
American Horticultural Society’s journal,
“The American Gardener,” featured Adelman
for finding, researching, saving, and growing
heirloom flowers at her nursery, “Heritage
Flower Farm,” in Mukwonago, Wis.
CHRIS UIHLEIN
’65
stopped by the Polly and Henry Uihlein Ice
Arena over winter break during a trip home
to visit family. He caught up with Clyde
Morter ’68 and other hockey alumni.
70s
JONATHAN WATERS
’79
is the wine director at Chez Panisse of
Berkeley, Calif., which is consistently
ranked as one of the finest restaurants
in the world. Waters has worked at Chez
Panisse since 1984, and was recently
profiled on tablehopper.com for his work.
80s
RAJ BHALA
’80
is Associate Dean for International and
Comparative Law, and the Rice Distinguished
Professor, at the University of Kansas School
of Law (KU).
The fourth edition of his textbook,
“International Trade Law: An Interdisciplinary,
Non-Western Textbook,” was just published.
It has been used by roughly 100 law schools
around the world. The second edition of
his other textbook, “Understanding Islamic
Law (Shari’a),” will be published in 2016,
along with a new book on the Trans Pacific
Partnership (TPP).
The inspiration for these works comes in
part from his mentor and friend, former
USM teacher Steve Bruemmer, whose 1976-
1977 Non-Western World History class was
transformative. Raj’s wife, Dr. Kara Tan Bhala,
just returned from a fact finding trip to Cuba
with the former Missouri Governor. They are
blessed with their daughter, Shera, who is
flourishing at The Pembroke Hill School in
Kansas City, Mo.
90s
NAT WHITE
’95
completed his MS in Mathematics at UWM
in December. He teaches math and serves
as co-head of the math department at The
Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn., where
he also coaches soccer and helps supervise
a dorm.
class notes
THE FOLLOWING PAGE INCLUDES NEWS AND NOTES SUBMITTED PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 15, 2016
25

KIM STORER KRYDER
’98
and her husband Gus, welcomed their third
child August James on November 28, 2015.
August joins big sisters Quinn, 6, and Nora, 3.
00s
SIERRA REECE SULLIVAN
’00
and Matt Sullivan ’00 are excited to
announce the birth of their daughter, Lillian.
Born September 24, Lilly joins big brother
Michael, and big sister, Delilah. The family
lives in Mequon and are all doing well!
WILLIAM GORDON
’01
has been appointed Associate Creative
Director at the Washington, D.C., Office
of Edelman.
HOLLY PALIN
’02
married Mike Cornille during a ceremony
on January 2 in Chicago.
Photo from left Drew Palin ’01, Beau Palin
’09, Holly Palin ’02, Tyler Palin ’06, and
Ian Palin ’11.
LINDSAY STARCK
’04
launched the release of her first novel,
“Noah’s Wife” at a special event at
Milwaukee’s Central Public Library
in January.
ALICE GEILFUSS
HAVENS ’04 AND
LUCAS HAVENS
’04
welcomed Frederick Hamilton Havens to
the world on January 5, 2016. He is the best,
and his family is thrilled by his arrival!
10s
EMILY BURTON
’13
joined Will Piper’s 5th-grade World Cultural
Geography class in December to share
her experiences studying abroad in Spain
during her fall semester at Dickinson
College. Burton also maintained a blog
that chronicled her time in Malaga, Spain,
and writes music reviews.
JAKE HILLER ’14 AND
DEREK ROTT
’14
were on campus in January, assisting Dr.
Henry Wend with the implementation of the
Global Scholars’ Crisis Simulation.
LISA MARKING
’14
was named to the dean’s list at John
Carroll University.
ANGELA MARY
ARENSMEIER
’15
was awarded a Dean’s Leadership
Scholarship at the College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
HANORA LUCEY
’15
was awarded a first year merit scholarship at
Denison University. She received the Denison
Founders Scholarship, which is based on
academic achievement, leadership, and
personal merit.
ROSE REVOLINSKI
’15
earned an all-North Coast Athletic Conference
(NCAC) Honorable Mention as a freshman
midfielder, and was a key contributor for
Depauw University field hockey team as
they won their conference tournament and
advanced to the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
PHILIP SHULER
’15
is performing in the Montana State University
marching band, and was featured in the
official MSU marching band photo.

