Planned Gift Upholds the Standards of the Past

Sam Cutler ’65 has always loved history. He credits his AP History teacher, John “J.S.” Stephens, with nurturing his interest, particularly through Stephens’ mastery of the Socratic method. “He said, ‘You know the answer. I’m just going to question you and drag it out of you,’” Sam recalled. Sam’s family connection to USM includes his mother, Betty Cutler MDS’39; his sister, Pamela (Cutler) Abram MUS’62; and his nephew, Daniel ’88 and niece, Eden ’90 Abram.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in history from Williams College and teaching history for seven years at Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, Sam relocated to Milwaukee to earn a master’s in history from UW-Milwaukee. He returned to USM in 1977, where he taught American history for four years, before transitioning to a 28-year career as a stockbroker at Baird. Sam continues to engage with history as a curator of Isham Day House in Mequon, Wisconsin, the oldest surviving U.S. Post Office building in the state (circa 1839).

It’s his connection to USM and his passion for history that compelled Sam to include the school in his estate planning, specifically in support of American history education. He views Chuck Taft, 8th grade American studies history teacher at USM, as an educator who maintains high standards. 
“I think Chuck Taft is the real deal,” Sam said. “He’s doing a great job.”

This past January Sam attended the 8th grade National History Day presentations, led by Taft, in which students presented historical research projects to visiting guests. Sam was impressed with the quality of the students’ work, recalling a project on the Port Washington, Wisconsin draft riots of 1862, and a research paper on the Greek historian Herodotus. “Chuck isn’t trying to produce little historians; he’s trying to get kids excited about their past, and that’s a big difference.” 

With his planned gift, Sam is ensuring that Taft and other history teachers have the resources to keep their students’ curiosity alive—supporting class trips like the annual, week-long 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., and projects like National History Day. Sam is following his passion and helping to ensure that the study of history at USM remains as vibrant and challenging as it did when he was a student.

Planned gifts can enhance the experience of today’s students while minimizing taxable assets and helping you achieve your charitable goals. There are many options for planned gifts. Contact us today to learn more.