The Laker FALL 2020

Statira “Star” Simmons Wall ’08 A Laker for Life

1 | LAKER Table of Contents

EDITORS Shellie Javier Kala Montoya 3 16 FROM THE TOP 3: THINGS I LEARNED GRAPHIC DESIGNER HEAD OF SCHOOL DURING “SAFER AT HOME” John Ritter

PHOTOGRAPHY Shellie Javier Kala Montoya Ross Monagle 4 17 PRINTER HAWK HILL GRADUATION Thomas Press (Waukesha, Wis.) HAPPENINGS RECAP

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Adam Rix, President John Griner, Vice President Martin Ditkof, Secretary Greg Ploch ’80, Treasurer 6 18 McKenna Bryant ’95 Scott Gass FACULTY FEATURE: SENIOR Alex Inman REBECCA TIFFANY SPOTLIGHT Amy LaMacchia Holly Myhre ’95 John O’Horo Joan Shafer Margaret Tackes Paul Verdu 9 20 HAWK HILL ALUMNI The Laker is published by University Lake HISTORY NEWS School. It is mailed free of charge, twice a year, to alumni and friends of the school.

To update your address or share comments and ideas: Email: [email protected] Call: 262-367-6011 12 22 FEATURE: STAR SIMMONS WALL ’08 LAKERS Write: Advancement Office, A LAKER FOR LIFE WE’VE LOST University Lake School, P.O. Box 290, Hartland, WI 53029

2 | LAKER Photo by Ross Monagle

I hope this edition of The FromLaker finds you and theyours safe Headand healthy during thisof pandemic. School We have faced so many challenges this year, but we will not be deterred from moving forward. As a school, we continue to look ahead through the lens of our strategic planning so that our best days are ahead of us.

With winter coming soon, I am reminded of a beautiful Wisconsin winter day in January of 2020. With the fresh snow brilliantly accenting tree boughs and defining sidewalks and driveways, the ULS community gathered on Visioning Day to structure the goals and strategies of the Soaring Beyond Brilliance Strategic Plan. Leading up to Visioning Day, the steering committee often discussed aligning the plan with current strengths, as well as our rich history. This sentiment was echoed by a Visioning Day participant who commented that the discussions and outcomes seemed grounded in the school’s history.

As we begin year one of the strategic plan, I see numerous themes that align well with our history: • Our vision of empowering students to lead and thrive in a global community aligns with the heritage of welcoming foreign exchange students. They were an important part of the first classes, and remain so today. I think the importance of the foreign exchange students to the early days of the school is best demonstrated by stories about ULS students selling lightbulbs door-to-door in those very early years to support the program.

• One of our strategies is to optimize experiential learning outdoors. Our new open-air classroom, the Hawk and Eagle Nest, reminds me of stories I have heard of a former outdoor classroom that offered Lakers the opportunity to learn amongst the trees. The current Nest is immersed in the woods with a view of the nearby field.

• There are dual themes: the value of faculty and the importance of place. The role of faculty is so critical to the ULS experience. The connection between student and teacher at ULS is something so unique, that alums who come back to visit often speak of the memories they have and the role of the faculty in setting their path through life thanks to the caring nature of our faculty. Alumni also often speak of the bucolic nature of learning and growing amidst forest, prairie and fields. Our strategic plan recognizes the unique importance of people and place, and encourages these critical aspects of our school to evolve and develop for future generations of students.

We recently celebrated Founder’s Day on November 13. Today, our legacy and rich traditions continue. They may be reimagined in the midst of this pandemic, but the same community spirit lives on. New families stand with founding families in support of the ULS mission to deliver an incomparable education. Through our strategic plan, we will ensure that ULS will carry on and even get better through the coming years. Once a Laker, always a Laker.

Timothy Horner Interim Head of School Head of Administration FALL 2020 | 3 1 2

Here W.2e Grow ULS Online Auction

Support the ongoing growth of our students, teachers and school at the ULS online auction.

3

Hawk Hill Happenings 1 Due to the pandemic, the spring certainly brought run. After a great year of athletic and service learning challenges to all in the ULS community. With safety in competitions, the results are in … EAGLES WIN! mind, we moved our annual Spring Fundraiser to an online platform. While nothing can replace the community and 3 We are happy to report that the Hawk and Eagle Nest camaraderie of being together, our Lakers still rose to the outdoor classroom is complete. Thanks to philanthropic challenge and helped raise more than $47,000 in support donations, this hideaway in the woods is the perfect spot of the annual Laker Fund, student programs and teacher for outdoor learning. professional development through our Here We Grow online auction. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. 4 You might notice a fresh look to this edition of The Laker. Learn more about our recent rebranding in our Hawk Hill 2 The annual Spring Field Day looked a bit different this History piece on page 9. year — we went virtual! Students from all divisions had a great time getting outside to participate in a number of 5 We are excited to welcome two new coaches to the ULS minute-to-win-it-style challenges, as well as a timed 1-mile family this fall. After playing a key role as an assistant

