by Brad Herzog

Over the past seven or eight years, I have devoted each twice-a-year alumni newsletter to a theme. Each Keylog has focused on an inspiring and integral aspect of camp—sports, nature, trips, photography, Sundays, the Rec Hall, Paul Bunyan. But it is impossible to consider inspiring-and-integral Nebagamon without celebrating the impact of the late Nardie Stein. From the time he was a counselor in Swamper 1 (1955) to the time he and Sally closed out their tenure as camp directors (1990) to the decades afterward in which he continued to serve as a fount of wisdom about and around camp, Nardie was profoundly integral to the history and sensibilities of Camp Nebagamon. And, as someone who looked up to him for half a century, I can attest that he was always inspiring.

So this is the NARDIE issue of the Keylog, our attempt to honor the various ways in which he influenced the lives of the people who had the pleasure of being part of his Nebaga-world.

We begin this extra-large edition with a loving recollection from his longtime co-director, co-life-partner and co-adventurer, Sally Lorber Stein (SALLY REMEMBERS NARDIE). But that’s just the beginning.

Nardie influenced countless lives. So in NARDIE’S IMPACT you can read several dozen brief tributes and memories from camp alumni, just a snippet of what could have been a book-sized collection. Most of us who knew Nardie first encountered him when we were campers or young counselors. But notice how many people, even several decades later, reflect on how he influenced their aspirations and attitudes as adults. As one wrote, “I try to live up to the lessons he so lovingly taught me.”

But sometimes a picture is WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, so we’ve also included a collection of photos covering more than half-a-century of Bernard Stein at Camp Nebagamon. Nardie at the microphone, at the Shrine, leading the camp in song, overseeing the award ceremony, reminiscing with A.K. Agikamik. Nardie’s wisdom, his playfulness, his love of family.

You also can discover more about Nardie by watching the video or reading excerpts from his memorial service in November (IN MEMORIAM). For the many alumni who arrived at Nebagamon after the Steins retired, it is an opportunity to get to know him from some of the people who loved him most – his children and grandchildren. Their memories included a heap of humor, as did Nardie. I always appreciated his wit, but never more so than over the past decade, when I had the luxury of spending quality time with him on many occasions. My favorite part was the moment before he let loose with a pun or quip or hilarious memory. His eyes would grow big, he’d chuckle a bit, and you knew something good was coming. That’s a memory I’ll treasure.

Finally, you can read about Nardie in his own words. Learn about his childhood, his introduction to camp, and more about how he met Sally… all part of an excerpt from the Steins’ book about the history of Camp Nebagamon: Keeping the Fires Burning. Nardie called his personal story REFLECTIONS OF ONE LUCKY GUY. I know I speak for many when I say that I consider myself immeasurably lucky to have known him.

(AND ALL OF YOU)

I was asked by the Keylog editor and the Hanson-Kaplans to write a remembrance of Nardie – in the context, of course, of Camp Nebagamon, so here goes:

We met in 1949, and it would be easy to say, “I immediately knew this was the guy for me.” So I’ll say it. I knew it – and he was. A Nebagamon counselor, Bud Pollack of Fort Wayne, Indiana, introduced us in 1949 (long before many of you were born,) and we were together a lot, though not exclusively, in the ensuing years, until I left St. Louis for the University of Michigan and Nard completed college at Washington University and was immediately drafted.

People’s courtships are generally only of interest to themselves, and sometimes their children, so I will skip that part only to say that we spent some extended time together in the interim, and it became clear to both of us that we felt deeply committed to each other. My father, Muggs, also figured that out because he wrote a letter to Nardie in Japan. In the note, he invited him to consider a career in camping. Nardie knew nothing of Nebagamon or its kind of camp. As a boy he went to Scout camps, followed by time at Boy Scout’s national camp, Philmont. There he distinguished himself by volunteering to walk a lame donkey down the mountain to base camp, only to see the donkey trot away on his supposed lame leg, delighted to shed his role as a pack animal.

Nardie spent 18 months as a cryptographer at the US Army’s Far East headquarters in Japan and really made the most of it. He returned to the states just as I graduated from four great years at Michigan, and we became (publicly) engaged. He first laid eyes on Camp Nebagamon on a rainy spring day in June. Soon thereafter, he became the senior counselor in Swamper 1, where he experienced up close what this camp was all about. He began considering whether he wanted to become, as Muggs proposed, the next director of camp. *Author’s note: I had been slated to become “the director’s WIFE” (Harrumph!) and immediately began to redefine my title and role. However, especially when our three children were young, their welfare took precedence over my role at camp, which was rather invisible, centering on the business side of our venture, as well as the food service and accounting. I was not often publicly active (except on the tennis courts).

We learned our craft while understudying the Lorbers for several years and decided to bravely move forward. Both of us were aware that Nard was slated to be compared to and fill the shoes of the famed Muggs Lorber. We talked a lot about that. I assured him that he probably would not be able to replicate him – and perhaps should not even try. Instead, he should walk in his own shoes, do it his own way, using all of the intrinsic qualities he already possessed. And so he did! He paid close attention to Muggs’s training and watched what worked and what didn’t…

Nardie’s utilized his intelligence, quick wit, intuitiveness, and ability to closely listen to a camper or staff member. He always considered what was best for a camper and for the institution. His respect for everyone involved was a quality that led to early success. He also loved the land – the physical plant – and was very interested in its maintenance, also participating in it when time allowed. Nardie started every day at the workshop, conferring with the maintenance staff about priorities. He was not afraid to plunge toilets or clean up messes himself, feeling that he should do what he might need to ask of others. It was apparent to me that he was feeling stressed when I saw him trimming trees in order to “raise the canopy” – to help them thrive, symbolic of what he hoped to do for campers and staff..

With a few years under our belts, Nardie and I felt it was time to change and/or modify several aspects of camp. We enlarged each cabin enough to give counselors their own private space, upgraded many facilities, such as roofs, blinds, docks, boats, tennis courts, and hills subject to erosion. When we assumed directorship, campers had one project period a day, and many of the projects had no ranks. We asked most of the projects to add achievable ranks, ones that could give kids a tangible sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. And we wanted the older campers to be challenged to achieve an Instructor rank, preparing them for leadership roles .We also expanded the tripping program to include hiking and cycling and increased the wilderness trip staff from 3 to 18. Also, as academic years shortened, we realized that an eight-week season was no longer feasible in some communities, so we offered a four-week option, starting with the 4th grade in 1974 and offering it to 5th graders in 1975, progressing a grade every year. This was a business decision that was quickly adopted by most of the Midwest camps similar to ours.

