“I was able to create something new and useful for both myself and the community,” says Tilton senior Kiegan Aleman. “I’m leaving an impact that lasts beyond my time here.”

At Tilton, the Legacy Project is a rite of passage — a final mission for seniors to leave a permanent mark on the Hill. For Aleman, that mark was made in the MARC, at a campus staple known as Rusty’s.

Rusty’s is more than just a snack bar, it is the focal point of the student center. It’s a place where students can grab a bite or try their hand at serving their peers. As President of the Rusty’s Club, Aleman is usually found behind the grill, but he saw an opportunity to do more than just cook. He saw a chance to renovate.

“It’s a key part of our community as a whole,” Aleman explains. “It’s such an important part of the MARC, and I wanted to do something to make it even better.”

His vision was simple: create a space where students could connect over a shared meal. He wanted a place where, at the end of the night, everyone leaves full, happy, and closer to their classmates.

The journey began in the fall when seniors were challenged to define their Tilton legacy. Encouraged with a dream and the support of faculty and his parents, Aleman got to work. He leveraged his connections with professional contractors to help draft a 3D blueprint of his vision.

The renovation was a heavy task. The project replaced the flooring and ceiling tiles and introduced modern equipment, including new refrigerators, tables, storage shelving, and updated light fixtures — with even more additions on the horizon.

The culmination of months of hard work arrived this past Tuesday. When the doors opened for the grand unveiling, Aleman was stunned by the response.

“When seven o’clock hit, I walked out for my speech and I was completely surprised,” he recalls. “It looked like almost the entire student body was there.”

Through his dedication, Kiegan Aleman has ensured that while he may be moving on from the Hill, the community will be enjoying Rusty’s for years to come.