4 | LAKER 4 5

6

coach, Izabelle Quadracci ’14 will now take over as the 6 On June 13, we welcomed our 59th graduating class, the new varsity women’s field hockey head coach. As a player, Class of 2020, into the alumni community. This was a Quadracci was a four-year varsity performer for the Lakers particularly special class who had to deal with a less-than-ideal and served as team captain during her senior year. She close to their chapter at ULS. The graduation ceremony attended camps for four years and played for the Lake was held outdoors on a clear June night on the Michels Country Select Field Hockey team during her high school Campus Green. While these bright, kind and talented career. We are also happy to welcome Ben Hall as the new individuals are spread out across the country for college, varsity men’s soccer head coach. Coach Hall’s previous they will always have a home on Hawk Hill. Congratulations experiences include coaching the freshman, JV and varsity (B-F, L-R) Aiden Gustafson, Lucas Mazza, Jameson Cavin, at Brookfield East High School and The University School Samuel Rix, Aaron Kresse, Nick Gmur, Cory Muehlmeier, of Milwaukee. Coach Hall also has extensive experience Joe Gehl, Xin (Gloria) Gao, Sihan (Vicky) Zhao, Sophia Rusch, coaching on the club level for Lake Country United, Elm Rachel Soley, Liliana Guadagno, Molly Carlson, Elyse Horner, Grove Soccer Club, and most recently as an Academy Kate Hall, Emma Anthony, Cheng (Summer) Yang. Coach for the Bavarian Soccer Club.

FALL 2020 | 5 Faculty Feature REBECCA TIFFANY

AFTER TEACHING IN THE LOWER SCHOOL FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, REBECCA TIFFANY IS EXCITED TO TAKE ON A NEW ROLE AS OUR DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT. THANKS TO THE SOARING BEYOND BRILLIANCE STRATEGIC PLAN, ULS CREATED THIS POSITION. REBECCA HAS TWO CHILDREN WHO ATTEND ULS, ALLY AND NATHAN.

6 | LAKER Q: Did you always want to be a teacher?

A: Ever since I was young I wanted to be a teacher. It was my 1st grade teacher who stuck with me throughout the years, and I always loved being around kids through babysitting and working in daycares. I always knew I wanted to teach and be with young children.

Q: How did your career lead you to teaching at ULS?

A: I grew up in Iowa, graduated there, and then moved to Wisconsin where I taught K-8 Spanish as my first teaching job at Prince of Peace in Milwaukee. Then I taught 1st grade in Waterford for two years before getting married and moving out to Delaware. In Delaware, I taught K-8 Spanish for two years in a parochial school and then high school Spanish in the public schools for three years. We moved back to Wisconsin so our children could be with our family, and I was once again looking for a teaching position. I wanted to return to teaching elementary. I’ve been at ULS for eight years now, and have taught 2nd grade, middle school Spanish and 1st grade.

Q: What will you be doing as our new Director of Curriculum & Assessment?

A: I will guide, support and organize the school’s curriculum, I love to be outdoors. I keep a garden every summer and I love professional development programming, and all areas of to camp. I’m a musician who likes to play piano and I used to assessment. I am also staff leader of the Education Committee, sing in church choirs, though I have been out of practice now chair of the Student Services Committee, and chair of the that I have children. I have played both indoor and sand ISACS accreditation process. recreational volleyball for years, as well as helped out my son’s baseball teams. I love sports, too! Q: What excites you most about this new role? Q: What is your dream for ULS? A: I am very excited to assist in providing professional support to the faculty and staff, as well as coordinate all aspects of the A: My dream for ULS is to maintain that close community feel rigorous curriculum found at ULS so it can be cohesive, yet while providing and receiving the best education we can. It’s representative of what makes each division in our school so those strong connections and that personal investment that unique and great. everyone experiences in this place — it keeps the inner Laker of every ULS community member alive. Q: Not only do you work at ULS, but your children attend as well. Would you mind sharing a little about your experience Q: What is your favorite thing about your job at ULS? as a parent? A: It’s the community; it really is. You can’t beat a small community. A: My children have grown up at ULS! They are lifers, starting in I grew up in rural Iowa on a farm near a very small town where JK3 and are now in their last year of the lower school, and my graduating class was only 22 people. I was very happy to loving the supportive atmosphere of the middle school. As a find a community with a similar feel. That dedication — that parent, I could not be happier with the care, support and love of community — is why I like it here and I’d love to keep knowledge of the teachers. My children have always been it that way. challenged to the right level, provided support when in need of assistance, and found friendships that inspire them to be caring, happy individuals. Our family has a special place in our hearts for ULS!

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: I stay pretty busy with all of my kids activities — soccer, baseball, piano, dance — all that fun mom stuff. When I’m not doing that,

FALL 2020 | 7 At a Glance

Apple Crisp It is a ULS fall tradition — apple crisp! Parents and volunteers would make pans of it to sell at the annual Barn Sale. It was cut in squares and warmed up for customers to enjoy in the food tent.

