Leo High School Hall of Fame 2026 Honorees

Man of the Year: Bill Conlon '63

Leo Man of the Year Bill Conlon, '63 has been as quiet a contributor to Leo over six decades, as he has been effective. Time and again this loyal and generous Leo supporter has been there for his high school, whether it was financial support or insight to unravel intricate issues of an uncertain state.

Bill Conlon '63 was an All-Catholic League quarterback and a heavyweight basketball standout at Leo who attended Indiana University on a football scholarship. After service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Bill completed law school at the University of Illinois, then embarked on a legal career that saw him recognized as one of the truly outstanding lawyers in the nation, first as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's office and later as senior partner/staff attorney at Sidley Austin.

Known as "the lawyer's lawyer," Bill received the John Paul Stevens Award from the Chicago Bar Association in 2014 for embodying the integrity and values of the late Supreme Court Justice, a Chicago native for whom the award is named. Bill has remained a consistently loyal and generous Leo supporter throughout his professional life, not just financially but with sound, practical legal solutions on several occasions. He has arranged internships and summer jobs for Leo students at Sidley Austin. The Markos Foundation, a former client of Bill's, funds several Leo scholarships in his honor. In 2017 Bill was the second recipient of the Andy McKenna Leo Lions Legacy Award for above-and-beyond service to Leo. The award is presented at the annual Leo Scholarship Benefit, for which Bill has served as co-chairman in each of the 10 years it has been held. Based on all he has meant to Leo, this year and over many years, there is no more deserving Man of the Year for 2026 than Bill Conlon.

Facta non Verba Award: Dan McGrath '68

Bookending Dan McGrath's passionate pursuit of sports journalism around the country is storied Leo High School. In 2010, McGrath retired from his full-time position as Managing Sports Editor at the Chicago Tribune, and his life immediately took an admirable U-turn that same year when his alma mater, Leo Catholic High School brought their search for a new president to his door. New vision and new leadership would revitalize the legendary school, they reasoned. McGrath's sense of loyalty to Leo told him it was time to give back to the culture that put him on the path to success in 1968.

During Dan's eighth grade at St. Cajetan, a deep sadness washed over the McGrath family when Dan's father Duke died of a heart attack. Dan assumed his plans to attend Leo would be shelved as the family changed priorities. A Sunday afternoon knock at the door proved otherwise. The Christian Brothers stood on the porch and stated "Leo needs students like you."

Dan's tuition would be paid because other Leo men acted valiantly to preserve the memory of their classmate Coe Francis, who tragically died in a drowning accident a few days after graduating with his 1966 class. Jim Stankiewicz initiated a scholarship drive to honor his classmate Francis and the first recipient of that gift was Dan McGrath, who quickly shared the news with his mother while taking on a path of self-sufficiency to take pressure off the family's lean budget.

Dan was already delivering the newspaper he would one day write for on the South Side of Chicago. Despite protests from supervisors, young McGrath insisted on reading each issue before starting his route in the mornings before school. After school, McGrath tried his hand at basketball and sportswriting for the school newspaper, excelling at the latter. His high school basketball coach even advised him he was "better at writing about sports than he was at playing them." These early experiences set his future in stone, and his passion for sports journalism never faltered in the years to come.

McGrath graduated from Leo Catholic High School in 1968 and soon enrolled at Marquette University. He continued writing through college, covering basketball in The Marquette Tribune during the Al McGuire era. With a journalism degree and fire under him, McGrath built an impressive post-collegiate career, writing for seven papers across six cities and five states before finding himself back in Chicago in 1996, writing for the same paper he once delivered, the Chicago Tribune.

During his 14 years as a sports editor at the Tribune, McGrath wrote through major historic sports events in Chicago, from the electric end of the Jordan era, to a White Sox World Series Championship, and ending on a high note in 2010 with a Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory.

Through the highs and lows of Chicago sports, McGrath brought a knowledgeable and passionate voice to his column that spoke to fans across the city. Beyond his time contributing to the Tribune, McGrath also authored and edited six books on Chicago sports teams and received two Pulitzer Prize nominations for his expert commentary.

McGrath retired in January as the sitting president of the school. He led fundraising and brought strong vision, turning around the public perception of Leo and playing a key role in doubling enrollment since. Today, with 94 percent of students continuing their education after graduation, McGrath can proudly look back and know it was 16 years well spent that had a rippling effect on many young lives.

