West High class of 2016 alumnus Sam Wheeler is not only a Software Engineer for the UW-Madison Athletic Department, but also the Operations Coordinator for STEM to Stern, an organization dedicated to helping rowing teams become more diverse and competitive. STEM to Stern started in Milwaukee, WI at the Milwaukee Rowing Club in 2017 as a way to eliminate the barriers of participation and increase representation on the team and is now working with clubs across the country to help them develop their own programs. Their goal is to create twenty-five programs across the United States by 2021 and Sam’s role focuses heavily on helping these prospective clubs get their programs off the ground.

A Madison native, Sam attended Leopold Elementary School, Cherokee Middle School and West High School before going on to join the rowing team at UW-Madison and receive his Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science. As Sam reflects on his time at West High, he comments:

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the caliber and quality of classes that I had at West High School. I specifically had some really great math and science teachers that helped provide the foundation I needed to succeed in life, making the transition to college very easy." 

He continues: “While I was fortunate to be adequately prepared for college, that is not necessarily the case for all kids. A lot depends on what classes you take, and the support system you have. Many of the high school math and science classes I was in were not very diverse - I remember always thinking that. I definitely see that as motivation now though because those classes prepared me well for college and I now have the opportunity to create programs that enable everyone to be their best. I say all of this not at all as a knock on MMSD, but to shed light on my motivation to play a role in STEM to Stern."

"I’ve often been one of the only people of color in the room and I want to change that.”

Sam now lives in Milwaukee, WI but his heart remains in Madison. We are grateful for the work he is doing and proud to count him as a Madison Public Schools alum!