This creative approach to camp was indicative of Nardie’s personal quality as a truly creative man. Once retired, he spent many hours in his garage workshop. He liked to “make something out of nothing.” We often walked on Lake Superior beaches seeking pieces of wood appropriate for walking sticks. The one he carried was a piece of art and now a family heirloom. He carved into the thick wooden stick the names and dates of places in the world where he and I had hiked. He made similar pieces to give to needy friends for temporary or permanent use and also donated pieces for the Lake Nebagamon auctions, supporting the town library and other local charities.

Nard also collected and used pieces of wood still underwater in Lake Nebagamon, remnants of the Weyerhaeuser mill site. From these, he created plaques on to which he placed collages of scrap tiles, corks, and occasional feathers that we had gathered on walks. The driftwood plaques also supported arrangements of old fishing lures, honoring his and Muggs’s friendships with first year camper, Alan “Hoss” Mayer. One of these plaques hangs in the camp Fish Shack, and many of them are treasures hanging in our Lake Nebagamon home. Our daughter Jane Kerr brought one to hang on the wall of each hospital room housing Nardie during his many months of hospitalization. 

So here’s most of the formula that made Nardie so fondly remembered and allowed Camp Nebagamon to flourish: The convergence of:

The right person (Nardie) at

The right time (in the social fabric)

The right campers (almost all of you) at

The right time (in your developmental life)

At the right camp (she said modestly) with

The right ex-director (Muggs: “There’s a destiny that guides us”) and later

The next right co-directors to succeed him (Nardie: “This shall be a place of welcome for all”)

And I am quite sure that the next directors, the Wallensteins and the Hanson-Kaplans also became part of that formula.

How lucky can you get? As his health declined, Nardie expressed his comfort in knowing that what he did in life really mattered. You alumni told us that many times through emails, letters, and in-person encounters. He also told us repeatedly that he had been a lucky man. I thank all of you so much for helping him know that.

Bernard “Nardie” Stein, a totally devoted leader, is remembered with fondness and

even love, especially by his wife and partner,

Sally Lorber Stein

At Nardie Stein’s memorial service in November, his granddaughter Elena Stein spoke about something that had become a frequent response from the grandchildren as people reached out to the family: “Nardie was such a big fan of yours,” they would say. Elena added simply, “Because it’s true. He was.”

The feeling was mutual. Here are just some of countless memories from the camp family:

“Since 1955 when the 25-year-old Nardie was making his first ever recruiting trip and came through Indianapolis (convincing me to forgo Little League baseball and give C/N a try) until the last time I saw him when I was at camp for the 90th anniversary reunion, I can think of no one (outside of my family) who had as long and meaningful an impact upon my life. His ability to relate to, model ethical behavior for, and stay in touch with so many hundreds of campers and staff over the years was truly amazing and all of us whose lives he touched are forever indebted to him.” – Mike Cole (1956-63)

“It’s honestly hard for me to think of another man I met and got to know over years who touched so many in such a positive way. His legacy is immense.” – Andrew Shapin (1976-80, 83)

“As we lived in their neighborhood, I had the opportunity to see him more than just during camp. I got to house sit for them sometimes while they did fall camp visits. My parents were their friends as well. I credit Nardie as one of the two adults in my life who always treated me with respect as a person. He never talked to me like I was a child even though I was one. In retrospect, this has made me realize how in times of self-doubt, worrying and other adolescent angst, Nardie helped me be confident by treating me like a real human being. He was so genuine. I will always love him and respect him for that.” – Jon Fisher (1979-83)

“A 15-year-old me had no discernible talents, abilities or skills, and even less confidence. But then Nardie Stein came along and said ‘I think you can be a camp counselor.’ And that changed everything.” — Tom Arenberg (1968-71, 73-78)

“What set Nardie apart was his incredible and genuine people skills. He made everyone around him think that he was your best friend. When he talked to you, whether you were a Swamper on the Big House porch or 80 years old, Nardie was always interested in what you were doing. He made an enormous impact on the lives of thousands. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. Eight years ago, I sent him a newspaper article that claimed white socks and sandals were coming back in style. He wrote me back a postcard (I still have it) that said, ‘Of course I was a trend setter. But before white socks and sandals, I was known for my Gucci underwear and Armani speedo.’” – Bud Herzog (1952-61)

“I worked in the CN office for eight summers, during my most impressionable years, alongside Nardie (& Sally), and each day typically presented some unique learning opportunity. The teaching moment was often preceded by an “..ahhhh… Sue B….” to indicate he wanted my full attention. Sometimes those moments created frustration, and sometimes it was just something humorous he wanted to share, but often they were some of life’s most valuable lessons. I feel so fortunate to have had those innumerable teaching moments I carry with me today. I could not be more grateful for his wit, candor, and guidance.” – Sue Bong Scharff (1982-88, 2004-07)

“When I think back to the many lessons I learned from Nardie over the years, there are so many that come to mind, but foremost he taught how important it was to have a sense of humor. Nardie may actually have invented the now-celebrated genre of “dad jokes.” It was more than having a ready repertoire of witticisms, though. Nardie also taught me how important it was to be able to laugh at yourself.” – Alex Gordon (1978-83, 87-91, 2010-22)

“’Dolce.’ The word that will always remind me of Nardie. Frequently, on hikes along trails in the woods, or through the hills, or by the Brule River, Nardie would turn around unexpectedly and surprise us with an unconditional offering in hand of… a piece of chocolate. Chocolate – nourishing, distinct, energizing and as unique and special as the man making the offer. A man, who, in such gentle and subtle ways, continually strengthened my core.” – Buzz Neusteter (1955-58, 87-91)

“Nardie Stein was the most significant male role model in my life. As a child, rather than scold me when I made mistakes at camp, and there were many, he offered guidance on how to grow from my errors and then would follow up to tell me when he saw positive change. Later as an emerging adult, he consistently entrusted me with greater responsibility, helped me to grow as a man, and as a supervisor of others. As a husband, he showed me how I should honor and value my wife and provided me with a vivid example of how to father my children in an accepting, loving, and responsible manner. No one ever taught me more about how to live life fully and positively. Nardie was a gift to us all. I will miss him every day and keep his memory close at hand, while I try to live up to the lessons he so lovingly taught me.” – Frank Sachs (1962-65, 69-2004, 07-11)

