Michaela Kronlage '04
Location: St. Paul, MN
Location: St. Paul, MN
For Michaela Kronlage ’04, the University of St. Thomas felt like the right place from the very beginning. Drawn by its welcoming size, strong sense of community and location in the Twin Cities, she quickly sensed that St. Thomas offered something more than academics. “The real moment came when I stepped onto the quad for the first time,” Kronlage said. “Everything about it just felt right - the energy, the connections, the feeling that I could belong.”
That sense of belonging has shaped both her career and her continued connection to the Tommie Network. Kronlage’s professional journey reflects the curiosity and adaptability fostered at St. Thomas. Her career has spanned organizational effectiveness at Target, supply chain at Best Buy, consulting in human-centered design research, and now her role as Director of Business Operations at Bright Research. Across each role, she has remained focused on understanding people, building trust and turning ideas into action.
“More than skills or titles, what’s mattered most are relationships,” she said. “That, to me, is the true foundation of St. Thomas alumni: our connections, our chosen family and the life journeys we share.”
As president of the Alumni Engagement Board, Kronlage is passionate about helping Tommies reconnect with the university in meaningful ways. She believes engagement extends far beyond financial support. Mentoring students, attending events, cheering on Tommie teams, sharing stories with family members, or simply walking the campus can all strengthen the bond between alumni and their alma mater. “We’re forever part of this community that shaped us and gave us so much,” she said. “That connection doesn’t end at graduation.”
Kronlage is energized by the university’s momentum and vision for the future. From its move to Division I athletics to its continued growth as a nationally recognized institution, she sees tremendous opportunity for alumni to play a role in shaping what comes next. “This is our moment to shape something truly remarkable,” she said. “With strong momentum, a dedicated community and an unwavering commitment to our students, St. Thomas is evolving to meet today’s needs and secure our place in the future.”
“I was first drawn to the University of St. Thomas because, on paper, it looked like a perfect fit. But the real moment came when I stepped onto the quad for the first time. Everything about it just felt right—the energy, the connections, the feeling that I could belong. In that moment, I knew St. Thomas was where I was meant to be.”
“More than skills or titles, what’s mattered most are relationships, the chance to work with others, build trust and create something better together. That, to me, is the true foundation of St. Thomas alumni: our connections, our chosen family and the life journeys we share.”
“There’s a common misconception that all a school wants from its alumni is financial support. But what truly matters is our engagement - whether it’s mentoring a student, cheering on the women’s basketball team, or supporting undergraduates. It can also be as simple as introducing the school to your family, walking around campus, sharing stories, and pointing out favorite spots. The University of St. Thomas played a meaningful role in each of our lives during a pivotal time, and it’s easy to forget just how much that shaped us. I’d love to see Tommies reconnect and help ensure that today’s students not only have the same opportunities we did, but even more.”
“With strong momentum, a dedicated community, and an unwavering commitment to our students, St. Thomas is evolving to meet today’s needs and secure our place in the future. This is our moment to shape something truly remarkable, and I am so proud to be part of it.”