KIT
ROEPER COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
KIT
ROEPER COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Through the latest school news, achievements, and stories, Keeping In Touch connects the Roeper community— current members and alumni—by celebrating the unique spirit that unites us all.
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER
KARI KRESS
EDITOR
JENNY IRVINE
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
CAROLYN BORMAN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
JACK WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTORS
KEVIN CARLSON
BOARD CHAIR
LARA EDWARDS
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
AMY-BETH FLEISCHER
BOARD TREASURER & VP FINANCE
ANNE GLASS
HEAD OF SCHOOL
JAYDEN HERTZBERG
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT
MATT VALLUS
UPPER SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
CONTACT US
EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGES TO paige.wilson@roeper.org
EMAIL ALUMNI NEWS TO shani.yapakimpson@roeper.org
Read KIT online at www.roeper.org/ community/roeper-community.
Attendees had the chance to visit the
Front Cover: Upper School student Stella Kolk creates a sculpture in ceramics class. Photo by Shoshanna Utchetnik. The Roeper School @theroeperschool
vault at the 2025 MOSAIC Auction at The Treasury.
BOARD CHAIR KEVIN CARLSON
The Roeper School stands alone in offering an educational program that respects each individual student as a whole person, maintains each student’s basic emotional security, and makes learning happy, constructive, and stimulating. Each of us is a founder, beneficiary, and steward of the mission and philosophy of the school.
While our core values are constant, we must also recognize our impermanence. As today’s stewards, our turn at the table only lasts so long. We pick up where predecessors left off. We strive to leave Roeper to another generation, hopefully in a better place than we found it.
In the words of former Roeper Board chair Doug Winkworth, Roeper is “a growth community.” We learn from the past without getting caught looking backward. We work in the present with our unique individual gifts, and in partnership with those who share the work with us. We have the will and courage to innovate and evolve without knowing for certain what the future will look like.
My family and I honor the past and recognize our friends and mentors — Art and Jackie Tarnow — who encouraged us to “try Roeper” as we looked for the place where our children would be nurtured and supported as human beings and lifelong learners. To those of you who have supported Roeper by telling others to try Roeper, we say “thank you.”
We honor the present and recognize our place in this special community by dedicating our time and philanthropy to the Roeper School as a family priority. To those of you who continue to serve and support Roeper through your own work and giving, we say “thank you.”
We honor the future by supporting Roeper as it grows, innovates, and evolves, moving its mission and philosophy forward. For those of you who join us in moving Roeper forward through your giving and support, we say “thank you.”
The mission and philosophy of the school move forward because of you. We are so grateful that you are with us on this journey.
CONTENTS
6 8 12
14 WAYS TO GIVE SMARTER
20
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
22
16 FROM THE HEAD ROEPER KIDS IN DC SUPPORTING THE VISION
24 31 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
STUDENT IMPACT OUR DONORS MEET THE DEVELOPMENT STAFF
We empower gifted learners to be active and compassionate citizens of the world. THE ROEPER SCHOOL
A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT
ANNE GLASS
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Roeper Friends,
The 2024–2025 school year marked a historic milestone—The Roeper School’s 85th anniversary. As we look back on a school year of celebration and achievement, I am filled with deep pride and immense gratitude for all that we have accomplished together, all of it made possible by your unwavering support and generosity.
We celebrated Roeper traditions including Roeperfest, Grandparents and Special Persons Day, Founders Day, the Festival of Senior Projects, and the Commencement of the Class of 2025. We created and opened our new outdoor classroom at the Lower School. We also launched the first phase of Accessible By Design, our capital campaign to enhance the Bloomfield Hills campus, making it welcoming and accessible to people of all physical abilities. We are tremendously grateful to our friends who volunteered their time and financial support for these valuable and experiential initiatives.
The Roeper Annual Fund raised $321,360 thanks to the incredible generosity of parents, alumni, faculty,
and friends of the school. Our community robustly supported our Annual Fund, which goes directly to supporting our students, faculty, and programs. None of these achievements would have been possible without your support for our school.
Education at Roeper continues to inspire and stretch our students to think deeply and creatively and achieve great triumphs. Our students continue to inspire us. The Class of 2025 leaves behind an indelible legacy, including college acceptances to more than 120 top universities across the country. Two students were National Merit Scholars, and six students were Commended by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Four students received recognition in the College Board Recognition Program. Several students received prestigious scholarships from their chosen schools. This class exemplifies the impact of a Roeper education rooted in intellectual curiosity, character, and ethical purpose.
We are proud to welcome the Class of 2025 as the newest members of our vibrant Alumni Community!
In addition to academic and strategic milestones, we experienced an extraordinary year of community engagement. Our bi-annual Mosaic Auction was the most successful in the last decade, raising a record-breaking amount in a beautiful
Your support has enabled us to enhance the student experience in unique and meaningful ways “
new venue with a fresh theme and the same beloved spirit. This April 25, we look forward to celebrating and supporting Roeper with the Mariann Hoag Scholarship Dinner. I look forward to seeing you there!
Your support has enabled us to enhance the student experience in unique and
meaningful ways. Our students benefit from robust academics, dynamic fine and performing arts programming, competitive athletics, award-winning robotics, and community-wide events that strengthen school spirit and authentic belonging. Every gift recognized within this report had a direct impact on the course of the year, ensuring all students access to the resources, opportunities, and experiences that make a Roeper education extraordinary.
This year, faculty, staff, and trustees wrote our self-study report as part of our ISAACS reaccreditation, which is the foundation of ISAACS’ significant endorsement of our school’s strength and future-readiness. Based on this selfstudy, we are prepared to embark upon our next Strategic Plan, which will design our path forward to enrich our academic and extra-curricular offerings for the next three to five years.
