Dr. James Stankiewicz ’66

James A. Stankiewicz, MD, blazed a path from Leo High School, class of 1966, to this year’s Leo Alumni Association “Man of the Year” honor paved by focus and devotion.
Stankiewicz’ meld his stellar career in medicine through devotion to patients’ healthcare and the guid­ance of the next generation of physicians. Working in the medical field with his wife of 48 years Joanne brings nearly a century of healing to one home. Joanne is a practicing clinical psychologist. 

It was at medical school Stankiewicz first met nurse Joanne Grotta, who promptly asked her two brothers from Leo – Tom, ’64 and John Grotta, ’67 – what kind of guy Stankiewicz was at Leo.
Stankiewicz is still the same self-described “blue-collar kid from the South Side” who attended St. Sabina. Others say he has a heart of gold. He went into medicine to help people and was recognized as the 2022 Stritch Medalist for his 40-year journey helping to bring full accreditation – followed by international regard – to Loyola Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

There was but one person on staff when Dr. Stankiewicz arrived as an assistant professor. After a two-year turnaround beginning in 1980 with added staff and professionals following the vision of Stankiewicz as Vice­ Chair, the department thrived. He became full Chair serving from 2006-2016.

“Very focused,” said younger brother Mike, ’70. ”Those accomplish­ments didn’t come without trials and tribulations” of his brother’s University of Chicago degree in biology and doctor of medicine degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in 1974.

In 1985, the Doctor of Otolaryngology founded the Nasal Sinus Center at Loyola University Medical Center, the first of its kind in the Chicagoland area “because it was needed.”

Along the way, Stankiewicz’s ongoing financial commitment to Leo has resulted in tuition support for multiple Leo students across generations.

Before he carried medical journals, he chased championships at Leo in football and basketball and was a member of Leo’s first baseball team in 1966. Stankiewicz served as co-captain of the 1966 Lightweight Catholic League champions, a team trailing at half to Weber. Teammate Jay Stan­dring promised everyone a turkey meal at his house if they pulled out a title under coach Tom O’Malley.

“I don’t think his mom was too thrilled but we had a great time at the dinner at Standrings,” recalled Stankiewicz, who was one of the full-court press sparkplugs who erased a 13-point halftime deficit en route to Leo’s Catholic League title.

While a proud contributor to Leo’s undefeated, 1962 freshman football team, Stankiewicz’s father had other plans for his son. When Leo played in the championship in 1966, Stankiewicz donned a Leo cheerleader outfit to root.

“I would much rather have been on the field playing but back in those days we had boy cheerleaders so I did my part,” said Stankiewicz. “That just shows what kind of Leo guy Stanks is,” said Standring. “Just to come out cheering for us when he could have been playing says it all.”

Stankiewicz balanced the challenges of studies at the University of Chicago with baseball and football outlets along with intramural basket­ball. He served as president of his fraternity. During his medical school residency, he served a two-year military obligation using a little political pull to jump from the Marines to the US Navy, accelerating his trajectory in medicine while serving in San Francisco.

Professionally, he has performed more than 20,000 nasal or sinus procedures, shared with his peers 300 medical papers, and delivered more than 500 presentations on nasal and sinus disorders.

Devotion to the medical field and the comfort and care of others is the stamp that distinguishes Dr. Stankiewicz in his field and among his fellow Leo Men as the 2023 Alumni Association Leo Man of the Year.

Doctor Thomas Driscoll Award
Ron Malec ‘46

Leo High School’s Ron Malec, Class of 1946, still operates in the circles of young men as an attorney, businessman, and real-estate developer nationally and most recently in Florida. Maple Park is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. In conjunction with that occasion, Mr. Malec has set up a Scholarship Fund that will make it possible for students from Maple Park to attend Leo High School — the plan is to start with four students next year and gradually grow to 16.

Two public grammar schools that serve Maple Park embrace the con­cept. While Fenger and Morgan Park are viable options in the district schools, Leo High School is the obvious option, thanks to a Leo man living in Florida who never forgot his roots.

