MPA Through The Decades: 1990’s

March 1, 2021

Much has changed at MPA from the experiences of its first students in 1982 to today. But one thing remains the same: the people who are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the MPA community make it what it is. The teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and so many others each embody the MPA spirit to make an impact not only in the hallways and classrooms at MPA, but out in the world.

On Tuesday, March 2, we invite you to join with your decade of fellow MPA alumni to support the MPA students of today and tomorrow. This year, participation matters more than ever before as we have two challenges that could provide $20,000 to MPA in matching gifts. From the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and today, the MPA panther pride remains strong. If your class’ decade reaches 12% participation, you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will earn an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts! Alumni through the decades–1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s– are sharing why they give in honor of this special day.

Every gift matters, in any amount–your participation is so important to the future of our school and is gratefully received. Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!

Christine (Boerbon) Gruen ’90
This year has presented more challenges than ever. With the COVID epidemic children are experiencing more stressors than usual. With the lack of socialization and inability to connect with others many people are feeling disconnected with one another. I am a Mounds Park Academy alumnus who graduated in 1990. My family and I lived in San Diego for over eight years. Once COVID hit, things changed. We realized how important it was to be close to our family. We decided to move back to Minnesota. This meant a new school for both of my children. My son, currently a freshman, and my daughter currently in seventh grade we’re both struggling to connect in their new environment. That’s where MPA came into the picture. I realized how important it was for my children to be a part of a smaller learning environment. I did not want them to be a number but rather a respected person their teachers really knew.

This journey to happiness was priceless. At the end of the day, if your children are thriving, your household is happy. Giving back to an educational institution that promotes independent learning creates these whole minded, successful individuals ready to succeed in any situation.

Emily Binstadt ’91
I choose to give to MPA and to send my children there because the values and inclusive culture I experienced at MPA still resonate there today. My children can be part of a community where their individuality is welcomed, their questions are celebrated, and their opportunities to explore abound. The dedication and kindness of teachers and leaders at MPA inspires me and earns my respect and support.

Courtenay Brown ’91
Ever since graduating from MPA, I have been giving back every year since graduation and continue make it key part of my annual giving.  This year, my family and I, we have been trying to support especially those organizations like MPA which could use our extra support due to the pandemic.  It makes it even more meaningful to contribute to MPA because my niece, Holland (4th grade), and nephew, Julian (6th grade), started at MPA this year!

MPA Through The Decades: 2000’s

March 1, 2021

Much has changed at MPA from the experiences of its first students in 1982 to today. But one thing remains the same: the people who are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the MPA community make it what it is. The teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and so many others each embody the MPA spirit to make an impact not only in the hallways and classrooms at MPA, but out in the world.

On Tuesday, March 2, we invite you to join with your decade of fellow MPA alumni to support the MPA students of today and tomorrow. This year, participation matters more than ever before as we have two challenges that could provide $20,000 to MPA in matching gifts. From the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and today, the MPA panther pride remains strong. If your class’ decade reaches 12% participation, you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will earn an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts! Alumni through the decades–1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s– are sharing why they give in honor of this special day.

Every gift matters, in any amount–your participation is so important to the future of our school and is gratefully received. Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!

Rachel Katkar ’02
I am so committed to MPA’s mission that we just applied for our son to attend the PreK program. MPA provided the confidence, practice, and skills needed for me to thrive in college and my career.
Think independently:  I frequently voiced concern, broader vision, or innovative solutions to problems even when those ideas differentiated from my colleagues or supervisors’ ideas.
Communicate effectively: MPA fostered an understanding of writing that has served me in every capacity from web content and report writing to published articles.
Intellectual Ambition: I won’t ever be “done” learning! I plan to continue Master’s classes and likely a Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota.
Act with respect and integrity: My contacts frequently comment on my kindness, respectfulness, and ability to be the calm presence in the midst of a storm.
Diverse community:  Throughout my career path, I promoted student diversity through inclusive enrollment or hiring practices, overhaul of policies and procedures, expanded scholarship opportunities, and critical training opportunities.
Global responsibility:  I currently work with an exclusive program for international students who apply to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Joy of learning:  I take advantage of every opportunity ranging from the YWCA Racial Justice training to Wild Turtles class at Como Zoo. I share this joy of learning with my 2 year old son, and have taught hundreds of students about biology and environmental sciences over the years.
MPA was instrumental to helping me become the confident, capable educator and parent I am today.

