KATE SHANNON BOYLE '82

The following bio was published in March 2023.

Kate Shannon Boyle ’82 is a top-producing real estate broker in Illinois and Michigan, whose penchant for giving was honed at an early age, thanks to her incredible family examples.

Kate grew up in Beverly, with her three siblings, in a home filled with great influences. Kate’s parents were all about good works, and taught their kids that there is nothing novel about helping the less fortunate; it is just what you do. Sue & Brian Shannon must have been masterful teachers, as Kate will tell you that her siblings are three of the finest, most generous people she knows.  

At Mother McAuley, Kate was lucky to continue her love of volunteerism, while also getting healthy instruction in scholarship and leadership. Kate’s many McAuley luminaries live on in her life and her memories. Kate often says that her Class of ’82 friends and classmates could rule the world. Most of them have already changed it for the better.

At the University of Notre Dame, Kate found further outlets to grow her love of giving back, serving many challenged populations. She also met her husband Mark in college. He has kept her captivated, laughing and dancing ever since.  

Through her television news broadcasting work following college, Kate was introduced to many underprivileged populations. Recognizing the profound needs of abused and neglected children, Kate became a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Cook County. CASA’s great work focuses on the most vulnerable children in foster care, who are not adequately served by our court system.  

Kate and Mark were blessed with three extraordinary children, whom Kate was lucky enough to stay home and care for until their college years. Kate chaired the boards of her kids’ schools, as well as Mother McAuley, and led numerous school and community committees and fundraisers. Three children became 4 in 2021, as the Boyles welcomed their beloved daughter-in-law Emily. 

Thanks to Kate’s Dad, she and her siblings were introduced to Misericordia, a place that would steal their hearts forever. With Sr. Rosemary Connelly, RSM, as his inspiration, Kate’s Dad was instrumental in the development of this incredible Chicago haven for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Kate picked up a tiny part of her Dad’s mantle, and helped establish the Misericordia Women’s League in 1996. To date, the League has raised more than $15,000,000 for Misericordia’s great works. Kate also serves on Misericordia’s Board of Advisors, and assists the remarkable Misericordia BUMS Golf Outing every year.

Her career in real estate has afforded Kate opportunities to serve homeless and home-challenged populations; she was on the Board of Coldwell Banker’s CB Cares Foundation, and currently serves as the Vice President of the atproperties’ @givesback Board. 

Full of thanks for the extraordinary people and opportunities in her life, Kate knows this award really belongs to those who have shaped and supported her.  

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