Kevin Gerdes is retiring from his position as director of the Humphrey School's Master of Public Affairs program, designed for mid-career students. Gerdes led the program for the past 10 years. Photo: Bruce SilcoxBy Ann Nordby In the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program, the cohort of 30 students starts every monthly class session with a listening circle. Each of them answers a question of the day by sharing a personal experience or value. "It's a time of deep connection because people start revealing themselves," said Kevin Gerdes, MPA director who is retiring this summer after leading the program for the past decade. The MPA is for mid-career professionals who want to challenge themselves to become leaders. The listening circle, and every part of the MPA program, is designed to connect each student's core beliefs to issues that affect everyone. Collaborative leadership requires the ability to hear the perspectives and con