Leyden to induct Wall of Fame honorees this fall
District 212 will induct five alumni into the district's Wall of Fame at a ceremony to be held this September during homecoming weekend.
The induction ceremony and reception will take place on Thursday, September 24 at the East campus. The alumni will speak to and meet with students and staff at the East campus that same day, and at the West campus on Friday, September 25.
"The alumni use this opportunity to share their personal journeys with us," says Janine Asmus, Wall of Fame coordinator. "Over the twenty years coordinating this program, I am always amazed by how genuinely touched the inductees are by the recognition. When they reflect on their Leyden education, they realize all the opportunities provided for them. Leyden graduates are indeed the fruits of our educators' labors."
Dr. Daniel M. Czyz, Ph.D., East Leyden, Class of 2000: Dr. Czyz earned his B.S. degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Dr. Czyz spent six years at the University of Chicago developing a novel approach to treat infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. He developed and pioneered a method of targeting human immune cells to enhance their ability to uptake and kill bacteria.
Mrs. Nancy Jo Tobin, West Leyden, Class of 1963: Ms. Tobin has been a leader in the Leyden community for many years. From 1986 to 2006, she worked as a paraprofessional in District 84, assisting teachers of students with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. She also served as a trustee at the Westdale Park District for ten years, and was the first woman to serve on the Mannheim School District 83 board, where she was both vice-president and president. Since 2006 she has served on the West Cook Division of the Illinois Association of School Boards as Governing Board Representative, chair and currently as vice-chair. She has served the Kiwanis Club of Northlake for over 30 years, and held every office along with serving as Lt. Governor of the Division 6 clubs. She is recognized for her leadership, selflessness and distinguished service.
Dr. Michael J. Leiding, MD, West Leyden, Class of 1992: Dr. Leiding currently practices geriatric medicine in Lakewood, CO. He attended Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and did his residency at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, and his Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center. He has earned the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush, and has achieved board certification in hospice and palliative Care.
Mr. Carlos Xavier Treto, East Leyden, Class of 2004: Mr. Treto earned a BFA in Graphic Design at the Illinois Institute of Art. He has worked at the Walt Disney Company since 2008. He is an Art Director for Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Creative Entertainment. His team has won three Theme Entertainment Association Awards.
Mr. Mario Treto, Jr., West Leyden, Class of 2003: Mr. Treto earned his BA in Biology and Psychology from Washington University, St. Louis and went on to Indiana University Maurer School of Law to earn a JD. He is currently Governor JB Pritzker's Director of Real Estate for the IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation), serving as the head regulator for the State of Illinois' real estate industry. He has served as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Evanston, and has served as the Deputy Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association.
In addition, the alumni will be introduced at half-time during the varsity homecoming game, West Leyden stadium, beginning at 7:30 p.m.