CELEBRATION OVERVIEW
For more than 30 years, Valparaiso University and the communities of Northwest Indiana and beyond have united to honor the life, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This annual celebration serves as a powerful platform to reflect on King’s profound impact and to consider how his influence continues to shape our present and future. Given the University’s commitment to education, we view this national holiday as a significant and teachable moment for all participants.
Martin Luther King Jr., who sacrificed his life at the young age of 39, dedicated himself to the greater good, leaving an indelible mark on humanity. Today, the freedoms and rights experienced by many can be attributed to his tireless work.
All are welcome to join us for the 2025 Valparaiso University MLK Day celebration. The program includes focus sessions, a main Convocation, and a service event, offering diverse opportunities to learn, reflect, and actively participate on this historic day. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the richness of our collective experience.
This year we will give continuity to the celebration with several events throughout the month, including an MLK Sunday service on January 19, a screening of the film, “Origin,” on January 21, a discussion of the film on January 22, and a concert entitled “Stand Together” on February 1.
All are encouraged to attend parts or the full celebration as we come together to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy and strive toward a more inclusive and just future.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
LEADING WITH COURAGE
The theme chosen for the 2025 MLK Day celebration is inspired by King’s influential work, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” (1967). In this important analysis, King explored the next phase of the Civil Rights Movement. He called for a “beloved community” built on nonviolent social change, rather than succumbing to the potential chaos of racial division. On this day, we are dedicated to providing our students with opportunities to serve and lead. Our goal is to equip you for the coming changes with the tools necessary to navigate and lead in a changing world, guided by the values of our Lutheran tradition.
Today, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the National Day of Service, honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Join us for a morning dedicated to fostering dialogue, action, and community engagement in safe and inclusive spaces. We will explore how social media platforms can create havens for people of color and other protected groups, addressing issues like online bullying. Local leaders will share their insights on working toward compassionate and just governance. Through reflection on King’s principles, we will brainstorm actionable steps to promote equity and understanding across diverse communities. Students will also have the opportunity to discover service opportunities at Valpo and delve into the unity between non-Black Latinos and African Americans through storytelling and performance. Together, these sessions are designed to inspire inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Join us in our collective effort to build a community grounded in the lessons of Martin Luther King Jr. Our Convocation speaker, Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D., will share how his 31 years of experience living on Chicago’s South Side have shaped and guided his career. He deeply believes that his efforts should focus on those most affected by the ills of healthcare disparities, striving to bring meaningful change where needed most.
Together, we can pave the way for a more just and equitable society for all, navigating the complexities of our evolving political landscape with resilience, determination, and courage.
“This is where we are.
Where do we go from here? First, we must massively assert our dignity and worth. We must stand up amidst a system that still oppresses us and develop an unassailable and majestic sense of values.”
— MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., “Where Do We
Go from Here: Chaos or Community?”
OUR CONVOCATION SPEAKER
Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D.
Assistant Professor and Emergency Medicine
Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center
1-2:30 p.m. | The Chapel of the Resurrection
Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D., is an assistant professor and emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center. As an emergency medicine physician, he has vigorously worked to improve health literacy and emergency preparedness by teaching South Side residents how to properly respond to cardiac arrests, penetrating traumas, and strokes before the arrival of medical assistance.
From serving as a sideline team physician to cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals and fighting to preserve lives in and out of a level one trauma center, it isn’t important to Dr. Pratt what activities he engages in but where and to whom he dedicates his time. He is the chief executive director and founder of the Emergency Preparedness (MedCEEP) Initiative and the Trauma Recovery And Prevention of Violence Program (TRAP Violence). Dr. Pratt’s journey from being an intern to becoming a respected leader in emergency medicine showcases the power of perseverance and advocacy.
Photo provided by UChicago Medicine
2025 EVENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE
9-9:30 a.m.
Registration
Harre Union, Second Floor
9:30-11 a.m.
Focus Sessions
Harre Union, Second Floor
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Inauguration Viewing
Harre Union, Ballroom C
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch
Harre Union, Founders Table
1-2:30 p.m.
Convocation
The Chapel of the Resurrection
3-5 p.m.
Campus Service Project
Harre Union, Ballrooms
GOOD WORKS FOR A GREAT MAN
Beacon Academy high school students will participate in good works for Phil’s Friends at Valpo. Boxes for individuals battling cancer will be decorated and filled as a part of this project. Students will spend part of the day serving their community in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and reflecting on his good works. Most importantly, they will leave feeling inspired to do more for others.
FOCUS SESSIONS
9:30-11 a.m.