Outside of his career, McGrath and his wife, Jo-Anna, have raised two children: Megan, a Chicago attorney, and Matt, Chief of Staff in the Cook County State's Attorney's office. Matt and his wife, WGN-TV anchor Lourdes Duarte, have given Dan and Jo-Anna their first grandchild, Maddie. The McGrath family carries on Dan's passion for giving back to and bettering the city of Chicago.

Leo is proud to honor Dan McGrath with the "Facta non Verba" award, recognition only bestowed before on Andrew McKenna, a 1947 Leo graduate and mentor to Dan during his years as president. McKenna was the first recipient of the Leo Lions Legacy Award in 2016. Dan founded the scholarship benefit, now in its 10th year.

Doctor Thomas Driscoll Award: Thomas W. Lynch '73

Leo's Doc Driscoll Award winner for 2026 might be considered Leo's Doctor of Technology for his efforts over the last quarter century in bringing our alumni association out of the Stone Age and into the world of the wild, wild web.

Consider that Tom Lynch, '73 lifted Leo's alumni out of the Flintstone era and into the Jetsons' space age era with the following streamlining accomplishments:
"And Tom does it all for free," said Brian Earner, '93 who nominated Lynch. "Tom is one of our most dedicated and generous of our members, and he truly deserves to be honored with an award in which he follows the Doc Driscoll example of service."

A 1973 graduate and successful attorney highly regarded by his legal peers downtown and around the county and state, Tom will dole out key assignments to younger staff members at his firm that will benefit Leo alums because of their familiarity with new technology. Tom compensates his staff members for what is regarded as extra work for them; Pro bono for Tom.

While innovation has unfolded over the previous 25 years making human interaction less frequent, Tom has remained the same, soft-spoken modest Leo man most knew at Leo for his accomplishments in cross country, track and extra-curricular activities.

A past president of the Leo Alumni Association, Tom was regaled for his long hours of work during each calendar year.

"We would be hard pressed to run our organization (in today's tech world) without the infrastructure Tom and his law firm provided for us," said Earner.

Community Service Award: Tom Connors '65

Tom Connors was seemingly "always" there where he was needed even if those in need didn't realize it at the time.

When a Leo classmate's wife died a few years back, Tom sensed "a need" and acted. Connors arranged for the widower to travel to Fox Lake, Wisconsin for a surreptitious meeting with a Leo man who had lost his wife several years earlier. Such counseling is rare.

"You probably want to know what to expect in the first year with your wife gone," Tom's friend recounted, his voice cracking as if it were yesterday.

Such empathy was a hallmark of Tom Connors, bringing two souls together, one newly crushed and the other healed and full of promise for the one hurting.

Another time, Tom rallied Leo men to a classmate who was sick and in intensive care in Crown Point, Indiana. Pressing policy at the hospital, seven friends gathered around the bed of their classmate. A veteran physician making the rounds was startled as he entered the crowded room and politely asked what was afoot, saying: "I've been doing this for 40 years, I've never seen so many classmates come to visit a patient."

Tom Connors stepped forward and took the lead, telling the doctor matter of factly: "I guess you've never treated a guy from Leo High School before. Facta non Verba."

These acts of kindness followed in Tom's wake, leaving behind soothing experiences others would learn from and pass along to the next in need.

Tom Connors' arrival was not exclusive to good deeds. The man who embodied Leo school spirit and totally lived by the School Motto Facta non Verba ecstatically threw his good humor and joyful spirit into every Class of 1965 event. He was known for being a regular attendee at alumni activities such as the spring Alumni Banquet and summer Golf Tournament.

"Tom was the stick that stirred the drink in our class," said Jim Furlong.

Beyond Leo, Tom's energy was saved for home and his lovely wife Therese, as well as the kids where Tom would be seen donning the coaching gear to inspire another generation of ball players.

Tom found time to volunteer at the Beverly Art Center and Hearts in Motion work for the poor of Guatemala.

Neither community service awards nor recognition of any kind were at the forefront of Tom Connors' mind, which wholly make Thomas J. Connors, Class of 1965, the perfect choice for the Leo Alumni Association Community Service Award for 2026, in the 100th year of Leo's impactful existence.

Hall of Fame

Don Murphy '43 Some men grace us for a short time on earth, and through their extraordinary effort honor their parents and inspire their own children. Such a man was Don Murphy '43 who now enters the Leo Hall of Fame.

