Alumni Archives

August 29, 2018

Upper School social studies teacher Ms. Murr recently traveled to Washington, DC to meet with the coordinators of the “History Unfolded” project at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This is the project to which MPA alums Maija Olson ’17, Eloise Berdahl-Baldwin ’17, Bennett Winga ’17, and Ben George ’17 made significant research contributions. In fact, one of the articles they discovered is being used in a new exhibition, titled “Americans and the Holocaust.” It is an incredible honor to have their work displayed in one of the most renowned museums in the country. Additionally, historians moving forward will have access to their articles and thousands of others found by citizen historians. This will allow more people to ask difficult questions about what Americans knew, when they knew it, and what they did with that knowledge when it came to the Holocaust.

Image courtesy of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Meet Hodan Saeed ‘13

August 28, 2018

What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally? Currently, I am a Cognitive Process Re-engineering Consultant at IBM. I work in the Financial Services sector and work to implement IBM technology services like Blockchain, Cloud and Artificial Intelligence to large commercial businesses around the world.

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 went to American University in Washington D.C. to study International Relations with a Focus in Global Economics and a minor in Finance. Every semester and summer in College, I completed various internships to really figure out what I wanted to do career-wise. During my last year of college, I interned at Eureka Network, an inter-governmental organization funded by the European Commission that funds small technology R&D projects across Europe.

Alumni Challenge Run On October 13

August 28, 2018

Mike Velin ’06 is making good on his class challenge and running the Historic Riverfront 5k in the Panther Suit on October 13! We are inviting the whole community to join him to make this a truly MPA event. Sign up here and send your confirmation and shirt size to alumni@moundsparkacademy.org and you will receive a limited edition MPA Panther Run t-shirt at the run!

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2018

August 28, 2018

There are so many alumni and community events during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend starting on Friday afternoon with a Pep Rally at 2:20 PM in the Lansing Center and then the All Alumni Happy Hour at 6 PM at Tin Whiskers in Lowertown, Saint Paul. Catch up with teachers and fellow alums while being treated to appetizers and a drink on us!

On Saturday, come to campus for a tour of the school with Head of School, Dr. Bill Hudson, a chance to cheer on your alma mater, and plenty of fun for kids of all ages. At 6 PM, the classes of 1988, 1989, 1998, 1999, 2008, and 2009 are invited to their Milestone Reunion at Urban Growler Brewing in St Paul. Congratulations to those classes! Don’t miss this fun event at an exceptional venue!

Making An Impact

August 7, 2018

Philanthropic support ensures that MPA remains at the cutting edge of education. Gifts of every size are essential for MPA to reach new heights. The whole community is invited to come together and participate in the Fall Campaign and to attend our only fundraising event of the year, the Spring Auction. There are many opportunities throughout the year to get involved and make a difference!

Gifts to the MPA Fund help:

Recruit and retain the best-in-class educators
 Secure classroom resources and equipment including technology
Provide tuition assistance to deserving students
Maintain the safety and beauty of our 32-acre campus
Provide experiential learning opportunities for all students

Young Alums Say Hello: Aniket Naravane ’14

August 7, 2018

Dear MPA,

I recently graduated from Georgetown University with a dual-degree in finance and international business and political economy. While a student there, I served as a tour guide, micro finance loan of officer, and was on the board of directors for the largest student-led business in the country. I completed an internship as an investment banking analyst last summer and I am now working as a financial consultant in New York City, focusing on anti-money laundering. MPA has certainly laid the foundation for the success I’ve enjoyed thus far, due in large part to both the rigorous academics and the variety of extra- curricular activities offered.

Hope to be back soon and go Panthers!
Aniket Naravane

Young Alums Say Hello: Isaac Esch ’17

August 7, 2018

Hey, MPA!

In May I finished my freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am majoring in international business and finance. This summer, I’ve been fortunate enough to be an English tutor at an Italian summer camp. Throughout this experience, I’ve also taken a couple of awesome trips. One weekend I visited Lithuania and Latvia to hear the Dalai Lama speak. Another weekend I traveled to Spain to participate in the Running of the Bulls. As I encounter different cultures, I keep in mind all that I learned at MPA. I try to stay open- minded and learn as much as I can from others.

Go Panthers!

Isaac Esch

Young Alums Say Hello: Haley Finch ’14

August 7, 2018

Dear MPA,

Say hellooo to your 2018 Texas Christian University graduate, where I studied strategic communication  and Spanish. I’m currently in New York City, where I’m interning at Fallon ad agency as a copywriter. I’m working on Lime-a-Rita, Huawei, and many other accounts. Every day, I do something new. Whether it’s writing scripts for TV spots or thinking of big ideas for new clients, there is always something to be done. Interestingly enough, in high school I hated writing. If it wasn’t for Ms. Sommer’s dedication to me, I never would’ve pursued copywriting. I’m grateful  for MPA pushing me and opening doors to my future.

xoxo,

Haley Finch

Meet Kate Thrane ’16

July 31, 2018

What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally? I am spending this summer in Washington D.C. working as an intern in Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen’s office. I’m learning so much about government and democracy. My responsibilities include answering constituent phone calls, running errands, attending hearings, writing memos, and giving tours of the Capitol. Through my internship, I’ve been able to attend events at the FBI, “The Washington Post,” and the White House. One of my favorite parts is seeing people who are on the news (or in the news) in person!

Helping People Reach Their Dreams

July 31, 2018

Ross Kigner ’08 Is Helping People Reach Their Dreams

After graduating from MPA in 2008, I continued my academic and athletic careers at the University of Minneosta-Morris, graduating in 2012. Following graduation, I resumed my direct support professional work for New Directions, Inc., while preparing for my first year coaching football at Roseville Area High School. New Directions, Inc. is a family-run organization that provides support for adults with disabilities. Our purpose is to assist and support individuals in forming and achieving a life of their own choosing; that they may have personal well-being, satisfying personal relationships, participation in community life and engagement in preferred pursuits in their home and community. I gradually increased my responsibilities at New Directions including expense management, team management, and property management. Time has flown by, but I love my work because of the reward that comes with helping people reach their dreams.

The major hurdles we face at New Directions include staffing and providing the same support with decreased funding from the government. In my leadership role, I don’t have as many hands-on opportunities with the people we support as I once did, as my focus has shifted to big-picture topics centered around upholding the standard of support our organization has provided since 1981.