In Memoriam
University School of Milwaukee wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of our dearly
departed alumni and friends. We thank them for enriching our lives throughout their friendship.
Philip L. Stone MCDS’45
passed away on September 24, 2015
at the age of 87. After graduating
from Milwaukee Country Day School,
Stone enlisted in the U.S. Army before
continuing his formal education at
Yale University, where he graduated in
1950. Stone later attended the Stanford
Business School and earned his MBA in 1952 before moving to New
York City as a Wall Street financial advisor and stock broker.
Philip married Andrea Giard Stone MDS’43 in 1956, and the family
moved to suburban Chicago in 1958, where Stone worked as a financial
advisor for many years. Avid champions of scholastic opportunity,
Philip and his wife later established the Philip and Andrea Giard Stone
Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides support to deserving
current or new USM Middle School students.
Stone is survived by his wife, Andrea; step-sister Deirdre Donnelly
Kieckhefer MDS’43; daughters Alison Stone McNeil, Pamela Stone
Becker, and Jennifer Stone Grimes; and grandchildren Aurora
Christine Marie Siguenza Stone, Xavier Birkett Becker, Joss Russell
Becker, Zebediah Stone Becker, Soleil Miel Jchangdara Becker, Peter
Philip Grimes ’20 and Petra Joy Grimes ’25.
Wendy W. Jaeger ’70
passed away on October 31, 2015 at
the age of 63. After graduating from
USM, Jaeger attended the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she
earned a degree in education. She
later returned to UWM to earn a second
degree in nursing.
Jaeger was known as a big-hearted person, generous, caring, witty,
great with kids, and “a force to be reckoned with.” She lived in Portland,
Ore., and Jerome, Ariz. for a time before returning to Milwaukee, where
she worked as a Registered Nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital for
many years.
Wendy was the daughter of Margaret and Walter Jaeger, and the
family recently established the Walter Jaeger Memorial Scholarship
in memory of her late father. She made many lifelong friends at USM
and greatly cherished the relationships she made as a “dormer.” Jaeger
is survived by her brother Dennis, sister-in-law and Upper School
Administrative Assistant Nancy, niece Mia ’18, and a host of people
who loved her.
1930s
Mowry Smith Jr.
MCDS’37
August 14, 2013
Neenah, Wis.
Mary Conroy Connell
MUS’39
November 23, 2014
Glendale, Ariz.
Elisabeth Pfau Wright
MDS’39
January 6, 2016
Milwaukee
1940s
Naomi Staple Hult
MDS’40
October 10, 2015
Gladstone, Mich.
Dorothy Scheffer Hyde
MDS’40
December 9, 2015
Long Beach, Calif.
Marilyn Meyer Ford
MUS’44
January 7, 2015
Columbus, Ohio
Carla Tiernan McMahon
MDS’47
November 17, 2015
Mequon, Wis.
1950s
Richard P. Grossman
MCDS’52
May 25, 2015
Mequon, Wis.
Thomas C. Kurth
MCDS’52
December 7, 2014
Hakalau, Hawaii
Jonathan Hering Sr.
MCDS’55
October 21, 2015
Mequon, Wis.
1960s
Patrick Slugg
MUS’61
January 4, 2016
Mequon, Wis.
Michael Knoeller
MCDS’62
November 13, 2015
Milwaukee
1990s
Augustita Garay Lynn
’93
January 20, 2016
Port Washington, Wis.
2000s
Bradley Neumann
’05
December 6, 2015
Trenton, Ill.
Updated as of February 15, 2016.
27

A LASTING LEGACY
This school year, 170 current University School of Milwaukee students have a family legacy of attending USM, with
one or both of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents attending the School or one of its predecessor
schools. The following is a list of those students, with many of them pictured above. We thank these families for their
ongoing loyalty and support in helping to enhance the community aspect of the School with their multi-generational
commitments to USM. For a complete listing of our legacy families, please visit www.usmk12.org/legacy.
Savvy Adelman ’28
Zakary Adelman ’18
Zofia Adelman ’27
Zion Aiken ’23
Karlie Allen ’16
Gordon Allen ’19
William Allen ’19
Matthew Bach ’16
Elaina Bakke ’28
Becca Banghart ’16
Kate Bonnell ’25
Lilly Bonnell ’25
Penelope Bonnell ’28
Camryn Brennan ’18
Jake Brennan ’16
Elizabeth Burlew ’28
William Burlew ’28
Emily Chou ’17
Kristen Chou ’19
Chad Christiansen ’16
Gabey Ciralsky ’25
Tali Ciralsky ’23
Mia Cudahy ’18
Holland Culver ’18
Benjamin Dahlman ’30
Jeffrey Dahlman ’30
Lucy Daniels ’22
Martha Daniels ’18