IT’S GIVING GIVING FAM — COMMUNITY IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Allison Kroft, Ph.D., Director of Study Abroad Programs
Sonja Streuber, M.A., M.S. , Lecturer in Computing and Information Sciences
This session identifies how different leanings of various social media platforms privilege distinct points of view and address distinct communities. It aims to provide specific, safe online spaces and communities for people of color and other protected groups to avoid online bullying, doxing, and other adverse exposures.
WE ARE OUR ANCESTORS’ WILDEST DREAMS — BLACK AMERICA’S LEGACY IN LATINX COMMUNITIES
Harre Union, Ballroom A
FEATURED SPEAKER:
David Olmeca Barragan, M.A., Hip-Hop Artist, Producer, Activist, and Scholar
OTHER SPEAKERS AND CONTRIBUTORS:
Noemi Vela ’25, Student Intern for the Office of Multicultural Programs
Shantée Lewis ’22, Gospel Choir Director
Hip-hop artist David Olmeca Barragan, M.A., delivers a compelling presentation for MLK Day that explores the profound intersections between non-Black Latinos and African Americans in forging collective strength amidst shared struggles. Combining performance and storytelling, Olmeca engages audiences with his dynamic performance and presentation style, weaving his music into a narrative about the importance of Black and Brown unity, while offering vital lessons for today’s world. Drawing from history and personal experience, he emphasizes the enduring influence of cultural exchange between these communities, showcasing how music, activism, and solidarity have fostered mutual empowerment. His performance and speech celebrate the legacy of African American leadership in creating bridges for social justice and inspiring the Latinx community and the world.
COLLECTIVE COURAGE — UNITING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY
Harre Union, Ballroom B
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Barbara Dahl, MSW, LCSW, Social Work Director of Practicum Education
Caroline Ban, MSW, DSW, Social Work Program Director and Assistant Professor
Sonia Morales, MES, Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Programs
In today’s polarized environment, the pursuit of social justice is more important than ever. This session will explore how King’s enduring principles can inspire us to safeguard the most vulnerable and champion equity.
We will foster an environment of open dialogue through interactive tools, encouraging participants to reflect on their roles as courageous leaders and advocates for transformative change within their communities.
Through meaningful discussions, we will break down barriers and the narrative of silos, sharing strategies to promote understanding and collaboration among diverse groups. Participants will engage in brainstorming sessions to identify actionable steps toward creating more equitable spaces on campus and in their communities. By gaining a deeper understanding of these critical issues, we can collectively transform chaos into community, building an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND ELECTED LEADERS IN CHAMPIONING COMMUNITY
Harre Union, Ballroom C
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Jesse Harper, J.D., Trustee, Center Township
Jon Costas ’89 J.D., Ph.D., Mayor, City of Valparaiso
OTHER SPEAKERS AND CONTRIBUTORS:
Robert Wichlinski ’82,’13 MALS, Lecturer in Computing and Information Sciences
Samantha Burgett ’20, MSW, LSW, Founder, Community Change Center: WeAreOne Inc.
We will offer a rare opportunity for our students, faculty, staff, and community members to meet Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas ’89 J.D., Ph.D., and Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper, J.D., to discover what they are doing to effectuate change and champion responsive, compassionate, just governance and civil citizenship. Each official will begin by sharing
their perspectives, and then we will open the floor to answer questions from our audience.
NEW TOWN, NEW FRIENDS — SERVICE AS A WAY TO CREATE COMMUNITY
Harre Union, Suite 200
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Julie Peller, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry and Co-Founder of Plastic Waste Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana
Kevin Nuppnau, M.A., Business Operations Director, Valparaiso Parks and Recreation
Wende Burbridge, Director of Development, Valparaiso Family YMCA
OTHER SPEAKERS AND CONTRIBUTORS:
Anna Stewart, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Leadership and Service
Katelyn Barber, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Meteorology
Kat Peters ’06, M.Ed., M.A., Assistant Director of the Institute for Leadership and Service
Lisa Jennings, M.A., Ph.D., Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE)
Finding your footing in a new environment can be challenging and even daunting at times, but small steps can make large differences. While adjusting to a new environment can be a very self-centered process,
being courageous and finding connections to your new community can expand your horizons by engaging others’ viewpoints. This session aims to help students recognize where service opportunities can be found and the value of serving the local community. In addition, for those students approaching graduation, this session showcases service organizations within their new communities to encourage expanding their sphere of influence.
CONVOCATION
1-2:30 p.m.
