Dedicated to Mrs. Doris Gvillo

 

PSA would like to dedicate this web page to Ms. Doris Gvillo who has been actively working as a host family for Pakistani students for the last thirty years. She was bestowed with the Kimmel Community Service Award on April 6, 2000 to praise her devotion.

Doris Gvillo, a columnist for the Edwardsville Intelligencer, who has been very active in church, is recipient in the Education Category.

 

Gvillo has been involved in SIU’s International Hospitality Program since 1971 and has served as president of the organization. She is currently the coordinator for Pakistani Students. Known as the “Pakistani Mama,” she has provided more than 150 students with temporary housing, transportation, and food through the years.

 

Gvillo also volunteers with Eden United Church of Christ, where she has taught Sunday school and adult classes, and has formerly served on the church council. She regularly contributes a religion column to the Edwardsville Intelligencer without compensation. Gvillo has also been active with the Madison County Home Extension; as board secretary for the United Christian Foundation; and as publicity chair for Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Church Women United.

 

“As an unimportant individual, I can’t change the world, but I can do my best to make my community one which offers security and respect for all.” As a child, her parents instilled in her the philosophy that it is not enough to be good; one must be good for something. “If one small thing I’ve done has influenced the life of another for the better, I will view my own life as a success.”  

Taken from: the 11^th annual Kimmel Leadership Awards Banquet program.