Three Milan natives will be inducted into the Milan Area Schools Hall of Fame and honored at a dinner reception and formal ceremony open to the public next week.
Physicist Jim O'Donnell, actress and author Denise Nicholas, and civic leader Isabelle Schultz will be acknowledged for their contributions to their alma mater and community. They are all graduates of Milan High School.
The Milan Hall of Fame was established in 2004 to recognize Milan graduates and employees who have distinguished themselves by their contributions in their field of work or study, to their community, and to society.
O'Donnell graduated in 1986 from Milan High School, where he was an all-state swimmer. He graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan, where he studied aerospace engineering and was named to the All Big Ten academic swim team.
He holds a doctorate degree in physics and currently is a senior quality and reliability engineer at Intel Corp. He has been published in more than 15 professional journals and presented at more than 10 scientific conferences.
Nicholas is a 1961 graduate, studied at U of M and is a graduate of the University of Southern California. A civil rights activist, she is best known as an actress on the popular shows, "Room 222" and "In the Heat of the Night."
Her first novel, "Freshwater Road," published in 2005, has received critical acclaim. She lives in Southern California and will hold a book signing in Milan 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Milan High School Performing Arts Center.
Schultz graduated in 1946 and holds a journalism degree from Michigan State University. She has led and participated in many community activities and efforts, including establishing the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation and restoration of the Fire Barn in town. She also has contributed to Milan's effort to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
"We've had a great history of academic and civic excellence and so many important people within our school community to serve as role models for students," said Milan High School Principal Ron Reed, who was instrumental in launching the Hall of Fame.
"We want our students to understand that they have a tradition of excellence to live up to. We have a responsibility as a school and a community to teach them that tradition of excellence."
Each year, the Hall of Fame committee inducts up to five members. At least one inductee will be from two main categories: former student contribution and former staff member contribution.
Former students who are nominated must have been Milan students for at least five years. The nominees must be 25 years old to qualify for the Hall of Fame. They must have made major academic achievements and enhanced the reputation of Milan High School.
The former staff member category includes board members who have served both the Milan community and its students. Staff members must be five years removed from service to qualify for the Hall of Fame. They must have made a major contribution to education.
A community reception and dinner will take place 5:30 p.m. Monday at Christian's Catering.
To reserve a seat, call Sue Kanitz at 439-5030 or Janet McGovern at 439-5004.
A book talk and signing by Nicholas will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center.
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Guests and community members are welcome to attend all events.
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380 or scollins@heritage.com.
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