Co-Chair for a Cause: Rick Stratton
In July of 2015, Rick Stratton ’92 and Karin Werner were named co-chairs of the Our Common Bond campaign. In addition to serving as co-chairs, they also serve as Trustees and parents of current students. “With this campaign, we are celebrating and promoting Our Common Bond while developing spaces and programs in which students will learn and grow together, preparing them for lives of purpose and success,” said Stratton. Added Werner, “Rick and I are grateful and honored to have been chosen to lead this fundraising effort for the School. We’re proud of what has been accomplished over the last two years and excited as we anticipate the opportunities that these new spaces will provide for students in the coming years.”
Rick Stratton ’92 is an actively involved alumnus of University School of Milwaukee through his work with the Our Common Bond campaign, the USM Alumni Association, and as a Trustee. But his connection to USM is strongest today thanks to his role as a parent of current students. “My wife and I are committed to USM because I attended, but really our love for the School comes from seeing it through our children’s eyes,” he said. “They’re passionate about being at USM. And I’ve gotten to know all of the great teachers, parents, and administrators on a much deeper level. I appreciate USM more as a parent than I did when I attended.” Stratton and his wife, Keri Sarajian, have three children, Beckett ’25, Jocelyn ’27, and Cameron ’30.
For Stratton, supporting the Our Common Bond campaign with his time and financial resources is a way to ensure the future strength of the School while thanking those who came before him. “I was in 6th grade when the Upper School opened and, as I look back, that was an important move for the School and was influential on my life as a student. There were a lot of people who gave a lot of time and financial resources to make that happen, and now my wife and I are part of making the campus better in the same way for our children and other students in the future. It is an important thing to pass on.”
Stratton attended Connecticut College where he majored in history. He has a background in art and design and has started several companies, including his most recent, MKEcribs. His USM education has had a strong influence throughout his life, and he’s happy to be involved in this campaign. “I’m very proud to be an alumnus of USM, a parent, and also co-chair of this campaign,” he said. “It’s through campaigns like this that our School has evolved and that this amazing campus has grown. This is thanks in large part to previous generations and their generosity.” Stratton and his sister, Margy Stratton ’84, who has held numerous roles at USM including this year’s Parents’ Association president, received the 2017 Alumni Service Award in May.
