Distinguished Alumna Lori Beecher '87

For Lori Beecher '87, journalism has always been a family affair. Upon first arriving at Maryland, Beecher knew she wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting. The most influential person in helping her chart her course: her Pulitzer Prize-winning father, William Beecher, who was then a Washington correspondent for the Boston Globe and is now an adjunct professor at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. However, even before Lori Beecher graduated, she was forging her own way—juggling senior year coursework and a full-time desk assistant job at ABC News. This April, Beecher returned to campus to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the College of Journalism at the Twelfth Annual Alumni Association Awards Gala. "It was an honor to be recognized by the university," says Beecher, "and a very memorable evening for me and my family."

More than 25 years into her television news career, the Emmy Award-winning producer is anxiously awaiting the premiere of her current project, "Katie." Beecher's work on Katie Couric's new show marks a couple firsts for the seasoned "booking" producer: producing a syndicated daily one-hour program with a lot of flexibility; and being "part of a 'start-up,'" creating a program from scratch. Of the show, she says: "It will be topical and fun; it will reflect Katie's interests and personality. The set is being built right now. We'll have a live audience. I can't wait for us to be on the air," says an excited Beecher, for whom Katie Couric is not only an employer but a dear friend.

As a mother of three, the work doesn't stop for Beecher at the end of the day. "It's a constant juggle for anyone with a demanding full-time job and children," she says, "but I think they are proud of the work that I do, and the news business certainly provides us with interesting conversations!" For more interesting conversations, be sure to tune in to "Katie," beginning Sept. 10.

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