Thank you for being an essential part of this unforgettable year in Roeper’s story. Your belief in our mission continues to propel us forward as we prepare the next generation of thoughtful leaders and compassionate global citizens.
Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of this place.
With heartfelt appreciation,
ROEPER KIDS IN DC
UPPER SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER MATT VALLUS
Frequently, I recall from grad school a segment in David Perkins’s book Making Learning Whole, which summarizes the fundamentals of deep learning. He states, “the whole point of formal education is to prepare for other times and other places, not just to get better in the classroom. The trouble is, in formal education usually no one sends us out of town to play and broaden our experience.” Perkins goes on to say experiential learning provides one of the best outlets for students to broaden their learning and transfer ideas to the bigger themes we all try to hit on as educators. Unfortunately, “field trips” can often incorporate formalized practices but are not action.
Perkins would be beyond proud of Roeper’s DC experience. This year’s eleventh grade experiential trip to DC exemplified this approach, with a level of immersion that was especially inspiring.
Student questions for our public servant panelists were as Roeperian as ever, targeting the extremely challenging political and social issues of our times. Our panelists’ authentic responses inspired hope and a means to be an active agent in impactful change.
With an intentional pivot away from the Kennedy Center, we secured tickets for all students to see Hadestown at the National Theatre. As Upper School teacher Ben Fisher notes, “It is about the potential of art and love to heal what is broken. Creating beautiful art will not fix the
problem on its own, but it helps us fight on and helps others join the fight.” Talk about relevancy.
One moment always brings the trip’s purpose into focus. This year, our studentalumni dinner at Busboys and Poets— students, alums, admins, and teachers laughing and sharing stories—emphasized that everything is going to be OK because of these bonds and our shared values and philosophy.
Thank you to all our alumni and community connections for helping create this amazing experience.
Reflections
Miranda Beebe
Class of 1984*
The annual trip to DC gives students the opportunity to view the city through two interdependent lenses central to Roeper’s DNA: a belief that we are all citizens of the world, and a commitment to the concept of a ‘cooperative community’.
The trip brings history, civic life, the arts, and an urban ecosystem together for students. They get to explore monuments, museums, and institutions that shape our national policy, democratic ideals, and the global stage. They also feed their imaginations and passions by engaging with artwork, theater, architecture, and urban design.
What makes this experience especially meaningful for DC alumni is the opportunity to connect with
Grade 11
Our class trip was an amazing experience to strengthen my bonds with my classmates, teachers, and alumni who accompanied us! I felt
students in the city where we live, work, and play. We help host workplace visits, special tours, and shared gatherings, so students see firsthand how a Roeper education can translate into diverse career paths, civic engagement, and the building of one’s own community. These interactions help students envision their own futures—both as engaged citizens and community members.
Equally important, as the students travel together, they deepen their sense of responsibility, independence, curiosity, and connection to friends and teachers. As they navigate a major city, collaborate, and reflect together, they reinforce Roeper’s emphasis on experiential learning, personal growth, and strong community bonds.
educated scientifically, culturally, and socially, and appreciated the time I got to spend with those close to me in such an amazing city!
*Attended but did not graduate from Roeper.
Gabriella Webster Student,
Marie Halpin
Chaperone and M/US Learning Support Coordinator
From my perspective, the November DC trip with the junior class was an incredibly meaningful experience. It was wonderful to see students interacting so naturally outside of the school setting— not only with one another, but also with teachers, chaperones, tour guides, alumni, and others we encountered along the way. What stood out most was witnessing their joy, curiosity, excitement, growing independence,
and authentic personalities—qualities that are not always fully visible in the classroom—come to life as they explored Washington DC and engaged with the endless learning opportunities and experiences it offers. I truly look forward to the opportunity to chaperone again in the future and will be happily awaiting the sunrise runs and sunset walks along the National Mall.
Emery and Linda Pence
Chaperones, Alumni Parents, and Retired Faculty
The Roeper 11th Grade Washington DC Trip is an intentionally designed, four-day immersive experience that challenges students to wrestle with the meaning of citizenship, both nationally and globally, while critically examining the role of government in shaping our world. What makes this trip so powerful is not only the content, but the people: our students are inspired and empowered through meaningful engagement with Roeper alums living and working in Washington DC, individuals whose lives model active, thoughtful citizenship. In turn, those alums see reflected back to them the same curiosity, courage, and divergent
thinking that Roeper continues to cultivate in its students. Unlike traditional large-scale, tour-driven trips, Roeper students explore in small groups, pursue focused interests, and gain access to spaces and conversations made possible through deep alumni relationships. Students prepare intentionally for each experience, reflect thoughtfully afterward, and often leave with lasting connections that extend well beyond the trip itself. We are deeply proud of this program and profoundly grateful to our alums, whose generosity and engagement make this distinctive learning experience possible year after year.
The DC trip and all other grade-level trips are supported by the Annual Fund.
Sadie Bagne Student, Grade 11
For me, the highlight of the DC trip was how close our grade became. I found myself connecting with classmates in new ways while also spending time with my close friends.
I learned so much about people I hadn’t known as well before, and it was really special to see different groups spending time together and building new connections.
JAYDEN HERTZBERG
Hello wonderful Roeperians.
It is an honor to introduce myself to you as your new Director of Development, following the trail blazed by our dear community member, alumni parent, and longtime Roeper staff member Denita Banks-Sims.
Whether you are an alum, a past or present Roeper parent, a former teacher, or a friend of the school, what unites you with others reading this article is that Roeper has likely changed your life. As a new staff member, still in awe of what this remarkable school offers, I am deeply curious about what that change looked like for you. Was it a heroic teacher? An extracurricular opportunity or another formative experience? Or perhaps it was the steady self-development and growing selfawareness that comes from learning in this one-of-a-kind community?
