Alumni Honors Gala Honorees: 2017
Meet the outstanding alumni recognized at the fourth annual Alumni Honors Gala.
Ken Fujimoto Heading link
Ken Fujimoto is an assistant professor at the Loyola University Chicago College of Education. Earning his PhD Educational Psychology degree in 2014, Fujimoto specializes in studying the quality of educational and psychological test data, using novel Bayesian nonparametric item response theory models. Another aspect of his research focuses on evaluating and refining rating instruments that measure the quality of daycare centers and mental health-related constructs.
Ernesto Matias Heading link
Ernesto Matias is the Chief of Schools for Network 4 in Chicago Public Schools, responsible for more than 30 schools on the north and northeast sides of the city. He focuses on improving student academic outcomes to strengthen life opportunities. One of his major focuses is exploring how race and race relations impact student learning, and he is leading efforts to bring together students and educators from minority and majority groups to tackle these questions. Matias earned his EdD Urban Education Leadership degree in 2015.
Cheryl Watkins Heading link
Cheryl Watkins, BA Urban Education ’92 and PhD Special Education ’15, is the Chief of Schools for Network 13 within the Chicago Public Schools. She supervises leadership, teaching and learning in 35 schools on the far south and southeast side areas of the city, specifically in the Roseland, Pullman and Hegewich communities (30 elementary schools and 5 high schools). Previously, Watkins was the Chief of Schools for Network 11 in in Chicago Public Schools.