“In the decades after my experience as a camper and counselor, I have heard Nardie’s voice in my head, even at times far removed from the camp experience. This includes a particularly difficult business situation I encountered 25 years after my last CN summer. I emailed Nardie to thank him and this was part of the response, which says much about his wisdom and how his lived his life… “Many times I have found that even the smallest of kindnesses we extended resulted in ‘something coming back,’ another way of saying this is that there is no such thing as a ‘small’ transaction… all human transactions are important.’” – Matt Friedman (1983-90)

“He was so influential in my life and important to me. He will be so missed by so many!” – Noah Saag (2000-04, 06-12, 14)

“Nardie was almost as large a figure in my life as my own parents. He was my camp director, employer and ultimately my friend. He was reliable, constant and open. He was a guiding star of ethics and morality and he had the most impish sense of humor that came out in subtle ways at unexpected moments. Many of us think of Camp Nebagamon as a mold within which much of our lives were formed. If that’s true, its form was what Nardie and Sally made it. I see their impact on Camp today. He and Sally brought Camp and all of us that attended into the modern era into a place of welcome for all and a place of growth and self-confidence for many generations.” – Tony Blumberg (1970-73, 75-80)

“I was fortunate to be a camper during Muggs’s last season, then into the beginning of the Nardie and Sally years. Nardie was always a cheerful yet strong and demanding presence, took no guff, and brooked no fools (especially when it came to staff), yet was kind and understanding and supportive of families and all the kids. His singing in the Rec Hall, and constant good-natured presence around Camp made the place seem safe and ‘A Place of Welcome For All.’” – Reed Maidenberg (1959-64, 67)

“All of us campers learned so much from Nardie, even if we didn’t realize it then. His life was a blessing to us all.” – Bill Guthman (1970-75)

“Nardie was truly the kindest man I’ve ever met. He always looked for, and found, the best in people. I loved his stories and his deep connection to the camp family. As a kid, I looked forward to the winter visit during the reunion tour – Nardie pulling out a Goo Goo Cluster candy bar to share and proceeding to tell the story of its origin alongside highlights from the trail of amazing people he’d met along the way.”  — Brian Kramer (1988-93, 95-00)

“I have so many memories of Nardie, but my favorite one was: As a ninth-grade camper, several cabinmates/friends and I competed in a canoe race in the Village of Lake Nebagamon. By doing so, we missed the Rec Hall lunch. Nardie and Sally did not want to bother the kitchen staff (or make us go hungry!), so they invited us to the Little House where they served us lunch. More than that, we talked – and laughed –for well over an hour and really got to know Nardie and Sally as more the just camp directors. He will be missed by so many!” – Ron Koretz (1977-88)

“Among the many things I appreciated about Nardie was his willingness to join in the playfulness. One day, fellow counselor Ron Koretz and I were in the Big House when we noticed Nardie leave the office and head to the first floor bathroom. For some reason, we had a sense that it would be a long visit, so we went into the little alcove next to the bathroom and kitchen, where there used to be a payphone and recited in unison the little ditty that we had memorized from the wall of the bathroom: “All of us with septic tanks, give to you our heartfelt thanks, for putting nothing in the pot, that isn’t guaranteed to rot, Kleenex is bad, matchsticks too, cigarette butts are taboo.” At that point, instead of chastising us for violating their boss’s privacy, Nardie joined with great enthusiasm for the rousing conclusion: “No hair combings, use the basket, there’s a darn good reason why we ask it!“ — Larry Rivkin (1977-82, 84-86, 2021)

“Here are my reflections on Nardie Stein: Love, courage, caring for others, can-do, not flashy, committed to see through whatever he undertook in service of other people, fun-loving. Nardie rolled up his sleeves and took on big challenges with an unbeatable blend of enthusiasm tempered with practicality, sensitivity, and humility. He will forever be an inspiration.” – Bill Greenbaum (1965-70, 72-73, 76)

“One of the top 10 people who influenced my life for the better. He will be missed.” – Dave Knoepfle (1987-98, 2018)

“The memories of Nardie during my Nebagamon summers will always be in my mind. Nardie was a warm wonderful man, teacher, and mentor.” – Mitch Boxer (1972-77)

“I’ve known Nardie pretty much since he came to Nebagamon, and as a camp ‘lifer’ I felt his presence through my years there and for many more afterwards. There are so many memories, all indelible in my mind (along with all my other Nebagamon experiences), that taught me so much about myself and what I could become because of it. He was a big part of who I am now and who I was then.” – Bob Benton (1949-58)

“He taught an entire generation of men how to be kind. He was unique and the world’s a little less bright without him in it. – Trygve Olsen (1984-87)

A True Shadow Caster who greatly impacted my life. Being asked back to camp to be a CIT was a life changing event. Nardie was always there to give advice and praise as well as constructive suggestions on how to best handle sensitive situations. The last time I saw Nardie at the 90th Reunion, he was so proud of the trees that he and I along with others planted on the back end of the upper diamond. I will also never forget accompanying him on the piano during GTC’s despite the fact that a song would start off in one key and end up in another!” – Bud Schram (1954-59, 61-69)

“I always respected his enthusiasm. Whether he was singing at announcements, conducting a smell down or just encouraging you to persevere. I try to bring that into my classroom daily.” – Jay Kolbrener (1978-83, 87, 91, 94-95)

“Nardie had a huge impact on so many lives. One of the kindest people I’ve ever met.” – Dave Nissenbaum (1983-86, 88-90)

“A beautiful part of a very special relationship is the inside joke. Nardie and I enjoyed one that spanned over 60 years. It began when I was a Swamper in 1965 and… let’s just say Nardie and I shared a drink of prune juice (from Nardie’s “private stock”) to help me do my thing in the Jop. He said I could grab some from the Rec Hall kitchen any time I needed it. With his keen sense of humor, he called it our “Prune Juice Cocktail.” Two decades later, at my 30th birthday surprise party, Nardie gave me a personalized bottle of Scotch he called, “Chivas Fecal,” along with several small cans of prune juice. Still getting chuckles out of that!” – Rand Shapiro (1965-69, 71-75, 08-11, 13-15)

“Nardie was a gem. Such fond memories! He checked in with me one summer when I could not attend camp due to a surgery, just to see how I was doing.” – Bob Bergen (1975-77)

