One Family’s Bond to USM Bolsters Campaign
The Uihlein families have long-standing ties with University School of Milwaukee. From generations of predecessor school alumni dating back to the 1800s, through several current students today, the Uihleins have a deep connection to USM.
It is with the School’s tenets of community and family in mind that the Uihleins have pledged $2.5 million for the construction of the Upper School Commons, one of the projects to be funded by the School’s Our Common Bond capital campaign. Contributors to this family gift include Lynde B. Uihlein MUS’63 and her children Sarah Olson Zimmerman ’92 and John Olson ’95, and Julie ’68 and David ’67 Uihlein and their children Alex ’98, Liza Uihlein Sadoff ’99, and Charlie ’02. The family’s leadership gift is being made in memory of John M. “Jack” Olson ’67, Sarah’s and John’s late father.
“Our family is so pleased to be able to help USM with the naming of the Commons in memory of our father,” said current parent and trustee Sarah Zimmerman. “My Dad was involved with all areas of our School as a father, grandfather, uncle, brother, alumnus, Trustee, and friend. These campaign opportunities come cyclically… it was time for us to stretch to our best collective gift, and there’s no better reason than helping our School move forward.” Aligning with the family’s enduring dedication to USM, the Olson Commons will provide increased space for our student and faculty tradition of dining together while enjoying conversations, connections, and collaboration. The Olson Commons will accommodate 240 students and faculty for lunch, an increase from the current capacity of 170, and will be an important area on campus for building relationships and fostering community. The flexible use space of Olson Commons will be conducive to a variety of community-building events, such as study groups, class House meetings, collaborative learning, parent and alumni gatherings, special events, banquets, and presentations.
Co-Chairs Rick Stratton ’92 and Karin Werner joined Laura Fuller in celebrating this impactful gift. “We are so grateful to Sarah and her family for their generous commitment. It is wonderful to have one of the key projects of this campaign named. We see momentum building as other members of the School community — both new and legacy families — lead with their own meaningful gifts,” said Stratton and Werner.
