Meet CKAA President Marilyn Franklin '96

Marilyn returned as an alumni volunteer to give back, learn more about the school she remembered, and support today’s students. She also serves on the Cranbrook Schools Board of Governors.

Her connection to Cranbrook has come full circle. The once-reluctant teenager who arrived at boarding school with plenty of adolescent angst is now an enthusiastic advocate for the community—and recently watched her own daughter move into the dorms as a ninth grader. Along the way, Marilyn earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and a doctorate and built a career as a clinical child psychologist and associate professor.

What she remembers most about Cranbrook goes beyond academics: the friendships, traditions, mentors, challenges, and sense of belonging that stayed with her. As CKAA President, she hopes to help alumni reconnect with one another and support current students, particularly those who may feel marginalized or out of place.

My pathway to Cranbrook Kingswood began with my mother, who had dreamed of attending boarding school herself. When it was time for me to enter high school, she learned about the residential program and, despite tuition that seemed wildly unrealistic for our finances, encouraged me to take the entrance exam. I did well and received a scholarship that made it possible. At the time, I was reluctant, tearful, and terrified about being both a boarder and an African American student at a predominantly White school. In hindsight, I am eternally grateful for the experience—and clearly believe in it, as my daughter is now a Cranbrook Kingswood student.

I attended from 1992 to 1996, and the culture of that era shaped so much of my experience. We listened to Nirvana and Pearl Jam alongside 2Pac and Biggie, dressed like TLC and Janet Jackson, wore Filas, Doc Martens, and Birkenstocks, and ordered CDs from Columbia House for a penny before inevitably struggling to pay for them. Without cell phones, we spent our time talking, building friendships, watching MTV and Saturday Night Live, and eating Ms. Riddle’s legendary dip in the dorms. Traditions like the Junior Ring Ceremony, Powder Puff Eve, and Senior Roast gave us a sense of belonging and continuity.

Our teachers and residential staff also made a lasting impression. Seeing teachers outside the classroom made them more approachable, while dorm adults and advisors provided support during stressful times. The 4A Club gave African American students an important space for connection, identity, and peer support. Not every experience was positive—we faced loss, a disturbing racial incident, and challenging moments that shaped how I viewed the world. Most importantly, I learned that autonomy comes with responsibility and maturity. Cranbrook’s academic rigor also gave me the skills and perseverance that helped me earn a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and a doctorate.

I returned to Cranbrook as an alumni volunteer after being invited by Latonya Riddle. I wanted to understand the school from a different perspective, learn more about its operations and decision-making, and potentially support my daughter’s experience. As a clinical child psychologist, associate professor, and alumna, I also felt a responsibility to “pay it forward,” particularly by supporting students who may feel marginalized or out of place.

Experiencing Cranbrook now as a parent is both surreal and meaningful. The campus is beautiful, but familiar sights, smells, and landmarks instantly transport me back to adolescence. At the same time, I now see the opportunities and resources through my daughter’s eyes. I feel fortunate to understand some of what she may experience academically, socially, and emotionally and to know where she can turn for support.

I hope alumni recognize the tremendous value of the CKAA. Our alumni network spans professions, disciplines, and regions, but we share the formative experience of being Cranbrook students. That shared history gives us knowledge and perspective we can contribute to current students and the school’s future. Through mentorship, networking, student support, advocacy, and fundraising, the CKAA helps preserve what is meaningful, improve what can be better, and support the next generation. Alumni can participate by attending events, joining career and networking programs, reconnecting with classmates, mentoring students, or simply spreading the word. Every contribution—large or small—helps strengthen the Cranbrook Kingswood community.

The CKAA brings alumni together through events close to campus and helps support gatherings led by alumni in other regions.

To share an event idea, volunteer your time or expertise, or learn how to get involved, email alumni@cranbrook.edu. 

To support the work of the CKAA with a dues payment click here.
Learn more about the CKAA and other volunteer opportunities here.