“Few people have had such a positive impact on so many. Nardie (and Sally, of course) touched the lives of thousands of young men and their families. We are all better people for having known him, and the world is a better place thanks to his long and happy sojourn here.” – Sam Friedman (former camp doctor)

“Nardie had a profound impact on the lives of so many campers and their families. He will very much be missed. Thanks for the memories.” – Steve Schaumberger (1972-77, 79)

“Nardie exemplified taking the work seriously, but not taking yourself seriously. As Axeman Push, I prided myself on creative announcements for our village Cruiser Day events. I don’t even remember the event, but I remember we had an announcement with the Axeman counselors roaming the Rec Hall and chanting. As my staff was doing their best Gregorian Chant impressions, Nardie just turned to me and said: ‘Murky, Hercy.’ – Raven Deerwater, formerly Dan “Hercules” Hirschhorn (1970-74, 76-85)

“He was the absolute finest friend, mentor and teacher! He was such a positive influence on generations of families, and means so much to so many. We’re all better off for our time spent with Nardie.” – Jim Rosen (1964-67, 72-75)

From the time first he arrived in 1955, even before he became co-director, Nardie Stein was a force at Camp Nebagamon.

For countless campers and staff members over the course of his 30 years co-helming camp, Nardie was a beloved and ubiquitous part of the summer experience…

Whether he was at the microphone…

Or handing out awards…

Or welcoming his old pal from the Yo Yo Islands…

Or leading the camp in song (and enjoying the singing)…

He was a constant source of wisdom and advice…

But he was also beloved for his sense of humor and playfulness…

And while so many of us remember Nardie as a patriarch of the camp family, his own family meant everything to him.

In November, many in the camp family traveled to St. Paul for Nardie Stein’s memorial service at Mount Zion Temple. And many more read his obituary (find it here) and watched the livestream of the memorial, which can be viewed in its entirety below:

Here are some excerpted family memories from a celebration of a truly impactful life:

Daughter Jessie Stein Diamond: “I picture him at the wheel of our humongous1970s Aero station wagon with a compass affixed to the windshield – our pre-Internet GPS… For me, that compass evokes so much about Nardie. He had a great sense of direction, literally and metaphorically, and a strong moral compass, a great sense of fun, a true zest for adventure… Nardie devoted his career to giving children the kind of play, adventure and friendship that make childhood joyous and to transmitting values to help people become their best selves… Dad was very lucky. He was married to the love of his life for 67 years. His career gave his life meaning, purpose, and lifelong friends. He never took any of that for granted.”

Son Ted Stein: “I’ll remember him most not as a lucky man, but as an extraordinarily good one… Dad intuitively wanted to do the right thing, and he frequently did it even if no one was watching. He never missed the right moment to visit friends or relatives, no matter how far flung or how late in the day… Nardie epitomized the saying that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life… I couldn’t have asked for a better father. He was as good as it gets.”

Daughter Jane Stein Kerr: “Dad had a gift for seeing strength and talents in people they often didn’t recognize in themselves. Many camp alumni have told us of Nardie’s and Sally’s life-changing impact on them… For some of you, it was a lesson gently administered when you were a child. For others, it was working with and for them… Dad loved learning about your successes and accomplishments. What you were doing in the world fascinated Dad. He was infinitely proud of the people you have become.”

Granddaughter Daisy Diamond: “Nardie had a knack for connecting with people of all ages. He was an adult who could truly interact with children in a genuine way, making you feel like equals and always eager to join in the fun.”

Granddaughter Sarah Kerr: “He showed us the importance of volunteering, staying engaged in current events, standing up for what is right, welcoming people to this country and our lives and always continuing to learn new things.”

Granddaughter Elena Stein: “He approached life with so much curiosity, unpretentiousness, an appreciation for differences and an inner compass that always pointed in the direction of doing good… We often felt like we shared our grandfather with the many camp folks who loved him, but that was okay. Nardie showed us that love and care for others is an ever-expanding renewable resource.”

And, of course, his children and grandchildren couldn’t discuss Nardie without touching on his sense of humor:

Ted: “Dad was pragmatic and humble. If he saw a problem, he found a solution. If the solution was simple or funny, all the better. Why call a plumber when he could fix a temperamental toilet with a Dymo sticker that said PJHTY, reminding us all to Please Jiggle Handle, Thank You… Dad’s humor was often unexpected, and it was never mean. He was frequently the butt of his own joke. He wore socks and sandals not only for his own comfort, but also for the kids and counselors who liked to joke about it.

Jessie: “Dad typically carried a pocketknife and a tape measure in his pants pocket, a pad of paper in his shirt pocket, a Batman credit card in his wallet… (And regarding his adoration of Sally), “Once, during a vacation in Italy after they retired, Dad found a great hotel by asking a garage mechanic, ‘If you were traveling with a young Sophia Loren, where would you stay?’”

Jane: “(In his last months) Nardie’s sense of humor remained intact. His caregivers loved his witty responses to their frequent questions. When the nurse who accompanied him from Duluth to Minneapolis introduced herself, she said, ‘Hi, Nardie. I’m Heidi. He replied with a boyish smile, ‘Hi, Heidi. I’m Seeky!”

Elena: “With Nardie, the world was a place filled with friends you just hadn’t met yet. Intimidating strangers would be reduced to giggles with Nardie’s challenge of an armwrestling match.”

By Nardie Stein

This remembrance has been excerpted from Chapter 29 of Keeping the Fires Burning: A History of Camp Nebagamon, which can be purchased here.

On the occasion of my seventieth birthday, I was honored at a wonderful party given by Sally and the kids. My entire family and a number of friends gathered, including some really unexpected dear friends from out of town. After the skits, roasts, and toasts had died down, I finally got the floor, thanked everyone, and showcased the award I had just bestowed upon myself: the World’s Luckiest Guy medal. This simple three-by-five-inch piece of fiberboard, which I had made and inscribed with the letters “WLG,” was hanging inside my shirt, waiting for this moment!

In reflecting on my life, I feel many of the truly wonderful events came about as a matter of pure luck rather than by design. I grew up in a happy, wonderful family in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and lived a comfortable middle-class life. I can recall taking hikes with my mom in wooded areas and parks in Fort Smith, and occasionally our family would “go up the mountains” north of Fort Smith because my dad’s only recreational interest was fishing in the streams of the Boston Mountain Range. While he tried to interest me in fishing, I was too restless, always wanting to go hiking and exploring in the abundant beauty of those areas.