I am continually moved by recurring sentiments I hear from alumni, such as: “Roeper changed the way I think about and approach problems,” “the best of who I am is from Roeper,” and perhaps most stunning of all, “Roeper saved me”.
It is a deep honor—and truly amazing— to be a part of a learning community that is so wildly transformational and so deeply good. The magic of Roeper is alive and at work every day: in our classrooms, in the lived philosophy of the school, and in the relationships between teachers and students, as the next generation of compassionate citizens of the world is shaped.
With deep gratitude, I thank you for the many ways you show up for Roeper and support its vision—through your volunteerism, care, loving generosity, and steadfast commitment.
With you, Roeper has everything it needs.
Thank you for nurturing Roeper as it has nurtured you and your loved ones. As you reflect on the impact you make possible, I hope you feel amazing. And if you are so moved, and in the position to do even more, you are invited to consider how you might help Roeper provide a transformative education for even more gifted students who should be here. Your additional support can mean that Roeper does not have to turn away even one gifted child, and it ensures that Roeper remains a life-changing learning home for special Roeperians like you and yours, now and into the future.
Thank you, Roeperians. It is an honor to serve you and work alongside you. With heartfelt gratitude, I look forward to discovering new ways for us to take care of each other, and to take care of this extraordinary place.
With warm and deepest appreciation,
THE VISION SUPPORTING LARA EDWARDS
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Ways to Give Smarter
Roeper thrives because of generous supporters like you. We invite you to give in support of a legacy that provides extraordinary opportunities for gifted learners.
JAYDEN HERTZBERG
Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised Funds are philanthropic investment accounts that allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and designate grants from the fund over time.
Endowment
Make a gift to the general endowment or create a named fund. Your investment will make a difference for a better Roeper in perpetuity with a lasting impact.
Smarter
Memorial & Tribute Gifts
A meaningful way to honor your loved one or celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, while supporting the school.
Shopping Partners
Shop with a purpose! Enroll at these businesses and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to Roeper: Kroger and Shop Raise
Employer Matching Gifts
Over 23,000 employers offer matching gifts. Yours could be one of them.
Gifts of Securities
Your gift of appreciated stocks allows you to meaningfully support Roeper while maximizing potential tax benefits by avoiding capital gains tax.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The talent is widespread; the opportunities are not. You can open the doors of opportunity to all families with gifted children for whom tuition is a barrier.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
For donors age 70½ and older, QCDs continue to be one of the most tax-efficient giving options. By making a direct distribution from your IRA to a qualified nonprofit, you can reduce taxable income while making an immediate impact. QCDs may satisfy Required Minimum Distributions and lower taxable income.
Your Will or Estate Plan
Your values deserve to live on with vibrance. List Roeper in your will or trust as a beneficiary to create extraordinary futures for generations to come.
ENDOWMENT
FUNDS
provide vital, long-term support for Roeper’s mission, strengthening programs and opportunities for students year after year. We are grateful to the donors whose generosity ensures this enduring impact.
The Joseph and Helen Iten Scholarship Endowment Fund
To sustain a scholarship for gifted, physically challenged (as defined by the American with Disabilities Act) students and compensatory income to faculty and staff to reward excellence in education and promotion of academic achievement.
The Susan and Elizabeth Kellogg Scholar Endowment Fund
To sustain a scholarship for a student throughout their academic program at The Roeper School.
Frank Crosby Faculty & Staff Appreciation Fund
To honor the extraordinary “day to day” contributions and commitment of all full-time Roeper Faculty and Staff by providing additional annual financial distributions to full-time Faculty and Staff of The Roeper School.
Keeping Our Promise
To support scholarships for low and middleincome gifted students, particularly from historically underserved communities, throughout southeast Michigan.
Malone Scholarship Endowment
A merit and financial need-based scholarship fund to provide a challenging education to highly capable young students.
Mariann Hoag Financial Aid & Tim Booth Endowment Funds
To support student financial aid at The Roeper School.
Roeper Endowment for the Arts
To elevate and expand project opportunities and summer enrichment experiences for students and faculty in the fine arts, performing arts, as well as creative and academic writing.
The Stafeil Family Chess Endowment
To support and elevate chess programming at The Roeper School.
The Wetsman Permanent Scholarship Endowment
To sustain a scholarship for one current Roeper Middle or Upper School student who has been a student at The Roeper School for at least two years.
Bernard Family Debate & Forensics Endowment Fund
To provide annual financial support to the forensics and debate programs to enhance and supplement these programs.
The Roeper Academic Fund for Poetry
To elevate poetry instruction and foster the skills and passions for poetry to gifted students at The Roeper School.
The Roeper Athletic Endowment
To strengthen athletics at The Roeper School by supporting the daily programs and resources that allow student-athletes to thrive academically and athletically.
Rosetti Endowment Fund for Roeper Faculty and Staff Enrichment
To reward personal and professional enrichment opportunities for Faculty and Staff that further promote their strengths and passion for lifelong learning.
The Zoreslawa Slusarczuk Memorial Fund
To support student inclusion by covering travel expenses for school-sanctioned activities when financial need would otherwise limit participation.
George & Annemarie Roeper Fund
To support financial aid, scholarships, and the operation of The Roeper School
The MOSAIC Auction took place at The Treasury in Pontiac on April 24, 2025. Thanks to the enthusiasm, generosity, and support of the Roeper community, the event raised over $102,000 in net proceeds to benefit tuition assistance and professional development for our faculty and staff.