After Leo, Mr. Malec served in the US Navy and then attended the Univer­sity of Notre Dame and earned his degrees in accounting and law, both of which served him well in real estate endeavors.

Malec’s career began as an accountant in Chicago working for Arthur Andersen. His interest in real estate drew him further into the industry. For the next 20 years, he grew his reputation and business developing single ­family homes, post offices, and apartments.

As co-founder and executive director of Keystone Halls, Inc., Mr. Malec provided homes and opportunities for low-income families. Many lives took a trajectory up after Mr. Malec opened doors.

After he moved his family down to Florida he was approached to help turn a halfway house into a greater reality for those in need. Tapping his career experiences and contacts, Mr. Malec totally transformed the halfway house into Keystone Hall in Fort Lauderdale. The media wrote that Mr. Malec “jumped in with both feet”, credited with investing his skill set money into lives. The structural changes took an eight-bed program to a 93-bed, 12-program institution of substantial significance.

Today Keystone Hall is·a model transitional home with support services offered to homeless alcoholics and individuals with addictive disorders, as well as homeless veterans and those recently incarcerated seeking new vocations during a period of transition.

Mr. Malec was quoted as saying of Fort Lauderdale’s Keystone Hall: We’re the best program around. Every person we keep off the streets and out of jail serves our community as much as $100,000 a year. It’s an extra plus when we get someone a job, too.”

Industry recognition for his life’s work includes: “Who’s Who” in the Midwest and Commerce and Industry and Chicago Jaycees’ “Man of the Year” are among his many awards.

Age is no threat to Mr. Malec, who recently was awarded the Community Foundation of Broward “For Good Awards Hall of Fame winner; continues to play a major role as a self-proclaimed “salesman” developer helping to re-purpose real estate while rejuvenating their lives.

Ron is among the thousands of Leo Men who believe the school helped them get off to a good start in life and he is giving back in earnest.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Antwane “Tony” Spivy ‘92

Antwane “Tony” Spivey of the Class of 1991 is this year’s recipient of the Leo High School Alumni’s Com­munity Service award and is an unmistakable Leo Lion.

Coming or going, Spivey’s signature orange and black clothing purposely projects his love of Leo, as well as its sense of home and dedication in his roles.

Spivey joined the Leo staff in 2020 as the “go-to, get-it-done now” alum returning to the school on 79th Street that shaped him.

“If Leo were to give out an MVP Award, Antwane “Tony” Spivey ’91 would be a leading candidate,” said Leo President Dan McGrath. He drives a bus that delivers students to Leo in the morning. He monitors the cafeteria and online classes during the day. He covers classes when teachers are out. He supervises field trips and drives Leo’s teams to games and practices.

“Courteous, professional, and responsible in all his duties, the kids love him, as do their parents.

“I wear my Leo gear everywhere,” said Spivey. “Being at Leo working every­day has tightened my bond even more, especially seeing the young Lions coming up every day.”

A player under Leo’s coach Bob Foster, Spivey has walked his share of sidelines having coached youth football for a decade, highlighted by his days as a head coach for his son’s Zion Zeebees. The juniors reached the Super Bowl in 2018 under Spivey.

Leo proved a vital touchdown point for Spivey during his most challenging.  chapter as a young man. When his mother turned deathly sick, he took on the responsibility of his younger brother. It was the old coach Foster who re­sponded with “Do the job, Tony.”

“And I did just that,” said Spivey, whose mother died at 41.

Spivey raised his seven-year-old brother and also three boys of his own, now in their 20s. He’s been blessed in return with two grandsons.

“I believe Mr. Spivey’s involvement has helped make Leo a better school,” said Shaka Rawls, Leo Principal of this year’s Community Award recipient Antwane “Tony” Spivey who lives a Leo’s life of deeds for the school he loves. 