For the past few years, the students and other volunteers have baked the sweet, gooey goodness for the Apple Crisp Run and the homecoming Barn Bash.

Now you can make it at home! Here is the recipe.

3 lbs. of baking apples (Cortland or Granny Smith), peeled and sliced approximately ¼ to ½” thick

Spread in a 9 x 13 x 2 ½ disposable aluminum pan. At the start, the pan should be filled with apples to within ½” of the top of the pan.

Mix the following ingredients together with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly: • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 cup white sugar • 1 cup butter • 2 cups white flour • 3 Tbsp. cinnamon

Spread the topping over the apples and bake at 350º Fahrenheit or until done; about 30-45 minutes. A fork should slide easily into the cooked apples when done. Enjoy!

8 | LAKER Hawk Hill History THE ULS BRAND

THE FACE OF ULS HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS

2010s 2000s 1990s

Tagline: Every ULS student has Tagline: Spirit of Learning Tagline: Making a Difference an untapped brilliance. We help in Your Child’s Future them find it. Focus on inquiry, mastery and transference. Focus on self-discipline, Focus on challenging academics, interpersonal skills, and love independent thinking, hands-on for learning. learning and leadership skills.

1980s & 1970s 1960s 1950s

Tagline: Independent, college Tagline: The Independent preparatory, co-educational Tagline: A College Preparatory School Serving Your Community country day school School for Boys and Girls Focus on the intellectual curiosity Focus on questioning, Focus on college prep, challenging required for a lifetime of learning. investigating, and discovering; academics, self-discovery and a balance of success and failure. self-development.

Since 1956, University Lake School (ULS) has been known as While we are rooted in the tradition of academic excellence, a Lake Country’s independent school of choice for college preparation. school is a living, breathing space that constantly grows in new Over the years, the look and feel of ULS has evolved to represent directions. Once again, it is time for a change. This fall the ULS our school through decades of change. The ULS brand represents marketing team introduced a new brand that will represent ULS who we are, what we believe in, and what we have to offer. It into the 2020s. distinguishes us from other schools and tells our story. Continued on next page.

FALL 2020 | 9 WHAT IS BRANDING? Branding helps to identify a product, service or company, and sets it apart from the competition. Most people know Nike just by the swoosh logo or the tagline, “Just Do It.” McDonald’s golden arches or the Apple logo are easy to recognize even without a company The New Logo name. We know that we’re “in good hands” with Allstate. “The logo is the most important element A good brand communicates key values and consistently reflects the goals of the organization. Branding can influence how people of branding, as it is essentially the face of perceive your organization. It can increase brand awareness and our school,” said Wenger. “We spent a lot therefore, drive new business. It can be seen in advertising, of time looking at the options in various communications, marketing materials, and of course, the logo. applications to see how it would work best.” For ULS, the most important case for good branding is to be well-known in the community so we can share our vision and The new logo has an academic feel with mission with more families and students. the collegiate type, yet the “L” gives it an organic, playful flair. “We especially like WHO WE ARE incorporating the letters ‘ULS’ so we can The process of developing a good brand must be based on self-reflection. Over the past couple of years, ULS has engaged build brand awareness around this as a in a number of activities that have helped us define who we are stand-alone acronym. We believe that it as a school. These activities included the Brilliance Assembly, the will translate well onto spiritwear, athletic accreditation process for ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States), and Soaring Beyond Brilliance Strategic uniforms, signage and more,” she said. Planning. The school listened to the insights of current and past parents, trustees, alumni, teachers, staff and students. It became amazingly clear that ULS is a special place. The challenge was to pour all that knowledge into a new brand identity.

In order to take on that challenge, the ULS marketing team partnered with a firm in Atlanta, CRANE, that specializes in independent schools.

The firm was discovered by Interim Head of School and Head of Administration, Tim Horner. “I had seen CRANE present a number of times at industry conferences and was always impressed,” he said. “Whenever I saw marketing materials from other schools that I liked, it was always created by CRANE. I’m so glad we were finally able to work with them. I knew they would give us an amazing new direction.”

THE PROCESS “We started the new branding process in the summer of 2019,” said Angie Wenger, Director of Admissions and Marketing. “It involved months of in-depth research and analysis, including CRANE-led focus groups, concept workshops and individual interviews with parents and faculty. They wanted to learn everything about our school, our people, and how we inspire students every day at ULS.”

Through research and conversations with the ULS community, CRANE started to see the sense of wonder that permeates the school. “That sense is created not only by the natural surroundings, but by the students, teachers, administrators and families who make ULS their learning home,” said Shelly W. Peters, principal

10 | LAKER of CRANE. “The dynamic interplay of people and place makes This concept emphasizes ULS as both a physical destination and ULS a feeling as much as a school.” a vibrant community, offering exceptional facilities, resources, and professional teachers and leaders. ULS has a welcoming culture of Here is what some of our ULS community members had to say: acceptance that allows the freedom to grow. It all happens here.