The embodiment of Don's life at Leo High School embraces a Facta Non Verba approach. And beyond his accomplishments as a student-athlete and team leader, his role as father and friend throughout the short years of life lend credence to why he was an outstanding Leo alumnus.

Don's love of Leo started back in his days at St. Leo Grammar School, where he was a proud graduate of the class of 1939. There he began to build his Catholic foundation, which continued with his enrollment at Leo High School in the fall of 1939, preceded by his three brothers. His father Joseph was an electrician. He volunteered his time working on the original Leo building.

Don was a Leo honor roll student, senior year class officer-vice president, and member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He excelled in football and was at the heart of the two greatest football teams in Leo history: The undefeated 1941 and 1942 City Championship teams, 22-0 over two years. The crowds for these games exceeded 95,000 fans.

As a junior in 1941, Don backed up the legendary Lion quarterback Babe Baranoski. In his 1942 senior year, Don took over as QB and assumed a leadership role with the team, along with greats Jim Arneberg, Bob Hanlon, Bob Kelly, and Tony Kelly (all Leo Hall of Fame members).

After graduation, Don followed Leo devotedly and assisted Arenberg [sic] and Hanlon during their tenures as coaches.

Don died suddenly in the fall of 1963 at the age of 39, leaving behind his wife and six children. Four of his sons attended Leo (Don '66, Bill '70, Rich '72, Ed '78). Two of them continued his legacy by playing football with their father's passion and much success on the field.

Don was recruited in the spring of 1944 by Notre Dame to join his Leo teammates Bob Kelly and Mike Ganey in South Bend. Legend has it he was one of the top quarterbacks in camp that spring for the Irish. Duty called after Notre Dame spring ball; Don served our country for two years as staff sergeant in the Army Air Force during WWII. Unfortunately, Don did not have the opportunity to return to Notre Dame after the War ended and instead followed his Dad to train as an electrician.

The Murphy family believes the occasion of the 100-year anniversary marks a time to reflect on and acknowledge the young men who played a pivotal role in establishing a Leo tradition of excellence and leadership decades ago. Don's sons believe their father's contributions left an indelible mark on the evolution of the Leo Legacy and have no doubt that those teammates who were honored in their lifetimes would agree that their leader and quarterback rightfully should join them in the annals of Leo history as one of the newest members to the Leo Hall of Fame in 2026.

Dr. Kevin O'Leary '63 Dr. Kevin O'Leary's active life at Leo mirrors a life well lived and still busy. The graduate of St. Leo Grammar School chose Leo High School and graduated in 1963 after his brother Dan '59 and before Tim '68. Those nominating Kevin for the Leo Hall of Fame remember how "busy" he was as a student during his high school years, while he still made time to caddie around the South side enough to earn a Chick Evans scholarship to college from The Evans Scholars Foundation.

Kevin complemented his scholastic achievements with duties as a class officer sophomore, junior and senior years. He earned Student Aid in his junior year; He served as one of the Holy Promoters of The Sacred Heart all four years at Leo. Kevin served as a member of The Glee Club all four years, including as an officer his senior year, when he served as an accompanist for legendary Leo bandleader Frank Manna. As a member of the Drama Club, he scored the leading role in the production of the renowned Broadway comedy-drama "Mr. Roberts" in 1963.

A strong writer with a sense of deadline, Kevin was a trusted member of the Oriole school newspaper during his junior and senior years. A natural athlete, he found time to play four years of Leo basketball and four years as a member of the Leo golf team.

Kevin excelled as a Chick Evans Scholar at The University of Wisconsin in Madison. Kevin served in the Navy with two years of active duty and 20 years in the Naval Reserve. He went on to determine a career path with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University. Years later he would start a Dental Study Club in Wisconsin, which is still active today.

Kevin's hobbies include golf and cheering for the Chicago Bears and Cubs; he's also a wine connoisseur who can tickle the keys of a piano when asked. Though retired, Kevin still visits shut-ins from his local church. Kevin and wife Laurie raised two children - Ryan and Jeff and have a grandson Finley (Finn).

Dr. Richard Pope '63 Many a Leo man from the South Shore community traveled west on 79th Street to reach their school of choice. Dr. Richard Pope was a graduate of Our Lady of Peace Grammar School in 1959, who excelled at Leo High School and was a prominent scholar in the Class of 1963.

