Carrying on a legacy of service

In all that he did, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated the power of service to others.

In February at a ceremony in a packed Weber Theatre, Wheaton honored a faculty member and a student whose actions and leadership have helped the campus community live in a manner that is equitable, inclusive and consistent with King’s values.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards were presented to Srijana Shrestha, assistant professor of psychology, and Dalwin Corcino ’23, president of the Student Government Association.

Her contributions include her work on the Diversity, Equity and Access Leadership (DEAL) Senate, where she has collaborated with faculty in developing anti-racism plans. She was a small group dialogue facilitator during Wheaton’s Three Freedoms Teach-in and she launched The Faculty Collective to fill the need for an advocacy group among faculty.

Shrestha expressed appreciation for the recognition. “Diversity and equity work is emotionally taxing but essential because everyone deserves to live, work and exist in this world with dignity. I am honored to walk alongside students, staff and faculty colleagues who have illuminated the path to make Wheaton more inclusive. The path is long and progress is not linear nor guaranteed. Yet, I am emboldened every day by students who demand the institution [and faculty] do better, for them and for our entire community,” she said.

In cultivating respect and strengthening the campus community, Corcino helped facilitate the Public Health and Social Justice discussion series; served on the Sexuality, Gender and Inclusion Board; and founded the Community for Advancing Healthy Masculinities. He also secured an equity and inclusion grant for his Language Access Program that provided admission and financial aid materials in key languages other than English to prospective students and families.

Following the ceremony, Corcino said he was in shock over the recognition. “It’s truly humbling to be seen as someone who’s demonstrative of dedication to anti-racism, cultural sustainability and social justice at Wheaton and beyond.

… Receiving an award doesn’t make me proud of my accomplishments; it’s seeing the impact that I’ve had at Wheaton that makes me proud. With the support of many students, faculty, staff and alumni, the Wheaton community has stepped up to become an active advocate for racial justice and social change during my time here. The work that I and people like Srijana have taken on has elevated a movement that continues to inspire others to work toward a common goal; making sure everyone feels welcomed and heard at Wheaton and beyond.”

Wheaton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Celebration was sponsored by DEAL’s education and programming committee; the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning; the Office for Institutional Equity and Belonging; and the Office of the President.

—Laura Pedulli