August 27, 2024
As the new year approaches the Alumni Association welcomes new members. Join us in welcoming the new alumni board members!
Kevin McQuade ’07
For what grades did you attend MPA?
K-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
Bringing a diverse perspective helps position MPA students, faculty, staff, and alumni alike to succeed. I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conversation of how to engage alumni to support MPA’s holistic mission.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
Two aspects of MPA’s mission and vision resonated with me as a student and continue to do so as an adult. First, the concept of “do right” should be top of mind as people go through their day-to-day…not just as students, but as adults. It serves as an important reminder to focus beyond oneself and do the right thing at every turn. Second, an early focus on the integration of technology and experiential learning positions students to be valued, innovative, and sociable contributors to our culture. I am also excited about the recently announced Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning, as inclusive principles and understanding were key to my growth and education at a young age.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I live in Washington, D.C. with my wife Erica and our 2-year old daughter, Rory! My focus is on strategic planning and innovation for the U.S. Government, mostly in the defense, intelligence, and security portfolios. I have spent over a decade leading efforts to improve Federal transportation security, cybersecurity operations, and procurement.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
Following my undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut and graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh (both for political science), I had a high level of interest in supporting the work of our government in some capacity, but I was not quite sure how. I realized the most effective way for me to contribute was to provide independent (non-partisan) analysis of some of the key issues facing my firm’s clients – such as aviation security, threat detection, cybersecurity intrusion, and shifting global markets – and have been doing so ever since. The most important career moves I made were with a focus on my family: while understanding my career aspirations and trajectory, what would that mean for my work/life balance or responsibilities? Were there tradeoffs that would impact my ability to be a present and supportive partner and father? If so, how do we (as a family) tackle those decisions in a cohesive way? Those types of questions, and coming to conclusions about my answers, helped shape my career and personal path into where I am today.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
The care and attention of the faculty and staff was critical to me. I still have vivid memories of my first lessons on the trumpet in 5th grade, engaging social studies lessons in HS, and tennis practice, all of which helped mold me to be a well-rounded adult. I was always encouraged to ask more questions, challenge thoughts, and learn from those around me.
What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
I will continue to grow at my current firm with an eye on leading one of our practices some day in the future. My family also enjoys traveling, so we are hoping to make the trek to Les Tres Valles in France for a snowboard trip in the near future.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
On one of the VERY few snow days we ever had, I remember being stuck at school because the roads were too unsafe. There was a small group of us, as many students had been able to depart before the storm hit, and I recall the head of HS Randy Comfort breaking out his guitar and playing to keep us all occupied and content while we waited the storm out. It was a really nice illustration of the communal feel the school encourages between students and faculty.
Hugh Schilling ‘00
For what grades did you attend MPA?
6-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
After my daughter was accepted into MPA, I realized that I miss many of the people I grew up with and the teachers that had a lasting impact on me. With nearly a decade of being on the Foundation Board at Pine Technical College and Nexen, I believe I have some insights to offer.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
Having children changes you. I have always believed in MPA’s mission but it is something completely different to try and teach it to my kids.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I am Special Advisor to the Board of Directors and Owner of Nexen Group Inc, a company I have worked for almost my entire professional career. I am also a member of the Foundation Board at Pine Technical College.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I attended the University of Saint Thomas and graduated with a degree in Leadership and Management; it is also where I met my wife. My college track coach, Steve Mathre, changed my life by inspiring a culture of growth towards common goals. Taking that into life: set a goal; identify the problems, overcome the failures and understand that the only thing in your control is how you respond, your actions and the people that surround you.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
My father always set a goal for me and my siblings, who also attended MPA, to be a productive members of society. In my opinion, to be productive you have to have skills to create dialogue, listen and possess good time management; all of which were indirect learned skills from each teacher I had the privileges to be in a classroom with. Many of those teachers are honored on a plaque in the schools entrance. Each one of them had a hand in getting me to where I am today.
What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
Watching my kids grow and succeed in their own way.
What do you hope to see happen during your time on the Alumni Association Board?
What I see happening during my time on the board is continued program planning, possible implantation of items that previously existed or is in progress, and stay connected to the MPA community.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
My favorite MPA story was when the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart January 28, 1986. The school teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was aboard that flight. I remember in great detail standing outside a classroom, in the hallway, as I was changing classes. A TV was on and teachers were collecting us around intentionally. They opened the experience up to us students. They did not hide this horrific, tragic event. Rather, they created a safe space in which to be together. As I reflect back, I am astounded that our MPA teachers put us first that day. Knowing a teacher was on that flight. How selfless. How compassionate to the student and our young brains. We continued the day with openness and a feeling of being able to process. I took that lesson and create an attitude that other come along for the journey, no matter if is planned or on the fly. We need to stay gathered and together regardless of position.
Rees Winga ‘16
For what grades did you attend MPA?
2-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
I love the school!
