Memories to Last a Lifetime

We celebrate the below faculty and staff members who have retired after many years of dedication and service to USM. 

Kate Gay - 31 years

After a remarkable three decades of teaching in USM’s Upper School English department, Kate Gay is trading in her grade book for retirement and time to pursue other interests, like traveling, sailing, and working at Tricklebee Cafe. Gay is proud of being a “maverick”—one of four teachers who launched the Tower Project program at USM (see page 20), and also an originator of the round table pedagogy at USM. “I’ve appreciated working with creative, smart colleagues in the English department and all of the opportunities to travel and pursue professional development through the Think Big grant,” she said.

Sherry Koconis - 31 years

As the Preschool and Lower School administrative assistant for 31 years, there was no problem too big or small that Sherry Koconis couldn’t solve. She will be best remembered for making kids feel welcome, safe, and loved. When asked by their teachers to share a favorite memory with Koconis, students happily recounted visiting the office to get their birthday badges, talking about “Pizza Popcorn Movie Nights,” and learning how to split a banana in half. She is looking forward to traveling, volunteering, playing Mahjong, tackling sewing quilts, beading, and auditing classes at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Lisa Drost - 6 years

After 20 years of teaching and six years of working in USM’s daycare, Lisa Drost retired in October 2024. Drost, whose son, Aaron Drost, is maintenance lead at USM, created a love of learning in all students she taught, and connected with families and colleagues. In retirement, Drost is embracing slower mornings, good books, creative crafts, weekends at the cabin, and working at her future stepdaughter’s boutique in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. “I miss the daily connections, but I cherish the memories and carry that passion with me into this next chapter,” she said.