Addie Darrow ’26
Charlie Darrow ’24
Joey Darrow ’24
Aurella Dawson ’26
Conner Dawson ’24
Abigail Dengel ’27
F.R. Dengel ’28
Francesca Drope ’24
Mandela Drope ’27
Carolyn Ells ’18
Peter Ells ’21
Kristian Epperson ’24
Natalie Epperson ’22
Nick Epperson ’17
Lexie Epperson ’19
George Erlandson ’21
Grace Erlandson ’23
Audrey Ferrer ’21
Margot Ferrer ’23
Brynn Fitzsimmons ’24
Reiley Fitzsimmons ’26
Sam Florsheim ’16
Jack Foley ’30
Michaela Fritz ’19
Shelby Fritz ’22
Sydney Fritz ’17
Alice Gardner ’26
Charley Gardner ’28
Lindsey Gardner ’26
Molly Gardner ’30
Owen Gardner ’22
Mercy Godfrey ’20
Lucy Grady ’26
Liam Grady ’21
Griffin Grebe ’24
Tripp Grebe ’19
Danny Gridley ’19
Gracie Gridley ’20
Petra Grimes ’25
Bastian Guten-Gale ’23
Matthew Hammerlund ’26
Quinn Hammerlund ’23
Katherine Heiny ’30
P.J. Heiny ’28
Emma Holbrook ’29
Liam Isaacson ’25
Mia Johnson ’20
Robin Johnson ’16
Ella Joseph ’30
Jake Joseph ’29
Viraj Kamath ’29
Justice Kelly ’16
Kaitlyn Kennedy ’17
Ryan Kennedy ’19
Will Kennedy ’18
Sophie Kobylinski ’18
William Koch ’17
Cameron Krishnaney ’24
Alusha Leibsohn ’26
Sydney Leibsohn ’24
Louise Lerner ’21
Marshall Lerner ’16
Stewart Lerner ’18
Charlie Mahoney ’17
Tommy Mahoney ’17
Nick Mayerson ’18
Chloe McCabe ’21
Ella McCabe ’22
Grady Melick ’28
Coughlin Mellowes ’29
Jackie Mellowes ’30
Jo Mellowes ’28
Madeline Mellowes ’27
Murphy Mellowes ’20
Scanlon Mellowes ’22
Sullivan Mellowes ’25
Henry Miller ’16
Billy Miller ’16
Aksel Moe ’22
Max Moe ’23
Oskar Moe ’24
Brandon Montijo ’19
Miranda Montijo ’21
Lars Nelson ’30
Kasey Nimtz ’25
Lucy Nimtz ’27
Molly Nimtz ’23
Annie Norman ’25
Ellie Norman ’19
Mimi Norman ’21
Aston Omer ’27
Amelia Otjen ’25
Thea Otjen ’27
Daryl Perry ’16
Grace Piper ’26
Hope Piper ’26
Sam Plummer ’19
Ainsley Polston ’28
Edie Polston ’25
Michael Polston ’23
Keise Prewitt ’20
Cliff Radtke ’28
Annie Read ’26
Mimi Read ’28
Reagan Read ’23
Sander Read ’21
Shelley Read ’17
Alana Rostad ’17
Jack Roulette ’22
Nate Sampson ’17
Jimmy Schmidt ’23
Kat Schmidt ’16
Jack Schroeder ’21
Kelly Anne Schroeder ’19
Charlotte Siegel ’17
Ada Slaughter ’26
Brandon Staudt ’18
Christian Staudt ’21
Regan Staudt ’23
Meg Stewart ’19
Anna Straszewski ’19
Tyler Straszewski ’22
Beckett Stratton ’25
Cammie Stratton ’30
Jocie Stratton ’27
Justin Strauss ’17
Riley Strauss ’18
Logan Thickens ’27
Sawyer Thickens ’27
Lizzy Thurow ’25
Brook Uihlein ’18
Ashley Vogel ’19
Michael Vogel ’21
Candace Walther ’17
Hudson Wells ’29
Grace White ’28
Katherine White ’30
Marina Wigdale ’25
Megan Winters ’19
Augie Wolf ’23
Joe Zimmerman ’22
Nate Zimmerman ’25
29