2023 LEO HALL OF FAME
Albert Marks ‘64

Where Albert Marks went in life, his younger brothers proudly followed.

In turn, Al followed the sporting careers of his brothers from football to track to golf to fishing of all the Marks’ fam­ily members and their offspring.

Showing the traits of one of the oldest – with the respon­sibilities his parents instilled, Al rarely spoke of his own achievements at Leo but rather supported and praised those that followed.

Marks graduated from Leo in 1964 and his seven younger brothers who followed each found their own niche whether it was on the gridiron, the glee club, or intramural sports.

“Each brother would shine in his own way at Leo and it was Al who was al­ways around the cheer them on, whether it was the football field or track,” said a family member ticking off the many brothers – Bob, Bill, Dan, Joe, Mike, John, Rich, and Tom.

“Al was always following Leo’s growth, transformations, and sports records over the years.”

Albert enters Leo’s Alumni Association Hall of Fame posthumously.

Also a member of Leo’s Glee Club, he was likely the first to regale a wedding crowd by singing the Leo Lions Fight Song.

Even when Al turned 75 years old, he was still sporting his “Leo spirit wear” and was quick to show off the cherished painting in his office of his school on 79th Street.

“Al’s pride in Leo was an integral part of his personality which formed his Christian values throughout his life,” said a family member.

Al was drafted into the Army and served honorably in combat during the Vietnam Wars from 1966 until 1968. Returning safely he married his wife of 52 years Kathy and the two were blessed with a daughter Michelle and a son Tom, who frequented Leo games with his dad.

By then he was advancing his career in sales and rose to sales manager at Butternut Bread before joining Frito Lay.

Away from work, Al coached Tom’s Little League and followed Michelle’s games. One of 11 children, Al’s love of family was eternal, especially when his four grandchildren arrived. All occasions regarding family ”were sweet chances to cherish his friendships and brotherhood.”

“Al wasn’t particularly focused on one charity but he was the first in line to support friends in need attending charity events, smokers, alumni banquets, and Veterans’ charities.

In his later years, Al showed a softer side in his absolute dedication to his four grandchildren – Megan, Luke, Tommy, and Maddie – supporting them in schooling and their sporting events. They were the apple of Grandpa’s eye.

“In life, Al embodied the values of Leo with his family every day. He brought laughter, love, and support to the Marks family all the days of his life.”

Daniel Marks ‘67 

Now in retirement, Daniel Marks, class of 1967, comes to Leo’s Hall of Fame in good company – his brothers.

Daniel Marks graduated from Leo High School in 1967 after attending Saint Augustine’s Grammar School and finds Leo and his family still govern his life to this day.

Well-known as one of Leo’s Marks brothers -Robert, Albert, William, Richard, John, Michael, Joseph, and Thomas Marks – he fell in as both younger brother and responsible older brother to seven who followed.

Dan’s fondest memories of Leo from yesteryear match up to his favor­ite activities as a grandfather. Dan was a big fan in attendance at Leo’s pep rallies and a fan of his older brother Bill, who played football on the 1966 team that played Loyola in 1966 at Soldier Field. Today, he cheers from the stands for his two granddaughters Sarah and Mary on the field.

Family vacations with nearly 60 or more Marks family members and fishing trips are worked into the calendar around Leo’s golf outings and fund­raisers.

“I am happy to support the young men who currently attend Leo,” said Dan. “It’s important for them to have a good place to learn and feel wel­come.

“My time at Leo High School showed me how important a sound edu­cation can be to better prepare you for future endeavors. Supporting Leo High School is something that is important to my brothers and me. These kids deserve the best possible chance at succeeding in life.”

Dan participated in intramural basketball, football, and softball at Leo. After Daley Community College Dan was drafted into the United States Military. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971.

He spent 13 months serving in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea. The Joint Security Area unit was part of the Joint United Nations Peacekeep­ing Force in the Truce Village of Panmunjom, Korea. Panmunjom was where the UN and North Koreans debated the violations of the Armistice Agreement.

