Page 21 - Racing To Excellence
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President's Message - MLK Day Message








      January 12, 2018                                          As president of the first historically black
                                                                institution of higher learning in the state of
      A Message of                                              Maryland, I embrace that dream for each of
                                                                our students, alumni and the countless

      Reflection for                                            learners that will come in the future. Our
                                                                core values – excellence, civility, integrity,
                                                                diversity and accountability – give meaning
      MLK Day                                                   to the work that we do developing the
                                                                intellect and character of our students,
                                                                preparing them to engage and thrive in a
      As we approach MLK Day to celebrate the                   world that celebrates the value of
      birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,             differences.
      my thoughts turn to this question: Where are
      we in achieving his dream for America?
      Today, his words of hope are just as                      Standing on the legacy of our founding
      meaningful as they were 55 years ago: “I                  leaders and the bedrock of our core values,
      have a dream that my four little children will            we are steadfast in our commitment to
      one day live in a nation where they will not              affirm and enhance the unique talents and
      be judged by the color of their skin, but by              abilities of every individual to contribute to
      the content of their character.”                          our global community. Our diverse
                                                                community, made up of students, faculty and
                                                                staff, should strive each day to ensure that
                                                                every member feels included and valued.
                                                                BSU is a public university charged to work
                                                                for the public good. We owe it to every
                                                                member of our campus and our larger
                                                                community to stay true to our values and
                                                                advance the ideal of inclusiveness in all of
                                                                our endeavors.


                                                                I also encourage each member of our
                                                                campus community to follow the actions of
                                                                Dr. King on Monday and take the opportunity
                                                                to serve others, remembering his words:
                                                                “Life’s most persistent and urgent question
                                                                is ‘What are you doing for others?’” Please
                                                                explore the many opportunities to serve in
                                                                your local communities. A few examples can
                                                                be found online.


                                                                Dr. King was a strong leader, but he
                                                                demonstrated humility and recognized that
                                                                life is something bigger than himself. Let his
                                                                legacy as a servant leader empower you.









                                  President's Message - MLK Day Message
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