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
Caring for the next generation as we were cared for by the previous.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I work at an advertising agency, digital marketing.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I graduated from the University of St. Thomas and got a job at an ad agency in Minneapolis and have been in the field since. I also quit briefly to pursue a freelance career, which was challenging yet fun.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
Instilling core values that still define me today. It makes me believe I can always have a positive change in the world.
What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
Keep gaining experience in my field!
Please share your favorite MPA story.
Anything with Mr Thomsen.
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Ehren ‘14
For what grades did you attend MPA?
6-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
As I live out of state, I wanted to be more connected with MPA again. I am very grateful for my experience there, and I know MPA made me a more curious and confident person.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
I really identify with the “Do Right” part of MPA’s mission, particularly as someone who leads philanthropy education in my current role. I think that MPA does a great job producing community-minded students, and I still really identify with this mission.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I work at the Ohio State University College of Public Health as the engagement and alumni relations specialist. I oversee all alumni events, communications, and volunteer opportunities.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I had several experiences that informed my career journey after MPA. I attended Carleton College and graduated with a degree in history. During my four years there, I worked at the Center for Community and Civic Engagement as an Education Fellow. With this experience, I learned how much I loved educating and working with college students. After graduation, I lived in the Czech Republic for a year and taught on a Fulbright grant. This experience taught me how to think innovatively, as I was the only foreigner in my town, and I was tasked with creating a yearlong curriculum from scratch. When I eventually started my Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Ohio State, I worked in the Office of Student Philanthropy, supporting philanthropy-focused curriculum design for college students and leading event planning efforts for large and small fundraisers alongside students. In my current role, I regularly create curriculum, event plan alongside students and faculty, and must think strategically, particularly as my position is new to the College. I credit a lot of these former positions and former colleagues in developing these skills in me and in showing me that higher education is a perfect industry for me.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
MPA does a great job of fostering curiosity. I learned how to ask really thoughtful questions, and I know that this ability to approach new problems at work or in my daily life with humbleness and curiosity stemmed from my MPA education.
What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
I hope to stay in alumni engagement for the forseeable future.
What do you hope to see happen during your time on the Alumni Association Board?
I think that it could be interesting to think through how we can engage people who cannot come back for a reunion during their reunion year. For instance, I cannot come back to MN for my 10-year reunion, but I would still like to participate/celebrate in some way.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
I loved the lip sync competition in middle school! My advisory never won, but we always had a great time preparing our routine.
Sarah Ley ‘18
For what grades did you attend MPA?
7-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
The Alumni Association Board seems like a great opportunity to give back to MPA while helping to develop a strong alumni community.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
I’ve enjoyed being an alumni mentor for MPA seniors and providing a bit of help with the college decision process. Having experienced the value of an MPA education, I would strongly advocate for MPA’s mission and dedication to creating a multi-faceted academic experience.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
Since graduating with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in Spring 2023, I have worked as an engineer for Honeywell Aerospace Technologies in Minneapolis. My current role is part of a rotational program, allowing me to experience different engineering functions and product lines. This summer, I joined a community band, which was a fun way to bring music back into my life!
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering through an accelerated 5-year program. While at UMN, I was fortunate to work as a researcher in an aerosol technologies laboratory. My research experience gave me some amazing opportunities, including the chance to intern at NASA! My advisor was also incredibly supportive and encouraged me to pursue a master’s.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
At MPA, I was challenged to venture outside my comfort zone. I had the chance to explore many interests – there was always an open spot, even if I wasn’t the best in the group! Without this environment, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in everything from cross country to speech to music. Despite pursuing a career in a technical field, one of the skills I’m most grateful to have learned at MPA is effective communication. All the activities I explored (along with valuable English and history courses) gave me the confidence and skillset to express myself and share my perspective.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
One of my favorite memories is how I got my “nickname” at MPA – for most of my time in Upper School, everyone called me by both my first and last name, “Sarah Ley.” This started after discussing triplet musical patterns in Woodwind Ensemble; the group quickly discovered that my full name perfectly fit the three-syllable triplet pattern. They started calling me by my full name, and it stuck! Whenever I see teachers and friends from MPA, it is always fun to hear my old “nickname” again.
Cooper Olson ‘16
For what grades did you attend MPA?
K-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
MPA was my second home for so many years and it played such a crucial role in my development that I’m always seeking opportunities to give back. I hope that in my time on the Alumni Association Board, I’ll be able to help protect, advance and grow the community that means so much to me.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
As I’m still early in my career, I provide the majority of my support to MPA through my time. I work with the basketball team in some capacity every year, and always try to model effective communication, respect and integrity. Sports are also a phenomenal opportunity to practice independent thinking as there is never one right answer, and athletes have to make decisions for themselves in competition, so I will always be a strong supporter of athletics at MPA.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I oversee marketing partnerships and advertising sales for Prep Network, a national high school sports media and events company based out of Plymouth. Personally, I live in Northeast Minneapolis and stay busy playing soccer and basketball, visiting restaurants with friends, and running a baking/cooking Instagram account (@letcoopcook) with my girlfriend Christina.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I went to the University of St. Thomas for college, majoring in business management and minoring in economics as a member of their honors program. My career so far has stemmed from following my passions, staying busy/involved, and advocating for myself. After my first job in college (a part-time position) every new role I’ve landed has been the result of a connection I’ve made from a previous job or activity. Once I landed at Prep Network, I got to my current position by pushing management hard for the position(s) that I’m interested in and demonstrating the ability and willingness to do the work.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
The expectations set at MPA along with the infrastructure of support were really important in my development. The community asks a lot of students in terms of their behavior and their work and offers tons of great support to make sure those expectations are attainable. That’s helped push me to expect a lot from myself and know how to find support when it’s necessary to be the best version of myself.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
I don’t know if I have a specific story to share (there are too many), but my mind is immediately drawn back to basketball spirit nights, middle school lip syncs, and pairing assemblies with buddies both younger and older.
