Alumni Archives

April 13, 2026

Each year, we look to bring on new members to the MPA Alumni Association Board, and I know from experience that most people are not totally sure what that actually involves. I was in the same position before I joined two years ago. If you have ever been looking for a low-stakes way to stay connected to MPA or to give back to the MPA community, I wanted to share a quick look at what the alumni board experience has been like for me and why it might be worth considering.

If I had to use three words to describe my experience with the alumni board thus far, it would be low-stakes, gratifying, and warm.

Low-stakes: The commitment is very manageable. We meet once every other month on a weeknight for about an hour. Outside of our meetings, we occasionally have a small task or two to complete, which don’t take more than an hour at most. With how busy all of our lives can be, this is a critical benefit of the board. It’s something the team is extremely mindful of to ensure it continues to be a place where alumni can make an impact without needing to overstretch.

Gratifying: I’ve always loved MPA and its community. It was a second home for me throughout my years as a student, and a place I’m incredibly grateful for. The alumni board has offered me an easy opportunity to continue to support the school and help it positively impact more students the same way it impacted me.

Warm: The alumni board is a fantastic group of people. From Angie and the development team all the way down the list of board members, everyone is lovely, welcoming, and great to collaborate with. Of course, we’d expect nothing else from a group of MPA alumni… but nonetheless, this board is a great every-other-month reminder of how wonderful the MPA community is.

In addition to sharing those highlights, I also know there are a few common hesitations that come up when people think about joining, so I wanted to quickly address those:

You do not need to be based in Minnesota. Everything is set up so you can easily participate from anywhere.
You do not need any specific professional experience or skill set. If you care about MPA and want to stay involved, you’re a great fit.
You do not need a ton of free time. As I mentioned, the commitment is light, with a short meeting every other month and just a few small tasks (at most) in between.
It is not just about fundraising. The board focuses on building connections within the alumni community in a variety of ways.

If you’ve read this far and are not already on the Alumni Association Board, you probably should be. If you are interested or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my experience, or connect with Angela Gerstner at agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org.

Cooper Olson ’16

Alumni Association Board Member

Remembering Karen Benz

April 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

The Mounds Park Academy community recently lost one of its earliest founders, Karen Benz, whose vision, generosity, and steadfast commitment helped bring this remarkable school to life.

In my first year at MPA, I have found myself reflecting on the courage it took for those early founders to build something from nothing. Karen Benz was one of those people. She believed in the promise of this school before it existed—and because she did, generations of students have benefited. In many ways, we are all standing on the shoulders of Karen and her fellow founders.

MPA itself began as a dream. In December of 1981, founder Bob Kriescher gathered a small group of friends and parents from Breck School to form the first board of Mounds Park Academy. At that moment, there were no students, no teachers, and not even a building—only a compelling idea: a new kind of independent school rooted in curiosity, strong academics, and an inclusive community.

By the spring of 1982, that dream began to take shape—and one of the people who immediately believed in it was Karen. Read More

An Update From Emma Cohen ’21

March 13, 2026

Emma Cohen ’21 graduated from Wellesley College in May with a degree in peace and justice studies and environmental studies. After graduation, she traveled to Nepal to work with activist and scholar Ram Bhandari, a contact from her time with the University Network for Human Rights. Bhandari is a leader of the Nepali victim and survivor movement, a two-decade struggle for truth and justice following the 1996 to 2006 armed conflict.

Among other transitional justice-related projects, Cohen worked with Bhandari to launch the Center for Human Rights and Victims of Violations, an academic center at the Kathmandu University School of Arts focused on survivor-led change.

Cohen left Nepal in October and traveled for a time while continuing to work with the CHRV team virtually. She recently spent time working on a farm in New Zealand.

Stronger Each Time We Rise

March 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an event sponsored by St. Catherine University in connection with the Manitou Fund, featuring Kelly Hall-Tompkins, world-renowned violinist and entrepreneur. Watching and listening to her play arrangements from “Fiddler on the Roof” and other pop and classical pieces gave me goosebumps. Her music transported my mind into an imaginary space of wonder and creativity.

Following her performance, she and Sarah Hicks, also world-renowned for her orchestral conducting, came together to reflect on their past, present, and future experiences as female leaders. Together, they spoke about the importance of knowing and creating one’s own sense of belonging. During the Q&A, Kelly Hall-Tompkins shared a reflection that resonated deeply with me as I think about education, our students, and the world we are preparing them to navigate. I will do my best to paraphrase what she offered:

“There is no doubt that you will fall or fail. It’s how quickly you get back up and try again that will determine your ability to succeed. You might see what you believe to be the result in the distance, but if you don’t get there, what did you learn along the way? Where did the journey take you?”

Her words lingered with me, and I see that same message reflected in our own community.

Last Friday afternoon, I attended our annual Upper School SnowDaze event. It had been nearly 15 years since I last wore a pair of ice skates. With the help of a “walker,” I made it around the rink once before deciding it might be better for me to cheer and observe others as they confidently (and sometimes nervously) made their way across the ice. Students of all levels took to the rink. I watched them encourage one another, hold hands, laugh, fall, and get back up again. Read More

Announcing The Fund A Need For The MPA Spring Auction!

February 17, 2026

At the 2024 Spring Auction, our community said “yes” to strengthening how we support all learners through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Teachers were equipped with new strategies and tools to meet students where they are. Classrooms became more flexible, more thoughtful, more responsive. But there is still so much more we can do to not only support neurodiverse learners but all students at MPA.

