Realizing the Dream Through Healing and Resilience VA L PA R A I S O U N I V E R S I T Y M L K DAY C E L E B R AT I O N Monday, January 15 | 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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 2024 Valparaiso University MLK Day Celebration. The program includes focus sessions, a main convocation, a service event, and the Collaborative Art Project at the Brauer Museum of Art, 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. 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 towards a more inclusive and just future.
OUR THEME:
REALIZING THE DREAM THROUGH HEALING AND RESILIENCE The theme chosen for the 2024 MLK Day Celebration, “Realizing the Dream Through Healing and Resilience,” delves into the pivotal role that healing plays, both at the individual and community levels, in overcoming the enduring effects of racial trauma. We aim to explore how the process of healing acts as a catalyst for resilience, propelling us forward in our shared pursuit of a more equitable and just society. Drawing inspiration from the life, legacy, sermons, speeches, and writings of Martin Luther King Jr., we aspire to engage in meaningful discussions on practical approaches to utilizing these tools for the advancement of social justice. Together, we will navigate the landscape of healing at various levels, including individual, community, national, and international. This exploration extends beyond racial trauma to encompass life’s broader challenges, such as racism, discrimination, hatred, natural disasters, wars, and violence. An integral aspect of this event is ensuring that every participant, regardless of race, orientation, or age, departs with a profound appreciation for how Martin Luther King Jr.’s work has indelibly impacted their lives. The convocation speaker, Morgan Medlock, M.D., M.Div., MPH, will guide us in understanding how we can actively contribute to realizing King’s dream through a commitment to continual healing and resilience. Join us in this transformative exploration as we collectively strive to make King’s dream a reality by fostering healing, resilience, and a renewed commitment to justice for all.
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As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation — either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.
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OUR SPEAKER:
Morgan Medlock, M.D., M.Div., MPH Editor of “Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions”
1-2:30 p.m. | The Chapel of the Resurrection
Morgan Medlock, M.D., M.Div., MPH, is a convener, educator, and clinician who is passionate about designing equitable, communitycentered behavioral health interventions. Since completing adult psychiatry and health policy training at Harvard Medical School in 2018, Morgan has served in academia, local and state government, and on a national stage, advocating for a more just system of care for marginalized populations. She is the lead editor of “Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions,” which has become a resource for anti-racism work at institutions across the country. She is also adjunct faculty at Howard University College of Medicine where she researches strategies for centering the history and experiences of communities of color in substance use disorder interventions. With additional training in divinity, Morgan has contributed to the development of a churchsupported counseling center in Washington, D.C., and intensive, trauma-informed approaches for supporting adolescents in Dallas. She is an alumna of the Milbank Fund Executive Fellows Program and Commonwealth Fund Minority Health Policy Program. Morgan received her M.D. from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, her M.Div. from Andrews University, and her MPH from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
2024 EVENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE 9:30-10 a.m. Registration Harre Union, Atrium
1-2:30 p.m. Convocation The Chapel of the Resurrection
10-11:30 a.m. Focus Sessions Harre Union
3-5 p.m. Campus Service Project Harre Union, Ballrooms
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch Harre Union, Founders Table
3-5 p.m. Collaborative Art Project The Brauer Museum of Art
2024 YOUTH PROGRAM SCHEDULE 9:30-10 a.m. Registration Harre Union, Atrium 10-11:30 a.m. Focus Sessions Harre Union 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch and “Valparaiso University Possibilities” Harre Union, Founders Table and Hearth Room
12:30-12:55 p.m. Campus Tour 1-2:30 p.m. Convocation The Chapel of the Resurrection 3-5 p.m. Campus Service Project Harre Union, Ballrooms
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM We welcome elementary-aged children (grades K-5) to join us for an MLK Day Celebration kids’ track, focused on this year’s theme of healing and resilience. During our sessions, students will engage through activities, games, and educational materials to encourage mindfulness. Prior registration required. A pizza lunch will be provided with pickup no later than 1 p.m.
