This month, we shine a light on the Technology Department's five professionals with nearly 40 years of combined experience at Friends. It is with great honor and sincere pleasure that I share a glimpse of the vital work of our Technology Department. In my role as Chief Financial and Operating Officer, I have the privilege of working closely with a team of dedicated professionals whose expertise, reliability, and unwavering commitment ensure that our community has access to the best and safest technology possible. Their work goes far beyond troubleshooting and day-to-day support. This team designs, maintains, and continuously improves the technological foundation that allows our school to operate smoothly, learn creatively, and adapt confidently in an increasingly digital world.

This work is strengthened every day by the leadership of our Director of Technology, Alex Moquist, who not only oversees the day-to-day operations of the department but also sets strategic direction for technology across the school. Alex ensures that our systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with the school’s academic goals and overall mission. He leads the team with deep technical insight, innovative thinking, and commitment to educational excellence make him a pivotal partner in keeping Friends’ technology infrastructure both reliable and forward-looking, while always advancing the school’s mission and supporting every corner of the academic community.

Every administrative, teaching, and learning activity often relies invisibly on systems maintained by the Technology Department. Enrollment platforms, payment and student information systems, and our learning management tools all depend on their expertise. Teaching and learning are supported by more than 80 AV systems, 1,200 managed devices, 150 wireless access points, and 70 printers across campus. At the same time, behind the scenes, the team safeguards firewalls, content filters, endpoint security, servers, networks, phones, PA systems, software licensing, and an ecosystem of third-party vendors.

Innovation is at the heart of the Technology Department. Friends is proud to provide one of the most advanced and secure technology infrastructures, supporting every corner of the school from classrooms and offices to student services and administrative operations. The team continually implements cutting-edge tools and systems that enhance learning, streamline operations, and increase efficiency. 

The impact of this work is profound: when technology is reliable, students and teachers can focus on learning; when systems are secure, the community can trust that their information is safe; and when innovation is encouraged, the school can evolve. The team’s success is rooted not only in their technical skill but in collaboration across the entire school. Technology at Friends is inherently interconnected and interdepartmental. On any given day, a member of the team may support second graders, partner with Upper School students, assist faculty, help parents, or troubleshoot with senior administrators, often all before lunch, demonstrating how deeply the Tech Team touches the entire school community.

The members of the Technology Department also pursue technology creatively in their personal time:

This exploration fuels their curiosity, creativity, and innovation, enriching the technology experience for the entire Friends community.

Together, this team ensures that Friends remains a place where technology works reliably, innovation thrives, and every member of our community can teach, learn, and create with confidence.

Please join me in recognizing and thanking them for the essential role they play in supporting our mission and strengthening our community.

With gratitude and appreciation for our exceptional Technology Department team,

Sis Kamal // Chief Financial and Operating Officer 

 

 

Focus on Friends is an initiative of the Friends Seminary administration designed to celebrate the people and programs that make our community thrive. Each month, a member of the Senior Administration will select an individual, group, department, or office—uplifting those who are doing exciting work, leading with creativity, or simply contributing in meaningful ways to the spirit of Friends. This month’s story was chosen and written by Sisi Kamal, Chief Financial and Operating Officer.