Brian Pillar, a dedicated educator at Bishop Noll Institute and active community leader, has been awarded the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to volunteer service and make a positive impact on society.
Pillar was nominated for the award by Bishop Noll’s Business Honor Society president, Jonathan Johnson, and its vice president, Julian Villagomez, under the guidance of honor society sponsor and BNI marketing teacher Dr. Janell Harvey.
“Brian Pillar is a remarkable teacher whose dedication to education and unwavering commitment to his students' success have transformed countless lives,” they wrote in their nomination. “His innovative teaching methods, compassionate guidance, and tireless efforts to inspire lifelong learning make him truly deserving of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Pillar learned of the award during morning announcements in January over BNI’s P.A. system .
“I was actually stunned that I received the award,” Pillar said. “It is very humbling to receive this tremendous honor. There are so many more deserving people in the school. I would like to thank Dr. Harvey and the Business Honor Society for even nominating me.”
Pillar's contributions to education and community service made him a strong candidate for the award. He serves as the chair of the business department at Bishop Noll, where his teaching methods are a favorite among students. Pillar started his teaching career at Noll in 1998 and returned in 2016, after teaching at various public schools. Over the years, he has taught Accounting, Keyboarding, Word Processing, Introduction to Business, Business Management, Principles of Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Law and Personal Finance.
“Bishop Noll is a great place to be whether you are faculty, staff or a student,” Pillar said. “The students are very intelligent, eager to learn and very well behaved. The administration and faculty are the best that I've been around.”
Lorenza Jara Pastrick, Bishop Noll’s current principal who had Pillar as a teacher during her time at Noll, said “I lovingly call Mr. Pillar my visionary. He was instrumental in our STREAM program (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) and he constantly brings our leadership team insightful feedback.”
Beyond the classroom, he served as the Indiana State President for the Elks in 2023-24, when he worked to increase awareness of the Elks and their charitable contributions.
“Last year, Indiana Elks contributed over $5.58 million to our communities as compared to $3.31 million the previous year,” he said. He and his wife, Kathy, also raised more than $16,000 last year for Camp Millhouse, which serves people with developmental disabilities. The money raised allowed 27 individuals to attend camp who otherwise would not have been able to attend.
A third-generation Elk, Pillar’s involvement with the fraternal organization began in 1984. He has held several positions including Exalted Ruler of Hobart Lodge #1152 in 2004-05 and Executive Board member in 2018. He and his wife, Kathy, belong to Highland Lodge #981 since 2017.
The Pillars reside in Crown Point with their son, Dustin, who has down syndrome, and are legal guardians of their four grandsons.
Brian Pillar received a letter and award signed by former Joe President Biden, along with a commemorative pendant. This recognition highlights his extraordinary dedication to education, community service, and the positive impact he has had on countless lives.
“I believe that we are put on this earth to serve others,” he said. “To be honored to receive an award for doing something that we should all be doing is very humbling. People engage in charitable activities to help others, not to receive recognition.”
“The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is a great honor,” said Dr. Harvey. “I asked our Bishop Noll Honor Society president and vice president to choose someone to recommend for this honor. Without a shadow of a doubt, they suggested Mr. Pillar as he demonstrates teamwork and community service in his everyday life. It's a pleasure to work alongside him and a privilege to have him as my manager.”