University School of Milwaukee is pleased to recognize decades of
outstanding athletic tradition through the establishment of the USM
Athletic Hall of Fame. USM will host its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame
Class at a special Homecoming weekend induction ceremony at the
Wisconsin Club North (6200 W. Good Hope Rd., in Milwaukee) on
Saturday, October 1, 2016.
Established to commemorate a legacy of exceptional athletic
performance and accomplishments by former USM and predecessor
school student-athletes, coaches, teams, and distinguished contributors,
the USM Athletic Hall of Fame will recognize and honor the vital role
of athletics within the culture of the School. The Hall of Fame will also
serve to connect and unite generations of School athletes, add historical
significance to participation in USM athletics, and inspire current and
future athletes by honoring the School’s rich athletic tradition.
The inaugural class was selected by an esteemed Hall of Fame
committee consisting of former USM and predecessor school athletes,
coaches, and administrators, with primary consideration given to athletic
accomplishments and overall performance during each honorees’ tenure
at USM or a predecessor school. The selection committee is extremely
proud of the Hall of Fame’s first class and their significant contributions
to the School’s outstanding tradition of athletic excellence.
“The committee decided unanimously to induct this first class of
candidates,” said Steve Bruemmer, USM Hall of Fame committee
member. “It’s really a thrill to see some of my former athletes, students,
and colleagues be inducted into this first Hall of Fame class. Each of
the honorees is extremely worthy.”
Congratulations to the following members of the inaugural USM Athletic
Hall of Fame Class:
Introducing the University School
of Milwaukee Athletic Hall of Fame
KEN LAIRD
From 1938-1970, Laird
compiled an overall record
of 189-42-13 as head football
coach at Milwaukee Country
Day School and USM,
including 12 undefeated
seasons, 11 Midwest Prep
Conference Championships,
and five Wisconsin Prep Conference titles. Laird is a
member of the Wisconsin High School Football Coaches
Hall of Fame, and USM’s football field was subsequently
named in his honor in 1992.
JIM LAING
Beginning in 1964, Laing
coached the boys’ tennis
team to 36 Midwest Classic
conference titles, 10
Wisconsin Independent
School Athletic Association
(WISAA) team titles and
24 WISAA state individual
titles. As girls’ coach beginning in 1971, he led USM to
41 WISAA state individual titles and 12 WISAA state team
titles, an all-time record, before retiring in 2000.
HOWARD BOESE
Boese coached basketball,
baseball, football, and
served as athletic director for
Milwaukee University School
beginning in 1949. His teams
were renowned for “doing
it the right way” and playing
with respect for the game, the
rules, and their opponents. In 1964 as part of the merger,
Boese was named USM’s first athletic director, and
coached baseball for the School through 1980.
30 USM TODAY | WINTER 2016

FREDERICK C. MILLER
MCDS’25
Miller excelled in football
at Milwaukee Country Day
School before attending
the University of Notre
Dame, where he was an
All-American tackle in 1927
and 1928 under legendary
coach Knute Rockne. He was elected to the College
Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
VON MANSFIELD ’78
Mansfield served as
co-captain of the USM
basketball and track and
field teams, and was an
all-conference defensive
back in football. He later
starred for the University of
Wisconsin, and was drafted
to the NFL in 1982, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles
and Green Bay Packers.
LANE MACDONALD ’84
MacDonald was the captain
of USM’s football, hockey,
and baseball teams, and
won the Henry H. Uihlein
Sportsmanship Trophy in
1984. At Harvard University,
he was twice named a first-
team All-American, won the
Hobey Baker Award, and led the Crimson to their first
NCAA title as captain in 1989.
HOLLY PALIN ’02
Palin served as captain
of the USM field hockey,
basketball, and soccer teams.
She then competed in field
hockey and basketball at
Northwestern University,
and currently serves as
Head Varsity Field Hockey
Coach at the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago.
MUS BOYS BASKETBALL 1958-1961
The varsity boys’ 58-game winning streak, one of the longest in state
history, was snapped by Wayland Academy in 1961.
POLLY MDS’38 AND HENRY UIHLEIN
MCDS’39
Lifelong supporters of athletics, Polly and
Henry Uihlein were dedicated to youth hockey
in Milwaukee, and were among the original
supporters of the Milwaukee Winter Club,
which has been instrumental in the promotion
of the sport in the area. The Uihleins also
made a significant contribution to renovate
the ice rink at USM, which now bears their names. Additionally, each
year the Henry H. Uihlein Sportsmanship Trophy is awarded to a senior
male athlete for his ability, attitude, conduct, and leadership.
MARION MDS’37 AND VERNE READ
True fans and boosters of USM athletics,
Marion and Verne Read attended countless
USM athletic events as parents, grandparents,
and supporters of the School. Their ongoing
friendship and generosity helped make
fundraising programs in support of hockey,
tennis, greater compensation for coaches,
and USM’s outdoor athletic complex a reality.
Nominations are collected on a rolling basis, and will be accepted
through December 1 prior to each induction year. Hall of Fame
classes will be inducted every two years. For more information on
each inductee, a complete listing of the Hall of Fame selection
committee, and to buy your ticket to the induction ceremony on
October 1, please visit www.usmathletics.org/halloffame.
31