After service to his country, Dan worked for 28 years as a route sales­man for Wonder Bread while giving up his free as an active member of each of the parishes he moved to. His community service work included: coaching, tutoring, Bible study, and fundraising efforts for the hungry and homeless. He also served on the parish carnival committees and as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster of the local Scout Troop.

Dan and his late wife Christine of 36 years raised two children, Tim and Jacki, and are “blessed” with two granddaughters. Over the last dozen years. “I’ve been enjoying my retirement with my partner of 12 years, Suzanne.”

Never but a phone call away, Dan uses his handyman skills in plumb­ing and such to help his daughters when something is in need of fixing or repair.

“My favorite memories are because of the people I met in high school,” said Dan “They have become my lifelong friends, some who I see to this day.”

Welcome Dan Marks to the Leo Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

Bill Holland ‘73

William Bernard Holland Ill wanted his golden jubilee alumni anniversary to be the biggest turnout for one class in the history of Leo’s 67 reunions.

That Bill “Dutch” Holland passed away suddenly on June 11, 2022, only hastened his induction into Leo’s Alumni Hall of Fame and a heavenly reunion with two of his closest 1973 classmates – Tom Hopkins and Tom Knightly – as well as other Leo men who are deceased.

The ever-so-proud Leo Man was a member of Leo High School Alumni Association and the Leo Advisory Board, a 1977 graduate of Marquette Uni­versity, past Grand Knight of Fr. Perez Council 1444, and an Insurance Bro­ker for 30+ years at Arthur J. Gallagher.

If he were approached about entering the Hall of Fame earlier, he proba­bly would have shunned the gesture with a heart-filled laugh because there would be plenty of time for that, if not other Leo recognitions.

Leo was runner-up in life to his wife of 45 years Catherine and daughters Colleen, Mary Kate, and Patty Holland. He was “Big Papa” to grandchildren Coner and Maura.

From the time Holland left Little Flower Parish to arrive at Leo, he donned the black and orange juggling a number of roles:

Academic:

Student Council President 1973
Honor Roll Student: Junior and Senior Year
Valedictorian: Senior Year 1973

Sports:

Football: Freshman-Senior Year
Captain Senior Year
Position: Linebacker

Football Coach Bob Foster considered Holland “one of his hardest-hitting, most dedicated football players at Leo High School.”

A newly founded Bill Holland Scholarship Fund was started shortly after Bill’s passing in honor of his dedication and love for Leo. “Seed money” came from in-lieu-of-flowers donations received during the wake and funeral. Contributions continued to mount after the services, enough to fund a full scholarship for a former student of Bill’s daughter/teacher at Evergreen Park High School, Colleen McWalter.

The young Leo Man is currently a sophomore, and his tuition will be cov­ered for the remainder of his time at Leo. More than $12k has been raised in Bill’s name to date, allowing for a second student to walk the Leo halls this upcoming fall.

The posthumous induction into the Leo Hall of Fame for Bill Holland prompted his wife Cathy to pass this along to the Leo Men he cared for:

Bill took care of everyone in his life. He did this without looking for any­thing in return or any accolades. It was just the right thing to do and that’s what Bill did. When his family needed him, he was there. From being an honorary grandpa to Santa Claus, or designated chauffeur, Bill loved help­ing anyone in his life.

When Bill’s daughters were little, he would walk in the door and yell, “Are there any little girls here who love me?” His three daughters (Colleen, Mary Kate, and Patty) would fly to the door where Bill would hug them and ask about their day. Every day. Every day Bill did this. Bill showed his love through his actions. He lived the Leo motto, “Deeds not words,” though he was never short on those. 

Bill Marks ’66

William “Bill” Marks enters Leo’s Alumni Association Hall of Fame posthumously, nearly four years after his death in 2019.

An officer of Leo’s Glee Club in his 1966 graduating year, he was known to stretch the vocal cords at family weddings singing the Leo Lions Fight Song with his brothers: Bob, Al, Dan, Joe, Mike, John, Rich, and Tom – all Leo graduates.

