IW professor named ‘Citizen of the Year’ by Chamber

Dr. Dolores Poulter Wilson, Iowa Wesleyan University proessor of biology, graduate and beloved community member, was named 2018 Citizen of the Year during the annual Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce banquet on Thursday, Jan. 24.

The Citizen of the Year award came as 'a total surprise” to Wilson, better known as 'D.P.”

'I'm a teacher. I'm supposed to know what to say,” Wilson said, speechless. 'But Mt. Pleasant and Iowa Wesleyan and the business community are so special. If there is any good in me, it's from all the people in my past.”

The Citizen of the Year award is given to citizens living or working in Mt. Pleasant who have had a significant impact on the community through their volunteering and charitable activity. The winner is selected by the Chamber's board of directors.

The award was presented to Wilson by Al and Melinda Huisinga, 2016 award recipients.

The Huisingas described Wilson as someone who 'pays it forward” and 'the gift that keeps on giving.”

Wilson pledged $500,000 to IW in November 2018 after the university's board of trustees announced that the institution was facing significant financial challenges.

Wilson, a 1962 graduate from IW, said all she could think about in November when word broke about the university's uncertain future was about all the students who would never have an IW education.

'What we have to do is make it possible for the next generation,” Wilson said. 'I as a student was treated very special. We learned we were very important, and we gave back. Wouldn't it be really bad if you didn't give back? That would be inconceivable.”

Wilson said it was unbelievable to her that IW might close and that it is a privilege to live in a community that stepped up and supported the university in the midst of uncertainty.

Wilson also provided the seed money to build a new campground operation building in 2018 on the grounds of Midwest Old Threshers, Al said. Wilson further supports Old Threshers and Mt. Pleasant by volunteering during Festival of Lights and the tourism booth at the Iowa State Fair that promotes the community of Mt. Pleasant, Midwest Old Threshers and IW.

Wilson's legacy not only reaches around the world but also to outer space, Al said.

Peggy Whitson, retired NASA astronaut and IW graduate, congratulated Wilson in an email.

Whitson said that Wilson has inspired thousands of students and infected them with an enthusiasm for science and learning. Wilson's classes helped Whitson gain a self-confidence that spurred 'a really amazing career,” Whitson said.

'I can never thank you enough for being that inspiration, that mentor, that personal guide that started me on my path in life,” Whitson wrote.

IW President Steve Titus and his wife Sara Titus were unable to attend the Chamber banquet but congratulated Wilson in a letter read aloud by the Huisingas.

Steve and Sara said Wilson is an 'extraordinary person” who deserves the recognition and honor of Citizen of the Year.

'We are very proud of you and all that you have unselfishly given time and time again to the Iowa Wesleyan and Mt. Pleasant communities throughout the year,” Steve and Sara wrote in a joint statement. 'You continue to be a shining light to all who have the honor and pleasure of knowing you. You personify what it means to be a servant leader.”

'Thank you for your tireless dedication and service to humanity and community,” Steve and Sara continued. 'You are indeed an inspiration to us all.”