LEO KENNEDY
Class of 1961
Inducted in 2013 |
Leo was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2013.
Leo Kennedy is the founder and owner of a multi-million dollar company and serves as a consultant for several high tech companies including Sony, Iomega, Sunward Technology, Stanford Technology and Data Magnetic. He has been invited to speak at universities and high tech companies internationally. Leo established manufacturing facilities around the world and established a partnership with a European company. He originally worked for large companies where he acquired business experience and set up several high tech manufacturing programs to meet customers’ requirements. Over time he was responsible for maintenance, testing, applications development, equipment purchases, assisting human resources with policies and procedures, building prototypes, safety and security, discipline, training and rewards. He built the first composite glass bonded recording heads, developed a 3 micron diamond wheel, and developed the process to build the first VCR magnetic recording head. He also developed the process to build transducers for military application. He invented and patented ceramic cutting edges. Leo was part of one team that invented the video microscope, and of another team that invented burnish and glide heads. He worked with material manufacturers to design materials for advanced applications. He has served as a volunteer coach in soccer, baseball and football. He works with youth through two churches, St. Paul Catholic and Prince of Peace Lutheran. He also supports Sister Evangeline and her work with youth at the Madonna Center in Omaha. Leo’s need to overcome private adversities in high school caused him to develop a passion for achieving goals. He felt adversity was a gift and the passion the solution for achievement. Every SHS teacher left a strong impression on him and helped to build his self-image and confidence. He especially remembers Sally Fellows, Bob Keister, Cletus Fisher and Cornie Collin. He also developed life-long friendships through his high school experiences. |