In June of 2015, I had the opportunity to attend the Gardner
Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi) in Fountain Valley, Colo. with
my colleagues Jane Keily, Brad Dunning, and Emily Ihrke. This
was a weeklong intensive course on leadership development
in independent schools. We were the fortunate recipients of a
Think Big grant from USM that presented us with this unique
opportunity, and the week I spent at gcLi had a profound impact
on my life.
Our days at Fountain Valley were spent learning, reflecting,
and collaborating with our cohort group and other educators
on the material we learned. On one of the nights we took a
labyrinth walk, and after a full day of learning, I was ready for
some reflection.
We were instructed to walk in total silence, but given the option
of walking with our eyes closed or open. I chose to walk the
path with my eyes closed. Every step had to be intentional.
I had to find the right pace that would help me navigate without
falling or walking right off the path. There were many distractions
along the way, and I could hear the steps of other participants
as they passed me. However, each step built up my confidence.
I learned to trust my judgment and to do what was right for me. It
did not matter when I got to the center, but how I got there. The
journey is far more valuable than the destination.
My night walking the labyrinth was a metaphor of my experience
bringing leadership development back to USM. Here are the key
takeaways that I want to share with our community.
developing
student
leadership
BY RISHI RAGHUNATHAN
Raghunathan facing during a
Leadership Institute team-building activity.USM TODAY | WINTER 201632

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
The value we add to this world comes from how we nurture and
sustain relationships. When I am no longer in this world, I hope
that I am remembered as a husband, a father, a son, a teacher,
a friend, and an all-around good guy who put more good than
bad into this world. The people in my life and the quality of my
relationships with them determine my worth.
FOCUS ON STRENGTHS
Without confidence, our students cannot work towards
competence. We all know that we learn the most when stretched
outside of our comfort zone. If the stretch is too much, we will
shut down and learning does not occur. If we want students to
feel comfortable stretching, we have to start with strengths. As a
teacher, I need to know what my students are good at and use that
as a very solid foundation. When my students build confidence,
I can push them to take risks and to address weaknesses.
FAILURE IS NOT A DIRTY WORD
Failure is a word that is far scarier than it should be. It conjures up
fear, and parents and kids think of doomed futures. I prefer the
term “taking responsibility.” Students make hundreds of decisions
a day. When they make a mistake, we need them to own up to it
and learn from the mistake. As John Dewey said, “no one learns
from experience, they learn from reflecting on experience.” Our
responsibility as adults is to help students reflect and learn from
both good and bad experiences.
STUDENTS ARE WORKS IN PROGRESS
We need to be more compassionate toward our students. Each
child is a work in progress, and as adults, we need to help each of
them with their decision-making. I asked one parent if he worried
about the choices his teenage daughter would make in high
school. He said, “I can’t always be there to protect her, but I feel
confident that I have given her all of the tools to make the best
decisions. If she messes up, I will still be there to help her learn
and get through it.”
EVERYONE CAN BE A LEADER
We do a disservice to our students when we exclusively focus on
the “great” leaders as examples. Mohandas K. Gandhi, Nelson
Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, and Susan B. Anthony are excellent,
but ultimately not realistic, role models for our students. We have
built up leadership to be something so big that our students think
that it is unattainable. In addition, we have given the impression
that only extroverts with loud voices and bold actions can be
leaders. As adults, we need to showcase students demonstrating
small and large acts of leadership.
USM’s path to leadership development is unique to our School
and culture. We have to find our own path, learn from our
mistakes, and make adjustments. Ultimately we will get where
we are going but, more importantly, we will learn as much as we
can along the way.
Rishi Raghunathan is an Upper School History Teacher and served as the Upper School Dean of Students through June 2015.
USM students and faculty members have engaged in a
series of leadership forums throughout the school year.
33