Each year, tenth graders carry on a tradition of service by volunteering at our signature fundraising event. Here Upper School student Diya Oberoi offers giveaway tickets to attendees.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
BOARD TREASURER & VICE CHAIR • FINANCE AMY-BETH FLEISCHER
Roeper remains committed to empowering its students, faculty, and staff with the resources they need to thrive. Thanks to the generosity of our community and the collaborative leadership of former Head of School Christopher Federico, Associate Head for Finance & Operations Dave Fluent, and the Finance Committee, the school has continued to make strategic investments that enrich our programs and strengthen our long-term foundation.
Guided by Roeper’s strategic plan, the committee focused on several priorities essential to sustaining the school’s mission and maximizing the impact of donor support:
Recruit and Retain Exceptional Faculty and Staff
Our teachers and staff are at the heart of the Roeper experience, and donor support helps us retain and reward them. During the 2024–2025 school year, faculty salaries increased by an average of 3%, keeping compensation competitive with other midwestern independent schools. Roeper also introduced a new $1,200 annual stipend to recognize and reward teachers who achieve certification, an investment that directly enhances classroom excellence.
Invest in Best-in-Class Facilities Gifts to Roeper help create safe, inspiring spaces for learning. This year, safety enhancements across both campuses included upgraded interior door locks, supported in part by a Mental Health and Safety grant from the State of Michigan. Additional facility improvements included a new boiler in the Hill House and upgraded HVAC systems in the Domes classrooms, investments that ensure our facilities remain comfortable, reliable, and ready for the future.
Invest
in Academic Programs Donor generosity fuels innovative learning experiences.
The Lower School completed the Nature Path and Outdoor Classroom project, a collaborative effort involving both staff and students. This new space expands opportunities for hands-on learning and deepens the school’s connection to the creek and surrounding natural environment.
Grow the Endowment and Annual Fund Philanthropy plays a vital role in Roeper’s financial strength. The endowment closed the fiscal year at $10.7M, an increase of $0.8M. The Annual Fund, an essential source of operational support, grew by 4% to $322k, driven by broader participation and several significant lead gifts. Continued growth in these areas expands our ability to support operations, invest in faculty, and increase financial aid.
Support the Mission through Increased Financial Aid Roeper was founded on the belief that children from all income levels deserve access to an exceptional education. While financial strength is essential to long-term sustainability, it is only one measure of success. To attract and retain talented students, Roeper awarded $2.9M in aid. More than 30% of the school’s net tuition revenue comes from families receiving aid, underscoring its central role in Roeper’s financial model.
Despite challenges this school year, including rising operating costs due to inflation and a decline in enrollment, Roeper’s summer programs experienced strong growth. Through thoughtful financial management, generosity of our donors, and continued collaboration between school leadership and the Finance Committee, we remain committed to sustaining our programs, supporting the Roeper community, and strengthening the school’s long-term financial foundation for future generations.
OPERATING UNRESTRICTED OPERATING FUND BUDGET 2024–2025
SOURCES
Tuition & other programs
Gifts & grants
Investment income, includes endowment draw
Other — Interest Income, Lunch Fees, Aftercare/Enrichment, misc.
Plant & equipment reserve transfer for project work
Operating shortfall reserve transfer
USES
Academics & other programs
Financial aid, scholarships, & discounts
Auxilary services
Facility operation
Project work
Development
Public relations & admissions
Management & general
$ 16,525,000 $453,000 $671,000 $296,000 $39,000 $72,000
$9,747,000 $2,935,000 $328,000 $1,496,000 $268,000 $532,000 $764,000 $1,986,000
WHEN CURIOSITY BECOMES PROOF
When seventh grader Simran Adnani saw her mathematical proof, No Odd Perfect Squares Are Perfect Numbers, published in the spring 2026 issue of MathCircular, the moment carried meaning far beyond the page. “It really helped me see how I, and other young people, are capable of making breakthroughs,” she said. For Simran, a student with a deep love of number theory, the publication was both a milestone and a confidence boost.
Her proof grew out of a fascination with perfect numbers—positive integers whose proper divisors sum to the number itself. After learning about them in class, Simran became intrigued by a centuries-old open question: Do odd perfect numbers exist? Rather than trying to solve the entire mystery, she focused on carving out clarity. “I really wanted to find some classes of odd numbers that can never be perfect numbers,” she explained.
Her process was visual and exploratory. She began by sketching factor trees of odd
numbers and testing patterns using the sumof-divisors function. “Most of them were just filled with more odd numbers. However, odd perfect squares were the only odd numbers with an odd number of factors and an even number of proper divisors (factors excluding the odd perfect square itself),” she noted. From that observation, a clean, elegant proof emerged. Along the way, she encountered a minor setback, including an early error that forced her to rethink her assumptions. Catching and correcting it became part of the learning.
One of Simran’s math teachers, Upper School teacher Kevin Kildea, wasn’t surprised by the depth of her work. “Simran is fascinated by the why behind a problem,” he said. “She consistently goes beyond simply applying a theorem or formula, seeking to understand where a problem comes from and where it could lead.”
Kevin sees proof-writing as foundational to deep learning. “Proof writing is akin to dismantling an engine and rebuilding it,” he
DIRECTOR OF MARCOM
KARI KRESS
Simran’s curiosity extends well beyond mathematics. She enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, mystery, and nonfiction, and playing classical piano. These interests, she says, balance her thinking and give her space to reflect, much like math itself.
explained. “It requires students to see how things truly work beneath the surface.”
That joy in ideas and in community extends beyond Simran’s individual work. She also founded and leads a student-run Math Circle, a collaborative space where young mathematicians explore topics ranging from number theory to group theory through weekly presentations and shared problemsolving.
The Math Circle reflects how Simran sees mathematics: not as a straight line, but as “an intricate web of interrelated ideas.”
