MAEEE Alumni Highlights

Welcome to the MAEEE Alumni Highlights, where we celebrate the exceptional achievements and ongoing contributions of our graduates. Our alumni are shaping the world of economic, personal finance and entrepreneurship education through their hard work, accomplishments and dedication. Their diverse experiences and expertise reflect not only their commitment to excellence but also how the MAEEE program has supported and enhanced their efforts to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a prospective graduate, a current student or a fellow alum, these stories are a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities that arise when passionate educators come together.

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Anthony Swierzbinski - Anthony Swierzbinski, MAEEE class of 2015, has been recognized for his exceptional work in the classroom and his philosophy of teaching history. His dedication to both his students and the field of education continues to inspire his colleagues. He is currently a middle school social studies teacher at The John Dickinson School in Wilmington, Del. He shared the opportunities MAEEE has provided him and what advice he would give to current students.

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Austin Green - Austin Green, MAEEE class of 2021, is an accomplished economics instructor who has earned significant recognition in the field. He currently serves as an instructor of economics at Perimeter College at Georgia State University. He was named Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year in 2023 and has been featured on several major platforms, including Marketplace, while publishing in journals such as the Journal of Economics Teaching and Journal for Economic Educators. He shared the opportunities that MAEEE has provided him with and how it shaped his career.

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Cindy Fitzthum - Cindy Fitzthum is a leader in economic education who has made significant contributions to curriculum development and professional development within Minnesota. She is also an advocate for innovative financial literacy education, presenting webinars and working with educators across the nation. Fitzthum shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. 

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: John Kruggel - John Kruggel, MAEEE class of 2018,  is the director of the James Madison University Center for Economic Education, where he has been recognized with the Albert Beekhuis Award from the Council for Economic Education and the Southern Business Administration Association's Societal Impact Award. He shared what he learned from his MAEEE experience and how it impacted his career.

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Kylee Holliday - Kylee Holliday, MAEEE class of 2021, has quickly made a name for herself in the world of economic education, winning several awards, including the 2022 Bonnie Meszaros Econ Educator of the Year Award, given by the CEEE. She has also been actively involved in advocating for financial literacy education in Delaware, as she is currently a social studies teacher and department chair at Alexis I du Pont High School. She shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value that MAEEE has brought to her career. 

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Matt Pierson - Since graduating from the MAEEE program, Matt Pierson, class of 2023, has stepped into an impactful role at the Nebraska Council on Economic Education as associate director, co-authoring an award-winning curriculum and presenting at national conferences. His work continues to expand the reach of economic education. He shared some of his recent accomplishments and some of the unique aspects of his MAEEE experience.

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Megan Kirts - Megan Kirts, MAEEE class of 2021, is currently developing an 80-lesson high school economics curriculum and was honored with the 2024 Rising Star Award by the National Association of Economic Educators. She also co-published a teaching note with current MAEEE student Kathleen Cusack in the Journal of Economics Teaching. She currently serves as director of educator programs for Econiful. She shared some of her recent accomplishments and the value of connections in her MAEEE experience.

MAEEE Alumni Highlights: Scott Wolla - Scott Wolla, MAEEE class of 2009, is leading efforts to modernize the teaching of monetary policy. He currently serves as economic education officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In 2019, he began collaborating with economists from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to update classroom materials on monetary policy in light of changes made in 2008. His work has received recognition from major outlets, including The New York Times, The Economist and NPR. He shared what he learned from the MAEEE experience and how it has shaped his professional career.