My first real taste of camping came at age twelve at the Boy Scout Camp near Rudy, Arkansas. I was a member of Troop 15 of the First Methodist Church along with my older cousins, Benno Friedman and Fred Braht. We swam, hiked, passed merit badges, and had the challenge of sweeping our tents daily to remove the many tarantulas that enjoyed visiting our sleeping quarters.

I was also aware that two families who lived down our street sent their sons away to some fancy camp up north for eight weeks. And, yes, Buddy Rogers and Randy and Jerry Ney were indeed at Camp Nebagamon. I didn’t know them well because they were not my age.

The rest of my summers were spent at my father’s business, Stein Wholesale Dry Goods Company, where I worked from age ten on through my college summers. I stocked shelves, packed outgoing orders, swept the floors, and drove packages to the post office. I was happy, learning how to work with some fine people and earning a minimum wage (forty cents an hour) salary. In high school I was active in many organizations and was an officer in most of them.

Looking back on my high school years in Arkansas, I realized also that I was unaware of the realities of living in the segregated South. As part of the small Jewish minority in Fort Smith (sixty families), my parents were not motivated to work for social change. In fact they were wary of “rocking the boat,” being fearful of the Klan, anti-Semitism, and social rejection. I regret my own inaction in those days and my parents’ lack of involvement in social justice issues, but I partially understand their lack of involvement—this was the South in the 1930s and 1940s.

Another great chapter of my early years was getting to go with Boy Scout Troop 15 to the National Boy Scout base, Philmont, near Taos, New Mexico, for two weeks in the summers of 1945 and 1946. We hiked, climbed mountains, and had rugged adventures in the desert and mountains of the Southwest.

As high school days were ending I felt confident that my good grades, numerous extracurricular activities, and leadership records, plus where I lived, would give me a leg up in the college application process. Yale, Washington University, and Vanderbilt, in that order, were my choices. I was confident that all three would want me, so it came as a shock when Yale turned me down, but the other two sent acceptance letters.

So there was a tipping point in my life: had I gone to Yale, I think I would have hated it, and I would never have met Sally Lorber or Camp Nebagamon. Need I say more?

Washington University in St. Louis was a fine choice, and I enjoyed my new friends in college and in Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. My mother’s family, who all lived nearby, were hospitable, providing free meals and loaner cars for weekend dates. My social life was never better. My fraternity brothers were friendly, helpful, and marvelous at fixing us “out of town” guys with dates. Bud Pollak, one of the older guys in the frat house and a Nebagamon counselor, suggested I call Sally Lorber, which I did in December 1949. And so, as they say, “The rest is history!” I thought Sally was one of the nicest, cutest, and smartest people in the world. And I still do! Muggs, Janet, and Maggie were nice to me and were also a source of Sunday meals when our frat house closed its kitchen.

Muggs offered me a job at his camp during those early college years, but I didn’t think going to work at a place where I was dating the boss’s daughter sounded like a good idea. So I continued working at Stein Wholesale in the summer.

While Washington University turned out to be a good choice for me, I quickly discovered that the education I received in Fort Smith had not prepared me for rigorous studying and real academic challenge, and I really struggled at first. Although I entered college thinking I’d like to be a doctor, I dropped that dream and studied what I liked with the professors I liked, feeling that eventually I would find my way. People chuckle when I reveal I was a medieval literature major with a minor in psychology and a lot of classical art and archaeology courses.

Another reason I qualified for the WLG award is that I was drafted as a sophomore, during the Korean War, but Congress changed the draft laws a few months later and allowed college students to be deferred as long as we kept our grades up. As a result, I graduated in 1953 and was inducted the very day the Korean armistice was signed in July of that year. And the good luck continued. At Fort Sill, Oklahoma, one week after induction, I noticed an ad seeking foreign language translators. I, of course, signed up for French, as I had had three years in high school and two more in college, and I stayed behind when my unit was shipped out, so that I could take the test. I took it, discovering how inadequate my French skills were, and did not qualify as a translator. I was then placed with a unit that was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for basic training, where by luck I got an interview with another Washington University graduate, who let me select my Signal Corps specialty job: cryptography.

Although Sally and I had dated quite a bit as she finished the last year and a half of high school, we “broke up” after she graduated and went off to the University of Michigan. Upon completing my army training, I visited old friends and family in St. Louis at Christmastime in 1953, and lo and behold, there was Sally again. We saw each other briefly and realized our relationship was not really over. We said goodbye at Union Station in St. Louis, and I boarded the train back to Georgia, once again dazzled by young Sally Lorber.

We saw each other again a few months later in Florida, as I knew I was going overseas and wanted to say goodbye. She was visiting her parents, who had by then moved to Miami Beach. This time we knew we were in love, but I had one and a half more years of overseas army duty, and she had one and a half more years at the University of Michigan. We decided to quietly make plans for a future together and shared this decision only with our immediate families. So Sally returned to Ann Arbor, and I headed to Seattle, then to Japan, where I again had the good luck to be stationed near Yokohama at Camp Zama, the headquarters of the U.S. Army Far East Command. My duty as a cryptographer was reasonably interesting, and I had ample time for travel and learning about Japan and its rich culture.

In summer 1954, I received a letter from Muggs that shocked me. In it he explained that he and Janet wanted to plan for their retirement, and he wanted to know if I was interested in a career in camping. This was truly a bolt out of the blue! I had welcomed my two years of required army service, as it gave me a cushion of time to consider possible careers. I only knew the three business offers I had received failed to interest me. These were small family businesses, and eight years later they had all disappeared. Again, a lucky decision!

I responded cautiously to the offer of directing Camp Nebagamon and began corresponding about this possibility with Sally and Muggs. I was excited about this opportunity, but it loomed as a frightening unknown. Muggs and Janet felt they could train Sally and me and decided that my best training would be “on the job” in carefully measured steps.

I was discharged from the army in late May 1955 and went to Wisconsin in mid-June to meet Nebagamon and start counselor training, a big transition for this mustered-out soldier in a short period of time. The first step was serving as a senior counselor in Swamper One with a junior counselor and six wonderful first-year ten-year-old campers. It was a summer fraught with conflicting agendas. Sally and I were busy trying to plan our October wedding and our future and had many big issues to deal with, while each of us had to get used to each other again. We were also trying to envision careers as camp directors of a large, successful boys’ camp.