Scholastic Art Awards Highlight Creativity,
Skill of Upper School Art Students
Success in the arts at the high school level can be a difficult
metric to quantify, but if University School of Milwaukee’s
recent success in the Wisconsin Scholastic Art Awards are
any indication, it’s clear that USM students are thriving.
A School-record tying 11 USM students won 17 state
recognition awards from the 2016 Scholastic Art Awards
including three Gold Keys and seven Silver Keys for projects
that will be part of a special exhibition at the Milwaukee
Art Museum.
Those numbers keep pace with any high school in the
state—even though many larger schools submit hundreds of
projects for evaluation. Submissions for the Scholastic Art
Awards used to be capped at 12 pieces per school, but that
restriction was recently lifted, allowing art departments to
submit as many pieces as they choose. However, even as the
competition has increased, USM has seen record numbers
of submissions selected for recognition in recent years, due
in large part to the creativity fostered by the Upper School art
department and the student-centered focus of the work.
“Our strength within the entire USM art department is that
our art projects are very student-centered, so our work is so
diverse,” said Priscilla Woods, Upper School art teacher. “We
try to determine the strengths of our students artistically and
then feed those strengths.”
USM students move beyond foundational work in advanced
art classes and focus on their own self-directed areas of
interest, with faculty members on hand to guide their ideas,
provide valuable insight, and gather necessary resources.
Faculty members work closely with students to select
pieces they both feel strongly about for the competition.
From left “Beachscape,” by Joshua Holmes ’16 and “Scarf Girl,” by Xinyu Cai ’17.

Students are free to submit work for evaluation in a number of competition categories—
including architecture, ceramics glass, comic art, design, digital art, drawing, fashion,
film animation, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture,
video games, and senior portfolios. Projects are evaluated by region and analyzed by
a rotating panel of community artists and teachers from around the area.
Most submissions are produced by junior and senior students that have had more
time to mature artistically, but several recent winners have come from talented
underclassmen as well.
Mia Jaeger ’18 was one of those underclassmen, earning a Gold Key for her mixed
media submission, “Hira.” Inspired by nostalgic movie posters, Jaeger photographed a
classmate and restyled the shot to mimic the look and feel of old cinema. She reprinted
the photo in black and white and then painted around the photo to bring it to life.
Joshua Holmes ’16 was recognized for the second consecutive year for his
photography, earning a Gold Key for “Beachscape,” and a Silver Key for “Pasture
Sunset.” While Holmes acknowledged that he aims to find contentment with his own
work, he admitted that it feels good to be recognized for his efforts, and to ultimately
inspire emotion in others through his work.
“If I’m happy with my work, that is good enough for me as an artist. But when something
in my vision is able to inspire or evoke emotion in someone else, that is what truly drives
me. That is really special,” Holmes said.
Shireen Zaineb ’16 also garnered a Gold Key for her drawing, “Self-Portrait.”
The Wisconsin Exhibition of Scholastic Art Awards work has been hosted by the
Milwaukee Art Museum since 1976. All students who earned 2016 awards were
honored at a closed ceremony at the Museum on February 6, and their winning work
was displayed from January 30 through March 13. Gold Key-winning work advances
to the National Scholastic Art Awards competition, which will be held in June at
Carnegie Hall in New York City.
For a complete listing of 2016 Scholastic Art Award winners, please see page 17. For
more information on the Scholastic Art Awards, please visit www.artandwriting.org.
From left “Self Portrait,” by Shireen Zaineb ’16 and “Anatomical
Broken Heart,” by Jude Outwater ’16.
USM students
have earned
81recognition
awards
54individual students
have been recognized
These include
24Gold Keys, and
21Silver Keys
Since 2012:
“Hira,” by Mia Jaeger ’18.
35

