Adventure Awaits for Newest Retirees

After many years of hard work and dedication to University School of Milwaukee, Marlene Connor and Tom Fuller are off to see what adventures await them in retirement. We will miss them!

Marlene Connor - Advancement Database and Information

Manager Marlene Connor began her career at USM in 1987, with a background in teaching. She started her USM career in the Business Office and transitioned to her current role, where she has expertly served for 25 years. As database and information manager in the Advancement office, Connor manages all aspects of the highly segmented gift and constituent database. She expertly generates complicated reports, analytics, and mailing lists related to communications, contributions, gift recognition, and events for the advancement of the school. Over the course of her USM career, she has produced an estimated 360 sets of monthly reports, nametags and attendance lists for 30 reunion weekends, and processed and acknowledged upwards of 50,000 gifts to the school.

In recognition of her decades of dedication to the school, Connor was awarded the CASE 2020 Independent School Support Staff Distinguished Service Award after being nominated by her colleagues. The award honors long-term service as a dedicated member of an independent school’s advancement team and is a tremendous honor.

Connor has much to look forward to in her retirement. “My husband and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this year, which—combined with retirement—seems to be the start of another adventure,” she said. “I look forward to sitting outside on nice days with my coffee and crossword puzzle and not worrying about what time it is! I am also looking forward to spending more time with our grandson and friends.”

As a vital member of USM’s Advancement office, Connor will be greatly missed. “Marlene is the glue of our team, providing the vital institutional memory that schools like ours rely upon,” said Chief Advancement Officer Patrick Tevlin. “We are honored to work with her.”

Tom Fuller - Director of Transportation

As USM’s director of transportation since 2012, Fuller has led an active role in ensuring the school’s ability to offer bus service to students in surrounding communities. Because USM owns and operates its own fleet of buses, Fuller managed the mechanics and operations of the buses, ensuring the integrity of the vehicles in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Prior to his role at USM, Fuller served as a senior key account manager at PepsiCo for nearly 17 years.

“I was blessed with a very dedicated and loyal group of transportation employees who have a true passion for what they do,” he said. “That made my job not only easier, but rewarding and fulfilling as well.”

Fuller has no plans to slow down in retirement. “I look forward to continuing to nurture our rather substantial family base as well as welcoming new additions,” he said. “I also look forward to spending time in the winter and spring at our home in Florida.” The USM community is grateful to both Tom and his wife, Laura, (USM’s former head of school, who retired on June 30) for their many years of dedicated service to the school, and we wish them the best of luck.