The Elmhurst Jaycees are proud to announce that the recipient of the 59th Elmhurst Jaycees Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is Marilyn Boria. First given in 1950, this annual award is the Jaycees’ way of recognizing a citizen for his/her long-term dedication to making Elmhurst a better community.
Marilyn Boria has served Elmhurst as the Director of the Elmhurst Public Library (EPL) for over 25 years. Thanks to Marilyn’s strong leadership, the Elmhurst Public Library has ranked nationally in the top ten in its population category on the Hennen American Public Library Rating Index and was ranked #1 in Illinois for the last two years. EPL Board of Trustees President Rose Walsh commends Boria, “Over the last ten years, circulation of library materials has risen over 125%…under Marilyn’s guidance, the library is providing Elmhurst citizens with resources to find jobs, manage their money, run their small businesses, get an education and make their lives better in a multitude of ways. Thanks to Marilyn’s dedication and hard work, the library truly has become a ‘jewel’ of our community”.
All of this impressive success would not have been realized without the partnership of the entire Elmhurst community itself. In April 2001, Elmhurst residents approved an $18.7 million bond referendum to build a new 80,000 square foot library. The new building held its grand opening on October 4, 2003, offers ample space for books, an increased number of public computers, meeting rooms, quiet and group study rooms, a computer training lab, wireless Internet access, a coffee bar and more. “The passage of the referendum for the new library would not have been possible without Marilyn’s hours of work, inspiration, organizational skills, and flexibility. These hours took place evenings, weekends, holiday, most times outside of work,” says Phyllis Carroll (2002 DSA recipient). Elmhurst City Manager Tom Borchert adds, “Marilyn brings extraordinary professionalism to her role as Head Librarian…as she leads co-workers and others in her service to the community”.
Marilyn Boria’s tireless dedication and exceptional leadership does not end with the Elmhurst community; it extends to the state and national level as well. Marilyn has served two terms on the Board of the Public Library Association, the Planning and Budget Assembly for the American Library Association and currently chairs the Budget and Finance Committee for the Public Library Association.
Marilyn was a member of the Illinois State Library (ISL) Advisory Committee for six years and is frequently asked to assist with ISL committees and task forces. She was bestowed with the honor of Illinois Librarian of the Year in 2001. She has also been a leader in the Metropolitan Library System, serving on the System Board of the LIMRiCC insurance program. “For many in the library industry in Illinois and nationally, Marilyn Boria IS Elmhurst. What we know of Elmhurst’s great community, quality of life and educational success are represented by Ms. Boria. She has served on every major statewide library committee and is considered one of the “go to” librarians in Illinois,” states Bridget Lamont, former Illinois State Library Director, in a ringing endorsement for the DSA Committee.
Outside of the commitment she shows during her day job, Marilyn Boria somehow finds time to give back to the Elmhurst community through her work as a longtime member of the Elmhurst Rotary. One of the first women to become part of the club, Marilyn has been the driving force behind the Rotary Club’s annual scholarship program, aiding in its success to provide over $20,000 per year in scholarships and aid to a wide variety of institutions. Many scholarships have been awarded to local students in pursuit of higher education, without doubt impacting families in the Elmhurst community through the educational development of many deserving young people. “Marilyn is a person who embodies the Rotary motto of service above self. She is dedicated to doing the best she can for the people of Elmhurst, with no interest in self-promotion,” adds Cliff Lyda, President of the Rotary Club of Elmhurst.
“As a fellow Rotarian, Marilyn not only gives back to the community of Elmhurst, but she is making a difference in the world. Without individuals such as Marilyn, the Elmhurst Rotary would not be able to touch the lives of so many,” adds Lynn Krizic, Superintendent of Elmhurst Community School District 205. “She sees challenges as opportunities and does whatever it takes to provide levels of support and service to enable others to be successful. Directly and indirectly, she has touched almost every life in this community in ways that are not easily measured.”
Marilyn was nominated by Elmhurst City Treasurer David Dyer with supporting letters received from (listed in alphabetical order): Carolyn Anthony (Director, Skokie Public Library), Tom Borchert (Elmhurst City Manager), Sarah Caltvedt (Assistant Director of EPL), Phyllis Carroll (2002 DSA recipient), Anne Craig (Director, Illinois State Library), Jacqueline Crnkovich (President, Friends of the Library), Richard Grodsky (Executive Director, Elmhurst Park District), Lynn Krizic (Superintendent, Elmhurst Community School District 205), Bridget Lamont (former Illinois State Library Director), Cathy Linley (Principal, ICGS), Cliff Lyda (President, Rotary Club of Elmhurst), Susan McCoyd (Director of Development, ICGS), Murf Ryan (Friend), and Rose Walsh (President of EPL Board).
The Elmhurst Jaycees are proud to welcome Marilyn into the prominent group of DSA recipients. The Jaycees invite the public to join them in honoring Marilyn with a dinner banquet on Thursday, April 29th,2010, at Diplomat West Banquet Hall where the DSA award will also be presented to her. The reception will begin at 6:00 pm with dinner at 7:00 p.m., followed by the program. The cost per person is $40.00.
If you would like to attend, registration and payment will be completed online on the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry‘s website at www.elmhurstchamber.org. Click on Elmhurst Events and locate the DSA’s date of April 29, 2010. Please note that you do not need to be a Chamber member to attend or to register. The registration deadline is April 22, 2010. For an alternative registration procedure or for more information regarding the DSA, contact Co-Chairs Julie Miller Sheehan at 630-650-0466 or Steven Fisher at 630-229-5141.
The Elmhurst Jaycees is an organization that focuses on leadership training and mentoring young persons age 21-39 and are always looking for new members ready to give back to their community. The Jaycees meet on the first Thursday of every month at the District 205 Building at 162 S. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126. For more information regarding the Jaycees visit their website www.elmhurstjaycees.com.