Known to his friends as Rich, the steady Honor Roll student participated in Student Aid, Drama and Track with an eye for more academic challenges and achievements in his home city, state and beyond before returning to Chicago.

Following Leo, he attended Saint Procopius College (Benedictine University in Lisle, IL) and the University of Illinois prior to entering Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, receiving his MD in 1970. Rich subsequently completed his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Michael Reese Medical Center in Chicago and a Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle. In addition, he served two years as a Major in the United States Army at the Military Hospital in Hawaii. After completing his military service, Rich joined the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio. Starting in 1985 he joined the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine where he taught, conducted research and cared for patients until retiring in 2023.

Dr. Pope served as Head of the Rheumatology Division for 27 years and had a significant impact in training generations of Rheumatologists and treating Rheumatoid Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. He continues as a Professor Emeritus at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been recognized for his research work and excellent patient care.

Throughout his personal and professional life, Rich has epitomized the Leo guiding principle of "facta non verba" and is a most worthy new Hall of Fame member.

Currently Rich and his wife Rosemary are ardent followers of their grandchildren's activities. Twice weekly he volunteers to teach seventh and eighth grade science during the school year. In addition, he helps weekly in a soup kitchen, visits the sick and hospitalized, and serves as a Eucharistic Minister. When time permits, the active 80-year-old enjoys bicycling, walking and gardening for recreation in his town of Wilmette, IL. Rich and Rosemary were married in May of 1970. They have two children and five grandchildren, who range in age from high school seniors to a recent college graduate.

Joe Hoffmann '66 Joe Hoffmann's hurdles as a boy turned to challenges with life-affirming answers when he became a man at Leo High School in the mid-1960s.

Joe's love for and dreams of baseball success were halted when Joe was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and rushed to LaRabida Sanitarium at the Lake and Jackson Park for a five-month stay. Joe was confined to bed and didn't walk for four of those months while still in grade school.

In 8th grade, Joe chose Leo High School, where he petitioned the coaches to be the manager of the basketball Heavies and Lights basketball team. "At least he could be a part of a sport and allowed to travel with the team," he reasoned, though deep down he really missed being a part of the action.

Joe's first love - baseball - resurfaced just as his doctor gave him and his parents clearance to resume sports heading into his senior year. Leo's medical trainer, Dr. Joseph Carey, was familiar with Joe's history and told his parents Joe should try-out for a catcher position. Concurrent with this great news, future major league baseball executive John Boles, Joe's 1966 classmate, was busy spearheading a Leo baseball team for the spring season. Joe was elated.

In February Joe's baseball dream was shattered again as he was stricken a second time with rheumatic fever, which canceled his participation in his senior prom and graduation ceremony. Leo, LaRabida Sanitarium and Joe's parents put together a "special" graduation celebration at the sanitarium. With all the key family members and friends in attendance, Leo principal Brother T.V. Ryan presented a graduation diploma in a makeshift ceremony.

Joe has never forgotten that gesture leading to that moment, which created a lifelong bond with Leo, its alums and its mission. The impromptu occasion also led to an introduction to Joan, whom he would marry four years later in 1970. Together they had two children: Joey and Julie, and after 57 years of marriage they live in Orland Park, Illinois and have five wonderful grandchildren: Will 19, Brady 18, Ryan 17, Aimee 15 and Brooks 8.

Joe is humbled by the induction into the Leo Hall of Fame as well as a bond to his high school that began during the most challenging periods of his life that his school guided him through.

Dave Niedospial '75 If 1975 Leo graduate Dave Niedospial were fighting off excruciating pain, he wouldn't mention it to a soul.

When freshman football began, the would-be quarterback was bringing up the rear on every sprint or lap around the field. Following a freak accident in the summer before 8th grade, he was diagnosed with a compound fracture on his femur, which led to surgery and a 12-inch rod surgically placed in his bone. His nerves went numb from his knee to his toes on his right leg. After a cast, he wore a brace for a year and couldn't play any sports.

"When he went to Leo his freshman year he was the slowest guy on the team," said teammate Steve Dulkowski, '75. "By sophomore year he was the starting quarterback on varsity. He played his entire career with this rod in his leg and is still numb from knee to toes."

Leo provided a soft landing for the St. Albert the Great grade school graduate. The Leo culture drew him into Student Council, the Letterman Club sophomore, junior and senior year; He was also an Illinois State Scholar. He played football all four years and was named captain senior year, when he tallied more than 1,000 total yards with 7 TDs and 400 yards rushing with six touchdowns.

