MCAD Alumni Association Board of Directors

Representing the diversity and scope of MCAD alumni, the alumni association board of directors is an active and committed group of volunteers who work to support and develop programs that benefit alumni and the college. For more information and to learn about other volunteer opportunities, please contact the alumni relations office at 612.874.3787 or alumni@mcad.edu.

Alumni Board of Directors

Janet Groenert ’79, President
Emily Taylor ’00, Vice President
Abigail Allan ’08
Keith Braafladt ’86
Jan Elftmann ’84
Kerri Jamison ’02
Hilary Bullock ’89
Justin Clifton ’00
Boriana Mintcheva-Strzok ’08
Antonia Maistrova ’06
Julie Sirek ’10
Taylor Baldry ’07
Patrick Kelley ’06
Marlo Cronquist ’01
Nancy Rice ’70
Ed Charbonneau ’06
Jeremi Hanson ’01
Nicholas Dahl ’10
Amelia Clabots ’02
Rhea O'Connor ’08
Steve Kloyda ’80

I joined the Alumni Board to participate, engage and support MCAD in ways that ensure a positive, more complete and beneficial MCAD experience for all current and future students. I firmly believe that with the support of strong alumni community our school can grow, face the economic challenges of our times, and continue to be a leading art and design school in the 21st century.

Boriana Mintcheva-Strzok ’08

MCAD is brilliant. As a student it was like being in a Justice League of creative people but after graduation it can be challenge to maintain that superhero momentum. I joined the board because I want to help ensure that the community that inspired and challenged me continues to thrive and stay connected.

Taylor Baldry ’07

To me, art is about taking the vision in your head and transforming it into a 3 dimensional object that reflects that vision. I learned that at MCAD and it has become critical to my work as an artist. I am excited to give back to the organization that taught me that.

Marlo Cronquist ’01

I jumped at the opportunity to serve when a colleague and fellow Alumni approached me about being on the board. Through serving on this Alumni Board now I have an amazing opportunity to help usher new students forward into being MCAD Alumni, and becoming amazing professionals in their field, while transforming how I feel about MCAD, and who I am as an Alumni and Creative Professional.

Justin Clifton ’00

Joining the board has let me ensure that the arts are in good hands for the future. I feel like I get to see it all move forward, and being a part of this intergenerational development, just makes me feel lucky.

Abigail Allan ’08

I joined the Alumni Board of Directors to help students/alumni reconnect with the facilities and resources MCAD has to offer. I think a lot of graduates do not understand the help MCAD can provide and I want to help make that known to all.

Deb Beck ’07

I joined the MCAD board because I believe in the community of MCAD. It is the connections we make with the students, the staff and the alumni while we are in college and after we graduate, that make things happen in the world.

Jan Elftman ’84

My chief interests as an Alumni Board member are to act for the benefit of current MCAD students and to strengthen the position of the college. I am motivated by a sense of stewardship toward the institution that gave so much to me.

Ed Charbonneau ’06

The reason I chose to be on the board is that I believe I can help. I remember, after I had graduated, that it felt better to have someone around and I feel a common bond with anyone who has taken a class at MCAD.

Jeremi Hanson ’01

At MCAD, it’s students first. As artists, entrepreneurs and life-long learners, MCAD alumni are students. We left here, bringing what we learned out there. We learned more stuff. I joined the MCAD Alumni Board to help alumni, especially recent grads, bring what they’ve gained back to “alumni in training”-- current students. It works both ways. Can’t put a price tag on such wealth. MCAD has it’s own Department of Natural Resources: people. Think: “catch & release & catch & release & catch………..”

Nancy Rice ’70

I joined the MCAD Alumni Board because of conversations I had with my employees, current and former students at MCAD. Students need to practice skills and abilities beyond the studio and connect with their field before they graduate. Meeting other alum, the MCAD staff and faculty, planning the Next Now Career event and hearing plans for the future of MCAD reinforce the strength of this educational community I am proud to be a part of.

Janet Groenert ’79

President

I joined the board because I wanted to re-connect with MCAD and give back, and build an even stronger connection between alums and students and MCAD faculty. I really believe that MCAD alums are a stellar group of creatives, and as a community can and should be closely connected.

Emily Taylor ’00

Vice President

MCAD changed my life. Just because I have graduated does not mean my connection to the school is over. Because MCAD has given me so much, I feel an obligation to invest in its future and represent it in the community. My service on the Alumni Association Board is one way I have chosen to give back.

Julie Sirek ’10

I joined the Alumni Board for two very simple reasons: a desire to give back to MCAD in a meaningful way, and my need to reconnect with the creative community on a regular basis. Walking in to the main building a few times each month alone has inspired me on many levels, and encourages the development and integration of creative practice and discipline in my daily life.

Hilary Bullock ’89

MCAD changed my life for the better and through my positons through the years at the Science Museum, I have worked with and hired many students from MCAD. I decided that getting to be on the board might be even more direct for me to give back more than I was. And it is!

Keith Braafladt ’86

I joined the alumni board to reach out to more creative professionals and work together for common goals as we lead our creative careers. MCAD changed my life in so many incredible ways and I want to give back in any way that I can and help inspire good things to come.

Patrick Kelley ’06

I wanted to be a part of the Alumni board to help make informed decisions for the future of the college. The college has offered up wonderful insights, skills and guidance for me. I want to ensure the college helps foster and guide an education that is reflective of its cultural surroundings moving forward.

Nicholas Dahl ’10

I joined the MCAD Alumni Board to contribute and support the school that gave me an amazing and meaningful educational experience; an experience that has helped in my career and given me the creative support system to be successful. By serving as a member on the Alumni Board I have the wonderful opportunity to connect with students and alumni to inspire and get inspired.

Amelia Clabots ’02

I believe MCAD is vital to the arts community. I joined for the opportunity to reconnect with creative minds and to be a resource for students starting on their own creative career path.

Kerri Jamison ’02

Unhappiness comes from walking alone. When we share experiences, and communicate with each other, we begin to better understand ourselves and the world as a whole. I want to give back to the MCAD community, and help students bridge the gap between the academic and the professional world.

Antonia Maistrova ’06

I joined the Alumni Board because I love MCAD. I am keen to support the students and to be a part of MCAD's future. MCAD is a special place made up of dynamic driven people and I am proud to be being giving back to such a spectacular college.

Rhea O'Connor ’08

MCAD taught me how to approach every problem in life and business creatively which has contributed to my success. I joined the Alumni Board to sow back into the lives of others and provide direction from my life experiences. MCAD changed my life!