Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future

One School From Three: The Merger That Made USM

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.

Susan Zarwell: Cultivating a Culture of Care at USM

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.

Character That Endures: A USM Story

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. 🐾

Coach Forti: A Legacy of Leadership

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

Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future

Episode 1: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future Host Will Piper ’96 shares how University School of Milwaukee celebrates its enduring traditions while embracing growth and innovation, from the ringing of the school bell to the powerful sight of seniors and kindergarteners walking together into Opening Convocation. Credits:  Host: Will Piper '96 Produced By: Kirstin Collins, Director of Educational Technology, Will Piper '96, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Reunion Giving, Ken Sikora, Lubar Center Technician Featuring (in order of appearance): Zara Vaseem '26, Reed Tuttle '26,  Steve Hancock- Head of School, Gwen Sikora '38, Veer Gokhale '26, Hope Piper '26, Erica Melick, Charlie Housiaux '02, Ishan Kuttickat '18, and Bruce Lee '81. Music: Icelandic Arpeggios by DivKid, Nebula by The Grey Room, and Hold Me by Anteros.