Over the past two years at MPA, we have watched possibility turn into progress. Last year, teachers partnered with an instructional coach and strengthened their practice through Universal Design for Learning. Flexible seating has entered classrooms. Collaboration across divisions has grown.

And we know we can do more. Read More

Then & Now: The Band Program

February 16, 2026

From Gavin Thorson ’22

As I look forward to my graduation this May from Montana State University, reflecting on how I’ve grown as an academic and as a human during my time in Bozeman, I have often thought about the version of myself that was in a similar position four years ago, in the waning months of my senior year at Mounds Park Academy. This review of the last four years of my life dredged up some of my fondest memories of that spring of 2022, and perhaps my happiest memories are of playing trumpet in the band.

The band program at MPA is special, and not least because of how it began. In 1983, music educator Sarah Kumagai was looking for a change. She had bounced between schools for years, and in those days when men dominated education, opportunities for serious advancement were nonexistent. A friend steered her in the direction of MPA: “a new, progressive school.” At her meeting with Bob and Sandy Kreischer, Kumagai proposed a band program which stipulated that each band student receive individual lessons. Only through one-on-one lessons would students ever receive the care and attention necessary to improve their musical skills. Other programs often grouped students together, which was detrimental in Kumagai’s view.

The Kreischers were ready and willing to take on a young woman as their band director, and regarding her proposal about lessons, they replied: “Great — do it!”

So began Kumagai’s 18-year tenure at MPA, which saw the school’s enrollment blossom and its music program similarly thrive. Students received individual lessons, and the volume of students eventually required the employment of an additional staff member for the band program. Eventually, Kumagai was working with the drama department on producing Broadway musicals, which provided challenging scores for Kumagai’s students who played in the pit band. MPA grew bigger and bigger and sent its many graduates off into the world with pleasant memories of making music with friends. “Thank you,” is what they say to Kumagai when they see her now. She says to them, “Thank you for playing with me.” Read More

An Update From Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’22

February 13, 2026

Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’22 is a senior at Wellesley College and is majoring in international relations and economics while competing on the college’s volleyball team.

She has embraced the challenge of collegiate athletics, earning all-region and All-American honors. She credits her athletic experience at MPA with helping prepare her to compete at the next level.

MPA also laid the foundation for success in Wellesley’s rigorous academic environment. Most importantly, she says, the school taught her how to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers.

She is now planning her path to graduate school, applying to law schools, and considering a year of beach volleyball. She looks forward to what comes next.

A Message From Lizzy Ehren ’14 On Why She Joined The Alumni Board

February 13, 2026

Moving away from Minnesota, I miss a lot—everything from the cross-country ski trails to Caribou Coffee mochas. Yet, one of the largest drawbacks of leaving your home state is losing touch with the communities and places that shaped you. The moment that I entered MPA as an 11-year-old, the change was palpable.

For the first time, I felt fully noticed and embraced by all my teachers. My peers were kinder and more curious. I was encouraged and, subsequently, motivated to join in.

My years at Mounds Park Academy not only prepared me thoroughly for my undergraduate degree, but my time there taught me skills that I still use every day working in higher education: strategic question asking, precise writing, creativity, and more.

Despite the tremendous impact MPA had on my life, I did not feel connected to the school for many years. While living in Ohio, I knew only one other MPA alumnus in the area, and my visits home to Minnesota were always busy, shuffling from family events to meet-ups with friends. I did not have time to visit MPA’s campus anymore. I started working in alumni relations in 2023, and in this position, I managed a few alumni volunteer boards at Ohio State. I saw firsthand how excited everyone was to connect with fellow alumni, how they received updates on initiatives at the school, and how they could give back in small ways.

Seeing these groups inspired me to reconnect and to join the Alumni Association Board. This board has been a perfect way to learn more about MPA’s future plans and to assist where we can as alumni. While this board is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants a flexible position to give back to the school, I particularly encourage those who are not in the Twin Cities to consider joining.

There will be an application later this year, but if you have any questions or want to learn more about the Alumni Association Board, don’t hesitate to reach out to Angie Gerstner at agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org.

Lizzy Ehren ’14

Alumni Association Board Member

Join Us For The 2026 Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose!

January 30, 2026

Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate the mission we share and the people who make Mounds Park Academy such a special place. This joyful evening will bring together families, alumni, staffulty and friends to raise critical support for our school, all while enjoying great company, food, and a little fun along the way.

Sponsorships are now available. This is the perfect time to consider a Business or Family Sponsorship. Sponsorships include:

admission to the event for two or more
reserved priority seating
access to our Sponsorship Pre-Party
recognition across event materials
interactive auction opportunities, depending on the level
early access to our silent auction
and the chance to underwrite tickets so our incredible staffulty can attend at no cost.

Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, and Business Sponsorships can be bought here.

We are committed to making this community-building event accessible to all. If ticket pricing presents a barrier to attending, please contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to discuss reduced pricing options based on need.

An Update From Ella Fruchterman ’22

January 20, 2026

Ella Fruchterman ’22 is a senior at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a co-major in digital and social media business applications.

Throughout her college career, she has continued to compete as an elite international equestrian athlete in dressage. This summer, she represented the United States in the Young Rider (U21) and U25 divisions at the North American Youth Championships. She was part of the Region 4 Young Rider team that won gold and also earned a bronze medal in the U25 freestyle.

Last month, Fruchterman appeared on the cover of the Fall 2025 edition of the Dover Saddlery catalog.

The rigor of Mounds Park Academy’s courses, along with leadership opportunities such as serving as co-editor in chief of the yearbook, prepared her to excel in presentations, papers, and exams while balancing a demanding training program.