“ When we first toured, we noticed that ULS was very different from our public school. At ULS, the kids are still LEARN TO LEAD kids. There’s that bubbly, fun energy, but there was order to it. It was peaceful in a way, but still energetic. And the teachers all know the children; every teacher knows every kid.” – ULS parent

“ In a lot of public schools, students can only be focused on DISCOVER SOLUTIONS one thing, like theater or sport or academics. At ULS you can choose multiple things. Last year I had a 3.9 GPA, and I did the winter musical while also playing serious basketball. I was able to do it all because ULS encourages you to do whatever you want as long as you put your passion in it and work at it.” – ULS student MAKE AMAZING FRIENDS Of course, the school’s literal environment — the grounds and woods that surround the buildings on Hawk Hill — remains the most visible differentiating feature. The ULS community shared their thoughts about how the physical campus and sense of place influences the way students think, learn and feel. SWISH A THREE-POINTER

“ I looked online at other schools, and the way ULS came across was so beautiful. The other schools were focused on ‘look at all this technology’ and the kids were on computers. Then I went to ULS and the kids were running and laughing out in the woods. The grounds are such a EXPRESS YOUR IMAGINATION huge marketing point because it is so different from any other place.” – ULS parent

“ The campus is so important here, and that’s become important in my college search. I need the forest around me. I love going out on the trails. In gym class, we’ll just go JOIN A COMMUNITY run on the trails. It’s become important to me to just look out the window and see the woods. I wouldn’t sacrifice that for the world.” – ULS student

THE NEW BRAND The new ULS brand consists of a messaging and identity system that captures and conveys the one-of-a-kind ULS learning “The new messaging system presents ULS’ unique position and experience. This complete suite of elements includes strategic expresses how it feels to learn and grow in this exceptional place,” messaging for communications and marketing, website design, and said Peters. “We wanted to convey the ULS experience to visual identity — logo, fonts, color palette, and photographic style. prospective and current families and show that ULS is an intentionally distinctive place and community.” The overarching framework, or metaconcept, is “You Are Here.” This is the “big idea” from which various forms of messaging will Over the course of the coming school year, you will see the flow. Hawk Hill is an essential aspect of the ULS education. It is new branding applied in various places including the website, a specific place, with intentionally designed indoor spaces and the spiritwear store, advertising, and more. The new brand, in expansive beautiful 180-acre grounds. Whether you are a student, words and images, helps convey to a broader audience what alumni, parent, faculty or staff, we all find ourselveshere, in this ULS community members already know about our beloved amazing place where anything is possible. school — that it’s great to be here.

FALL 2020 | 11 Feature A LAKER FOR LIFE

FOR STAR SIMMONS WALL ’08, A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING LEADS TO UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES

12 | LAKER If there’s one thing that Star Simmons Wall ’08 took away from encouraged her to write technical articles and was a champion her time at University Lake School, it was the skill to be a life-long of her moving over to her new role. Now as a supervisor herself, learner. In what may have been an unexpected career path, Wall her mentor has helped Wall to think about the bigger picture went from an interest in politics and theatre to an exceptional and how she can help her team on a macro level versus a micro career in IT, working at GoDaddy for the last eight years. “Learning level; and how she can have a bigger impact on her team rather how to learn, taking those skills and being able to apply that to than just being an individual contributor. “I’ve definitely taken your life is so powerful, because I certainly ended up in a field that that with me as I continue to grow — how can I help more I did not study in high school or college,” says Wall, crediting ULS people,” says Wall. for teaching her to be open to all experiences and opportunities that came her way. Wall feels her time at ULS really helped to cultivate those leadership skills. Between encouragement from teachers and the opportunities AN UNEXPECTED PATH to participate in various committees and activities, she felt she After graduating from ULS in 2008, Wall went on to graduate was able to develop and refine those skills that would serve her from Cornell College with a double major in Spanish and politics throughout the rest of her life. and a minor in theatre, with an emphasis in directing. Fresh out of college she overheard some of her acquaintances talking As a supervisor at a successful tech company, she finds it’s about GoDaddy and what a great company it was to work for. important to just check in with her team and see how they’re Wall felt she was pretty computer savvy so she looked into doing. Especially in a remote environment, she wants to make the company further. GoDaddy Inc. is a domain registrar and sure her team is happy, functioning well and working efficiently. web hosting company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

After initial interviews and passing a test, she was offered an entry-level position in general support, taking customer phone calls. The company offered intensive training for her positions and she stayed in that role for about six months before moving on to their hosting support division, which mainly focuses on servers and websites. It was here she stayed until March of 2018 when she moved into the security division, cleaning up websites that had been hacked.