Supported by her teachers, including Kevin and math teachers Hasan Humadi and Susan Knight, and Roeper’s close-knit community, Simran is already looking ahead to new number systems, open problems, and a future in mathematical research. Her advice to peers is simple: “Just have fun with it, and eventually you’ll make a breakthrough.”
Kevin hopes the community sees Simran’s accomplishment as more than a
mathematical milestone. “A person can memorize a formula and apply it without understanding,” he said, “but true learning comes from grasping why something works.” That kind of thinking applies far beyond math—it’s powerful in all areas of life.
Roeper students across all divisions are encouraged to pursue big questions deeply— often far beyond grade-level expectations— and Simran’s work shows what becomes possible when curiosity is taken seriously. Her experience reflects learning that extends beyond the classroom, where ideas are explored, tested, and trusted.
Experiences like this don’t happen by chance. They grow out of a learning environment shaped by supportive teachers who give students the time, guidance, and confidence to take intellectual risks and create something truly their own. When the community invests in Roeper, they are investing in moments like this: a young person discovering not just an answer, but a voice, a sense of purpose, and the belief that their ideas matter.
Simran Adnani, Grade 7
Simran’s Proof
OUR DONORS
Annual Fund Stats
Goal $325,000
Campaign Total $321,360
Percentage of Goal 98.8%
Average Gift Amount $370
Number of Donors 895
Number of Gifts 598
Platinum Circle
$25,000+
Community Foundation of SE Michigan
Jeanne & Michael Haynes
Leadership Circle
Joel & Carol Appel
$10,000–$24,999
Michelle Guisewite & John Decerchio
Robert & Julie Hertzberg
Gideon & Jaime Pfeffer
Annette & Daniel See
Gold Circle
$5,000–$9,999
Laura Castleman & Daniel Schechter
Amy-Beth & Mark Fleischer
David Jaffe ’74 & Erica Peresman
Peggy & Jared Klein
Lawrence Kraft ’67* & Jackie Kraft
Bradley Rourke ’83 & Andrea Jarrell
Amie & Michael Sweet
Richard & Francesca Westenberg
Founders Circle $3,000–$4,999
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Masco Corporation
Sujana Gundlapalli & Dipak Shah
Sarah & Kenneth Miller
Steven Shepard & Abbie Shuman
Robert Glenn Sims & Denita Banks-Sims
Malinda & James Waltz
Michael White ’69
Silver Circle $1,000–$2,999
Live United
UBS Financial Services INC
Alexandra Kambouris Alberstadt ’83
Soren & Wallis Andersen
Lucha & Javier Arguelles
Anna Babushkina & Nick Gruber
Danielle & Jacob Bass
Sihem & Toufik Bentahar
Michael Cummins & Kara Brooklier
Bessy Despotis & Clay Thomas
Diana & James Elshoff
Andrea & David Fluent
Alan & Ann Frank
Julie Fracasso
Marc Friedman ’75 & Madalyn Friedman
Jeffrey Garvin & Sharon Gross
Evan Hansen & Susannah Nichols
Sarah & Kyle Hermann
Gayle Kirker
Christopher & Elizabeth Klee
Steven Kopitz ’75 & Kathleen Kopitz
*Attended but did not graduate from Roeper.
Brent Kratochvil & Emily Calabrese
Susan Lane
Teresita Leyell
Margaret & Derek Linkous
Arthur Luby ’71
Lori Lutz ’75 & Gregory Gamalski
Roger & Aimee Mali
Lin Mallory
Meredith & Jason Mallory
Debra Meier
Jay Must
Patrick O’Connor ’78* & Dianne O’Connor
Noa Ofen & Julian Wong
Priya Padmanabhan & Sanjeev Aggarwal
Michael & Cindy Pettibone
Tamara Rambus & Mykolas Rambus ’96
Julia & Leroy Richie
Peter Roeper ’63* & Martha Harnly
Lucinda & David Sabino
Evan & Sheri Shapiro
Aaron Sheposh & Nancy McGunn
Matthew & Pamela Sims
Nancy & Neil Sosin
Ryan Sosin ’03 & Curran Sosin
Jeffrey Stafeil
Ljiljana Stanic & Christopher Federico
Jami Statham & Joel Applebaum
John West ’74 & Judith West
Laurence & Emily Wine
Copper Circle
Blackbaud Giving Fund
$500–$999
Kroger Rewards
Tom Baker
Miranda Beebe ’84*
Mary Louise Bekkouche
Curtis Blessing ’69
Christopher Bradley ’86 & Carolyn Bradley
Pratibha Chauhan & Ajit Sharma
Denelle Cicotte
Robert Cox ’81 & Dara Kovel
Eric Davies ’77 & Karole Davies
James & Deborah Delisle
Charles & Sarah DeVries
Stephanie Diamond & Kevin Carlson
Michael Dinwiddie ’73* & Vincent Parham
Elaine Fears Edwards
Arthur Ensroth ’68*
Cheryl Flynn
Peter & Charlotte Gerrits
G. Tyler & Julie Gibbs
Alana Glass ’97
Carol McPhail Glowacki
