09/07/2026
Congratulations to Sam Castree! đ A well-deserved award! We truly appreciate all that you do for us and for our community. Your dedication and commitment make a difference, and weâre grateful to have you! đ
Join us in congratulating our next Alumni Award recipient, Sam Castree '79, Alumni Excellence Award winner!
Samuel J. Castree is a proud graduate of the Boylan Class of 1979. Sam then studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, receiving his B.A. in Economics, M.A. in Labor and Industrial Relations, and J.D.
He returned to Rockford and engaged in the private practice of law, before joining Staff Management, Inc., where he has served as the companyâs Senior Vice President and General Counsel for over 30 years. Sam is a recognized speaker on labor and employment law topics, having made numerous presentations sponsored by national, state, and local organizations.
Service to his parish and community have always been important. At the Cathedral of St. Peter, Sam currently sits on the Parish Finance Council. He has previously served as both president and secretary for St. Peterâs Pastoral Council. He was a cantor for over 10 years.
Sam has also served on the board of directors and leadership roles for numerous not-for-profit organizations, including the YMCA of Rock River Valley, Alignment Rockford, Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois, Discovery Center Museum, and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum.
His professional and business appointments have included the Human Resources Appeals Board for the City of Rockford, the Board of Directors of the Rockford Chamber, and Secretary to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Rockford.
Sam perhaps most enjoyed the 26 years of coaching and leadership roles in local youth soccer, including the Rock Run Soccer Club, Cathedral of St. Peter, AYSO, and Raptor Youth Soccer.
Perhaps closest to his heart was his role in establishing the Boylan Class of 1979 Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund was established to remember all deceased members of the Class of 1979, but in a special way the loss of friends Tim McGrail, Laurie Hagen and Geri Tillotson.
Join us in celebrating Sam and our other 2026 Alumni Award winners on Thursday, September 24th at 5:30 PM in the Boylan Bachrodt Center!