FOCUS SESSIONS 10-11:30 a.m.
Spiritual Contemplative Reflections for Healing and Resilience | Harre Union, Brown and Gold Room Travis Scholl, M.Div., Ph.D. Author of “Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God” e live in a culture that often pits contemplation and W activism against each other. Yet the work of justice rooted in faith and love wouldn’t draw the distinction. Martin Luther King Jr. himself embodied a spirituality that integrated reflection and action, drawing from mentors like Howard Thurman and Abraham Heschel. In this session, we will explore the labyrinth walk as a spiritual practice that can inspire a journey of prayer and wholeness that renews us for life in the world.
Social Media for Social Justice: Harnessing the Power of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Healing and Resilience Harre Union, Ballroom B Adam Gibson-Even ’00, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Haydar Çukurtepe, M.S., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Computing and Information Sciences Sonja Streuber, M.A., M.S. Lecturer in Computing and Information Sciences his session looks at the principles of communal healing T and resilience through the promotion of nonviolence and antiracism in social media. A panel of speakers, led by Adam Gibson-Even ’00, discusses their approach to online
activism and outreach. Session participants will come away with solid techniques for building community and organizing for action through social media and will create and post a piece of content to their online communities reflecting on antiracism and nonviolence.
Mental Health for Healing and Resilience Harre Union, Alumni Room Kimberly Johnson, M.A., LMHC Director of Counseling Center Jordan Embry ’19 University Marketing Manager The purpose of this session is to demonstrate the effects of racism and discrimination on the mental health of those impacted. Our goal is to provide a discussion and call to action to heal and build resilience as we continue to navigate cultural and racial insensitivity in the world today.
Government as an Agent for Healing and Resilience Harre Union, Ballroom A Remarks by Todd Young, U.S. Senator Robert Cotton City Councilman, Valparaiso Jose Diaz Regional Director, Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young Jesse Harper, J.D. Center Township Trustee This session will discuss several programs supported by the local government that foster resilience and healing by providing food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare to those citizens living in the community surrounding Valparaiso University. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to interact with two elected officials who serve the City Council District and the Porter County Township in which Valparaiso University is located.
Hip-Hop Stories of New America: Black and Brown Healing Through Hip-Hop Harre Union, Ballroom C David Olmeca Barragan, M.A. Hip-hop artist, producer, activist, and scholar lmeca has been featured on “BBC London,” Complex O Magazine, Noisey, Huffington Post, “NPR,” “Democracy Now,” and “CNN Latino.” His music has been featured on various documentaries, including PBS “Independent Lens,” and “Two Americans,” a documentary about the immigration issues in Arizona. He has written music for television shows including “Sons of Anarchy,” “Chance” on Hulu, and a new series, “The Mayans” on FX. Noisey Magazine writes, “Olmeca is a teacher of underground hiphop in Los Angeles and the Chicano community. An artist directly responsible so rap in Spanglish is a thing. A chat with this shaman of the 21st century…” Olmeca grew up in the barrios of Los Angeles and Mexico, a reality that brewed his blending of music genres and cultural sensitivity. While everyday people respect his lyrical content, music connoisseurs value the production, and educators utilize Olmeca’s music in their classrooms.
THE BRAUER MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS: “OUR EMERGING DREAM,” A COLLABORATIVE ART PROJECT January 10 – February 28, 2024 Every Wednesday evening between 5-8 p.m. Valparaiso University Center for the Arts, The Brauer Museum of Art
Photo credit: Kayla Smith ’23
Join Valpo alumna Kayla Smith ’23 in creating a large-scale collage portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. Contribute to the realization of this collaborative art project celebrating both the civil rights leader and the dream that still inspires America. Participate in collage, an art form that has deep roots in the history of Black art. Your final creation, executed over the course of eight Wednesday evening sessions (5-8 p.m.) from January 10 to February 28, 2024, will be exhibited alongside works from the Brauer Museum of Art’s remarkable collection of American art.
