On Saturday December 11, the Virginia Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese presented Professor Gustavo Pellón with the David T. Gies Distinguished Service Award.  This award recognizes individuals who have worked toward improving the teaching of Spanish in Virginia, above and beyond the general job requirements.

In presenting the award to Gustavo Pellón Sheila Cockey said, “Gustavo, you’ve had a profound impact on me and the other Spanish teachers in Virginia.  Your willingness to give of your time, energy, knowledge, and kindness is appreciated. So is your sense of humor! Thank you for all the work you have done for us, especially your work with the Center for the Liberal Arts. Those programs are interesting, stimulating, and provide us with an opportunity to widen our knowledge base and to network with other Spanish teachers in Virginia. You are a popular mentor on the UVA campus, respected for your knowledge and your enthusiasm for literature. Gustavo, it is with pleasure that I present this award to you, on behalf of the Virginina Chapter of AATSP, in recognition of your many years of giving to our profession.