The Wildcat Way: Tradition, Transformation and Excellence at University School of Milwaukee

In this episode of The Wildcat Way, host Will Piper '96 explores how University School of Milwaukee is transforming a 45-acre woodland restoration project into a dynamic living laboratory for students across all grade levels. Featuring insights from faculty, alumni, and school leadership, the conversation highlights the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of prioritizing "green time" over screen time. Ultimately, the episode demonstrates how hands-on environmental stewardship fosters student leadership and reinforces USM's core values of citizenship and community care.

In 1965, three distinguished Milwaukee independent schools made a bold decision that reshaped education in the city. Rather than compete, Milwaukee University School, Milwaukee Country Day School, and Milwaukee Downer Seminary united to create the University School of Milwaukee. This episode explores the vision, courage, and shared commitment that brought three proud traditions together to build a stronger future for generations of students.

Credits: 

Host: Will Piper '96

Produced By: Brennan Checkalski, Visual Media Specialist, Kirstin Collins, Director of Educational Technology, Will Piper '96, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Reunion Giving, 

Featuring (in order of appearance): Will Piper '96, Berch Hopper '34, John "J.S." Stephens, Wayne Kubal '66, Connie Meek '65, Mary Claire Davies Bond '66, Hack Noyes '66, Chrissie Lindemann '68

For nearly three decades, Susan Zarwell ’87 has been a steady and compassionate presence at University School of Milwaukee—as a teacher, mentor, counselor, and leader. From her beginnings as an English teacher to her role as Assistant Head of the Upper School, she has guided generations of students to grow into thoughtful, confident young people. This episode celebrates her remarkable journey from alumna to one of USM’s most cherished and enduring influences as she retires after an extraordinary career.

Credits: 

Host: Will Piper '96

Produced By: Brennan Checkalski, Visual Media Specialist, Kirstin Collins, Director of Educational Technology, Will Piper '96, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Reunion Giving, 

Featuring (in order of appearance): Will Piper '96, Susan Zarwell '87, John "J.S." Stephens, Whitney Rush '04, Jamie Hoagland '10, Kathleen Hale '05, Greta Weiss '17, Hissoni Mustafa '01

This episode of The Wildcat Way explores the enduring tradition of character education at the University School of Milwaukee, from the Thompson Trophy at Milwaukee University School to the Common Trust and today’s Portrait of a USM Graduate. Through voices of alumni, faculty, and students, it reveals how values like respect, honesty, fairness, kindness, and trust continue to shape the Wildcat community across generations. 🐾

Credits: 

Host: Will Piper '96

Produced By: Brennan Checkalski, Visual Media Specialist, Kirstin Collins, Director of Educational Technology, Will Piper '96, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Reunion Giving, 

Featuring (in order of appearance): Will Piper '96, Nick Candee '66, Gregg Bach, Lauren Glusman '21, Charlotte Morgan '32, Kelley Sovol, Emily Ihrke

Episode 2: Coach Forti: A Legacy of Leadership

Host Will Piper ’96 interviews Coach Don Forti, who has been a faculty member at University School of Milwaukee since 1982, about his journey as a coach and teacher at USM and some of his fondest memories.

Credits: 

Host: Will Piper '96

Produced By: Brennan Checkalski, Visual Media Specialist, Kirstin Collins, Director of Educational Technology, Will Piper '96, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Reunion Giving, 

Featuring (in order of appearance): Coach Don Forti, Todd Asmuth '90, Michael Schmahl '93, Eric Dawson '99, Wes MacKenzie '97, Angel High '28, Willy McGregor '27

Episode 1: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future