Ms. Karyn Fritz Brown
Class of 1985

Karyn Fritz Brown is currently a faculty member at Mississippi State University in Starkville , Mississippi . She is an instructor and coordinator of broadcasting in the Department of Communications. She oversees the student-produced shows. She has much to offer her students, as her experience in communications is plentiful. She has worked as an anchor, producer and director of WWIR-TV in Macomb , Illinois . In Columbus , Mississippi she was a general assignment reporter for WCBI-TV (CBS affiliate) where she was responsible for reporting, writing and editing news stories and performing live coverage of events. She also served as a fill-in anchor and producer.

Ms. Brown earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication and Political Science from Augustana College in Rock Island , Illinois and a Master of Arts in Public Communications and Broadcasting from Western Illinois University , Macomb , Illinois .

Her message to Leyden students: “Focus on being yourself, not what others tell you to be. If you stay true to yourself, your talents and skills will be recognized.”

Mr.Floyd M. Yager
Class of 1985

Floyd Yager is currently the Assistant Vice President of Product Operations for Allstate Insurance Company, in Northbrook , Illinois . He has had other titles at Allstate: Assistant Vice President of Research and Development and Senior Actuary, to name a few. He manages day-to-day internal operations for the Midwest Region of Allstate, where he is responsible for the growth and profit of the regional operation, including decisions on pricing, underwriting and marketing. He has been given the honor of the Allstate “Good Hands” Award for Outstanding Community Service.

Mr. Yager earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute , Indiana . He earned a Masters in Business and Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

His message to Leyden students: “Work hard. The world is open to you, but do not expect things to be given to you. Take advantage of the opportunities you have before you. Have fun and work to make the world a better place.”

Dr. Karen Fitzner
Class of 1966

Dr. Karen Fitzner is currently the Chief Science and Practice Officer of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. She provides leadership, guidance and support for the association's research efforts and evidence based practice guidance program. She is an active member of the National Diabetes Education Program. In addition, she is the Board President of HOPE of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation. She is the founder of the Professional Women in Health committee.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Illinois State University , and her Master of Science in Economics in Social Policy and Planning from The London School of Economics. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong .

She has given numerous presentations on four continents and written various publications regarding health care and health care management. In addition, she has numerous professional certificates earned in a variety of health-related areas.

Her message to Leyden students is: “Believe in yourself. Savor your educational opportunities and be willing to try the unusual—but always have a goal in mind.”

Mayor Jeffrey T. Sherwin
Class of 1971

Jeff Sherwin is currently in his third term as the Mayor of Northlake, Illinois . He is a life-long resident of Northlake and has a strong commitment to the community. As Mayor, he has improved and established many new parks for residents. With his help, the City now has a Senior Citizens Center. New sidewalks, streets and sewers have gone into many areas of the town, and much has been done to improve Northlake's infrastructure. Under his administration Centerpoint Preserve has also seen improvements. He has served on the Library Board and the Fire Protection District. He has worked tirelessly on education referendums for district 212, 83 and 87. He is also active with the Kiwanis Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Mayor Sherwin earned his Associates Degree from Triton College and then went on to Northeastern Illinois University to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attained his law degree from Kent Law School .

His message to Leyden students: “Set a goal and work towards it. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish.”