Dear USM Community,
It has been a week filled with unimaginable excitement as I embrace the reality of my
new life as the head of your prestigious institution. My family and I are grateful on so
many levels. Unbelievably satisfying is the opportunity this provides for us to come
home – home to Wisconsin. But even more profound and almost magical is the gift of
being able to realize our personal dreams with the amazing professional prospect of
leading a school of the caliber of the University School of Milwaukee.
After a thorough and challenging search process, tirelessly led by trustees Dick Seesel
and Mike Roos, I feel an intimate connection with the ethos of your community. From
the innovative and energetic education I observed in the classrooms, to the expertise
and obvious professionalism of the leadership team, I came away from my visits
impressed and excited by the opportunity to work beside this fine group of educators.
The search and advisory committees were diligent and thoughtful, wonderful
ambassadors for the school they love. Their dedication spoke to me as I learned it
was representative of the community as a whole. USM is certainly statistically
exemplary, but it is more than that. This is an experience, a way of life, being lived by
students who will go on to be tomorrow’s leaders and decision makers. These
youngsters are being provided a gift that will propel them into the future where they
will make a positive difference. I am proud and humbled to be accepted as a member
of this community of learners.
My husband Tom and I are equally thrilled about living and working with all of you
as we plan together and create the vision that will take USM well into the 21st
century. As my dreams grow for the school, I want to pause to pay homage to the
outstanding legacy of Ward Ghory. One only needs to walk around the beautiful USM
campus to realize the dedication and expertise he obviously brought to his tenure as
the Head of School. I am truly blessed to be provided the opportunity to stand on his
shoulders as we move forward into the next era of educational excellence at USM.
Finally, as my family contemplates our upcoming future with all of you, I daresay that
I now believe sometimes the stars do line up and, yes, you can come home.
With great anticipation,
Laura J. Fuller
