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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
Alumni Stars Mark the Start of Homecoming
Last fall’s Homecoming weekend began when the stars came out for the Alumni Awards ceremony Friday afternoon. Meet the 2014 award winners:
Recent Graduate Award
Kyle Leighton ‘13
Nominated by Zachary Orlosky ’10
A professional communications graduate of Siena’s Jackson Center, Kyle credits his Siena Heights education for igniting his success at EverLast Lighting, Inc, an energy-efficient lighting manufacturer in Jackson. As director of public relations for the firm, he has been published in numerous trade magazines and designed and launched a Michigan Energy Awareness Initiative that was adopted throughout the state; and was named an emerging leader in the electrical industry. He was recognized for “carrying the mission and spirit of SHU into a promising career in public relations and professional communication” and for being a role mode as “an advocate of energy efficiency.”
Saint Dominic Award
Thomas J. Bilan ‘92
Nominated by Leah Faust Bilan ’93
After earning a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and an associate’s degree in mathematics at Siena, Tom founded and sold several IT companies, earned a master’s in computer science and engineering, and completed a doctorate in management. He went on to head up IT operations for two regional firms and a global solar panel manufacturing company. Since 2013, he has been director of technical services for Ilitch Holdings, Inc., in Detroit, a $3B organization providing shared services and leadership to Ilitch-owned companies including Little Caesar’s Pizza, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings. But Tom was honored not simply for great career accomplishments, but rather for his generosity, service and commitment to Monroe (MI) area Catholic schools. The award citation applauded him for using his education “as a springboard to great accomplishments” and for responding to success “by ‘giving back’ to enrich the education of others.” Tom and his wife, Leah, live in Monroe with sons Justin and Luke.
Sister Ann Joachim Award
Colleen Lewis Aguilar ’04, ’06
Nominated by Sister Maurine Barzantni, OP ’59
Colleen, who lives and teaches high school Spanish in Long Beach, CA, was recognized for her efforts to help young girls in developing countries build faith and self esteem through “Basketball With a Mission,” a non-profit Colleen established in 2005. A Spanish major at SHU and member of the Saints basketball team, she was inspired to combine these passions after a Siena mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Since then she has led summer basketball programs in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Argentina. Her award citation applauded her for “confronting challenges and making our world a better place, while using the lessons and skills you gained in class and on the basketball court.” Colleen and her husband, Tony, have two daughters, Carolina and Cassie.
