MKA Family Leaves Lasting Legacy

On Sunday, June 12, prior to the graduation of their youngest son Rafi from MKA, the Spungen Bildner family attended the formal dedication of the newly renovated and named Bildner Family Greenhouse at the MKA Upper School Campus, a project funded by a generous gift from the family.

Joined by Headmaster Tom Nammack, Director of Development Geoff Branigan, Head of the Upper School Dr. David Flocco and members of the Upper School Science Department for a small ribbon-cutting ceremony, the family's numerous contributions to the MKA community were celebrated. Elisa Spungen Bildner, a member of the MKA Board of Trustees for six years and her husband Rob, are the parents of four MKA graduates, Elana '02, Ari '05, Eli '06 and Rafi '11. As Dr. Flocco noted, "There has been no family that's had a greater impact on classes and the life of the Upper School than the Bildners."

In a short address, in which he acknowledged his family's "deep appreciation for the superb education their children received at MKA," Rob Bildner explained that it was their children's interest in, and advocacy for, environmental issues, and especially Rafi's particular dedication to organic and sustainable farming, that made their funding this project particularly apt.

As part of MKA's ongoing strategic commitment to facility upgrades that enhance student learning, the greenhouse will be used by Upper School students taking Science Research Fundamentals, Biology, Biology Honors and Environmental Science courses and by members of the Environmental Action Club.