Marks brought his football skills from St. Augustine Grammar School and even joined the Drama Club, having honed his stage skills from a large family.

His son Bill recounts his dad’s vivid memories of times at Leo High School, focused mainly on those including playing on the football field or participating in the Glee Club.

“My dad was incredibly proud of his high school, Leo, and he and his brothers made a tradition of singing the Leo Lions Fight Song at all major family gatherings.

“It was also a well-told tale in our household about how he met his wife Helene while acting in one of the high school’s plays,” “And of course, there was the infamous Marx Brother’s nickname of Harpe Marx that he received from his classmates.”

Upon graduation from Leo, Marks entered the University of Illinois at Circle to study business. His early career in sales was interrupted by the draft. In 1968 he joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam for fourteen months as a military police officer. Before departing he got engaged to high school sweetheart Helene Julkowski. They were married in 1969 and had four children: Jake, Josh, Jessica, and Erin. He eventually had nine grandkids that he loved to fish and joke around with.

He enrolled in DePaul University and graduated with his business degree, leading to his first career stop at Northern Trust Bank, followed by an illustri­ous sales career at Forsythe McArthur. A multiple “Salesman of the Year” recipient, he thrived for more than two decades at Forsythe.

Bill retired in March 2009, after which he spent his day’s golfing, fishing, and ballroom dancing. Bill was honored to be included in the Oklahoma Honor Flight to Washington, DC in November of 2018.

Never too far from the Catholic church efforts, he dedicated his time and his talents to helping local organizations, such as St. Colleta’s, which services adults with special needs. He also was very involved in charity golf tourna­ments, combining his passion for the sport with raising money for causes, including working with the Heisman Trophy winners in a charity golf fundraiser.

Marks loved spending his free time outside, whether it was on the golf course, fishing with his siblings, or watching his beloved Chicago Bears. He cherished his visits to connect with his siblings and see his grandkids. Never one to pass on “the finer things in life” he liked a good drink and cigar with friends or his brothers while sitting outside, or vacationing.

Ricardo “Rick” Anthony Hall ‘72
 

Just 23 days remained on Renardo Hall’s home calendar in Maryland until he would be reunited with his Leo High School classmates in Chicago Friday, April 22.

Leo’s first Black class president, Hall’s presence at the Leo Alumni Association’s celebration honoring the 1972 Golden Jubilee Class would be emblematic of the school’s enduring presence in Chicago’s South Instead, Hall died of a sudden, massive heart attack Thursday, March 31, 2022 Ricardo Watts, Hall’s vice president and class offi­cer running mate, along with dear friend Larry Wilson, dutifully shared the news with their classmates, conveying that “Renardo was looking forward to the 50th Class Reunion” and “working hard” to reach as many people as possible.

In months leading up to the reunion Hall was initiating Zoom calls, finding other 1972 graduates, and projecting a contagious enthusiasm for the gathering on April 22, 2022, at Chateau Del Mar, the most recent banquet host to a storied event that enjoyed crowds of 700 men at the former Martinique Drury Lane in Evergreen Park. Nearly 400 are expected.

“Renardo was a peacemaker,” said Pete Doyle, Hall’s cross country and track coach at Leo, who will bestow the banquet’s invocation and occupy Hall’s seat.

Hall’s final email correspondence in trying to “round up” classmates read:

“Brothers of ’72’, I am requesting that you find a way to come back to Leo High School for this Golden Occasion. Come back to rekindle old friendships and good memories. Come back to give back to LEO!
I know our classmates would enjoy seeing one another, I definitely know I will enjoy seeing your face in the place.” Renardo Hall.

Hall was approaching the trip like a retreat. Like many who moved from Chicago, he cherished mailed news clippings of Leo’s success and sustainability and, in recent days, Google links of television spots showing proud young Black men making their mark, the way Hall did.