Rosalie Golden
Robert & Deborah Hansen
Michael Harrison ’91
Don & Kathie Heng
Ellen & Paul Hoppe
Arden Johnson ’76 & Catherine Gabis
Peter Karmanos III & Laura Karmanos
Jeffrey Kimpson ’08 & Shani Yapa-Kimpson ’08
Michal McConville & Matthew Vallus
Steven McGhee
Andrea Miller ’74*
Naomi Johnson Miller ’74
Michele Munde ’80
Harwood & Barbara Nichols
Georga & Allen Parchem
Eric Peterson ’95
Paul Rabe ’72* & Cheryl Gunter
Marlita Reddy-Hjelmfelt ’79 & Eric Hjelmfelt
Marcia Ruff & Thomas Wilkinson
Chris Schron & Christina Freeman
James Shaffer & Jason McIntosh
Robert Shaya & Ashley Lowe
Benjamin Shepard ’03
Marko Slusarczuk ’70 & Norma Lynn Fox
Lloyd & Eleanor Sloan
Thomas & Julie Song
Elisabeth Stayer ’00 & Doug Stayer
Ann Steglich
Pat Vance
Katherine & Scott Vartanian
Anita Zaleski Weinraub ’69
Kevin & Laurie Welsh
Mary Ann Yamamoto
Soma Yapa
Benefactor Circle
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
$250–$499
General Mills Box Tops for Education
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
2025 Roeper Graduates
Check out the College Profile
United Jewish Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit
Cynthia Bockhausen
David & Patricia Bostwick
Kathryn & Matthew Bressette
Elisabeth & Kenneth Brower
Severo & Marcelina Castro
Amy Clark & Patrick White
Emily Cohen ’76 & Tom Philip
Sander Davidson ’75 & Suzanne Davidson
Colleen Dolan-Greene & Walter Greene
Adam Dorfman ’90 & Melissa Moskof
George Ellenwood ’66*
Gareth Fisher ’90
Kris Fleszar
Zoe Fleischer ’24
Sidney & Cynthia Fox
Stacy Frase
David Golden ’06
Sue Kellogg Graf ’87 & Mike Graf
John Hopper ’81
Patricia Ignatius & Werner Roennecke
Mark Jeffery ’71 & Debbie Jeffery
Willa Jiang & Rob Moore
Rachel Kanfer
Barbara & Rodney Keteyian
Kevin & Denise Kildea
Susan Knight
Phillip Lamarr
Camellia & Michael Lewis
Craig Malstrom & Sara Ann Paul Malstrom ’71
Henry McKee
Anthony Morrow & Kelly McDowell
Paul & Julie Nemchik
Robert & Regina Noto
Leigh Newland O’Donnell ’88 & Tim O’Donnell
Matthew Oztalay ’07*
Elizabeth Kellogg Prince ’91 & Brett Prince
Paul Rauch ’83
Tom Roeper ’61* & Laura Holland
Allan & Nancy Rothfeder
Zachary & Susan Savas
Leonard & Bonnie Schemm
Steven Scott ’74 & Dresden Scott
Wendy Shanker
Eric Silverman ’81
Paul Silverman ’85 & Jennifer Silverman
James & Catherine Sommerfeld
Meghan & Philip Stott
Megan Anne Stull
Michael Tilchin ’72
Nikolas Trendowski ’94
Alice Webb & Charlotte Stevens
Susan & Robert Williams
Jennifer Woodside Wojtala ’94 & Jon Wojtala
Patron Circle
$100–$249
Michael Granzeier & Michelle Blankenship
Emily & Russell Abrutyn
Natalie Abbott
Marcia Abramson & Martin Hirschman
Adam Acey ’89 & Alicia Acey ’89
Mary & Stephen Ackerman
Kimberly Adams House
Kristine & Chris Ahn
Brian & Andrea Akkashian
Mana Al-Hussaini & Hasan Humadi
Elli Altman
Geoffrey Armstrong ’84 & Michelle Armstrong
Christopher & Erin Artlip
James Balmer ’70* & Martha Balmer
Amy Barron & Eric Raphael
Phil & Gerry Barrons
Jenny Hansell ’82 & Fred Baumgarten
Lonie Smith Beck ’96 & Bryan Beck
Jamey Bell ’75
Alyse Belkin
Jeff Bird & Eulalia Ferrer
Cheryl Blau ’80
Rachel Blum-Jose
Gjyste & Anton Bojaj
William Booth ’71 & Susan Booth
Barbara Boraks Samson ’70
Nadine & Lenny Borrisove
Carlita Boyd & Joel Simmons
Erin & Will Brick
William Buckingham ’63* & Pam Buckingham
Chad & Jennifer Grieco Burch
Catherine Cangany & Douglas Reed, Jr
Karrie Chagnon
Luise Chassagne
Cynthia Churches
Jacqueline Cohen & Allan Warnick
Amy Cova & Donald Hammond
John Crandell ’68* & Pia Crandell
Fred & Jennifer Cruz
Adam Derington
Gloria Despard
Douglas Domenick
Karen Doyle & Fletcher Liverance
Mariana & Brian Durst
2025 Forensics State Champs
Neda Ebrahimi & Sean Woolf
Courtney Elton
Anita & Haris Eminefendic
Judy Failer ’82 & David Orentlicher
Joan Firestone
Ilka Naumann & Richard Fisher
Bruce Fleischer ’78 & Judy Fleischer
Carmen Flora
Ryan Friedrichs
Pierre & Debbie Fuger
Anne Gahagan & Richard Dennis
Cat Galligan ’13
Maribeth & Matthew Galligan
Timothy & Nicole Gandee
Dr. Julius Gardin ’66*
Christopher & Alyssa Gazdag
Jasmin Ghuznavi
Ken & Rudene Glass
Karyn Glass
Patrick Gleason ’86
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein
Ted & Rita Golden
Peggy Gordon
