‘The ecosystem depends on people, not just policy’: 2026 Sheth International Alumni Award recipient shares wisdom during annual lecture
Category: Alumni Class Notes
Decade container for class notes from alumni on the Law model
Alum Joyce Yen Feng Receives the 2026 Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Joyce Yen Feng (MSW ’81, PhD ’88) has been awarded the Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement. The award was established in 2000 to “recognize the accomplishments of distinguished international Illinois alumni who are highly accomplished in their profession, have made outstanding contributions to government, humanity, science, art, or human welfare, and exemplify the strength of their education at the university.”
Feng, whose work in areas of child welfare, ethical governance, national policy and visionary promotion and pioneering in social enterprise policy earned her the honorable title of the “Mother of Social Enterprise” in Taiwan, retired in 2022 from National Taiwan University. During her tenure, Feng dedicated herself to academic research.
Feng’s scholarly pursuits focused on child welfare and NPO development, research on Taiwan’s nonprofit sector, and “exploration of the value of social and organizational sustainability and its architecture for how a society organizes care and public trust for people who are most vulnerable”. One of Feng’s notable contributions was leading the planning and passage of Taiwan’s 2014 Social Enterprise Action Plan, “which integrated resources from nine ministries to build a social enterprise ecosystem in the country.”
Her career, scholarship, and public contributions have consistently enhanced lives and her professional journey is a real-world example of global citizenship.
Illinois Social Work Alumna Helping First-Generation Graduates Thrive Beyond College
When Susan Gershenfeld, PhD ’16, (featured on the right alongside Emily Malamud, a 2013 Illinois graduate and former I-Promise student, now in her fourth year of residency in Pediatric Neurology at Stanford) set out to write her new book What If…Why Not?, her goal was clear: to reach more first-generation college students with practical, holistic guidance for entering professional life. The book grew out of her work with FirstGen Ahead, a nonprofit she founded to support first-generation students as they navigate the transition from college to career.
“The title reflects an empowering mindset,” Susan said. “It encourages students to explore opportunities they might not have imagined and to challenge assumptions about what’s possible for them.”
Her perspective is deeply personal. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Susan understands the blend of quiet determination and vulnerability that defines so many students’ experiences. Drawing on 15 years of supporting first-generation students and insights gathered from alumni who have spent up to a decade in the workforce, she created a guidebook grounded in authentic stories and real-world advice.
Susan’s book offers both practical career guidance and reflections on the personal challenges that often accompany the first-generation experience, from imposter syndrome to family expectations. “Being first-generation isn’t just about career steps,” she explained. “It’s also about navigating self-doubt and systemic barriers. Building a career and building confidence really go hand in hand.”
Her time at the University of Illinois played a pivotal role in shaping this work. While leading the Illinois Promise program, Susan began her PhD to examine how fully removing financial barriers—such as tuition, fees, and room and board—affects graduation rates for low-income students. In that process, she noticed a troubling pattern. “Many students followed the spoken rules of getting good grades and finishing in four years but missed the unspoken ones, like networking and building transferable skills,” she said. “That realization inspired me to explore how we can better prepare students for the transition into meaningful and sustainable careers.”
Ultimately, What If…Why Not? is more than a career guide. It is a roadmap for self-belief and possibility. “I hope readers feel seen, supported, and confident,” Susan said. “I want them to feel less stressed about what’s next and more empowered to take bold steps toward the future they want.”
Alumna Named 2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Worker of the Year
School of Social Work alumna Franshandra Owens, MSW, LCSW (MSW ’18), has been selected as the 2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Worker of the Year.
Owens is being recognized for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to survivor recovery through her work as a clinician at the SIU School of Medicine’s Survivor Recovery Center. In this role, she provides trauma-informed care to individuals who have experienced recent crime-based trauma, helping them reduce or eliminate PTSD symptoms and rebuild their lives.
Her colleague, Sicely Kluge, an instructor at the SIU Survivor Recovery Center, shared: “Fran’s dedication and unwavering commitment to her community has created an increase in evidence-based treatment for these individuals, improvements in their healthcare, advocacy for improvements in housing efforts, and ultimately an increase in anti-oppressive work and promotion of minority mental health.”
Owens will be honored next month by the NASW-Illinois Chapter. More information about her recognition can be found in the NASW full press release.
Alumna Jewelry Keodara Named 2025–2026 Peace Fellow
The School of Social Work is proud to celebrate alumna Jewelry Pouna Keodara (BSW ’22, MSW ’23), who has been named a 2025–2026 Titus and Linda Peachey Peace Fellow with Legacies of War.
As part of the fellowship, Jewelry will travel to Laos to witness firsthand the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on local communities and the environment. Upon returning to the United States, she will share these experiences with U.S. senators and representatives in Washington, D.C., and present at events throughout the year to raise awareness and inspire advocacy.
Jewelry’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. The daughter of Lao immigrants, she focused her MSW studies on the intergenerational impacts of war in Laos. Through her work with the University of Illinois Asian American Cultural Center and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, she has consistently championed AAPI communities and uplifted stories that too often remain unheard.
“This fellowship represents both a continuation of my family’s story and a way to honor the resilience of my community,” Jewelry shared. The Titus and Linda Peachey Peace Fellowship honors the Peacheys’ decades of service in Laos and their dedication to peace, justice, and healing. Fellows carry forward this legacy by engaging directly with impacted communities and amplifying their voices on a national stage.
