Mother McAuley Names 2026 Inductees for McAuley Hall

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School will induct six women into the McAuley Hall on December 10, 2026. Recognized for their distinguished careers and inspiring dedication to their communities, these MIGHTY women embody the mission of their alma mater as strong and compassionate leaders and changemakers.

This year’s inductees include:

Comfort Agboola ‘04, an award-winning educator, author, and nonprofit leader. As an English Language Arts teacher at Poe Classical School in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood, Comfort builds classrooms rooted in the belief that literacy is power. Her dedication to students continues through Lit and Love, LLC, an educational consulting company she founded that provides writing enrichment to underserved communities and supports educators through coaching, workshops, and literacy curriculum. That commitment to equity and excellence has been recognized widely. In 2023, Comfort received the Milken Educator Award, one of the most prestigious honors in American education. In 2025, she was named a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year. She is also a Teach Plus Illinois Senior Policy Fellow, bringing the practitioner’s voice into statewide conversations about education policy.

Mary Anne Hennessy Capron ‘75, posthumously, was one of the city’s premier civil litigators and professor at both DePaul University College of Law and Saint Xavier University. Mary Anne lived a life defined by academic brilliance, remarkable selflessness, trailblazing professional achievement, and an unwavering Catholic faith. Entering the Chicago legal landscape at a time when women were generally unwelcome, Mary Anne broke barriers, becoming one of the first female partners at Pretzel & Stouffer, and later at Hennessy & Roach. She ardently championed civil rights and the ordination of women to the Catholic priesthood, establishing an advisory group at Christ the King to foster an increased role for the laity, which attracted national attention. She raised funds for the Augustinian missions in Peru and supported programs for the families of incarcerated individuals, always championing the underdog with humility and grace. 

Michelle Dinneen-White ‘86, founder and executive director of Play Smart Literacy (PSL), a Chicago-based nonprofit that helps families foster joyful learning through playful conversation and intentional caring. With more than 30 years of experience in education, family engagement, and community-based literacy advocacy, Michelle leads PSL's Caring Clusters initiative, connecting PSL with Big Shoulders Fund schools, parish communities and public spaces across Chicago. Michelle is recognized for blending learning science, relational health, and grassroots outreach to help caregivers turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection and learning. She received the 2021 Outstanding Community Action Award from the LaundryCares Foundation at the Literacy & Learning Summit, presented by Chelsea Clinton, and is a Champion with the Life is Good Playmaker Project.

Diane Blouin Fidler ‘87, founder and owner of CORE Companies (CORE Fitness and Physical Therapy, CORE Sport, CORE Kids). When Diane opened Core Fitness and Physical Therapy in Evergreen Park in 2005, she envisioned a place where clients could receive personalized care and achieve their health and fitness goals. In 2019, Core Fitness and Physical Therapy underwent a significant expansion, doubling its studio space to accommodate the increasing demand for rehab services and group fitness classes. Then Diane partnered with physical therapist Bobby Waddell to open Core Sport, dedicated entirely to bridging the gap between injury and peak athletic performance. Core Kids Pediatric Physical Therapy came next, extending the same personalized care philosophy to children and families. Through it all, she has remained dedicated to the approach she established on the day she opened: anyone who walks through the door receives a staff member’s full attention. Diane’s dedication, care, and passion are deeply rooted in the Beverly, Morgan Park, Mt. Greenwood, and Evergreen Park communities, where she has had a profound impact on those she’s served.

Julie O’Sullivan ‘98, director of events and public relations for the Misericordia Foundation. Julie joined Misericordia in 2002, beginning her career in direct care, where she worked closely with residents and developed a deep appreciation for the organization's mission. The past two decades have revealed a legacy of leadership, passion, and advocacy shown through her work fostering creativity and self-expression as a teacher in the multi-media art studio and through her years in development, marketing, and event planning. She remains committed to advancing the organization's mission, creating meaningful connections with the community, and celebrating the talents and accomplishments of the residents she has had the privilege to serve.

Nadine Martello Shepard ‘73, a celebrated philanthropic leader, dedicated volunteer, and healthcare professional. Nadine began her career as a Clinical Staff Audiologist in the Otolaryngology Clinic at the University of Chicago before dedicating her time to raising her four children. She began volunteering at their schools, where her desire to help those in need was fueled, leading to decades of charitable work. Through the years, she has served on nonprofit boards, worked on the Catholic Charities Vision 2030 Planning Committee, chaired major events, developed a preschool program, and more. Her passion and dedication have had an incredible impact on the communities she’s served.
 
Established in 2013, the McAuley Hall recognizes members of the McAuley family whose stories and achievements are built on the strong foundation of leadership and Mercy taught within its walls. To be considered for this prestigious honor, nominees must have distinguished themselves through achievement or service, inspired others through courage or selflessness, served McAuley/Saint Xavier Academy faithfully, and/or brought credit to McAuley/Saint Xavier Academy.

“I am MIGHTY proud to celebrate six strong, inspirational leaders - true Mighty Macs,” said Carey Temple Harrington ‘86, President of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. “These incredible women are Mercy in action and demonstrate what it means to be a woman of McAuley - one who is fearless, confident, compassionate, and dedicated to her work. It is our honor to recognize their accomplishments.”

The celebration will include a prayer service, induction ceremony and champagne reception on the Mother McAuley campus.

Learn more about McAuley Hall of Honor