Donna Green Stano & James Stano
Ritu Gupta
Deborah Hack
Philip Hague ’87 & Susan Hague
Janice Haines
Marie Halpin
Tasír Haque ’87
Pamela Harmon
Pam Majchrzak & Robb Harner
Mary & Luke Harvey
Autumn Hass
Corinne Hatcher
Sosha Haynes ’96
James & Lynn Heiman
Barbara Herman
Michael Hicks
Kristine Howard
Doug & Amy Hugo
Jon Merritt Huegli & Pamela Gale
Lateresa & Daryl Hurley
Muhammad Haider Imam
Jennifer & Jonathan Irvine
Dan Jacobs
Dane Johnson ’76 & Charles Snelling
Sonia Just
Daniel & Jessica Klein
Anna Kohn ’02
Glynda Krantz & Paula Romano
Rosalie Lake
Michael & Pat Lawrence
George & Stacie Levy
Rocio & Dennis Lewis
Xiaoxia Lin & Yaoyun Shi
Alison Lisi ’07
Amy & Thomas Lisi
Yuri Lowenthal
Joel Lutz
Diane Vanderbeke Mager
Speranta Maior
Jason & Meredith Mallory
Christopher & Sona Manzo
Illia Mazurek ’84
David McDermott
Bethany & Ben Melitz
Beth & James Michelson
Lori & Jon Mojares
Dara Monahan
Vivek & Venee Natarajan
Jai & Jenifer Oberoi
Thomas & Juliette Olejnik
Fiona Ruddy ’06 & Spencer Olinek
Kadayam Padmanabhan
Julia Pais
Logan Parkison
Christie Peck & Edwin Baker
Alexander Pedica
Harry Pianko
Byron Pink ’96 & Catherine Pink
Lorene Porter
Judith Porth
Natalie & Jacob Price
Blake Pynnonen
Guangzhi Qu & Yi Qi
Patricia Rehfus
Kevin Reissmann & Emily Malcoun
Nicholas & Emily Richardson
Mark & Barbara Rogers
Werner Roennecke ’11
Michael & Jarie Ruddy
Rula Sater
Joseph Samples
Kimbraley & Steven Scharg
Roshan Shah ’25
Lisa Zebarah-Shears & Daniel Urson
Diallo Jameel Smith
Pat & Vicki Springstead
Tessa Stein & Robert Simon
Elizabeth Stevenson
Shanon & Fred Stibor
Julie Stitt
Erin & Bret Stuntz
Sara Talpos ’93
Ruth & Milo Tilton
Natosha & James Tolbert
Katharine Whitman ’92 & Dan Trommatter
Elizabeth Turner
Peter Vanden Bosch & Marilyn Howe
Beth & Jim Vens
Cor Vens ’14
Salvatore Vitale
Sheila Walker
Ian Washington & Jennifer Allen
James & Jennifer Watry
Amber & David Webb
Natasha & Wallace Webster
Andrew Wedepohl & Sarah Wedepohl ’88
Patricia Hurd & Bruce Weeks
Nicholas & Nicole Weibel
Ekima White
Derrick Williams & Angie Mann-Williams
Hale Williams ’09
Cullen Worthem Jr & Crystal Worthem
Bonita Yapa
Steven Yedlin ’68*
Friendship Circle up to $99
Bill and Marty Thomas Foundation
G&A Cleaning INC
Shelley Adler
Isla Ahn ’35
Evan Akkashian ’20
Timothy Akkeren
Ayla Alijabbari Wellman ’35
Kendall Allen ’34
Jared & Sara Amaral
Eric Ambrose
Dana Aronson
Paul Fontaine & Amber Arellano
Dax Ashlock ’35
Linda Atty & Caleb Gross
Arabella Atty-Gross ’35
Lyle & Katie Axelarris
Leslie Bailey
Edwin Baker ’08
Mary & Peter Ballard
Rand Barthel ’74 & Carolyn Barthel
Kevin Bastyr & Shannon Chavez-Korell
Antjuan Beard Sr & Paquenia Beard
Alexander Beebe ’82*
Lucian Beebe ’85*
Nina Beebe ’87
Nick Rodgers & Kristina Belzer
Rosalind Bershatsky
Katja Biesanz ’71* & Coby
Carolyn Borman
Nanette Bulebosh
Wendy Broughton
Paige Brick ’34
Gloria Chandler
Marlene Chaney
Sol Chavez ’35
Jason Cohen
June Cohen
Liam Cohen ’34
Sabina Colombeau & Matthew Groom
Shantelle Collins & Michael Johnson
Patrick Dakhi & Jessica Kaniowski
Craig Frankland & Erica Just
Diego Frankland ’34
Debbie & Pierre Fuger
Brian Genoa ’90
Alexandrya & Nathaniel Giddens
Kalee & Andy Georgescu
Josephine Gazdag ’35
Jennifer Goldman
Michael Gurevich & Jessica Payette
Clyde Granzeier ’21
Rebekah & Joseph Gruber
Arianna Gruber ’34
Elissa & Joseph Hamlin
Matthew & Michelle Harman
Maddy Harner ’18
Patrick Harris
Michael Huibregtse
Jason & Shannon Johnson
Kathleen & Steve Johnson
Kari Kress
Victoria Lasecki-Webb ’35
Stacie & George Levy
Kate Levey
Ray & Robin Lillibridge
Daniel Linkous ’34
Leigh Lowe
Luis & Sara Mendez
Henry Melitz ’35
The Milshteyn Family
Nancy Moudry
Richard & Lori Morrow
Nancy & Eric Nelsen
Towela & Chinedum Okwudire
Teresa Pachniak
Zuzanna & Aaron Parchem
Meg Stresen-Reuter
Joseph & Michelle Santos
Kate Schelhaas
Curtis Scott ’71 & Diane Wilson Scott
Sandra L. Shoshani
Grant Standring ’35*
Teresa Schafer Sullivan
meet the Development Staff
in their words
Lara Edwards Director of Development
Role: Serve you to take care of this place.
Favorite Roeper Memory:
In the first week of the school year, a Stage II student was asked by her teacher what her favorite part of school was so far. She replied, “The kindness.”
