Even when initially working away from Sidney following his college days, Thomas P. Milligan always knew that his family's businesses could still hold his future. When his uncle Sam passed away, his father (Patrick H. Milligan, SHS 1946, HoH 1999) told Tom that the time was right if he wanted to return home. "As my dad often liked to say, I came home on 8/8/88 and that's easy to remember," said the 2017 inductee into the Sidney City Schools Hall of Honor.
A former Hall of Honor committee member and chair with degrees from Ohio Wesleyan and Columbia Universities, Milligan (SHS 1978) will be joined by Susan L. Russell (SHS 1970), Martin L. "Mick" Given (SHS 1975), and the late Kenneth W. McCormick (Teacher 1968-93) at the induction in the Sidney High School auditorium on Friday evening April 21 at 7:30pm. A gymnasium reception follows and both events are fully open to the public.
The Milligan businesses have always involved stone. That remains true today with Tom serving as CEO of Western Ohio Cut Stone which specializes in decorative stone for building and landscaping. He's widely recognized within his industry and has served it in many capacities.
Since returning to Sidney almost three decades ago, Tom has been a loyal public servant via many avenues. He's been a trustee at Edison State Community College since 1999 including two terms as Chair and one as Vice-Chair, and has helped lead the purchase and revitalization of the Historic Sidney Theatre into a modern yet historic performing arts venue. In keeping with family tradition, he's been a dedicated member and leader of the local Presbyterian Church.
One special and unique activity has its roots in his high school days when Tom studied Spanish under Marlin Shamblin. Tom not only embraced the language but also the Latino culture, creating the gateway to his service through Presbyterian World Mission to the group's Colombia Mission Network including the Reformed University in Colombia.
PWM Director Dr. B. Hunter Farrell says, "It is obvious...that the University would not have been able to attain its level of achievement and institutional excellence were it not for Tom's inspiring commitment..." This has been a hands-on relationship including many visits to Colombia.
Milligan joins Rob Decker (2016) to represent the 1978 graduating class in the Hall of Honor. Tom and wife Mardie have two adult children.