Bucks County Community College recently honored four individuals with the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Builder Awards.
To cap off the college’s celebration of Black History Month, president Felicia L. Ganther, J.D., Ph.D., and the board of trustees presented awards on Thursday, Feb. 23, to leaders of community, corporate, humanitarian and student organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.
“Acknowledging and honoring these leaders is critical to keeping the legacy of Dr. King alive,” said Ganther. “Doing so not only educates our community on what is needed to improve the lives of all citizens, it also provides a blueprint for others to follow as they see the great works of those we honor for their service. This year’s honorees have truly modeled the way for us to do more and be more and for our fellow man, just as Dr. King had done.”
Kevin Antoine, J.D., the college’s associate vice president for government and community relations and chief diversity officer, said the honorees were recognized for the unsung work they do.
“The MLK Dream Builder awardees have done their job well, without the expectation of recognition or glamour,” said Antoine. “What’s more, this program exemplifies the college’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by reaffirming that there is goodwill in the people of Bucks County, regardless of their station in life.”
This year’s honorees are:
– Community Dream Builder: Adrienne King, founder and president, The PairUP Society
– Corporate Dream Builder: Dr. Vail Garvin, president and CEO emerita, Bucks County Chamber of Commerce
– Humanitarian Dream Builder: Karen Downer, president, Bucks County NAACP
– Student Dream Builder: Lateefat Adewale, president, Bucks County Community College Student Government Association
Ganther also recognized David Balogun, of Bensalem, who graduated from high school at the age of 9 and plans to continue his education at Bucks County Community College.
The award ceremony featured live music from the college’s Madrigal Singers and jazz faculty combo, and took place in the Linksz Pavilion on the campus at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown.
