Memories to Last a Lifetime

We give a fond farewell to the below faculty and staff members who are retiring after years of dedication and service to USM. They helped to make the school such a special place to learn and work.

27 years | Debra Judge

For Debra Judge, teaching was a calling since she was 4 years old. After 27 years of teaching at USM (33 years of teaching in total), Judge retired in December 2023. The former 5th grade math teacher will miss her colleagues, the professional development opportunities at USM, and especially her students. “Every single day they made me smile, laugh, and filled me with so much joy.”

Judge is looking forward to spending time at her home in northern Wisconsin, traveling, reading, and seeing more of family and friends. “I’m proud to have taught for 33 years. I know my grandmothers, aunts, and my mom—all teachers who greatly influenced me—are looking down and cheering me on. For me, the greatest award has been being in the classroom and doing what I love.” 

26 years | Ben Zarwell '87

Ben Zarwell ’87, Upper School history teacher, learned how to respect his students by challenging them to think critically and do difficult work, which he learned from former History department colleagues John “J.S.” Stephens, Doc Smith, and Steve Bruemmer. “I couldn’t have hoped for a better set of mentors,” said Zarwell. He is most proud of the Western Civilization and Fascism and the Legacy of the Second World War courses he built. “Upper School students are ready to tackle complex, important ideas, and urgent problems.” He is also grateful for professional development opportunities that nurtured his interests and enhanced his curriculum. 

Zarwell is looking forward to spending more time outdoors with his family, friends, and dogs and pursuing interests like painting and gardening. “I’ll miss my brilliant students, but more than anything else, I’ll miss the best colleagues anyone could ever wish for—especially my History department family.”

23 years | Dr. Dain Shuler

As director of bands and music technology, Dr. Dain Shuler has made impressive contributions to USM’s music curriculum during his 23-year tenure. He started the digital music program and has directed over 30 musicals in both Middle School and Upper School. He has helped many band students secure spots in college programs, and inspired them to pursue music professionally. He was named Civic Music Instrumental Educator of the Year in 2012, a testament to his broader impact.

Shuler is looking forward to spending time doing what he loves most—playing music! “But I’m really going to miss the collaboration with the Performing Arts team,” he said. “I also will miss those special students who established a deep, long-term commitment to the performing arts. That was the best thing about working at USM: watching students develop their technical skills and love of music, seeing improvement, and being a small part of it all.”

19 years  | Kathleen Roebber

The health and safety of students have been Kathleen Roebber’s north star as both school nurse and head school nurse at USM. Whether returning to in-person learning during a global pandemic or alerting parents to an isolated case of head lice, Roebber has handled her role with compassion and competency. After 19 years, she is ready to hang up her rubber gloves in pursuit of visiting her Canadian family, volunteering, and getting in shape (but not necessarily in that order).

In 2018, Roebber and Zadan Mason ’22 were instrumental in getting the school certified as a Project ADAM Heart Safe School. USM’s emergency response protocol, equipment, and faculty and staff training are consistently examined, practiced, and improved thanks to her. “Retirement is a decision that did not come easily,” said Roebber. “It has been an honor and an unforgettable experience to work at USM. I am so grateful for the trust, guidance, and friendships I have had throughout my tenure.” 

16 years | Judy Clegg

Judy Clegg has been a fixture in the Stratton Preschool/Lower School Library for the past 16 years. Although she worked with approximately 400 children every year, her ability to know each child and his or her reading preferences transformed the library into a treasure trove of adventures. In addition, she helped to coordinate countless author visits and spearheaded the renovation of the library in 2019.

Clegg loves USM’s long-standing traditions, like having the longest-tenured faculty ring the bell on Opening Day. She is grateful for the many professional development opportunities she’s had, including taking a class at the Library of Congress and traveling to Ghana. But most of all, she has loved working with children. She has no plans to slow down in retirement. “Spending time with my four grandchildren is high on my list, but I’d also like to take some adventurous vacations like hiking the Grand Canyon,” she said. “It will be nice to have time to chip away at the stack of books on my nightstand, too.”

18 years | Theresa Braam

After 18 years as the administrator of USM’s on-site daycare for faculty and staff, Theresa Braam is excited for the freedom and flexibility that come with retirement. “I am looking forward to waking up on a beautiful morning and deciding, along with my husband, to get in the car and just go somewhere for a day trip, a week-long trip, or for a few weeks with nothing holding us back,” she said. 

Many students will likely recognize Braam thanks to her daily walks throughout the building with USM’s youngest wildcats, bringing them for quick visits with their parents or older siblings. Braam has watched many children in her care grow and develop. “I will miss seeing all of the children who started their USM journey as infants and are now in Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School, and watching them grow into wonderful young people.” In addition to traveling with her husband, Braam is looking forward to volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in her retirement. 

USM recognizes the below individuals, who have also retired. We thank them for their service and dedication.
Isaias Hernandez, custodian; Scott Peden, part-time custodian; and Sue Peden, school nurse