Hundreds attend Lewis University Homecoming

Published: October 7, 2009.

Lewis University hosted the 2009 Alumni Homecoming & Family Day. Held Oct. 3 on the Lewis main campus in Romeoville, more than 800 alumni and Lewis family members attended the day’s festivities ranging from Family Flyer Fun to Oktoberfest. Alumni athletic events included a softball and baseball game along with the first annual alumni cross country and track fun run. About 200 people also participated in the 14th Annual Regional CARE AIDS Walk & Fun Run, which raised funds for the Regional CARE Association in Joliet.

Lewis University honored eight of its alumni with Alumni Achievement Awards. The event recognized the following alumni for outstanding professional, personal and civic accomplishments.

Kenneth Gabriel – Distinguished Alumni Award ‘77

Kenneth Gabriel, a member of the Board of Trustees at Lewis University from 1997-2009, has generously devoted countless hours to his alma mater. Lewis University’s College of Business honored Gabriel with the 2003 Adam Smith Honored Alumnus of the Year Award for his tireless dedication to his professional career and to the University, as well as in his remarkable business achievements and his commitment to the highest ethical principles.

Gabriel graduated from Lewis University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting, following four years of impressive collegiate accomplishments. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1978, and he had over 30 years of distinguished service and leadership at KPMG LLP, an international audit, tax and management advising firm. Gabriel also has been a positive influence on young people as a coach of youth baseball, basketball, soccer and softball teams for many years for both his community and parish, St. Michael’s Parish in Orland Park.

Alumni Achievement Awards:

Tom Secor ’68 of Joliet, retired school teacher, was honored for achievement in the field of fine arts.

Sharon Canariato ’07, Palos Hills, Executive Deputy Director at the Illinois Nurses Association, was honored for achievement in the field of healthcare and leadership.

Lawrence Tucker ‘93, ’98, Tinley Park, Principal of Marist High School, was honored for achievement in the field of education.

Dolores Pavletic ’83, Downers Grove, Assistant Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations, was honored for achievement in the field of aviation.

Dan LeFevers ’82, ’07, Edgewater, Maryland, Executive Director for the Gas Technology Institute, was honored for achievement in the field of organizational leadership.

Young Alumni Awards

Takiyah Olatunbosun ’98, ’01, Chicago, school teacher at San Miguel School, was honored for achievement in the field of education.

Heath Arensen ’02, Amman, Jordan, President and CEO of Tanasuk Technologies, was honored for achievement in the field of business.

Homecoming & Family Day Photos

Despite the inclement weather, Lewis University Homecoming and Family Day was a great success! Thank you to all the students, alumni, families, faculty and staff that attended! Click here to view the photos from Homecoming and Family Day.