As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CME Group, Terry Duffy ’76 has used energy, vision and innovation to build the firm into the world’s largest derivatives marketplace. A fixture in Crain’s “Who’s Who in Chicago Business” listings, Mr. Duffy is widely regarded as one of the most astute and accomplished business leaders in the nation, if not the world.

Less well known but equally impactful are his efforts in the philanthropic sector. Among other causes, Mr. Duffy has devoted his time and treasure to: the Mayo Clinic Greater Chicago Leaders Council, the CME Group Foundation and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, funding medical research that has enhanced and extended thousands of lives over the years.

He also has been a great friend to his alma mater, Leo High School.

“Terry Duffy’s combination of professional accomplishment and commitment to the betterment of others embodies the Leo spirit of Facta non Verba,” Leo President Dan McGrath said. “He’s an ideal choice to be this year’s recipient of the Andy McKenna Leo Lions Legacy Award.”

Mr. Duffy will be honored at the 10th annual Leo Scholarship Benefit on Wednesday, December 3 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. This year’s event is expected to be especially festive because it kicks off a yearlong  celebration of our school’s 100-year anniversary — Leo opened its doors in September of 1926.

“I’m so honored to accept the Andy McKenna Leo Lions Legacy Award for many reasons,” Mr. Duffy said. “Andy was truly dedicated to Leo High School for many years and he did so many things in his life to set an example for others.

“Separately, he was also my father’s classmate in the 1947 class at Leo, which makes it that much more special to me.”

Andy McKenna was the first Leo Lions Legacy Award recipient, in 2016. After he died in 2023 the award was named in his honor.

Other recipients: Bill Conlon ’63, Tom Owens ’54, Bob Sheehy ’71, Mike Holmes ’76, General William Walker (USA-ret.) ’75, Joe Power ’70, Ray Siegel ’65 and Dr. Jim Stankiewicz ’66.

“Terry takes his place on a very distinguished list,” McGrath said, “but he belongs there. It’s our honor to honor him.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Leo High School Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to needy and deserving Leo students. With Leo achieving a 30-year high in enrollment this year, the need for resources to fund tuition assistance is paramount.

And yes, the world-renowned Leo Choir, fresh off its star turn on “America’s Got Talent,” will be performing.

To order tickets or to receive additional information, please visit the Patricia Hurley and Associates web site at www.pjhchicago.com/leohighschool, or contact Beth Blackman at bblackman@pjhchicago.com.

“We’re looking forward to a great night for Terry Duffy and a great night for Leo,” McGrath said.