Prelude: “We Shall Overcome” | Dave Martin and Glory Song Ministries
Opening Prayer | Rev. James Wetzstein, M.Div., University Pastor and Executive Director of the Institute of Liturgical Studies
Welcome | Deondra Devitt, MBA, Executive Director of Human Resources and Services
Musical Selections: “Worship Medley” and “My Soul Says Yes” Dave Martin and Glory Song Ministries
Presentation of Valparaiso University Faculty and Staff MLK Award President José Padilla, J.D., and Deondra Devitt, MBA
RECIPIENT:
Karen Allen, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
Musical Selection: “We Are Not Ashamed” | Dave Martin and Glory Song Ministries
Recitation: “MLK’s Impact on my Community”
Drew Attinger ’25, ’27 M.A. Tyrell Friesnon ’28
Reetika Kachchhwa, ’25 MBA Vanessa Macias ’28
Musical Selection: “You Are An Heir” | Dave Martin and Glory Song Ministries
Introduction of Speaker and Presentation of Valparaiso University
MLK Drum Major Instinct Community Award
President José Padilla, J.D.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND RECIPIENT
Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D.
Hymn: “Lift Every Voice And Sing” | Dave Martin and Glory Song Ministries
Closing Prayer | Rev. Katherine Museus, M.A., M.Div., University Pastor
“LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING”
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, ill now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.
CAMPUS SERVICE PROJECT
3-5 p.m. | Harre Union, Ballrooms
This year’s service project will be in collaboration with Project Linus. The Northwest Indiana chapter of Project Linus collects blankets to distribute to children in need within the community. In the past, Project Linus has distributed blankets to Munster Community Hospital, the Methodist Hospitals, St. Jude Shelter in Crown Point, Haven House in Hammond, the Caring Place and Family Focus in Valpo, Stepping Stone in Michigan City, and Homer Iddings Elementary School in Merrillville. Last year, during our service event, we made 89 blankets to be distributed. Join us in helping this organization meet its goal of providing comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. The service project is approved for VUE Fieldwork.
REGISTER
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
JANUARY 19 | 10 a.m.
MLK Sunday Worship
The Chapel of the Resurrection
The Lutheran tradition commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. as a renewer of society and a martyr. Join us in worship to honor King’s ministry, memory, and legacy. Music will be led by the Valparaiso University Gospel Choir, directed by Shantée Lewis ’22.
JANUARY 21 | 6-8:30 p.m.
“Origin” Film Screening
Loke Hall
“Origin” is a powerful film that carefully explores social caste systems in India and Nazi Germany to better understand the early origins of American race relations and its present-day remnants. This biographical drama is based on the book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” written by American journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson.
JANUARY 22 | 7-8 p.m.
“Origin” Film Discussion
Loke Hall
Engage in an open conversation about the film “Origin,” facilitated by Carol Goss ’92, M.A., director of the Language and Intercultural Learning Center, along with the participation of staff members from the Chapel and the Office of Multicultural Programs.
2025 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AWARD RECIPIENT
Karen Allen, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
Karen Allen, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, joined Valparaiso University’s faculty in July 2017. Dean Allen is responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination, and guidance of the College of Nursing and Health Professions and has an accomplished record as an expert in substance abuse and addiction treatment. Dean Allen served as chair of the nursing department at Andrews University in Berrien, Michigan, for 17 years. Under her leadership, the department established a doctor of nursing practice program with an emphasis in family nurse practitioners, which recently received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). She served on a variety of committees at Andrews University, including the Graduate Committee, the Program Development and Review Committee, the University Strategic Planning Committee, and the Diversity Committee.
Dean Allen has served in various leadership roles, including president of the International Nurses Society on Addiction for four years; member of the board of directors of Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Corporation for five years; member of the United States Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Treatment Improvement Protocols Editorial Advisory Board for five years; and member of the National Advisory Council for the United States Center for Substance Abuse Prevention for seven years. Currently, she is a member of the American Academy of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the International Nurses Society on Addictions, Phi Kappa Phi Interdisciplinary Honors Society, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Alpha Lambda Chapter).
Dean Allen has been an avid researcher throughout her career. She is widely published and has authored numerous refereed and nonrefereed journal articles, along with books and book chapters. A frequent consultant, Dean Allen has provided curriculum expertise for addictions
in many venues. She is the recipient of numerous awards throughout her career, including the Andrews University Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research and Creative Scholarship Lifetime Achievement Award, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Innovator Award for Women’s Substance Abuse Treatment, and the Michigan Nurses Association Carol E. Franck Nursing Leadership Award.