Bruna Cardoso Lopez, MSW ’17 and PhD student Babu Gounder, Awarded Grand Challenges for Social Work Fellowships
Celebrating Global Impact: 2023-2024 International Achievement Award Recipients
We are thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2023-2024 International Achievement Awards, a collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois International Programs
Honoring Excellence
We are thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2023-2024 International Achievement Awards, a collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois International Programs. These awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of alumni, faculty, and students whose endeavors transcend borders, leaving an indelible mark on a global scale.
This year’s awardees represent a diverse spectrum of talent and dedication. Their exemplary work, service, and scholarship have not only enriched communities locally but have also resonated across continents, embodying the spirit of our university’s mission to enhance lives worldwide through learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development.
Recognizing Excellence in Faculty
We are delighted to announce that Associate Professor Tara Powell, a faculty member at the School of Social Work, has been named the recipient of the Sheth Distinguished Faculty Award for International Achievement. Professor Powell’s dedication to fostering global perspectives within our academic community exemplifies the University of Illinois’ commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding across borders.
Their achievements were recognized at a private awards ceremony at the Illini Union on April 18, 2024.
Special Lecture by Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman
As part of the festivities, esteemed alumnus Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman (PhD ’98), a distinguished graduate of the School of Social Work, will deliver a compelling lecture titled “From The Margins to Mainstream: Lessons On Leadership From A Small State.” Dr. Osman, recipient of the prestigious Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement, will share insights garnered from his remarkable journey, offering invaluable lessons in leadership and global citizenship.
Alice Dye, MSW ’11, is One of First Two Social Workers to Become Manager-level in Advocate Healthcare
Alice Dye is a MSW 2011 alum who is making new strides in leadership in healthcare. Based out of the western part of Chicago, she has become of the first two Social Workers in Advocate Healthcare, a large Chicago healthcare system, to be promoted to manager-level following a recent policy change.
Alice now works as a Manager of Care Management at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, which was named among the top 100 hospitals in the nation in 2023.
“In 2011, when I graduated with my MSW, I knew I wanted to be in Medical Social Work,” Alice says. “It was a decision that was solidified during my internship at Advocate Condell Medical Center. I was fortunate enough to be hired on after my internship and I have been within the Advocate Aurora Healthcare system since.
I started as a Medical Social Worker and gained experience in all areas of the hospital. I then became the Coordinator of Social Work, the first leadership type position available to Social Workers in the hospital system, and began working with policy/procedure, schedules, orientation, and education. While I loved what I was doing and remained passionate about helping others, I was also beginning to love orientation and managing complex situation and scenarios.
Healthcare is ever changing, and it is important to be able to roll with the changing tides. I thrived on the change and enjoyed process improvement and encouraging others as the change was occurring around us. Another change came about this year, where for the first time, Social Workers were allowed to be part of the management team at Advocate. Social Workers are being recognized as leaders and valuable members of the team. Once a position was available, I decided to apply for it.
I am proud to say that I was promoted to Manager of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in February 2024. It is one of my greatest accomplishments and I cannot wait for what the year will bring for myself and the team! I cannot thank University of Illinois enough for the education, opportunities, and experiences I received that have led me to this point!”
We offer our congratulations to Alice Dye for this exciting step in her career.
Carlos Evans, MSW ’12, Receives Award of Special Recognition Student Support Personnel
Carlos Evans, School of Social Work MSW 2012 alum, has been selected as one of 500 Illinois recipients of the “Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards” by the Illinois State Board of Education. Carlos has received one of the two Awards of Special Recognition Student Support Personnel.
Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has been sponsoring the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program, recognizing educators for their substantial contributions to both public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in the state.
“I am grateful for the education, mentorship and friendship that I received from my professors and classmates at the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois,” Carlos said. “I use what I have learned from these valuable resources as fuel to enhance my community and grow professionally.”
We offer congratulations to Carlos for his fantastic work in Peoria County and the recognition of it by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Celebrating Excellence: Suzanne Koenig Receives the Highest Honor Bestowed upon an Illinois Alum
Celebrating the remarkable achievements of our esteemed alumni is a cherished tradition at the University of Illinois. We are delighted to announce Suzanne Koenig, a distinguished graduate of the School of Social Work, as a recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Illinois Alumni Association for the year 2023.
Suzanne Koenig, BSW ’82 is president and founder of SAK Healthcare, a nationally recognized healthcare management and consulting services firm, with specific expertise in senior living, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. Koenig and SAK provide skills in operations improvement, staff development and quality assurance. Koenig brings expertise in expense management, financial oversight, marketing, census development, clinical review and regulatory improvement to healthcare facilities in order to develop operational enhancements.
As a nursing home administrator and social worker, Koenig has provided turnaround, consulting and restructuring services throughout the U.S. She regularly serves as a court-appointed receiver to oversee and manage healthcare facilities. Having participated in the writing of the Patient Care Ombudsman statute found within the United States Bankruptcy Code, Koenig frequently is appointed as a patient care ombudsman to oversee patient care in healthcare facilities across the country.
Koenig also holds a Master of Science degree from Spertus College. She is a frequent speaker for various healthcare industry associations and business affiliates where she conducts continuing education and training programs. In 2022, she received a New York Institute of Credit Women’s Division Renaissance Award and was inducted into the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation Hall of Fame.
Suzanne also serves as a court-appointed receiver, examiner, monitor, Chapter 11 trustee, and patient care ombudsman. She advises property owners, banks and lenders, trustees, debtors-in-possession, workout groups, and asset buyers.