Focused on foster care
Dual alumna Amelia Franck Meyer has dedicated her career to reforming America’s foster care system so that children are able to stay with their families. The work has thrust her into the national spotlight. Franck Meyer was chosen as one of 25 Women Changing the World by People magazine in 2018. She graduated with a psychology degree in 1989, and completed a master’s in sociology in 1995. She has worked in child welfare positions for three decades. She is CEO of Alia, a nonprofit that exists to reduce childhood trauma.
Destined to dance
College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame alum Randy Duncan is a renowned choreographer. He has created works performed in his hometown of Chicago, across the country, and in Tel Aviv. Three times he received Chicago’s prestigious Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Choreographer of the Year. An avid supporter of HIV/AIDS issues, he has created works for Chicago’s largest dance to benefit the cause. Duncan has choreographed musicals, television productions, and motion pictures. He was nominated for the American Choreography Award for dance on film for Save the Last Dance by Paramount Pictures.
Winning the airwaves
Mass media graduate Katie Neal ’12 went from working at WZND to becoming a midday host at NASH FM 94.7—the only country music radio station in New York City. Her ability to engage listeners resulted in Neal’s 2019 nomination for the Academy of Country Music Awards On-Air Personality of the Year in a major market. She was the only female nominated. Holding a radio host position in America’s largest city shocks Neal, who once shunned the medium because she hated the sound of her own voice.
Excellence in education
Eric Flohr ’87, M.S. ’95, is committed to helping secondary students excel. He was selected as Golden Apple’s 2019 Outstanding Principal for the northern region of Illinois. He has led Hononegah Community High School in Rockton since 2014. Flohr was honored for leadership in promoting teaching excellence, inspiring outstanding teachers, and a positive learning environment in the school with approximately 2,000 students. He completed a biological sciences education degree, with his master’s degree in educational administration.