Athletics Flourish
in Middle School
As the University School of Milwaukee mantra of building programs as opposed
to chasing wins has been rewarded in the form of 19 state championships over
the past five years, in addition to several program awards and honors, it is
important to also recognize the tremendous foundation of success that has
been built at the Middle School level.
Emulating the positive, educational-based athletics model that has thrived in Upper
School, the Middle School athletic program offers 12 interscholastic sports to boys and
girls in grades 5-8, in addition to a variety of intramural options. These programs, several
of which are taught by former varsity-level coaches, introduce Middle School student-
athletes to interscholastic athletics while helping to develop a sense of team play, good
sportsmanship, self-discipline, and the ability to handle competitive situations.
One of the many benefits of USM being a united, K-12 institution is that it gives
students from different grade levels the ability to model or showcase what
comes next for younger students on academic, social, and athletic levels.
Within athletics, Upper School and Middle School programs coordinate
collaborative activities that bring student-athletes together.
Varsity football coach Brian Sommers and his players invite Middle School
football participants to join them in spirited games of the popular “Madden”
video game football series over lunch, and several USM boys’ and girls’ varsity
sports honor players during special recognition nights, where the honorees
watch their older counterparts play alongside the home bench before being
recognized as a team during halftime.
These connections are powerful, not only for the Middle School athletes, but also their
new Upper School friends. Upper School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer Coach Jock Mutschler
noted that he has been working with his captains on mentorship opportunities for both
teams, and his players “light up” whenever they can mentor younger players. “They light up
because my players have been in their shoes before, and understand how impactful those
relationships can be,” Mutschler said.
The partnership has developed significant leadership qualities in his players as they mentor younger USM
athletes. These interactions build cohesion and unity within the program, and inspire Middle School players
as they progress in their athletic careers.
Mutschler has also helped organize a special “soccer buddies” program that pairs varsity players
with Lower School athletes, further extending critical relationships as the School continues to grow
a comprehensive athletic program.
“It’s important to give players something to motivate them beyond their own individual interests, and to do
that, you need to build a sense of community,” Mutschler said. “We want to plant that seed in those younger
players, and help them to realize that they can create something special if they come together as a group.”
ESTABLISHING CONNECTIONS
TO UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Athletics also play an integral role in boosting school morale and
inspiring excitement in the student body, and several Middle School
initiatives have rallied a great deal of enthusiasm. USM community
members celebrate the kick-off of Homecoming week at the Junior
Wildcat Jamboree each fall, as all fall Junior ‘Cats athletic teams compete
during a full morning of festivities in front of a large, spirited crowd.
A similar showcase event takes place each February, as students,
faculty and staff, and other USM community members join together
in support of athletics during Middle School Fill-the-Stands Night.
In addition to cheering on Junior ‘Cats athletic teams, students
enjoyed free lemonade, popcorn, and pizza slices, courtesy of
the USM Boosters, and visited a special “swag station” where
several fun giveaway items were distributed courtesy of the
Milwaukee Bucks.
These events mirror spirit events in the Upper School, and allow
for Middle School athletes, along with the collective student body,
to celebrate their school spirit in a fun, festive environment.
Moving forward, the USM Athletic Department continues to look
for ways to strengthen connections between all three divisions of
student-athletes and host events that highlight and promote unity
within the USM community. These initiatives are poised to keep the
foundation of USM Athletics strong and continue a tradition of success—
from Lower School through the varsity level—for years to come.
“Our intention as an athletic program is to create exciting opportunities
for all USM athletes, so that they feel part of something bigger than
themselves and experience that sense of School pride,” said Middle
School Director of Athletics Kate Taylor ’02. “Athletics are a great way
for people in the USM community to connect with the School, and even
return to campus as alumni.”
BUILDING SPIRIT, COMMUNITY THROUGH
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
37

A sincere thank you to everyone
who contributed their valuable time,
talents, energy, and patronage to
Holiday Shops 2015, which kicked
off with a spectacular Preview Party
on Wednesday, October 28.
2015
Holiday Shops
Committee Leaders
Lori Bechthold
Nancy Bolton
Susan Brennan
Shaw Bridges
Patti Brose
Marina Carlson
Colleen Cowen
Kristi Dahlman
Amy Diamond
Georgia Dimitropoulos
Susan Ells
Brooke Fetherston
Molly Kubly Fritz ’80
Natalia Goris
Jennifer Hadcock
Sara Hermanoff
Lorre Inda
Colleen Jacobus
Patricia Kauffman
Jennifer Keough
Niven Kingwill
Lori Klos
Dierdre Laterman
Heidi Marcelle
Ivana Marich
Susanna Mortara
Don Neihardt
Stephanie Petersen
Wendy Petzold
Stacey Radke
Jennifer Reese
Rénee Rooney
Jami Ross
Jen Schoon
Kristin Sheehan
Melissa Sheppard
Gigi Mestier Short ’79
Julie Whitney
Pat Wood
Lisa Wright
Barb Zabors
2015
From left Nanette Gardetto,
Richard Slater, Greg Norman,
and Margy Stratton Norman ’84.
Niven Kingwill left and
Parents’ Association President
Molly Kubly Fritz ’80.
Pamela Shovers left and
Kristin Sheehan.
Save the Dates for 2016!
Be sure to join us for the 2016 Preview Party on Wednesday, October 26
and shop with us from Thursday, October 27 to Saturday, October 29.
Visit www.usmk12.org/holidayshops for updates and additional
information throughout the year.