In May of 2019, an opportunity arose with the creation of a new program called GoDaddy’s Remediation and Managed SSL team meetup in Temecula, California. Manage SSL. With the encouragement from a mentor of hers, she decided to make the move and has A LAKER “LIFER” continued to grow in that department ever since. Wall is currently Wall’s father attended ULS in the 60s and had always placed a a website security support supervisor. In this role she handles huge value on education, so it is no surprise Wall spent her entire quality assurance for her clients. The program is still relatively educational journey at ULS. She has a great appreciation for the new so she helps work through bugs and conceptualizes new experiences she had and the opportunities it provided. Seeing tools to help optimize the program, all while remotely managing plays in Chicago, visiting art museums, and the leadership trips a team of 10 employees. Over the years GoDaddy has helped are just a few of the memories that stand out the most. “At ULS train her in her various roles, but she has also taken it upon you have a lot of different experiences that you wouldn’t get at herself to constantly be learning and adding to her skill set in other schools,” said Wall. order to succeed. “If you know how to learn and think critically, and explore different subjects and avenues, you’ll be set up for The small, tight knit classes gave her a sense of security and success,” says Wall. allowed her to develop deep connections and relationships with her peers and teachers. With all grades on one campus, she loved EMBRACING LEADERSHIP how she was able to stay connected with teachers from her earlier A strong mentor and leader in her own life is what led Wall to years, allowing for deeper connections. She still enjoys coming take the leap and move over to the security division at GoDaddy. back to campus to visit and check in with Señora Mocchi, Mr. Horner Her mentor knew she always wanted to get into leadership, and others. “That sense of security and structure, as well as the but also had technical knowledge. He was always helping Wall connections that I was able to maintain and really develop was think of the next step and how to keep moving forward. He because I was a lifer,” said Wall.

FALL 2020 | 13 FINDING YOUR PASSIONS Given recent circumstances, she’s seen a lot of people who are While at ULS, Wall loved participating in theatre. It was here she starting a new endeavor or have had to pivot their existing decided to further explore that passion, leading her to pursue a businesses, and she loves that she can help them with their websites. minor in theatre. With every intention of becoming an actress, she eventually transitioned more toward directing. During Looking back Wall can see how many of these interests stemmed college, instead of an internship, she decided to use the time to from exploration that occurred during her time at ULS. Once create music videos. Wall created two music videos during that while in class with Mrs. Eckert during 7th grade, she had received time, one that even made it to MTVU. After some encouragement a free trial to build a website. She spent a lot of time playing from a client, Wall eventually wrote and directed her own full around with websites and taking advantage of free trials to film, “Winning #3,” which was largely filmed at ULS and was continue her interest. loosely based on Wall’s senior year. “I’m actually really proud In a clear foreshadowing of her future as a director, Wall had a few class projects that she created as videos rather than the traditional in-person presentation. In 10th grade, when having to present on a famous mathematician, Wall and classmate Tiffany Bava ’09 wrote out a whole story with dialogue and filmed it with Barbies in one of the classrooms. Also, when a cooking project was assigned to her in one of Señora Mocchi’s classes, her and her classmate Kerry Seiberlich ’08 took the opportunity to film a whole cooking show, complete with commercials! Even in the Stackner Middle School she remembers writing plays and skits for a class. She enjoyed this so much, she continued writing stories throughout college, one that eventually became the script for her film.

Freshman Leadership Trip. “ Value those connections. It’s definitely paid dividends in my life.” — ­Star Simmons Wall Her love of language at ULS allowed her to graduate with a degree in Spanish by only taking a couple of additional credits (thanks to testing out). It also inspired her to spend a semester abroad in Argentina and later travel to Barcelona with her sister. To this day, Wall and her husband love to travel although they’ve been keeping things a little more local lately due to COVID-19. They’re using the time to explore their town on bikes, work on house projects, focus on fitness, and find joy in the simplicity of board games and puzzles. Homecoming 2007 riding in the Captain’s Car - Lexi Brumder ’09, Seamus Fitzgerald ’08, and Star Simmons Wall ’08. EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITY of myself for doing that. I look back at it now and it’s not the Wall’s advice to her fellow Lakers is to get involved and take greatest movie … it’s certainly not winning any academy awards, advantage of all opportunities. “Go all-in and embrace it,” but it’s cool that I did it for myself.” advises Wall. “It helps you figure out what you’re interested in. You might not get those same opportunities in college when Wall took her passion for creating videos and combined it with her you start having to narrow down what you want to do. In high new technological skills and launched her own website consulting school, you can really figure out what you want to do because business SRoyalS. She loves being able to help out other people, you have the ability to try out a group or organization or sport especially those who are starting their own businesses. “My that maybe you normally wouldn’t do. You really have an generation has had a lot of exposure to technology, but there’s opportunity to have your voice be heard,” says Wall. “Don’t still a lot of people my age who don’t know what they’re doing waste it.” when it comes to building a website or troubleshooting email, so it’s nice to be able to help people with that,” says Wall. And one last thing…“Go Hawks!”