Victoria Simmonds ’01
I graduated from MPA in 2001 and this academic year we reentered the community as parents of a Kindergartner. After many years away, my heart is full to find all of the things I loved about MPA as a student are still very much alive. The staff’s dedication to their students is remarkable. The school’s mission has not wavered over the years and they have thoughtfully risen to the challenges and adapted to the circumstances of current times. We are thankful to have the opportunity to be part of this community again. This is why we choose to give.

Adi Boeder Risner ’02
Our son loves going to school everyday and we are so proud of his success. We give to MPA so that the school can continue to inspire students with cutting edge tools and resources. Also, we give to help bridge the gap between tuition and the real cost of a MPA education.

Ty Johnston ’04
Given the decades long head start, MPA’s rival schools are so far ahead with Endowments that I see the importance of each of us, as Alumni to keep strengthening the foundation of our young school by maximum participation. Not in dollars, but in headcount–if we can all participate, even in a small way, we can secure the future success and longevity of this institution that gave to us so much in our most formative years. FOMO was the other reason. Selfishly, I want to be able to continue to see MPA grow and remain atop the most desirable schools in the Twin Cities so that my children and my nieces and nephews will know about the school that my 3 sisters and I all attended. I wouldn’t feel right walking through those doors again in the future knowing that I skipped out on participating in the sustainability of a place that gave me so many memories.

Satchel Moore ’04
I give to MPA for a number of reasons.
I give to MPA for the wave of gratitude I feel when I think about my time at MPA.
I give to MPA for the community it welcomed me into that continues to support me decades later.
I give to MPA for the example it sets. Leaders learn from leaders.
I give to MPA to challenge them to learn and grow as they did for me.
I want others to have the same opportunity.

MPA Through The Decades: 2010’s

March 1, 2021

Much has changed at MPA from the experiences of its first students in 1982 to today. But one thing remains the same: the people who are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the MPA community make it what it is. The teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and so many others each embody the MPA spirit to make an impact not only in the hallways and classrooms at MPA, but out in the world.

On Tuesday, March 2, we invite you to join with your decade of fellow MPA alumni to support the MPA students of today and tomorrow. This year, participation matters more than ever before as we have two challenges that could provide $20,000 to MPA in matching gifts. From the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and today, the MPA panther pride remains strong. If your class’ decade reaches 12% participation, you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will earn an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts! Alumni through the decades–1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s– are sharing why they give in honor of this special day.

Every gift matters, in any amount–your participation is so important to the future of our school and is gratefully received. Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!

Annie Stewart ’11
In the past, I’ve donated during the Alumni Day of Giving as a way to show my gratitude for a physical space, and for the teachers and staff who make that space into a challenging, nurturing and supportive learning environment. Now, as a teacher in my own classroom, I also donate to support current MPA students. Regardless of where they are in their MPA journey, they are well on their way to carving a path for themselves in the community, and the world. For me there is nothing more exciting than being able to support students in dreaming big and achieving their goals.

Nick Dugas ’11
“I give to Mounds Park Academy because I realize more and more, year after year, how essential my time there was in helping me become the person I am today. This ongoing discovery process of realizing how important my MPA education was is a gift that continues to give, and I give back to help future students and alumni have that opportunity.”

Amanda Magistad ’12
I give so that future generations of students can receive the same quality education I did and develop into thoughtful and inquisitive global citizens.

MPA At The Minnesota Independent School Diversity Career Fair

February 25, 2021

We are proud to be representing the MPA community at the third-annual Minnesota Independent School Diversity Career Fair on March 6, 2021, from 9 AM-12 PM at Breck School. This career fair welcomes faculty, staff, and school administrators from a variety of backgrounds including ​ethnicity, gender, religious background, national origin, race and gender identity and expression. Participating schools in this year’s fair include: Breck, City of Lakes Waldorf School, DeLaSalle High School, Minnehaha Academy, Mounds Park Academy, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, St. Paul Academy & Summit School, St. Thomas Academy, and Visitation School. ​For more information and to register, visit breckschool.org/diversitycareerfair.

Essential Planning For 2021-22

February 25, 2021

upper school and fourth grade chemistry doing a lab togetherby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Growing up, I loved the summer vacations of our family. They were wonderful cross-country car trips that my mom and dad would spend months planning, engaging my sister, brother, and me in the process. (We still laugh that my little brother sat on a cushion between the two bucket front seats on the entire ride out to Boston and back.) Those road trips never quite worked out the way they were intended, but were, nonetheless, spectacular and we always had a marvelous time.