In retrospection, it is safe to say I also was terrified (or at least I should have been!). Here was this huge business dominated by a larger-than-life hero figure—Muggs Lorber—dynamic, brilliant, super-athlete, gifted, a personality-plus guy . . . and I was contemplating filling his shoes!

Somehow we got through the summer of 1955. After our small wedding in the Big House, we were off on a wonderful three-week cross-country drive ending in Miami Beach. We then had a ten-day honeymoon in Nassau, paid for with my army savings. What a great start to our marriage!

The Camp Nebagamon Charities website www.cncharities.org is dedicated to both the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund (CNSF) and Camperships For Nebagamon (CFN). Learn about different donation options, read about each charity, and more.

Nebagamon’s alumni community has stepped up support for our affiliated charities in recent years in meaningful ways. In addition to generous direct support for both Camperships for Nebagamon and the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund, alumni have increasingly encouraged donations to one or both funds as memorials and to honor happy occasions.

Camp Nebagamon Charities also instituted a virtual keylog program, a means of giving while thanking someone special (you can donate and fill out a message here). Contributions are split evenly between Nebagamon’s two affiliated charities. You will receive two separate emails confirming your contribution to each fund. If you’d like to give a unique donation to CFN or CNSF of if you’d like to give a gift in honor or memory of someone, please use the CFN-specific and CNSF-specific donation pages.

In addition, alumni and others can donate to the Camp Nebagamon Foundation, the non-profit organization created to ensure that Nebagamon will thrive and survive through another century.

Below you’ll find a list of generous donors and further information about all three of these worthy causes:

CNSF helps hundreds of children and teens who experience poverty and disability attend non-profit summer camps that specialize in meeting their needs. Recipient camps (located near communities where Nebagamon campers live) offer expert therapeutic and adaptive recreation and a nurturing environment for kids who have been exposed to adversity and trauma. Children are among peers and role models for success at these camps as they enjoy friendship, adventure and personal growth — opening new possibilities for a more positive future.

CNSF was founded in 1947 by Muggs and Janet Lorber, Nebagamon’s founding directors, and administered for 50+ years by Nebagamon’s former directors, Nardie and Sally Lorber Stein. Check out our Instagram and Facebook page to learn more!

The following individuals, foundations and corporations have supported CNSF from May 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022

Andrea Abke
The AK Guys
Barbara and Stephen Allen
Amazon Smile Foundation
Richard and Shirley Armstrong
Lori Arthur Stroud
Lynn Barth
Mike Beebe
Herb Behrstock
Richard Biegel
Marilyn Cahn
Larry Cartwright (Memorials)
Ralph Cohen (Estate)
Ann and Richard Costello
Luise Drolson
Aaron and Sari Eshman
Mary and Richard Fisher
Bud and Julie Friedman
Goldmiller Family Charitable Fund
Sharon Green
Scott and Sheliah Gruber
Michael and Pat Harris
Larry and Sue Hochberg
Janet and Stanley Imerman
John Kander
Blair Kaplan
KeyBank (Matching Gift))
Carol Kiersky
Ariel Kirshenbaum
Arthur and Rini Kraus
Bob and Cissy Lenobel
Chuck and Rita Levin
Henry and Janine Lichstein
Steve Loeb
Reed Maidenberg
Karen Mannes
Nancy Marcus
Edgar and Margery Masinter
Paul Mason
Audrey and Danny Meyer
Malcolm and Paula Milsten
Erika and John Montag
Bob and Mary Nefsky
John and Patty Nickoll
Margaret Reinhardt
Carol Murphy and Bill Rosenthal
Chris and Frank Sachs
Gail G. Ifshin and Steven Salky
Allan Sher (Memorials)
Judy Sher
John Hecht and Victoria Sher
Ann and Will Stern
Bob Striker
Brian and Carolyn Swett
Esther Starrels and John Wasserman
Michael Weinberg, Jr.
Judy and Lon Zimmerman

Camperships for Nebagamon (CFN) was established in 1995 to enable children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to have a camping experience. Over the years, the CFN endowment fund has provided camperships for boys to attend Nebagamon and girls to attend Camp WeHaKee. Campers receiving camperships help to diversify their camp communities by virtue of their racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic status. In addition, CFN continues the tradition of support to sons and grandsons of Nebagamon alumni who demonstrate financial need.

Over the past decade, more than 500 Camperships have been given out to more than 250 boys and girls attending Nebagamon and WeHaKee. Over $2 million has gone to support the cost of tuition and related expenses for these boys and girls.

The following individuals, foundations and corporations have supported CFN from May 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022.

The AK Guys
Amazon Smile Foundation
Anonymous Donation
Richard and Shirley Armstrong
Herb Behrstock
Allen Bennett
Alison and Andy Bloom
Susan and Tony Blumberg
Don Bosley
Adam and Julie Braude
Jakob Braunschweiger
Hugh Broder
Don and Linda Brown
Larry Cartwright (Memorials)
M.J. Chisholm
Alfred Cohen
Charles and Kim Curran
Leah and Robert Dugan
Anthony and Sharla Forcellini
Roxanne Frank
Bud and Julie Friedman
GOOGLE, Inc. (Matching Gifts)
Andy Gordon
Jackson and Stephanie Harty
Jill Haskel
Lynne Heldman
Lena Hershkovitz
Bud and Marian Hirsch
Jay Horvath and Nancy Mendelsohn. M.D.
Euan and Jane Kerr
Paul Heldman and Deborah Kirshner
Eric Kramer and Sara Jill Rubel
Roberta De Araujo and Ron Kreisman
Bob and Cissy Lenobel
Reed Maidenberg
Leslie and Timothy Maloney
Josh Marcus
Jim Mendelsohn
Julia Gittleman, Ph.D. and Tom Mendelsohn
Nancy Meyer and Marc Weiss
Mark Motley
Bob and Mary Nefsky
Network for Good
Joseph and Teri Parker
Laurie and Todd Platt
Patricia and Renan Rieur
Jenny and Tom Riley
Kathy Rinehart
Chris and Frank Sachs
Gail G. Ifshin and Steven Salky
Abby and David Schwartz
Susie Ansehl and Rand Shapiro

The Camp Nebagamon Foundation’s non-profit model removes many of the risks of the traditional private-ownership model and allows Nebagamon leadership to focus solely on creating the best summer experience possible for our campers. To achieve this, we have launched Keeping the Fires Burning, a campaign that invites the Camp Family to come together to secure Camp Nebagamon’s future. Our financial goal is to raise $10 million for the tax-exempt non-profit Camp Nebagamon Foundation, an amount that will allow us to complete the purchase and hold reserves to ensure the long-term financial health of Camp, so that future generations will enjoy “the memories of you that will live all year through.”