14 | LAKER

Branches of the Pine LAKERS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE LIVING OUT THE ULS VALUES OF INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY, ORIGINAL THINKING, PERSONAL INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER THROUGH SERVICE. BRANCHES OF THE PINE HIGHLIGHTS AN ALUMNA OR ALUMNUS WHO BOLDLY EMBODIES THESE VALUES IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.

Timothy Stenger ’84 and Bill Bischoff ’84 met in 6th grade at ULS. Over the years that friendship evolved into a business partnership. Stenger Bischoff is one of the leading independent appraisal and advisory firms for collectors of fine and decorative art, and almost every aspect of collecting. They provide a full-range of professional valuation, consulting and collecting management services tailored to meet the needs of both private and corporate collectors, institutions and non-profits. “ Personal integrity — that’s probably the most important aspect, both in life and business. —­ Bill Bischoff Looking back, the ULS Barn Sale left quite the impression on ” Stenger, who notes he’s always been a collector at heart. He They appreciate how their time at ULS instilled a value of character attended auctions with his dad and recalls working the Barn Sale through service. It has taught them to care not only for their clients, every year. “I learned how to work with people, how to get people but their communities as well. Clients are often going through an to buy things, and how to negotiate. The Barn Sale was a very incredibly difficult time, so they find themselves doing more than interesting experiment for learning how a business works,” he said. just valuing belongings — they are helping them get through this period. Sometimes that means taking bags of clothes to Goodwill, With a degree in appraisal studies from New York University, a or finding the right place to sell a certain item, or just listening to master’s in art history from Denver University, and almost two stories about loved ones. “As business owners, your business years at Sotheby’s New York, Stenger offers full-service appraisal reflects back on you personally,” says Bischoff. services. With a bachelor’s in economics from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Bischoff brings 25 years of experience in The Branches of the Pine are character values that they strive marketing and business development. All appraisals follow strict for every day. insurance, financial and IRS guidelines, and are determined by the Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practice. While the company originated in Colorado, they saw a need in the Lake Country area and beyond.

Both Stenger and Bischoff believe one of the best things they learned while at ULS was how to properly write a research paper thanks to their former English teacher, Leroy Haley. “Every appraisal we do is a research paper,” says Stenger.

They also recognize the freedom and trust they were given by their teachers. “It was really up to us to monitor ourselves without someone looking over us all the time,” said Stenger. Because they deal in very sensitive matters — where people are welcoming them into their home to go through their personal belongings — that personal integrity is incredibly valuable.

When asked about the most unique items they’ve encountered, Bischoff mentioned an impressive collection of large farming equipment that was barely used! Stenger had the privilege of seeing a collection of original art by Andy Worhol, and a Monet. “We’re always going to come across something we’ve never seen Pictured here with their JV soccer team. Stenger top, second from the left. before. Our intellectual curiosity is always present,” said Stenger. Bischoff bottom, second from the left.

FALL 2020 | 15 Top 3 Things I Learned During “Safer at Home” BY MS. SARAH ARCHER 4TH GRADE TEACHER

LIFE SKILLS while setting boundaries and reasonable expectations for myself. 1 With some of the time I was able to carve out for myself, I practiced An extreme version of “learning on the job” was introduced calming hobbies that I enjoy like embroidery, doing puzzles, when teachers were tasked with redesigning everything they’ve reading and baking. For my physical health, I did my own home known to fit a virtual teaching and learning model. With limited workouts based on the barre classes that I teach. My dog was preparation time and a suddenly evaporated spring break, very excited for all the extra outdoor walks! teachers, administrators and staff kicked into high gear to continue to deliver an incomparable experience to our students. Along the way, we enhanced a multitude of skills that will benefit us for years to come, most notably: an independent pursuit of excellence, GRATITUDE resilience, new ways to communicate, creativity, technological 3 fluency, resourcefulness, organization, mindfulness, and balance. When life came to a near halt and the scramble began to figure out my next steps, the “big picture” of the things I hold dear became significantly clearer. With many components of my life stripped away, I took time at home to truly reflect on the things SELF-CARE for which I am most grateful: my devoted husband, Zach; our 2 adorable puppy, Howie; a supportive and loving community of The sudden changes in lifestyle and livelihood taught me the family and friends; the beauty of this area of Wisconsin that has importance of taking care of my own health and well-being, both become my home; and the opportunities I’ve been given at ULS physically and mentally. I began practicing mindfulness on a much to grow as a person and teacher. more consistent basis to make my working hours even more productive. I also determined goals that I wanted to accomplish

16 | LAKER Graduation 2020 On a beautiful, crisp evening in June, the class of 2020 celebrated school year during a global pandemic. The ULS community safely their graduation under the stars on the Michels Campus Green. celebrated the accomplishments and achievements of this special While it may have looked a bit different than in past years, it was class and wished them all the best as they move on to the next equally — if not more — special after a unique ending to the chapter of their education.

