Brookfield East Class of 1964

Dan Buran is one of the members of the original graduating class of Brookfield East in 1964, and now his grandchildren are also benefiting from Elmbrook’s high-quality educational opportunities.

Dan began his educational journey at Elmbrook’s Woodside School for first through eighth grade, and highlighted his eighth-grade teacher Mr. Enagel for introducing him to the fascinating world of HAMM Radio Operation. After going to Brookfield Central for his freshman year, Brookfield East opened its doors in 1961 and Dan stepped into its halls as a sophomore. During his time at East, he ran track as a High and Low Hurdler and even met his high school sweetheart, Sue Tanel, who graduated from BEHS in 1966. “I appreciated the valuable education I got and the great counselors I had,” reflected Buran.

He graduated in 1964 and continued his education at Milwaukee Area Technical College where he studied Data Processing for two years to earn his Associates Degree. Afterward, he transferred to UW-Whitewater to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Management and also served in the Army National Guard. Dan married Sue his first week out of school, and began his career at Cutler Hammer in Milwaukee before moving to Miller Brewing Company where he worked for 31 years. He coached his daughters’ sports in the community, and Sue continued to give back to the District through her work as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Elmbrook Center and Fairview South. Together they had three daughters who all went through Elmbrook and graduated from Brookfield East in the 1990s. After retiring from Miller in 2004, he was quickly re-hired as a contractor for the company before deciding to retire again in 2007.

Today, Dan and Sue enjoy traveling around the world, and are at every robotics event and football game in support of their grandchildren that are currently attending Elmbrook. “The Elmbrook Schools continue to improve, and it is amazing to see all of the opportunities available to students,” said Dan. “This great school system has helped three generations of my family succeed and we’re very grateful to be part of this community.”