Whether you spent last summer on Lake Nebagamon, occasionally read the Arrowhead and attend reunions, or haven’t set foot at Camp since your last four-square game, Camp Nebagamon has molded your life and now you have a chance to ensure it is ready to receive the next generation of Swampers. You can explore different ways to contribute here.

The following people and organizations have contributed to the Camp Nebagamon Foundation through 2022:

Keith Abeles

David Abrams

Charles & Ruth Adler (In honor of Charles F. Adler, Sr.)

Phillip Myers & Kristin Ahlberg

Kareem Al-Bassam

Hayley & Max Alpert

American Jewish Committee Cincinnati (In memory of Joanne Wolf)

Thomas Arenberg (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Gayle Arlen and Corey Zimmerman

Richard & Shirley Armstrong

Lissa & Joe Arnstein

Aschaffenburg Foundation

Mike & Linda Baker

Sam Baldwin

Ben & Laura Barnett

Donna Barrows, Sam & Holly Barrows, Charlie Barrows, and Ted Barrows

Robert & Linda Barrows, Stephen & Mia Barrows, and Geoffrey Barrows and Hélène Ollivier

Lynn and Bob Barth (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Carl Baum

Jim Baumoel (In memory of Nardie Stein)

The Bearman Family

Robert Behrendt

Herbert Behrstock

The Bellaire Family (In honor of Natty Crenner)

Craig Bender

Allen Bennett (in honor of the birth of Ethan Tucker Elson-Backels)

Matt Berler

Ric Best

The Bezark Family

Deborah Binder, Gaetan and Jai Veilleux (In memory of Nardie Stein)

The Blair Family – Allen “Yogi”, Arnold “Tex”, Brian, Peter, Kevin, and Fletcher

Brian Blair

Lorena and Adam Blonsky (In honor of Michael Blonsky)

The Bloom Family

Adam Bloom

Sue & Tony Blumberg

Alan, Christine, Justin, and Camden Blumberg (In memory of David Blumberg)

Chris Blumenfeld (Olson)

Jeff & Lori Blumenthal, Max Blumenthal, and Jack Blumenthal

Philip Blumenthal (C/N 1987-1990) (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Laurie Bomba

John & Elizabeth Breyer

Ken and Ann Brown

Alexander Buring

Charles Cahn (In honor of Maddie and Sally Stein)

Dan Chait & Megan Cunningham

Robert Chukerman Family

Scott Chukerman

Barbara B Cohen (In honor of campers Ben Brotchner and Zach Brotchner and in memory of Joanne Hirschhorn Wolf)

Jeffery Cohen

Lori Cohen

Tom Collinger

Jon & Suzi Colman

The Condrell Family

Tom Collinger

Kay and Mike Cosgrove

Connie and Darryl Couts (In memory of Larry Cartwright and Nardie Stein)

Stuart Cowles

Hank Crane

David Crane

Critchfield/Jain Charitable Fund

Raven & Becky Deerwater

Stan DeGroote

Marilyn Diamond (In honor of Nardie Stein)

Elizabeth Dodge

Ben Donchin

Jonathan Dreifus

Jeffrey Dreyer

Dubinsky Family

Ruth Dunn (In honor of Allan Sher)

The Eberhard Family

Chuck Eckert

Robert Elisberg

Andrew & Dana Ellbogen

Michael Faber

Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Jeremy Feiwell (In honor of Robert Feiwell)

Charlie Felsenthal

Juli-Ann & Jonty Felsher (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Thomas G. Fiffer Charitable Giving Fund

Joseph Fisher

Scott & Sara Fisher

Gary Follman

The Nan & Steve Fox Fund

Amarinder Bindra and Amy Foxman

Brad, Jeana, Ari, and Adele Foxman

Adam Frapart

Rocky Fried

Bill and Laura Freeman (In honor of the marriage of Michael Freeman to Dr. Negin Dahya)

William Friedman

Julie Friedman

Sam & Jane Friedman

Sophia & Elijah Fromm

Andrew Fromm (In honor of Elijah, Walter & Charlie Fromm)

Greg and Osnat Gafni-Pappas

The Galik Family

Betsy & Spencer Garland

Scott Genshaft

Ben Gerber

Jim & Aliza Gerstein

Kate & John Gilligan

Dan & Mark Gingiss

Dan Gingiss (In memory of Nardie Stein)

The Gladstone Family (For Joanne Hirschhorn – may her memory live on in a place she loved)

Bill & Sandy Glassman

Lindsay and Michael Goldberg Charitable Fund

Lisa Goodman (in honor of Jack Goodman)

Michael Goldman (In honor of Nardie Stein)

Jordan Goodman

Paul Guggenheim (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Martin Gradman

Jesse Gray and family

Alison Greenberg (In memory of Allan Sher)

Hunt, Doug, Chris, Brennan and David Greene; and Jane Piccard

John Harris

Lucy Harris (In memory of William Harris Gold)

Louis Helman

Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Jr. Donor Advisory Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

Lois Jane Heller (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Jaye & Bill Hensel

Tom & Janie Herman

Karen and Bob Herz Family Fund

Barbara Ann Herz

Bud & Hazel Herzog and Family

Jeffrey and Andrea Rich Hesser

The Hirschhorn Family

Dana Hirt

The Hirt Family (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Maurice & Marian Hirsch (In honor of Nardie Stein)

Mitchell Hoffman

The Rodgers and Hoffman Families (in honor of Buddy Rodgers)

The Horner Foundation

Hal Hudson (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Mark M and Cathy Kaufman Iger

