[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 165 (Tuesday, November 1, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S7003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. DORIS JONES WILSON

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in 
honoring the work of Dr. Doris Jones Wilson, a music legend and icon in 
the St. Louis, MO community. For over 65 years, she has worked as an 
instructor, arranger and performer of music from every genre. Dr. 
Wilson's retirement marks just one more wonderful milestone in a life 
of service. It is my pleasure and privilege to ask the Senate to pause 
for a moment to honor Dr. Wilson today.
  Dr. Wilson is a beloved member of the St. Louis community. She first 
earned a bachelor of music education degree from Lincoln University in 
Jefferson City, MO. She continued her education at Washington 
University in Saint Louis earning a master of arts in teaching and 
later a doctor of education in music education. Following her studies, 
Dr. Wilson went on to become a professor of music and director of the 
Concert Chorale of Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. Dr. 
Wilson recently retired from her position as minister of music for the 
West Side Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis.
  Dr. Wilson has received numerous awards and commendations over the 
course of her career that recognize the exceptional impact her work as 
a musician, teacher and choral director has had on the music community. 
I was so humbled to learn that this previous September, the Kennedy 
Center featured a special performance of one of her most popular 
arrangements, ``Even Me.'' This is only one in a long list of honors.
  In 2004, Hampton University awarded her the Living Legend Award of 
Ministers and Choir Directors. She received the Missouri Arts Award 
from the Missouri Arts Council in 1998 and the Excellence in Teaching 
Award from Emerson Electric in 1997. In 1994, Dr. Wilson was honored 
with the Stellar Performer Award from the St. Louis American newspaper 
for outstanding leadership in music education. That same year the 
Bahamas Department of Tourism wrote Dr. Wilson a letter of commendation 
for Concert Choral Performance. In 1981, Dr. Wilson was awarded the 
Gold Medal for Concert Choral at the International Music Festival.
  As a Representative of the great State of Missouri and a resident of 
St. Louis, I am proud and humbled by the life and career of Dr. Wilson. 
I have no doubt that she has touched the lives of many students with 
her wonderful gift and spirit. The education and wisdom that she has 
passed on as a music educator will live on in the work her students do 
and the people they become. I truly believe that the impact her work 
has had on the St. Louis community is immeasurable.
  Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me in congratulating and 
honoring Dr. Doris Jones Wilson on her retirement.

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