2025 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT AWARD RECIPIENT
Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D.
Assistant Professor and Emergency Medicine Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center
Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D., is an assistant professor and emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Dr. Pratt’s goal has always been to have a career advocating for underserved communities and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. He attributes this commitment to his childhood experiences witnessing the poor health conditions, premature deaths, and day-to-day struggles from a lack of access to proper healthcare by the people he cared about. This was most evident in the wake of his older brother’s murder secondary to gun violence, where in coping with the loss, he dedicated his efforts towards mentoring at-risk youth, coaching youth football, and community organizing around violence prevention.
Photo provided by UChicago Medicine
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
1995 Lou Jeanne Walton ’60
1996 Walter Reiner and Karl Lutze, M.Div., ’80H
1997 Valpo Faculty Jazz Trio
1999 Jane Claiborne ’01, ’04 MALS
2000 Judith Erwin-Neville and Valpo Gospel Choir
2001 Hugh McGuigan, Ph.D.
2002 David Kehret, M.Div.
2003 Bill Marion Jr., Ph.D.
2004 Jane Bello-Brunson, M.Ed.
2005 Asian American Association (ASA), Black Student Organization (BSO), and Latinos in Valparaiso for Excellence (LIVE)
2006 James Kingsland ’82 J.D.
2007 Alan Harre, Ph.D., ’89H
2008 Ryan Freeman-Jones ’08, ’10 M.S. and Gregory Jones, D.Min.
2009 Roy Austensen, Ph.D., and Renu Juneja, Ph.D.
2010 Alan Bloom, Ph.D., and the Peace and Social Justice Symposium: Jane Bello-Brunson and Delphina (Del) Hopkins-Gillispie, Ph.D., co-founders
2011 Zhimin Lin, Ph.D.
2012 Ivan Bodensteiner, J.D., NaTasha Henry ’04, ’06 MALS, and the Black Law Students Association
2013 Allison Schuette ’93, Liz Wuerffel ’00, and Holly (Moninder) Singh ’98, ’05 MALS
2014 Stacy Hoult-Saros ’15 GC
2015 Valpo Men’s Soccer Team, Larry Baas, Ph.D., and Zahra Nwabara, MBA
2016 Charles Schaefer, Ph.D.
2017 Heath W. Carter, Ph.D. and Faisal Kutty, LL.B., LL.M., PH.D.
2018 Geoffrey Heeren, LL.M., J.D., and Tatiana Hurtado ’04, ’10 MBA
2019 Christina Hearne ’15 (Crawley), MPA
2020 Amanda Zelechoski, J.D, Ph.D.
2021 Honoring Lou Jeanne Walton ’60
2022 Richard Sévère, Ph.D.
2023 Michael Chikeleze, Ph.D.
2024 Samantha Burgett ’20, MSW, LSW
2025 Karen Allen, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
COMMUNITY DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT AWARD RECIPIENTS
2023 Eddie Melton
2024 Vanessa Allen-McCloud, M.Ed., Ph.D.
2025 Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D.
MLK 2025 STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIR
Deondra Devitt, MBA, Executive Director of Human Resource Services
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Katelyn Barber, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Meteorology
Sandhya Bhandari, M.A., Administrative Assistant of the Office of Multicultural Programs
Carol Goss ’92, M.A., Director of Language and Intercultural Learning Center (LINC)
Lisa Jennings, M.A., Ph.D., Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE)
Chloe Kiser ’22, M.S., Director of Bloom Scholars Program, Adjunct Faculty
Allison Kroft, Ph.D., Director of Study Abroad Programs
Shantée Lewis ’22, Gospel Choir Director
Sonia Morales, MES, Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Programs
Kat Peters ’06, M.Ed., M.A., Assistant Director of the Institute for Leadership and Service
Shannon O’Brien, M.Ed., Director of Beacon Academy
Sonja Streuber, M.S., M.A., LMA, Lecturer in Computing and Information Sciences
Robert Wichlinski ’82, ’13 MALS, Professor of Computing and Information Sciences
In 2025, we are dedicated to enhancing our service to the community while honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. He understood that social justice is intrinsically linked to environmental justice, advocating for healthier living conditions and universal access to clean air, water, and soil for all communities.
In alignment with this vision, we are proud to announce that this year’s event has been certified as a Green Event. We have implemented intentional changes to minimize our environmental impact, including the decision to forgo printed programs.
Together, let us honor King’s legacy by fostering a more just and sustainable future for all. Join us in our commitment to serve our community and protect our planet.