Photo credit: Ben Shahn (1898–1969) and Stefan Martin (1936–1994), Martin Luther King, 1968, Wood engraving on paper, 66/100 (29 ¾ x 23 21/4 in.), Gift of Neal Ball in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bernthal, Brauer Museum of Art.
REALIZING THE DREAM THROUGH HEALING AND RESILIENCE
CONVOCATION 1-2:30 p.m.
Prelude: “We Shall Overcome” Robert Hawkins, Award-winning Gospel Artist and Singer Micole Dyson, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Opening Prayer Pastor James Wetzstein, M.Div., Executive Director of the Institute of Liturgical Studies
Welcome Karen Allen, RN, Ph.D., FAAN, Dean, College of Nursing and Health Professions Angela Vidal-Rodriguez, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Musical Selection: “Worship Medley” Robert Hawkins and Micole Dyson, Ph.D.
Presentation of Valparaiso University Faculty and Staff MLK Award President José Padilla, J.D. and Angela Vidal-Rodriguez, Ph.D. Recipient: Samantha Burgett ’20, MSW, LSW, Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Criminology
Presentation of Valparaiso University MLK Drum Major Instinct Community Award President José Padilla, J.D. Recipient: Vanessa Allen-McCloud, M.Ed., Ph.D., President of Urban League Northwest Indiana
Musical Selection “Sacrifice of Praise” Robert Hawkins and Micole Dyson, Ph.D.
Recitation: MLK’s Impact on my Community Valparaiso University Students Rajkumar Chintalapudi ’24 MSIT Arturo Baranda ’26 B.S. Lem Cartman ’23, ’24 MHA
Introduction of Speaker President José Padilla, J.D.
Musical Selection: “My Life is in Your Hands” Robert Hawkins and Micole Dyson, Ph.D.
Keynote Address Morgan Medlock, M.D., M.Div., MPH
Hymn: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (text on next page) Robert Hawkins
Closing Prayer Roger Powell Jr. ’16 M.S., Valpo Men’s Basketball Coach
“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, Till 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. During 2023, Project Linus distributed nearly 300 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. Join us in helping this organization meet its goal of providing comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
CALLS TO ACTION We are thrilled to announce additional service opportunities throughout spring 2024 that will extend our MLK Day Celebration theme, “Realizing the Dream Through Healing and Resilience,” into hands-on projects! Unity Café: Converse and eat with formerly incarcerated people at an informal cafe Opportunity Enterprises: Volunteer for Thrive with clients who are differently abled LGBTQ of Porter County: Volunteer for Prism with middle school students
Compass International: Tutor parents and children in English Café Manna: Serve food at a community outreach soup kitchen pring Break in New Orleans: S Participate in disaster response and relief
2024 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AWARD RECIPIENT Samantha Burgett ’20, MSW, LSW Samantha Burgett ’20, MSW, LSW, is a Valparaiso University adjunct professor of sociology and criminology. Sam is a commendable recipient of the MLK Award, whose dedication and tireless efforts have profoundly impacted the marginalized communities of Northwest Indiana. As the first social worker hired to serve the police force in the City of Valparaiso, Sam has pioneered transformative initiatives to address the pressing needs of the community. One of Sam’s remarkable achievements is the establishment of a groundbreaking program aimed at
assisting and supporting formerly incarcerated citizens in securing housing and employment opportunities. Her visionary leadership has also led to the creation of a program focused on providing shelter to homeless citizens and ensuring that meals reach those in need, demonstrating a commitment to holistic community support. Sam stands as a beacon of inspiration, particularly for young individuals who may harbor doubts about their ability to effect positive change. Through her innovative and pioneering work in social work, she has become a role model, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant difference in the quality of life for citizens in the community. Sam’s unwavering dedication to service, her innovative approach to social work, and her ability to effect tangible change make her a deserving recipient of the MLK Award. Her impact extends far beyond her immediate community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those she serves and inspiring a new generation of changemakers. Sam graduated with a bachelor of social work from Valparaiso University in 2020 and a master of social work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in 2021.