The Isaacs Family

The Jørgensen Family

Fred & Anne Joseph

Sasha Kahn & Michael Kahn

The Kalishman Family

John Kander

Kanter Family

Benjamin Katz

Nicolas Kemper

Jane and Euan Kerr

Benjamin Kersten

Art Kessler

Eric & Sharapat Kessler

Dennis & Barbara Kessler

Victor Kessler

Micki Klearman

Klein Family Foundation – Yaeil & Steve Klein

Jeffrey Kobacker

Thomas Kolbrener

Ron Koretz

Rick & Stephanie Koretz

Cynthia & Eric Korman

Kerry Kornfeld and Andrea Wilson

H Joshua Kotin

Jeremy Kotin

The Korman Family

The Lawrence and Reich Family

Dan Laytin and Jennifer Nelson

Nancy Laytin (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Bob & Cissy Lenobel

Alan J. Levi

Josh Levy

Jon R Levinson (In memory of Bruce Cohen, Atlanta GA)

Steven & Jayne Lewin

Kenneth A. Lewis

Deana Linfield (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Ronni Lodato (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Ed Loeb

Jeff Loeb

Thomas Loeb

Carolyn Losos (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Ming Lowe

Susan Lucas (in honor of Sam Lucas)

Robert and Ralinda Lurie

Sam and Susie Luten Family Fund (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Liz and Zach Lutsky

Dr. and Mrs. Paul S. Lux and Family (In memory of Paul A. Lux)

Gary Lynn

Joe, Ezra, and Eve Maidenberg

Reed Maidenberg

Jorie Malk

Jill Kiersky Marcus, Andrew and Josh Marcus

Jason Marczak

Andrew Margolin

Andy May and Nancy Brown

Jack May

Carolyn McGoran (in memory of Bernard Stein)

The Meadows Family

Mary Kate & Jeff Mellow

Sam Mellow

Marji & Don Mendelsohn

James Mendelsohn (In honor of Ruth Lorber Rosen and Muggs & Janet Lorber)

Michael Mendelsohn (In honor of Ruth Lorber Rosen and Muggs & Janet Lorber)

Nancy Mendelsohn and Jay Horvath (In honor of Ruth Lorber Rosen and Muggs & Janet Lorber)

Tom Mendelsohn and Julia Gittleman (In honor of Ruth Lorber Rosen and Muggs & Janet Lorber)

Gil Mendelson

Danny & Audrey Meyer

David Michel (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Mimi and Boppie (in honor of Adam Eberhard)

Jeffrey Mora

Zachary Muzik

The Muzik Family (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Frederick Nachman and Janet N. Nachman Family Fund

Nancy Nathan (In honor of Emil Nathan III)

Bob & Mary Nefsky

Alex Neil and Family

Jeff Neuman

Buzz Neusteter, Katy Neusteter and Thad Kurowski

Edison and Newman and Solomon Families

Chi Nguyen

David and Amy Patent

Betty and Thomas Philipsborn

Alfredo & Monica Phillips & Sons

Nana Hope Phillips

Leslie Phillips (In honor of Andrew Condrell)

James Platt

Ben Platt

Joel A Posener MD

Charles Portis (In loving memory of Jack Polsky & Nardie Stein)

Sue and Ben Post and Family (In Memory of Nardie Stein)

Drs. Michael Privitera and Marcia Kaplan

Daniel Quiat

The Reichert Family

Michelle and Larry Rivkin Charitable Fund

Pat and Jerry Robertson (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Andy & Cindy Rolfe

The Rorsted Family

Doug & Michelle Rose

Marya & Anthony Rose

Mark S Rosenberg

Ellen & Philip Rosenbloom

John and Frances Rosenheim

Bill Rosenthal and Carol Murphy

Jacob Rothman and Rachel Leah

Edgar Rothschild

Robbie & Brittany Rudich

Joan Russell (In honor of Judy and Roger Wallenstein)

Patricia C Russell

David Sachs

Frank Sachs

Kari Sachs (In honor of Q’s Corner)

Arizona Saltzstein’s

In honor of Ed Saltzstein

Dan and Dawn Saltzstein (In honor of Edward and John Saltzstein)

Andy and Betsy Saslawsky Family Foundation

Betsy, Andy, Joel, Matthew Saslawsky (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Jon & Suzanne Scharff

Adler Schermer Foundation

Elliot & Sara Schiffer

Bruce Schimberg

Marc Schieber

Bennett Schmidt

Pat & Fred Schonwald, Jr. Gift Fund

Jay Schulman

Andrew and Deborah Schwartz Charitable Fund

Adam Schwartz

Bob and Monique, Susie and Ralph Schweich (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Charles A Seigel III (In honor of The Seigel Family)

Arlene Semel (In honor of Mitch Semel)

Mitchell Semel

Mitch, Drew, and David Semel (In honor of Nardie Stein)

The Sher Family

Joseph Shlaferman & Judy Zins

Maya, Christina, Noah, and Alissa Shoukri (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Eric, Rhonda, Stuart, Philip and Nathan Siegel Family

Matthew Silver (In honor of Mitch Semel)

Dana & Seth Singerman

Brad Sklar (In memory of Bo Blach)

Ron & Linda Ellen Sklar

Janet Slate (In honor of Sam Allen)

William Sloan (in celebration of Gabriel Sloan-Garcia)

Ellen and Richard Slosburg Family Foundation

Jeffrey Bob Smith

Josh Smith and Lael Culiner

Joshua & Geula Solomon

Anne and Jon Spear Charitable Fund

Don Spero and Nancy Chasen

Alex Spiegel (in memory of Nardie Stein)

Jon Star

Nardie, Sally, Jane, Jessie, and Ted Stein

Noah Stein (In memory of Jim Friedman)

Irving Stenn, Jr.

Ann & Will Stern

John & Merrie Stillpass (In memory of Joanne H. Wolf)

Joe Stokely

Nancy & Barney Straus

Stanton Strauss

Striker Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation

The Strull Family

Billy Susman

The Susser Family

Emma Templeton

The Thackers

Throck 1971

Tom Tisch

Jeff Trenton

Niels Trolle

William Tucker (In honor of Sally Elson)

Bill & Nikki Wallenstein

Roger & Judy Wallenstein

Alex Wang and Zachary Zhang

Esther Starrels and John Wasserman

Paul & Harriet Weinberg

MIke Weinberg (In memory of Nardie Stein)

Cathy & Craig Weiss and Family

Isaac Weiss-Meyer (In honor of Judy & Allan Sher)

Debbie & Adam Winick

Mark & Laura Wittcoff

Jim & Nicki Woldenberg Family

Cody Zalk and Family

David Zalk (In memory of Charles Zalk)

Lon Zimmerman (In Memory of Nardie Stein)