Elizabeth Larson (Beth Fewing) ‘08
For what grades did you attend MPA?
1-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
I greatly appreciate the continued engagement I have had with MPA via the mentorship program and other events, and I want to make sure others have the opportunity to engage as well.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
I engage as often and as much as I can, especially through the mentorship program and now being on the alumni board.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I live in Baltimore, Maryland, with my husband, Cameron Fewing, and our dog, Avah. I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center on Gender Equity and Health at the University of California, San Diego. My primary research interests include the use of normative approaches to understand sexual and reproductive health and how social norms influence women’s and couples’ family planning decision-making in Francophone West Africa. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis and softball, volunteering as a clinic escort at Planned Parenthood and to distribute food in my community, spending time outdoors, and baking.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I went to Lawrence University for my BA, and received my MSPH and PhD from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Due to my interest in taking a public health approach to my career, my pre-med advisor convinced me not to take my MCAT the night before the exam, and apply to schools of public health. Additionally, living and working in Senegal has given me the experience and contextual understanding of others’ lived experiences that I could never get in the US.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
Teachers at MPA encouraged and challenged students to understand their immense privilege in the world and to use their privilege to improve the global community. This recognition has been my moral and professional compass throughout my adult life.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
Winning the state tennis tournament my senior year!
George Mills ’04
For what grades did you attend MPA?
8-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
I have a son in Pre-K at MPA and am looking for ways to be more engaged.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
I am a cheerleader for MPA in all the ways I can be.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
At home, I am husband and father to two boys ages 1 and 4. As a family we love to get out and explore our world and learn about what’s around us. Professionally, I work in Clinical Development at a large biotech where I lead global clinical trials of gene therapy products.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I went to the University of Redlands, where I obtained a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
My time at MPA was so critical to my foundation as a person, I can’t overstate it. The students, teachers, and staff at MPA shaped who I am today.
What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
I want to be a good dad, and to raise my children to make good choices, and to love and respect the people and world around us.
Victoria Simmonds ‘01
For what grades did you attend MPA?
5-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
My sons are now both students at MPA, and I see my time on the board as a way to give back to the community that gave me so much as a young person!
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
With our family’s commitment to send our kids to MPA!
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I am an agent with Edina Realty and my passion lies in helping people during times of transition. I love solving problems, managing details and advocating for people. Whether I’m negotiating a deal for clients or navigating a sibling dispute, every moment is different and I find that I thrive where fluidity is required.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a degree in English. I have found success in building long-term professional relationships over the years and have looked up to many mentors, both inside and outside of my industry. Life is never static, so being open to growth is paramount!
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
MPA helped me grow to be an engaged citizen and confident adult.
What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
What’s next? Well, the goalposts are always moving in parenthood and professional life, so I suppose I strive to stay in sync with both, make moves accordingly, and remember to stop and smell the roses whenever possible along the way.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
Too many to share but senior skip day was very memorable!
Christian DeMarais ‘07
For what grades did you attend MPA?
2-12
Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
MPA has been such an integral part of my foundation and development as a human being that I wanted to find any way possible to give back to the place that help built who I am in hopes of providing that for other kids out there of all backgrounds and circumstances.
In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
By carrying the core beliefs MPA holds out into the world and trying my best to make it a better place based on what my teachers and community taught me and showed me first hand while I attended MPA.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I am currently working at Wix as their director of revenue operations and strategy, while simultaneously pursuing a career as a TV/film/stage actor in New York City.
How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where?
Graduated with a BA in business management and honors theatre, with a minor in dance from Gustavus Adolphus College and then went on to receive an MFA in acting from the NYU Graduate Acting Program at Tisch School of the Arts.
How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
MPA cultivated an environment in which any student could pursue their interests in a supportive, nurturing capacity and risk failure without fear…that is such an essential foundation to everything we end up doing in life, not operating from a place of fear but from belief in your talent, intelligence, resourcefulness, and impulse to solve whatever is thrown your way. MPA laid such an essential foundation for us to take this out in the world and apply it to anything and everything we ended up doing.
Please share your favorite MPA story.
Rehearsing, performing, and winning the Middle School Lip Sync Battle for “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts” as a member of Mr. Schwieger’s seventh-grade home room class.