Dave continued his education and football career at North Central College, where he received his BA in Business Management while playing football and earning the starting quarterback position his sophomore year. Despite suffering a career ending injury before his junior year he remained with the team, volunteering his time working with the quarterbacks.

Dave remained close to his Leo buddies taking to the park diamonds for many years of 16-inch softball. Dave's support of Leo throughout the years has been as a volunteer, as well as financial support. A member of the 2025 committee for its 50th-year reunion, he was instrumental in recruiting one of the largest turnouts at the banquet last April. He regularly attends both the alumni banquet and golf outing each year.

Currently Dave heads up the Lockport High School Department of Transportation for 4,000 students, 30 athletic teams and 50 clubs serving administration and students. Dave raised two very athletic daughters both outstanding volleyball players: Sarah played at Mother McAuley H.S. and Eastern Illinois University; Caroline played at Marist and Northwestern University. Both were college all-conference.

Leo warmly welcomes Dave Niedospial into its Hall of Fame.

DeShawn Mills '91 Leo's Shelvin Payne has never been far from the Leo campus in his life, so when he nominates Deshawn Mills "this brother who has put in the work" the nomination committee takes note.

Mills joined Leo in 2021 as an assistant dean. He quickly developed a reputation for mentoring students with an "open ear, open door and a cell phone for when the young men just needed to talk," said Mills.

According to observers that admiration built quickly as Mills shared experiences from his time at Leo, college and reality of the workforce.

Mills of the class of 1991 invests his free time lending Leo his recruitment skills, engaging the young students/athletes or cheering them on from the sidelines.

"His commitment to excellence, family and faith is what makes him truly an amazing father, brother and Leo man," said Payne. "From recruitment to being a sounding board for students to talk to once they arrive at Leo, this brother has put in the work."

Mills served as head cross country coach in 2022. He served as assistant track and field coach for the 2022-23 seasons.

Leo welcomes Deshawn Mills to the Leo Hall of Fame.

Akeem Hunter '04 Akeem Hunter, Leo Class of 2004, has pursued excellence in every chapter of his life and credits his high school experience as the launching pad to his sustained success.

The highly decorated athlete's achievements in football, track, as well as scholastic achievements at Leo earned him a full athletic scholarship to Northwestern University.

"My experience at Leo built discipline, resilience, confidence and leadership that allowed me to compete and thrive at Northwestern University, and to carry that same success into a high-level professional career."

Raised in Chicago, the graduate of James Ward Elementary School in Bridgeport, Hunter became one of the most dynamic offensive players at Leo Catholic High School. As a running back, he was named Offensive Player of the Year in Chicago's Catholic League and earned All-State Football and All-State Academic recognition for his performance on and off the field.

During his senior season at Leo, Hunter amassed 1,374 rushing yards on 198 carries, scoring 24 touchdowns with an impressive 6.9-yard average per carry. He followed that up with a strong junior campaign, rushing for 530 yards & 300 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.

In addition to his football success, Hunter was a pivotal sprinter on Leo's track and field team. He competed in sprint events and was a member of top relays, contributing to multiple IHSA state championship runs with his exceptional speed.

Hunter's combination of elite athletic performance, academic excellence, and leadership earned him a full athletic scholarship to Northwestern University, where he competed in the Big Ten Conference as a running back. At Northwestern—one of the nation's premier academic and athletic institutions—he further developed his discipline, work ethic, and strategic understanding of the game.

After his collegiate career, Hunter transitioned into the technology sector, where he has built a distinguished career in enterprise and cloud technology sales. He has worked with Fortune 10 and publicly traded corporations, managing complex portfolios and driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth. Known for his consultative approach and relationship-driven execution, he is respected as a trusted advisor in his field.

Known for his explosive speed, competitive drive, and leadership both on and off the field, Hunter's professional sales career is defined today by excellence, resilience and a lasting commitment to community and mentorship.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hunter is deeply committed to mentorship, youth development and community engagement. He regularly supports young athletes and emerging professionals by sharing insights from his athletic and business experiences to inspire the next generation.

From high-performing All-State football football standout and state champion sprinter to Division I running back and accomplished technology executive, Akeem Hunter embodies a lifelong dedication to excellence, leadership and impact, making him a perfect choice for the 2026 Leo Hall of Fame Class.