August 31, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
How do we raise children who are creative, lifelong learners? It’s a question educators and parents alike continually wrestle with, especially in light of our rapidly-changing world. It’s also a question that Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, has dedicated her life’s work to answering. The solution, in part, is creating and maximizing opportunities for students to follow their own intrinsic path to discovery and take control of their learning. The newly completed Makerspace gives MPA students an amazing advantage and exemplifies our school’s commitment to preparing students to “live, learn, and thrive” in today’s complex, global society.
I am pleased to announce that our new Makerspace will be named in honor of Dr. Thomas. The AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace is the only creative center of its kind in the Twin Cities for students in grades PreK through 12. Given the long-standing approach at Mounds Park Academy of hands-on, experiential learning that integrates science, technology, math with the humanities and the arts, the Makerspace fits perfectly alongside the work of Dr. Thomas.
With an undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology, AnnMarie is a renowned author, researcher, presenter, and leader in the field of early engineering education. “I have long been fascinated with exploring ways to interest people of all ages, particularly those who perhaps don’t typically gravitate towards STEM, in engineering and learning how to make things. I think the most important thing is helping students understand what they are interested in and how to pursue ways to pursue that interest, even when it isn’t directly tied to their class work.” As Director of the Playful Learning Lab at the University of St. Thomas, AnnMarie is driven to not only incite young minds but also inspire educators to design learning activities to spur innovation and creativity.
In addition to being an international leader in engineering education, AnnMarie has also made achieving a greater gender balance in the field of engineering a priority. Currently, women account for just 14 percent of engineers. As both a pioneer and as someone who is turning the field of engineering upside down, AnnMarie is a wonderful role model for our female students.
The AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace is already exceeding my expectations. It is generating a great deal of excitement among students, teachers, and parents and we are excited to begin introducing the facility and program to students formally next week. I am incredibly grateful to the donor, who by example, demonstrates the impact of philanthropic support in fostering the gifts, talents, and mindsets of our students.
A formal dedication of the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace is planned for Saturday, October 7 at 1 PM. As part of the festivities, Dr. Thomas will speak to students at an all school assembly on Friday, October 6. Look for an invitation to the formal dedication in your mail next week. I hope you plan to attend.
