Franklin Pierce University in Rindge held its 12th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Awards March 8, with more than 75 students, faculty, staff and guests in attendance and more joining the celebration virtually. The awards were presented by the A.L.A.NA (African American, Latino/a, Native American, Asian American) Affinity Group and the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The awards celebrate the work of students in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. Awardees are nominated by faculty and their peers for efforts both on- and off-campus and recognizes the university’s progress towards achieving one of its main strategic goals to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Franklin Pierce. The 2022 awardees are Christina Bartley, Jazmyne Beck, Evan (E.J.) Burgess, Kaylah Curry, Conner Everidge, Sydney Fringer, Madison Fox, Florisbeth Joseph, Tori McGrath, Samantha Norwood, Alexander O’Dowd, Madison Parlee, Randy Peralta, Andrea Rivera, Aliyah Sonnier, Morgan Smith, Michaela “Mick” Topham, Julia Whitley, Taniya Williams and Addison Wright.
President Kim Mooney noted that this year’s theme was persevering through struggle.
“In the face of uncertainty, we relied on our blueprint, our strategic plan, to guide us through challenging times,” Mooney stated. “One of the goals of our strategic plan, Pierce@60, was to create the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and appoint a champion for these critical initiatives, Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Pierre Morton. Congratulations to all our student honorees tonight. Your continued work and commitment toward a more inclusive campus and society continue to make us proud.”
College Trustee Terrell Boston Smith was the event’s keynote speaker. His remarks focused on belonging and how the feeling of belonging positively impacts communities.
“Preserving through struggle is continually reminding yourself that you belong,” he stated. “Your sense of belonging is most important. You belong here.”
Smith noted the changes he has seen within the university since his time as a student, reflecting the changes in larger society.
“In 2005, we did not have an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” he stated. “We did not have a fundraising initiative to specifically support students of color. But this university is dynamic, not stagnant. This community has made a commitment, and there is a place for you here. We care about you belonging. We care about you graduating. And we care about you making a place for yourself in the world.”