President Dwight Eisenhower is famous for saying, “Plans are worthless but planning is everything.” Like our summer road trips, a plan is essential, but what is most important is the planning. As we look forward to the 2021-22 school year, we are building upon the successes we’ve enjoyed this year as well as the lessons we have learned. A year ago, we began with a core set of values drawn from our school’s mission statement. Given the uncertainty, we knew that we needed a plan that was flexible and agile so that we could pivot quickly if necessary. Tying ourselves to a set of values enabled us to successfully adapt as the circumstances warranted. Read More

“Almost, Maine” Honored By Hennepin Theatre Trust

February 25, 2021

scene from winter show, Almost MaineThe Upper School Winter Show, “Almost, Maine,” took part in the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education program this year. As part of the Spotlight Education program, the show was evaluated and recognized with multiple honors!

Production Honors

  • Achievement in Theatre: Honorable Mention
  • Overall Production: Outstanding
  • Overall Performance: Honorable Mention
  • Ensemble Performance: Honorable Mention
  • Acting Performance: Honorable Mention
  • Costume Crew: Honorable Mention
  • Overall Technical Team: Outstanding
  • Light & Sound Crew: Honorable Mention

Read More

Celebrating Black History Month

February 24, 2021

Ibrahim Playing the ViolinHappy Black History Month! This February, we celebrate the vibrancy of the Black community as we honor the people, events and accomplishments in Black history. At MPA, Black History Month includes both celebrating the amazing accomplishments throughout Black history (for example, the third graders learning the music of Dizzy Gillespie), and simultaneously examining, acknowledging, and remembering both contemporary and historic anti-Black racism and the struggle for justice (for example, the Racial Justice and Equity Club’s discussion on the Black Panther’s Ten-Point Program).

Most of all, we recognize the tremendous accomplishments of Black people throughout history, and in turn, honor our Black, African American and African community members at MPA. In Mr. Cunningham’s Middle School Social Studies Classes, students have begun each class period during February by highlighting and profiling amazing African-American heroes whose stories are sadly not as well known as they should be. These people are artists, activists, inventors, politicians, aviators, and so much more. Read More

Calling For Alumni Award Nominees

February 23, 2021

Heather Otto '97, 2020 alumni award winnerThe Alumni Association is looking for nominees for the MPA Alumni Association Award. Do you know an alum who is dreaming big and doing right? We want to hear about them. The MPA Alumni Association Award is intended to honor alumni of outstanding talent pursuing their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations, while embracing the spirit of MPA’s commitment to community and social outreach. They should be real-world examples for both current students and alumni to dream big and do right. Nominations are due April 1, 2021.

Please include the nominee’s name, email, and a brief explanation of why you believe they should receive the MPA Alumni Association Award (250 words or less). Send all nominations to alumni@moundsparkacademy.org.

Celebrate MPA Through The Decades By Supporting Your Alma Mater!

February 23, 2021

March 2, 2021 is your time to show your support for MPA students, faculty, and staff by participating in our Alumni Day of Giving. This year, participation matters more than ever before with our largest challenge yet! Through the decades, MPA students and alumni have embodied Panther Pride, and now you can share your gratitude by joining in on the annual day of giving. If your decade reaches 12% participation you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will unlock an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts. Schedule your gift today!

Other ways to join in:

  • Share on your social media platforms
  • Contact your fellow alums to participate to ensure challenge gifts are received
  • Send a statement to alumni@moundsparkacademy.org of “Why you give!”
  • Share on facebook, Instagram and with Mounds Park Academy photos of you and your time at MPA

Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!
Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5532 with any questions or to discuss your gift.

Meet Tom Hooven ’97

February 22, 2021

Tom Hooven and his familyWhat are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?

I’m an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Newborn Medicine in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics. I run a research laboratory that uses molecular genetics and bioinformatic techniques to better understand the interactions between bacteria, pregnant mothers, and newborn babies. The goal of this work is to develop better preventative and treatment approaches to avoid the worst complications of bacterial infections in pregnancy and early newborn life. I also serve as an attending physician in the neonatal intensive care units at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC, where our teams care for newborns and infants with complications of prematurity, congenital malformations, and other neonatal illnesses. I teach medical students, residents, neonatology fellows, and research scientists training at the University of Pittsburgh and affiliated institutions.

How did you get there? Where did you attend college? Are there some career moves or other key experiences or relationships that have inspired you?

I attended college at Yale University, where I benefitted from a true liberal arts education that let me study broadly, with very few constraints. I did not enter college planning a career in medicine or science. (I thought I’d be an English major!) I think having the freedom to explore many topics allowed me to find a calling in medicine that I hadn’t expected. It was a result of realizing that I wanted a career that combined reason and science with humanitarian goals. Read More