The award was renamed in honor of the first Bellarmine Award recipient, The Honorable Leo M. Spellacy '52. Judge Spellacy is a retired judge on the 8th District Court of Appeals and received the award in 1983 for excellence in the legal field. He also served on the Saint Ignatius High School Board of Regents, was president of the Alumni Executive Council, was awarded the Founders' Award in 1984, and received the The Honorable John V. Corrigan '38 Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003.
"Judge Spellacy is one of the most highly regarded judges in our state’s history," says Justice Michael P. Donnelly '84. "His strength of character and record of outstanding public service brings honor to our school’s history of producing men for others. He will forever serve as a role model for those of us privileged to serve in the legal profession."
Judge Spellacy's career began in the city of Cleveland law department and progressed through the county prosecutor's office, and the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas, where he was presiding judge for 15 years. He then became a judge in the the 8th District Ohio Court of Appeals. In 2010, Spellacy received the St. Thomas More Award from The Lawyers Guild of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland due to his professional achievements and extensive community involvement in both the legal and spiritual sectors.
"I wanted to be a lawyer and that's what I've done all my life," says Judge Spellacy. "I felt very honored when I received the award in 1983. When Fr. Guiao informed me that the award would be named in my honor I felt very fortunate and blessed."
Prayer of St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Lord our God, creator of the world, your power and godhead are seen in the things you have made. As we give you glory for the wisdom and teaching of St. Robert Bellarmine, we ask that mankind may be obedient to the faith revealed to us in Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
The Honorable Leo M. Spellacy '52 Bellarmine Award Recipients
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2024
Michael P. Donnelly '84
2023
Anthony J. Coyne '78
2021
Kevin M. Hinkel '73
2019
Edward M. Mullin '72
2018
Hugh A. Carlin '70
2017
Duane Deskins '72
2016
Mark A. Stanton '69
2015
Brian E. Hurley '72
2014
John S. Polito '70
2013
Patrick T. Jones '69
2012
Thomas G. Kelley '63
2011
Thomas S. Kilbane '59*
2010
R. Emmett Moran '65
2009
Terrance P. Gravens '69*
2008
James V. Moroney, Jr. ’71
2007
Kenneth J. Lusnia ’66
2006
Thomas P. Gill ’62*
2005
Gary W. Johnson ’72
2004
The Honorable Kenneth R. Callahan, Jr. ’73
2002
William T. Monroe ’44*
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2001
Timothy D. Johnson ’66
2000
Peter A. Carfagna ’71
1999
Frederick R. Nance ’71
1998
The Honorable William J. Coyne, Sr. ’53
1997
John G. Cooney ’70
1996
Arthur R. FitzGerald ’50*
1995
Patrick J. Jordan ’75*
1994
The Honorable Francis E. Sweeney ’52*
1993
The Honorable James M. Porter ’49*
1992
The Honorable Harry A. Hanna ’57
1991
Robert C. Bouhall ’48*
1990
Edward J. Maher ’57*
1989
Joseph P. Meissner ’59
1988
Frank S. Hurd ’31*
1987
Thomas E. Lenahan ’47*
1986
John T. Corrigan ’41*
1985
Donald P. Traci ’44*
1984
The Honorable John V. Corrigan ’38*
1983
The Honorable Leo M. Spellacy ’52*
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*Deceased