Shani YapaKimpson Director of Alumni Relations, Community Engagement and Fundraising Initiatives
Role: Build meaningful connections, inspire engagement, and fuel mission-driven philanthropic support.
Favorite Roeper Memory:
Celebrating Roeper’s 50th Alumni
Reunion—honoring five decades of shared experiences, lasting friendships, and the community that continues to shape us all.
Paige Wilson Steward and Gifts Associate
Role: Manage the constituent database to support all communications and gift processing for operational needs.
Favorite Roeper Memory:
As an ’08 alum, I hold many fond memories with my classmates and teammates but Diversity Day stands out the most, as we embraced and bonded over each other’s cuisines.
Paul Talpos ’07
Oliver & Rachel Thompson
Rose Wellman & Naser Alijabbari
Irene Wellman
Janea Wilson ’18
Kimberly & Troy Wyman
Sue Womack
Special Gifts
Community Foundation of SE Michigan
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Michigan Department of Education
Orion Solutions Group
Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers P.C.
Attorneys at Law
Jeff & Lori Bowes
Brian Dietz ’83
Robert & Julie Hertzberg
Andrew Ice
Dan Mishkin
Benjamin Murphy
Accessible By Design
Capital Campaign 2024–2025
Wiley Rein LLP
Carol & Joel Appel
Morris & Rychee Brown
Amy-Beth & Mark Fleischer
Timothy Hefferon & Leeann Konrad
Frances O’Laughlin
Joshua Turner ’91 & Rachael Turner
Keeping Our Promise Endowment
Laura Castleman & Daniel Schecter
Jeffrey Stafeil
Mosaic Auction Donors 2024
Carol & Joel Appel
Denita Banks-Sims & Robert Glenn Sims
Gregory Bator
Kara Brooklier & Michael Cummins
Carlton & Marinelli Brown
Emily Calabrese & Brent Kratochvil
Michelle Emfinger
Bonnie & Mark Van Etten
L to R: Chad Burch, Lance Gable, Anne Glass, James Tolbert, and Scott Carmona.
The 2025 Golf Outing at Westwynd GC was a major success. The community came together to raise funds to enhance our student-athlete experience. Head of School Anne Glass made her debut playing with groups on a par three. Join the tradition at this year’s event on August 21, 2026.
Christopher Federico & Ljiljana Stanic
Julia Felton
Amy-Beth & Mark Fleischer
David & Andrea Fluent
Lance & Kineret Gable
Alana Glass ’97
Sujana Gundlapalli & Dipak Shah
Luke & Mary Harvey
Don & Kathleen Heng
Andrew Hubacker
Elizabeth & Christopher Klee
Adam Levey
Derek & Margaret Linkous
Lori Lutz ’74 & Greg Gamalski
Kenny & Sarah Miller
Jocelyn & Michael Milshteyn
Jenifer & Jai Oberoi
Eric Peterson ’95
Marcia Ruff & Tom Wilkinson
Leonard & Bonnie Schemm
Steven Scott ’74 & Dresden Scott
Aaron Seybert & Veronica Farley-Seybert
Aaron Sheposh & Nancy McGunn
Karyn Stickel
Clay Thomas & Bessy Despotis
Kristine & Jason Vazzano
Jennifer Woodside Wojtala ’94 & Jon Wojtala
Mary Ann Yamamoto
Mosaic Sponsors
5th 3rd Bank, Glitz Sponsor
Balfour Michigan, Dessert Sponsor
Goyette Mechanical Co., Red Carpet Sponsor
Plante Moran, Paddle Sponsor
The Appel Family, Glitz Sponsor
Denelle Cicotte, Bar Sponsor
The Fleischer Family, Glamour Sponsor
Mosaic Auction Item Donors
Alchemi
Bicycle Addiction
Detroit Red Wings Community Relations & Foundation
Detroit Tigers Association
Dul Landscape Architecture
Elie Boudt
Hosler Center for Speech
The Indie Game Community
Leidal and Hart Mason Contractors
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Lume Cannabis Company
M1 Concourse
The Parade Company
Pixeljam
Puppy Pirates Doggy Camp
Revolve Cycling
Schuler Books
Skull Island Camp
Tappers Jewelers
Kim Adams House
Carolyn Borman
Jan Bostwick
Kara Brooklier & Michael Cummins
Amelia Currier ’71
Ben Fallert ’09 & Celia Kaechele
Christopher Federico & Lijliana Stanic
Mark, Amy-Beth & Zoe ’25 Fleischer
Carmen Flora
The Frankland Family
Debbie & Pierre Fuger
Patrick Gleason
Sujana Gundlapalli & Dipak Shah
Michelle & Matthew Harman
Grace Jarman ’24
Susan Knight
Amy & Tom Lisi
Lori Lutz ’75 & Greg Gamalski
Wendy Mayer
Kendra McKenzie & Robert MacDougall
Susheilla Mehta & Grant Krywolt
Sara Mendez ’96 & Luis Mendez
Marla Michele Must
Lindsey & Daniel Nadeau
Susannah Nichols & Evan Hansen
Jeffrey Nielson & Jessica Seim
The Padmanabhan & Aggarwal Family
Amy Parker
Jesie Qi & Venee Natarajan
Mykolas Rambus ’96 & Tamara Rambus
Megan Ruscello
Alex Sims-Jones ’06 & Paul Jones
Jeffrey Stafeil
Fred Stapula
Olivia Steele
Meghan & Philip Stott
Natosha & James Tolbert
Beth & Jim Vens
Amber & Dave Webb
Gift-in-Kind Donations
Teena Chopra & Latish Adnani
Elisabeth Stayer ’00 & Douglas Stayer
Francesca & Richard Westenberg
