Skip to main content

36th Annual Dr. MLK Jr. Campus Celebration

Save the Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Nov 18, 2025

Inclusive Excellence warmly invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join us for the 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Celebration

This year’s theme, Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation in a Nonviolent Way, invites us to reflect, connect, and engage in meaningful dialogue that strengthens our shared commitment to justice, equity, and belonging.

Throughout the day, participants are encouraged to take part in our day of programs designed to foster community, spark conversation, and inspire action—celebrating Dr. King’s enduring legacy while exploring ways we can continue his work on campus and beyond. Please see the full day of programs below. This Salem State University tradition offers something for everyone to feel included, inspired, and empowered.

Day of Programs

Breakfast

9-10:30 am | Ellison Campus Center MLK Jr. Room

Join us as we kick off the day of celebration and connection with breakfast.

Vigil and Community March

10:30-11 am | Ellison Campus Center Lobby

We invite all members of our community to join us as we march from the Ellison Campus Center to the Sophia Gordon Center, where Convocation will take place. A short vigil will take place in the Lobby prior to the march.

Convocation and Community Conversation

11 am-12 pm | Sophia Gordon Center 

Convocation will feature a keynote address followed by an interactive community conversation exploring what preserving democracy and nonviolent collective action looks like here at Salem State and beyond.

Leadership Luncheon & Awards

12:30-2 pm | Ellison Campus Center Veterans Hall

Come connect with community members over a delicious lunch and celebrate outstanding SSU leaders as we recognize their achievements. 

 

Nominate members of the SSU community for the 2026 Dr. MLK Jr. Leadership Awards 

Presented annually to an SSU undergraduate, graduate, alumna/us, faculty, staff, or administrator, the Dr. MLK Jr. Leadership Award recognizes outstanding and significant contributions to the cause of freedom, justice, and equality. Self-nominations are welcome! Nominations will be accepted until Sunday, December 21. 

Nominate a community member.

 

Join us in honoring Dr. King’s vision and in building a campus culture rooted in compassion, equity, and collective action.

 

In solidarity,

The 36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee

  • Melissa Arroyo, Director, Student Involvement & Operations
  • Lucy Corchado, Staff Assistant, Center for Justice and Liberation
  • Nasrin DadkhahTehrani, ’26, Accounting Graduate Student & IE Graduate Assistant
  • Terrence Jean Charles, ’26, IE Student Ambassador & President of the Brotherhood
  • Mike Mitchell ‘07, Director of Engagement, Advancement
  • Alison Morris, Administrative Assistant, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
  • Bruce Perry, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs
  • Carlie Pierre, Director of Education and Training, Inclusive Excellence
  • Ivan Piña, Coordinator of Student Development, Student Support Services
  • Arlene Theodore, Director of the Center for Justice and Liberation

 

 

 

Back to top