Mexico book project results in award to Judy Elliott

For the second year in a row, Judy Elliott obtained a gift of Spanish-language children's books from Scholastic Publishing to take to children in Mexico. On February 26, 2010, while Judy was in Mexico to deliver the books, the faculty of the Universidad Internacional, in full regalia wearing caps and gowns, surprised Judy with a ceremony in her honor at the university in Curenavaca, Morelos, Mexico. After many speeches and accolades, Rector Javier Espinosa Romero presented Judy with a plaque inscribed as follows: "The Universidad Internacional awards this recognition as CITIZEN OF THE WORLD to the teacher Judith Ann Elliott from the University of Missouri-Columbia for her contribution to greater understanding among cultures and nations."

Judy also was honored by the Office of the Governor of the State of Morelos, DIF (the government social service agency that assists in the development of families, a letter from which appears at the bottom of this page), the Cuernavaca Oriente Rotary Club, Mexico families and friends, and her own group from Osher Lifelong Learning from the University of Missouri. Those attending from Columbia were Dr. George Rehner, Dr. Marilyn Sanford-Hargrove, Alexandra Lewis and Alice Reese.

After Judy obtained the books from Scholastic Publishing, the next step was for club members to put stickers in the books indicating that they were a gift from our club. The first two photographs below show club members who helped put stickers in the books after a club meeting.

The next three photographs below show distribution of the books in Mexico.

The next three photographs below show happy receipients of books.

The final two pictures below show the awards ceremony at which Judy received the "Citizen of the World" recognition.

As mentioned above, Judy received a letter from DIF, the translated text of which follows:

Letter from Profesor Mayela Alemaán de Adame (wife of the governor of Morelos)
President of the Patrons System of DIF, Morelos

Professor Judith A. Elliott
Mexico Coordinator

Dear Judy:

The System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF) - Morelos is the organization that implements and operates programs of social assistance and development for children, older adults and persons with special needs in our state. It is a blessing for us to count on the support of people like you in order to help in this noble undertaking.

I especially want to thank the Scholastic Company and the Rotary Club of Columbia, Missouri, USA, for their generosity and kindness shown in the donation of children's books and the transportation. The books will help in the development of the children from the Living and Social Assistance Center, DIF Morelos.

This beneficial act, as an expression of loving and generous social responsibility, will always be of great importance, for this reason, please receive by means of this letter a cordial and warm greeting and my appreciation.

In the name of this System and of the constitutional Governor of the Sate of Morelos, Dr. Marco Antonio Adame Castillo, receive our gratitude and the warmest blessings, since together we are building a competitive, hospitable and above all, a unified Morelos.

Sincerely,
Mayela
"Hands working for love for your family"

Calle Cuauhtemotzín No. 1 Col. Club de Golf C.P. Cuernavaca, Morelos

(Click here to see the original of the above letter in Spanish.)