Detroit — Three men were honored this year at the annual Sacred Heart Seminary Alumni Day celebration for their contributions to the local Church.

Ordained in 1971, Fr. Vincent Cole, MM, spent the past 30 years working among the Asmat tribes of West Papua, Indonesia, and adapting Christian liturgy to tribal traditions and beliefs. He was awarded the Bishop Henry Donnelly Award for distinguished clergy alumnus.

Daniel Pilon, Ph.D., a former teacher at Shrine High School, Detroit, was bestowed the Walter Romig Award for distinguished lay alumnus. After serving as vice president for campus services with the Council of Independent Colleges, D.C., he became the president of The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minn. He served from 1981 to 1998.

Dr. Pilon serves on the board of Wisconsin Right to Life.

The Msgr. Albert Matyn Award for distinguished senior clergy was presented to Fr. Thomas Esper. Ordained in 1951, he’s contributed his services to seven parishes, including 17 years at Holy Innocents, Roseville, and 10 years at St. Edward of the Lake, Lakeport. Rev. Esper achieved Senior Priest statues in 1996 and spends his summers helping with Masses at St. Edward of the Lake.