More than
2,500
shoppers attended
Holiday Shops 2015.
Total proceeds from
Holiday Shops 2015 helped
earn the School more than
$165,000
More than
150volunteer parents,
parents of alumni,
and students helped
make Holiday Shops
2015 possible.
From left Aboud Affi,
Camellia Eshoa, Tim
Strauss, and Danielle
Wagner Strauss ’94.
From left Rénee Rooney,
Jennifer Keough, Nancy
Bolton, and Parents’
Association President-
elect Susan Brennan.
Holiday Shops Past Chairs
and Parents’ Association
Presidents Reception.
Susan Ells left and
Colleen Jacobus.
39

information onto index cards! Our program booklet was in black
and white, and pictures were physically cut from photos rather than
digitally manipulated.
Our programming evolved over the years, keeping the basics like
study skills, math, and creative writing; old favorites like Tournament
Kickball, Basketball, Experiments Galore, and Cookies and Cake
Decorating; and adding topics that reflect today’s interests such as
Minecraft, Maker Space, iMovies, coding, robotics, and Musicals-
in-Two-Weeks! We have switched from Star Wars connected
programming, to Harry Potter themes, and now back to Star Wars!
We continue to offer something for everyone.
I am so proud and deeply satisfied to have watched Summer I.D.E.A.S.
grow and expand to meet the needs and interests of our students
over these years. We now have children of previous campers joining
our program, as well as I.D.E.A.S. alumni who are employed with
us over the summer. I would like to recognize three USM current or
former teachers who have worked in the program all 25 years—Bob
Geniusz, Margaret Lang, and Fred Silver. Their commitment, creativity,
and quality teaching represent what makes this program successful.
Our entire team of educators can’t wait to celebrate this tradition of
excellence this summer!
Judy Bloch has served as USM’s Director of Summer Programs
since 1992.
University School of Milwaukee’s Summer I.D.E.A.S.
program celebrates 25 years of providing outstanding
summer programs to the greater Milwaukee community
during the summer of 2016. For 25 years, Summer I.D.E.A.S.
(Investigate, Discover, Explore, Academics, Arts, Sports)
has provided a wide range of opportunities and adventures
for students age three through grade 12, enriching the lives
of nearly 11,000 students and their families.
Over the years I have seen many changes, although
our basic premise has stayed the same. Children
enjoy doing what comes naturally—learning by doing,
playing, exploring new ideas, enjoying their friends, and
connecting with teachers. Summer I.D.E.A.S. has always
been about experiential, hands-on learning, long before
the importance of that has become an emphasis in
today’s approach to education.
In 1992, I never imagined that 25 years later we would
have touched the lives of so many children, parents,
teachers, and high school and college assistants. I had
no idea where technology would go. Our original data
management involved making entries in Microsoft Works.
Now we have a robust system that meets the complex
needs of managing over 1,100 students and 125
teachers and assistants each year. In the beginning,
we put together our class cards by cutting and pasting
a look back
25 YEARS OF SUMMER I.D.E.A.S.
by Judy Bloch

a look ahead
UPCOMING USM EVENTS THROUGH JULY 01, 2016
apr
16
Upper School Prom
21
USM Visits Chicago
26
Upper School Band, Orchestra,
and Choir Concert
may
6-7
Middle School Musical
12
Upper School Honors Assembly
13
Senior Send-Off, Senior Lunch,
Senior Dinner
15
Upper School Commencement
19
Grades 7-8 Chorus Concert
26
Middle School Orchestra Concert
june
1
Middle School Band and Grades 5-6
Chorus Concert
2
Lower School Dance Concert
USM Retirement Reception
3
Lower School Orchestra Recital
4
Joe Lubar Memorial Alumni Baseball Event
7
SK-Grade 4 Picnic and Field Day
8
Last Day of School
13-14
USM Summer Spark Symposium
20
Summer I.D.E.A.S. Main Program Begins
24-25
Reunion Weekend 2016
www.usmk12.org/summer
Half-day Full-day Camps
Academic Enrichment Programs
Age 3–Grade 12 | June–August

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Milwaukee, WI
Permit No. 1025
2100 West Fairy Chasm Road
Milwaukee, WI 53217
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Lower School Art Teacher Bob Geniusz
takes one of his classes outside during
the early 1990s.

USM Today Winter 2016 Final

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