About John
John’s Biographic Summary
John Donahue-Grossman is a gifted storyteller who inspires others with hope. Over the past 25 years, he has spoken to more than 1 million students, parents, educators, and ministers across the country. John has been a high school teacher, administrator, and parish youth minister. John is currently Director of Retreats at the Christian Brothers La Salle Manor Retreat Center in Plano and a Board Member of Outside da Box. He is a highly sought after presenter, storyteller and retreat director. John resides in Campton Hills with his wife of twenty-three years, and they have three adult children!
Accomplishments
- Presented with the 2011 Bishop Sartain Award for special achievement demonstrated through extraordinary work in the field of Youth Ministry.
- Received commendation from Governor James Edgar of Illinois for founding Leadership and Service program at Marmion Academy, an all-boys Benedictine high school.
- Received Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II for development of Service Learning Program at Marmion Academy.
- Named Who’s Who among Teachers in America at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois and St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Illinois.
- Received Columbian Squires Award for service to the Illinois Columbian Squires and to the greater Church. John is the only person to receive the award who is not a member of the Knights of Columbus.
- Recognized by the Southern Poverty Law Center with name engraved on the “Wall of Tolerance” in Montgomery, Alabama for commitment to racial equality.
