Fairfield University’s annual commemoration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. features a series of campus-wide events designed to inspire all to continue on with the important work reflected in the words, writings, and actions of Dr. King.

On February 8 at 5 p.m. in the Barone Campus Center Oak Room, the University will host the Vision Award Reception. The Vision Award recipients — individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the ideals and values of Dr. King — will be honored, as will the winners of the annual essay contest for middle school students.

This year’s Vision Awards are being presented to Alfred Babo, PhD, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, Julia Duffy, APRN, FNP-BC, director of the Health Center, Aliyah Seenauth '24, vice president of FUSA, and Callie Gale Heilmann and Gemeem Davis, co-directors of Bridgeport Generation Now. The event will feature live music from New Mosaic, hors d'oeuvres, and refreshments.

The Convocation, an integral part of the celebration, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Quick Center for the Arts where award-winning speaker Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, PhD, will be the keynote speaker. The event is free and open to the public. 

In addition to the Convocation, the committee has planned a series of events to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy including a table talk, a campus visit from the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Academy, and a retrospective celebration of activism on campus.

For more information about this year’s MLK Jr. celebration, please visit fairfield.edu/mlk.