The Florida State University College of Fine Arts is excited to celebrate the induction of School of Dance alumna and distinguished volunteer leader Cricket Mannheimer (BFA ’81, M.S.’ 94) and former Dean’s Advisory Council member Andrea Friall, M.D. (B.S. ’93) into the Circle of Gold. This honor, bestowed by FSU’s Alumni Association, recognizes worthy individuals who, through their service and achievements, personify the university’s tradition of excellence. It is given to those alumni and friends of FSU who, through their dedication and loyalty to the University, exemplify the Alumni Association’s core values of Tradition, Leadership, Family, Spirit and Greatness.
Cricket Mannheimer
Mary Katherine “Cricket” Mannheimer has devoted nearly four decades to elevating Florida State University’s School of Dance and the arts community. As co-founder and longtime president of Friends of Dance, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography and launching initiatives such as the Workshop for Young Dancers and Patrons for the Dance Theatre. She was the first recipient of the School’s Nancy Smith Fichter Award for alumni service.
A former artistic director, costume designer and ballet instructor in Tallahassee, Mannheimer has also served on the FSU College of Fine Arts Dean’s Advisory Council, where she chairs the Development Committee and is Council Chair-Elect. Her creative contributions include more than 20 years of floral designs for FSU’s Football Sod Cemetery, recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Traditions in College Football.
Andrea Friall
Andrea K. Friall is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, physician leader and dedicated advocate for medical education. A Florida native and Florida State University alumna, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from FSU, followed by a medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and residency training at Tulane University.
Friall’s service to FSU includes nine years on the Foundation Board of Trustees, roles on presidential and dean search committees, and participation on the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Advisory Council. She and her husband, fellow FSU alumnus Eric Friall, established the Walter T. King Scholarship in honor of her father to support first-generation medical students. Their daughter, Camille, is a current FSU student.