“The summer before his senior year, he ran every day to prepare for cross country and track,” said attorney Tom Lynch, a 1973 graduate. “We ran in Marquette Park when not many young Black men even entered the park and we ran in Ryan’s Woods where guys would be sitting around drinking from paper bags.”

“Renardo was leading the charge back to Leo,” said Leo President Dan McGrath, a 1968 Leo graduate. “He was coming straight to the school Friday morning to meet our students in a Journalism class and answer their ques­tions.”

Hall’s Saturday agenda called for a ‘1our of the school” with McGrath and Leo Principal Shaka Rawls, followed by loose plans for an afternoon brunch, golf, and bowling, concluded with a reference to presenting a “Gift to school from the Class of 1972.” Side.

The Hall family established the Renardo Hall Scholarship Fund prior to his memorial service in Maryland April 15th. The family plans to attend the 2023 banquet at tables occupied by the 1972 class members and local friends and family.

“Ours is a success story because of people like Renardo,” said McGrath.=

Fred Nelson III ‘72

Young Fred Nelson Ill had his own spotlight at Leo High School in the late 1970s but gained worldwide industry in­famy using his gifts to make others famous.

At Leo, the brown-eyed, handsome young man sported a classic 1970s-inspired Afro puff hairstyle that said Black it Beautiful. Nelson was a band officer and student under the direction of the great Chicago orchestra conductor and teacher Leo Henning. Nelson was a distinguished member of Leo’s woodwinds, a piano player, and an all-around contributor to Leo’s spring concerts.

That Nelson and Henning intersected at Leo on 79th Street proved harmoni­ous as both found their greatest calling in music just “20 feet from stardom” yet, vital keys to the starring artists’ stellar performances – live performance and studio recording.

Nelson’s graduation in 1977 from Leo launched into globetrotting assignments with such legendary artists as Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Anita Baker, Jennifer Holiday, and Ben Vereen – and the list goes on.

Like Henning, the modest Nelson gives back as the artistic director to stu­dents at Southland College Prep Charter High School and District 162 in Matte­son, Illinois.

The Leo High School Alumni Association honors Hall of Famer, Fred Nelson for the music he brings to the world and the inspiration he instills in tomorrow’s musicians and artists.

The world of music knows Fred Nelson Ill as a producer, composer, ar­ranger, conductor, jingle writer for Leo Burnett Advertising, and keyboardist extraordinaire, a skill he honed as a toddler while on the lap of his father, who graced the piano bench and keys as a performer.

Mr. Nelson’s journey gradually changed from performance to music production and direction. Through Nelson Entertainment Group, Inc., he has produced music for national radio and television commercials for over three decades.

Nelson’s list of commercial clients includes major advertising agencies such as Burrell, Leo Burnett, Vince Culler. He has produced music for clients such as McDonald’s, Polaroid, Coca-Cola featuring Anita Baker., United Airlines, Illinois State Lottery, American Airlines, Toyota, Ford, and Sears.

In addition, Nelson has served as a producer and musician for several recording projects, including Celine Dion, Chuck Mangione, and Neil Diamond.’

Mr. Nelson has served as an elected member of the Chicago Chapter Board Governors for NARAS (The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) Committee for the Grammy’s. He is also a signatory to SAG-AFTRA and AFM.

To Mr. Nelson’s credit are several recognitions and awards for his continued pursuit of musical excellence. His most recent recognition was the Chicago Defender’s “Men of Excellence Award”.

Mr. Nelson gives credit to God first, and lists mentors who guided and shaped his musical career. His mentors include Fred Nelson, Jr (father), Donald Byrd (Fred’s tour arranger and MD with Ray Charles), Robert Mayes (Virtuoso Musician), and Wendell Logan (Fred’s Oberlin College Professor). Mr. Nelson believes that he is merely a “blessed channel for God to express Himself to uplift man through music.”

Nelson considers his most rewarding accomplishment to be his daughter Paige.

Facta Non-Verba.