CHICAGO - A 1992 University High School graduate is among 25 people chosen to receive this year's MacArthur Foundation "genius grants."

The $500,000, no-strings-attached fellowships announced Tuesday by the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation recognize people in a dizzying array of fields.

Among them is Kevin Eggan, 32, a developmental biologist and principal faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. He is the son of Larry and Chris Eggan of Normal.

Eggan, a Bloomington-Normal native who has an undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois, is an expert in embryonic stem cells and somatic cell nuclear transfer, otherwise known as therapeutic cloning. Eggan said he values the pat on the back from the foundation, which has named 732 fellows since 1981.

"This is a field that has been much discussed. Its legitimacy, its importance have all been matters of public debate, and I think that a thoughtful nod from a group like the MacArthur Foundation sends a nod of support," Eggan said.

While Eggan is flattered by the honor, it took him some time to accept that it was real.

Each fellow got a surprise call recently telling them they'd been chosen for the grant by an anonymous 12-member selection committee and the foundation's board of directors.

"I couldn't believe it, I thought it was a prank caller," said Eggan. "Shock, amazement, disbelief, gratitude - all those things come to mind with a surprise of this magnitude."

His father, a retired ISU math professor, said he was both surprised and not surprised about the award. His son's been gaining a lot of attention for his work, so it isn't a total shock, he said.

But on the other hand, the elder Eggan thinks a 32-year-old is not old enough for an award of such magnitude.

"In that way it surprised me, I thought he was too young," he said.

Kevin Eggan intends to continue at Harvard and use the $500,000 grant to supplement his work, said his father.

Larry Eggan calls his son's work "an amazing opportunity for curing previously incurable diseases."

The father said his son understands the controversy the issue stirs up, but he said contends if scientists are careful with how they work.

In fact, the biologist told his father he spent about a third of his work time last year outside of the laboratory - focusing on the politics and ethics of such research.

Although the work keeps the younger Eggan busy, the U High grad gets back to the Twin Cities now and then.

And his father said he enjoyed some father/son time this summer. The pair made a cross-country trip, bringing a trailer of belongings to Kevin Eggan's sister who'd moved to Los Angeles.

Larry Eggan said the biologist's parents also hope to get something out of the award.

"We're hoping he takes us out to dinner," joked the Normal professor.

Other fellows also include a doctor treating children with genetic diseases in Pennsylvania's Amish country, a former child math prodigy from Australia, a master glassblower from New York, a playwright originally from Evanston and a deep-sea explorer from Florida.

"These awards are about more than money. They carry an affirmation not only of individual creativity but also are a mark of respect for a whole field of endeavor," said Jonathan F. Fanton, president of the MacArthur Foundation. "These are activities that society doesn't always give proper due or comment to."

Michele Steinbacher contributed to this report.