Graduation processional lead by Board of Trustees Graduation was held on a beautiful evening on the Michels Campus Green with faculty attending from President, Adam Rix. a distance via video conferencing.

“ My answer to ‘Why ULS ?’ is always the same. The teachers are why. My classmates are why. The families are why. Everyone who organized this is why. The administration, believe it or not, is why. Even if you didn’t find yourself on that list; if you’ve been involved in ULS, or if you can hear me now, you are why.” — ­Joe Gehl ’20

Molly Carlson presents the class gift. Joe Gehl speaks at the podium. Liliana Guadagno speaks on behalf of the graduates. Photos by Ross Monagle

FALL 2020 | 17 Senior Spotlight SEAN DANIELS & NEVIN MOHR

SENIORS SEAN DANIELS AND NEVIN MOHR SHARE THEIR STUDENT EXPERIENCES AND THEIR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Q: How did you end up at ULS?

SEAN: I’ve been at ULS since junior kindergarten, with a small departure during middle school. My parents originally found ULS through a friend of theirs who had a child attending the school. My school back then was difficult for me and was not challenging. When my parents heard about ULS and looked at what they could offer; they fell in love with the school and signed me up. (L-R) Nevin Mohr and Sean Daniels

NEVIN: In 8th grade I was exploring different high schools to SEAN: My involvement with STEAM mostly started with Nevin, attend. One of those was ULS. After a day of shadowing on campus, and his discussion with some of the faculty about potential I knew it was the right school for me. I’ve been here for three years upgrades to hardware in the Fine Arts studio. We were taking and I couldn’t be happier. Mr. Bielot’s digital photography class sophomore year, and while we enjoyed the class, we were noticing that the computers had a difficult job keeping up with the work that we were producing. Q: How do you describe ULS to friends who go to Nevin and I drew up an outline of potential upgrades to the Mac other schools? Lab, which quickly grew in scope to a whole new curriculum. We had ideas for not only new computers, but a whole suite of SEAN: I always mention the fantastic academic curriculum new equipment for a STEAM curriculum, like Arduino microcon- and opportunities for enrichment. From the Intersession trips trollers for programming robotics, and a new 3D printer, just to and student-led clubs, to the classroom environment and name a few. teachers — ULS really is best-in-class when it comes to the learning experience as a whole. NEVIN: Sean and I had the privilege of helping introduce a few aspects of the world of STEAM to the school, from a laser cutter NEVIN: The main adjective I use is “small.” Compared to friends to our new high-powered computer (affectionately named Sin- who are graduating with hundreds of students in their grade, I will namon by one of our fellow seniors, Dominic Dascalu). On top be graduating with maybe 30. of this, Sean and I are the co-founders of the STEAM club in the Upper School. We help fellow students learn about 3D modeling, Q: Tell us about the ULS STEAM (Science, Technology, how to introduce a solar-powered management system for the Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) opportunities, and how chicken coop, or laser-engraving props for the school musical, you two are leading the way for others to get involved. among other projects.

18 | LAKER Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

SEAN: When I’m not at school, I usually spend my time buried in my computer playing games and working on personal STEAM-based projects. When the weather permits, I golf or play Airsoft with close friends (a game similar to paintball that uses small plastic pellets).

NEVIN: My favorite thing to do in my free time is to assemble and disassemble computers. I enjoy working with my hands and I love the hardware side of electronics. I’m so happy that I have been able to take aspects of this into my education.

Q: Who at ULS has made an impression on you and why?

SEAN: The person who has made the biggest impression on me would have to be Mrs. Huberty. She has always pushed me to think differently and critically about things. She taught me in physics and computer science, and she is the advisor for the STEAM club. Mrs. Huberty always presents a new challenge, and I am tasked with finding a way to solve it.

NEVIN: Someone who’s definitely made an impression on me at ULS is Sean. At my previous school there was no one among my peers who I could talk freely with about technology.

Q: Do you know what you’ll be doing after graduation?

SEAN: After graduation I plan to go straight into college and get a degree in the field of computer networking and system administration. I hope to attend Michigan Technological University, but wherever I go to college, I will continue to pursue my passion for computer networking and technology.

NEVIN: After I graduate, I plan on getting a degree in information technology. From there, I’m not sure where I’ll go. I might enlist in the Air Force as an officer, I might join the private sector, or the corporate world. In any case, information technology is a valuable area of expertise.

Q: What do you most enjoy about ULS?

SEAN: What I enjoy about ULS is the wealth of opportunities that are offered to the students. I have the opportunity to travel internationally through the Intersession trips, I founded the STEAM club with Nevin, have a great academic education thanks to the fantastic teachers, and I help in evolving the school through the enrichment of the STEAM curriculum. No other school comes close to giving students as many opportunities as ULS does.

