Gilbert, National President Receives Alumni Awards from IU for ‘making a difference’ 

“Sheila Gilbert is a wonderful example of a liberal arts alumna making a difference,” said dean of Indiana University (IU) School of Liberal Arts.

On May 9, Gilbert, was honored with IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI Alumni Awards (Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis).

“Sheila Gilbert is a wonderful example of a liberal arts alumna making a difference,” said William Blomquist, dean of the IU School of Liberal Arts. “It’s a joy to recognize her career and community achievements and add them to the rolls of accomplished alumni of the school.”

Each year the Liberal Arts Alumni Association recognizes alumni and friends of the School of Liberal Arts for their achievements and service. The Distinguished Alumni Service Award recognizes outstanding alumni who distinguish themselves either professionally or by giving extraordinary service to the school/university. The Early Career Achievement Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in a profession or for service to the school/university; graduates within 15 years of degree completion are eligible for this award.

“She is the unpaid servant leader of an organization that yearly provides more than half a billion dollars’ worth of goods and services to people in need in the United States,” said Robert White, professor and chair of sociology. “I cannot conceive of an alumna who brings more honor to the IU School of Liberal Arts than Sheila Gilbert.”

Gilbert received the Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumni Service Award for her work with people in need. The award was presented as part of the school’s annual celebration of its graduating classes, which took place at the Indianapolis Arts Garden.

More honoree information:

Sheila Gilbert (BA sociology, 1978; MA public and environmental affairs, 1983) Sheila Gilbert is the national president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She is a past president of the SVdP Indianapolis Council and currently facilitates its educational program, Changing Lives, a 26-week training and educational program that helps low-income families exit poverty.

She was a St. Mary of the Woods College adjunct faculty member and previously served as director of Project CLASS, a career development and work experience 2

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