Alumni Welcomed for Reunion Weekend 2026

Nearly 300 University School of Milwaukee alumni returned to campus on June 12 and 13 to celebrate the annual Reunion Weekend, a vibrant gathering dedicated to reminiscing and reconnecting. The weekend featured a series of events that brought together graduates across multiple generations, specifically highlighting those in classes ending in 1s and 6s.

The festivities began on Friday, June 12, with the Summer Soirée cocktail party held in the Jack Olson ’67 Commons. During the event, two distinguished graduates were recognized for their exceptional commitment to the school and the broader community: Hack Noyes ’66 and Andy Gordon ’98. Noyes received the Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 Alumni Service Award, and Gordon received the Alumni Impact Award. Both were honored for their continued support of USM and the greater Milwaukee area.

Saturday’s schedule featured campus tours, the Joe Lubar ’08 alumni baseball game at Wildcat Park, and the popular Food and Froth Fest held in the school’s front circle. A centerpiece of the weekend was the Class of 1966 art exhibition, titled "That 60th Show," hosted in the Werner Family Art Gallery. This exhibition marked the school's second annual alumni art show and served as a tribute to a class celebrating six decades of friendship.

The exhibit was curated by Class of 1966 members Mary (Marshall) Coe, Dorla Mayer, and Nick Candee, who collaborated with their classmates and Upper School art teacher Andrea Worthey to bring the creative endeavors of their class to the USM community.

The weekend saw impressive participation:

• 271 alumni participated in on-campus events throughout the weekend.
• 240 alumni from milestone years (ending in 1s and 6s) attended specific class celebrations on Saturday evening.
• Long-distance honors went to Jerry Yashiro ’71, who traveled 4,240 miles from Kaneohe, Hawaii, to celebrate with his classmates.
• Legacy connections were highlighted by Franz Backus MCDS’61 and Steve Stevens MCDS’61, who celebrated their 65th reunion together.

The weekend was an opportunity for alumni to catch up with beloved former teachers and classmates. “It was a beautiful weekend to celebrate our alumni and welcome them back to campus,” said Will Piper ’96, assistant director of alumni relations and reunion giving. “Alumni had a great time reminiscing with their classmates and catching up with beloved former teachers. We hope to see everyone back next year for Reunion Weekend 2027!”

The Alumni Association is already preparing for next year’s event, scheduled for June 11–12, 2027.