A passion for intellectual curiosity and the freedom to explore diverse interests at Central College laid the groundwork for the successful careers of Aaron Shileny, 1997 Central graduate and a career federal law clerk, and Lisa Vander Wilt Shileny, 1998 Central graduate and president and CEO of Hills Bank and Trust.
Now, the couple is giving back to the institution they credit with their success by supporting Central’s upcoming Journey 48-Hour Challenge to help raise funds for student scholarships. The Shilenys (among other generous donors) have pledged a dollar-for-dollar match that will double the impact of gifts made to the Journey Scholarship Fund during the 48-Hour Challenge, Aug. 26-28.
“Central really prepared both of us to be successful human beings, not just professionals,” Aaron says. “We loved our time there, and we are fortunate to be in a position where we can give back. Our hope is that this gift helps other students receive a truly excellent education — one they will use every day, no matter what career they pursue.”
Their own career paths highlight the versatility of a Central liberal arts education. Aaron arrived on campus planning to play the trumpet, but not as a music major. He explored political science before a required religion class sparked a new passion. He graduated with a major in religion and an abundance of music and political science courses in his transcript.
“I just found the intellectual study of religion super interesting,” Aaron recalls. “I ended up with a religion major driven by pure intellectual curiosity. It ended up being very helpful for what I do now, teaching me to think critically and analyze complex texts as a law clerk for federal judges.”
Lisa’s journey demonstrates a similar path of discovery and adaptation. She majored in psychology and music at Central. Both Lisa and Aaron earned law degrees from the University of Iowa College of Law. After practicing for a few years, she realized her passion laid elsewhere and took a chance on a career in banking. She joined Hills Bank and Trust, rose through the ranks from department manager to legal counsel and chief operating officer, and is now president and CEO of the major financial institution with 500 employees.
Her background in psychology, the couple notes, provides a unique foundation for understanding people and leading a large corporation.
Having both received academic and music scholarships as students, the Shilenys understand the direct impact of philanthropy.
“We want to help provide students with the same quality of experience that we had,” Lisa says. “By creating a challenge match, we hope to incentivize other alumni and friends to join us. Together, we can ensure Central continues to be a place where students are prepared for not just their first job, but for a lifetime of success.”
The 48-Hour Challenge will run from noon Tuesday, Aug. 26, to noon Thursday, Aug. 28. Participate in the Journey 48-Hour Challenge at https://hoorah.central.edu/48hourchallenge.
