MLK Awards

Martin Luther King Jr. Award

Each year, as part of Valparaiso University’s annual celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., an award is made to the person(s) or organization(s) making significant and lasting contributions to continue to create an environment where diversity is honored and respected on campus and within the broader community.

The Valparaiso University Martin Luther King Jr. Award provides special recognition to individuals and groups on our campus who have lived King’s vision through their words and deeds. This award is one more way to ensure that the legacy of King remains in the minds and hearts of our students, faculty, and staff throughout the academic year and not just on the MLK Day celebration on the third Monday in January.

Each fall, nominations are sought for the award and a panel of five individuals, appointed by the MLK Day Steering Committee co-chairs, will evaluate the nominees considering their contributions (or potential contributions) on campus and in the broader community for leading long-term, positive impacts on the racial climate; serving as role models who value racial diversity; and enlisting others in creative ways to improve the racial climate and enhance diversity.

Any current Valpo student, faculty, staff, administrator, or Student Senate-recognized campus organization is eligible for nomination. So keep the MLK Award in mind throughout the academic year as you go about campus living and learning, and nominate those who you feel deserve to win this award based on their demonstrated contributions and commitment.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Drum Major Instinct Award

The Valparaiso University Martin Luther King Jr. Community Drum Major Instinct Award is bestowed upon an individual who selflessly engages in daily acts of service, contributing to the improvement of their community, Northwest Indiana, our state, our country, and our world. This award is a tribute to someone who demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment by generously offering their time, talents, treasure, and service in the pursuit of justice, equity, equality, and humanity. Moreover, their work serves as an exemplary embodiment of Martin Luther King Jr.’s values, beliefs, life, and legacy.