2024 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT AWARD RECIPIENT Vanessa Allen-McCloud, M.Ed., Ph.D. President of Urban League Northwest Indiana anessa Allen-McCloud, M.Ed., Ph.D., is an exceptional V administrator who has proven success in a variety of professional positions along the full spectrum of education, including university teaching, coaching, and consulting. Her most prolific professional experience began in 2010 when she was appointed president and chief executive
officer of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. Under her leadership, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana has grown in reputation, scope, and service to the Northwest Indiana region and surrounding areas. Vanessa loves education and is a tenacious community leader. Her tenacity is evidenced by the fact that after high school, she began taking college classes in the evenings while working and raising two daughters. Over the next 10 years, despite the challenges of parenting, being employed full time, and being dedicated in service to her church and community, she excelled in education. She earned associate of arts, bachelor of science, and master of education degrees. In November 2013, she was awarded her doctorate in educational leadership. Vanessa is a certified civility trainer in civility in the workplace and cultural competence. She is in great demand as a keynote speaker, professional development trainer, and workshop facilitator. She has received a vast number of prestigious awards for her work in the community and serves on several local and national boards. With all of her accomplishments, her love for God and family remains top priority for her. She and her husband, Anthony, have six children and 12 grandchildren.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT AWARD RECIPIENTS 2023
Eddie Melton, Member of the Indiana Senate from the 3rd district
2024 Vanessa Allen-McCloud, M.Ed., Ph.D., President Urban League Northwest Indiana
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
MLK 2023 STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS Angela Vidal-Rodriguez, Ph.D. Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Karen Allen, Ph.D., RN, FAAN Dean, College of Nursing and Health Professions
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jonathan Canning, M.A., M.Phil. Director of the Brauer Museum of Art Michael Chikeleze, Ph.D. 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Award Recipient, Richard C. and Francelia A. Gozon University Chair in ValuesBased Leadership Haydar Cukurtepe, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences Jordan Embry ’19 University Marketing Manager Erik Froelich, Ed.D. Senior International Officer, Office of the Provost
Chloe Kiser ’22, M.S. Director of Bloom Scholars Program, Adjunct Faculty Tiara Moore ’18, M.A. Residential Learning Coordinator, Guild/Memorial Hall, KadeDuesenberg German House, Residential Life Sonia Morales, MES Assistant Director of Office of Multicultural Programs Katherine Peters, M.Ed., M.A. Assistant Director of Institute for Leadership and Service Shannon O’Brien, M.Ed. Director of Beacon Academy
Christina Hearne ‘15 (Crawley), MPA Director of Access and Accommodations Resource Center
Emma Pisello ’17, M.S. Assistant Director of Student Life for Student Engagement
Lisa Jennings, M.A., Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor of World Languages & Cultures and Director of Valparaiso Core Program
Sonja Streuber, M.S., M.A., LMA Lecturer in Computing and Information Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Kimberly Johnson, M.A., LMHC Director of Counseling Services
Robert Wichlinski ‘13, MALS Lecturer in Computing and Information Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
Tressa Jones, MBA/HCM Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Director of Office of Multicultural Programs
SPONSORS Office of the President Office of the Provost Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Christ College — The Honors College College of Nursing and Health Professions College of Arts and Sciences College of Engineering College of Business Office of Multicultural Programs Calling and Spiritual Life Advancement Access and Accommodation Michael Chikeleze, Ph.D. Richard C. and Francelia A. Gozon University Chair in Values-Based Leadership Gregg B. “Bagel” Johnson, M.A., Ph.D. Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
valpo.edu/mlk | #ValpoMLK2024