PC Degree(s):
BA/Economics
Honorary Doctor of Public Service – 2000

PC Activities: Varsity Hockey

Career Path: Prior to beginning his full-time television career at age 30, Leonard worked a variety of jobs, from salesman to construction worker.  Joined NBC News in 1980 and has traveled around the world in search of the offbeat and overlooked, focusing in particular on everyday American life, exploring all 50 states for the true characters and humorous situations that brighten our day. International assignments have taken him to Australia, China, Korea, Europe and the British Isles.

In addition to his regular assignments for Today, Leonard’s stories have appeared on NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Dateline, NBC Sports and MSNBC. He has covered political conventions, presidential inaugurations, Super Bowls, Olympics, and championship boxing matches.

Family:  Wife Cathleen; three of four children are PC graduates; fourth is currently enrolled at PC.

Staying Involved: Mike participates in many alumni activities and events held in the greater Chicago area.  The proud parents of four PC students in recent years, Mike and his wife have been an important resource for other Chicago-area parents.

Memorable Quotes: “Very few of us in life will have the chance to be a hero in a newsworthy manner. When was the last time you dangled from a helicopter to rescue someone from a raging river? It’ll probably never happen. Every day, however, you will have a chance to do something out of the ordinary. At the end of every day, tally the chances you had to be honest, compassionate or brave. Win most of those little battles and you will be a hero.”

“Every day you should cast yourself as the main character in a movie about your life. Then, when you’re faced with a challenge, do the things that would make an audience cheer. Be a Rocky or a Rudy or a Braveheart. Make your life special or die trying. At least it’ll be a success that way.”