The mission of the Lincoln Academy is to honor individuals whose outstanding contributions to the betterment of mankind have been accomplished in or on behalf of the State of Illinois, or whose achievements have brought honor to the State because of their identity with it, whether by birth or residence, or by their dedication to those principles of democracy and humanity as exemplified by the great Illinoisan – Abraham Lincoln. These individuals are named Laureates of the Academy and receive the “Order of Lincoln,” the State of Illinois’ highest award, at the annual Convocation.
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April 26, 2018Longtime Partner Tom Johnson Honored with a Memorial Concert
During this year’s annual Convocation, the Academy will also honor our longtime partner, Tom Johnson, who was the Eighth Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy (2010 – 2015), with a memorial concert that will include an original composition written by Laureate Emily Bear and performed by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Miss Bear.
Tom, who had a long history with the firm, passed away unexpectedly in 2016. A Rockford native, he returned home after Harvard Law School to join the law firm founded by his mentors, Karl Williams and John C. McCarthy, and began a distinguished legal career that lasted 46 years at WilliamsMcCarthy LLP. He concentrated his practice in trust and estate law and received the highest recognition in his practice area by being named as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He was instrumental in the growth and success of WilliamsMcCarthy LLP and was president of the firm from 1987 to 2002. Tom possessed a brilliant mind and a sharp wit, and was unwavering in his support of the firm, his colleagues, his community and the legal profession.
Tom was well known at the state and national levels for his work with the Illinois and American Bar Associations. He was an expert on Illinois history and he worked to preserve our state’s proud Lincoln heritage. He chaired the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of Winnebago County and was instrumental in creating the Lincoln Courthouse Square. He served on the national board of the Abraham Lincoln Association – America’s oldest and largest organization devoted to documenting, preserving and celebrating our nation’s Lincoln heritage. More recently, he was a Trustee, Regent and Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Commenting on the posthumous honor bestowed upon Tom by the Lincoln Academy, firm President John Holevas noted that:
“As he did in connection with so many of his endeavors, Tom, through his leadership role as Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy, had a profound impact on the organization. He never did anything halfway and he was a true visionary.”
Firm partner Scott Sullivan also noted, “Tom’s leadership style reflected his deep knowledge and respect of history and a brilliant ability to weave a narrative that merged the best lessons of our Illinois history with the present times. All of us at WilliamsMcCarthy LLP are grateful to the Lincoln Academy for honoring Tom with the Memorial Concert.”
We hope you will join us in celebrating Tom’s legacy and honoring this year’s Laureates on May 5 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford, IL. Click here for details about this year’s Laureates. Visit The Lincoln Academy of Illinois for more information.