NEVIN: I love the community at ULS. The first thing I remem- ber noticing when I shadowed back in 2017 was that everyone is always smiling, and it still holds true. ULS is such an amazing community, and I’m so lucky to be able to say that I’m a Laker.

FALL 2020 | 19 Alumni News

Jeff Erwin ’62 has taken on a retirement job as a school 4 Sarah (Simmons) Covert ’10 married Toby Covert May 7 bus driver for Dousman Transport. on Oconomowoc Lake. The happy couple will be starting their next adventure as they head to Texas. Robert Payne ’63 is happily retired in the forests of Colorado and would love to connect with other ULS alumni from the 60s. Alexa Andrews ’10 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Lake Forest College in May. She graduated with a 1 Alex (Sandy) Seidel ’72 and his partner, Raj Sardesh, were double-major in music education and education. happily married in an intimate backyard wedding on August 8, 2020. Their story was written about in the New York After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Times article, “Finding Love After Divorce” by Nina Reyes cum laude in 2016, Kristine Juranitch ’11 is using her double (August 21, 2020). major in Spanish Education and English Education, with an emphasis in writing, to work at Catholic Memorial High School Katharine (Bathrick) Brokaw ’87, along with her husband, as a tutor. After a desire to change paths, Juranitch has been three kids and two dogs moved back to Oconomowoc, Wis., pursuing a career in technical writing, copyediting and this past spring. She looks forward to reconnecting with freelance writing since March 2020. other local alumni. Elliot Chang ’15 wrapped up his summer research position 2 When COVID-19 shut down the schools and so many other working with the University of Wisconsin Orthopedic Surgery things, teacher Erik Christensen’s ’94 high school students department. During the summer, he conducted research went to work documenting this time for future generations. and authored a paper focused on effectively screening Their book, “Voices From the Valley,” will be distributed to for osteoporosis in patients seeking elective orthopedic several branches of the Los Angeles Public Library, The surgery with the goal of promoting preoperative bone health Oviatt Library at California State University - Northridge, optimization to reduce surgical complications. The paper is The Granada Hills Charter High School Library, The Los currently under review for publication. Chang is about to Angeles Public Library, Granada Hills Charter High School, start his second year of medical school. and the Los Angeles County Archives. 5 Margaret Hollister ’16 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts After finishing an 11-year contract with the U.S. Army, in Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts in French, Summa Cum Erik Schoof ’98 started working at Tesla in Reno, Nevada, Laude from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. helping to install, configure and test new production lines. He will be finishing up in 2021, and then plans to go back to Garry Keller ’18 is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with school full time to pursue an agricultural degree. Schoof a minor in Physics at Oberlin College and Conservatory. He hopes to become an urban farmer and produce 100 percent also works as a lab assistant and assistant project manager organic, locally grown produce for restaurants and local at a makerspace, and will soon be participating in an farmers markets in the metro area. engineering program at another institution.

3 Alexandra (Kealey) Austin ’01 and her husband Matthew Austin welcomed their first child on May 6. Welcome to the ULS family, Hyatt Lee Crew Austin.

20 | LAKER 1 2

3

4 5

FALL 2020 | 21 Lakers We’ve Lost WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE. WE HONOR THEIR MEMORY.

May 4, 2020 October 15, 2020 KENNETH PLOCH LEWIS J. AMEEL JR. Father of Greg A. Ploch ’80 and Stephen A. Ploch ’82 Father of Matthew P. Ameel ’08 and Michael J. Ameel ’11

July 21, 2020 July 31, 2020 MARGARET (PEG) GRIMM MILLS C. PERRY, SR. University Lake School English & Spanish Teacher Father of Mills C. Perry Jr. ’71, Susan Perry Peters ’72, from 1962 - 1974 Elisabeth Perry Gossling ’75, and David J. Perry ’78

Have we accidentally missed someone? Please let us know by contacting Val Warshauer, Advancement Assistant, at 262-367-6011, ext. 1441.

18-UNLS-2177 de Peyster Society Ad_V2 (5) copy.pdf 1 1/25/18 12:39 PM

The de Peyster Society

The de Peyster Society was formed in honor of University Lake School’s first Headmaster, Joseph B. de Peyster, and recognizes those individuals who have designated ULS in their will or estate plans.

To learn more about supporting the future of ULS with a planned gift, please contact: Kala Montoya, Assistant Director of Alumni & Donor Relations [email protected]

22 | LAKER University Lake School is... • Passionate educators • Brilliant students MAKE A DIFFERENCE • Talented performing artists • Hard-working athletes • Supportive parents • And generous community members like you.

With your help, ULS will continue to provide an exceptional educational experience for every student now and into the future.

Give to the Laker Fund today: www.universitylake.org/give Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMILWAUKEE, WI 4024 Nagawicka Road PERMIT NO. 5654 P.O. Box 290 Hartland, WI 53029-0290

ULS marketing brochure, circa 1964.