Students, faculty and community members came together on Monday Jan. 19, for the annual MLK Peace Breakfast, held at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center.
Attendees reflected on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and his enduring call for justice, equity, and collective responsibility.
The morning began with serving breakfast to all the attendees, which set a welcoming and reflective tone before the program officially started.
As everyone gathered into the main hall room, the event transitioned into a recognition of Dr King’s legacy, not only as a civil rights leader, but as a figure whose vision continues to challenge institutions to act with moral clarity and social responsibility.
The program opened with a Soul / R&B musical performance by Marlei Knox, who performed a song “All about it, Pt. II.”
Following the performance, Jayathi Murthy, president of Oregon State University, addressed the audience. Murthy spoke on the importance of considering the broader social impacts of academic and professional work across disciplines, from engineering and science to business and the humanities.
“Our commitment to inclusive excellence is a driving force behind our ambitious goals for student success, which we call “Every Student Graduates”.’ Our strategic plan calls on us to increase our graduation rate to 80 percent and to equalize grades across student communities, characterized by gender, race, first-generation status, and financial need, and so much more, by 2030,” said Murthy in her speech.
Later, the program transitioned into a presentation of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee Awards, which recognizes individuals at OSU who advance peace, justice and equity through service and leadership.
The awards were announced by Dawn Marie Alapisco, director of the Native American Graves protection and repatriation act office. Awards like the “Oscar Humberto Montenmayor” award honoring student leadership and community building, and the “Frances Dancy Hooks Award”, recognizing faculty and staff who advance diversity and build cross-cultural connections were awarded.
Lastly, the breakfast had a musical performance by Gregory Brumfield, accompanied on piano by Joy Ueng. The duo performed “Old Man River,” written by Paul Roberson, which ended with a standing ovation following the final performance.
