West Chester University Celebrates the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Annual Awards Ceremony
West Chester University commemorated the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 23, 2026, with its annual MLK Awards Celebration, a campus tradition that honors individuals and organizations who exemplify Dr. King’s commitment to justice, equity, and service.
Held in Sykes Ballroom on campus, the event was organized and hosted by The Society of WCU, a University organization of faculty and staff who are committed to fostering social consciousness and inclusiveness. The celebration brought together about 100 students, alumni, University leadership, and community members for an afternoon of reflection and recognition.
Community members included State Sen. John Kane and State Rep. Chris Pielli, Donnell Sheppard who was representing U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s office, and West Chester Borough Manager Sean Metrick.
WCU President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky opened the event and said the University has a responsibility to honor Dr. King and his legacy by thinking critically and acting ethically.
At the heart of the event was the presentation of several awards recognizing outstanding service and leadership.
Drum Major for Justice Award
The 2026 Drum Major for Justice Award was presented to Dr. Lisa M. Montgomery, a distinguished higher education leader and triple alumna of WCU. The award honors alumni whose lives and work reflect Dr. King’s call to be “a drum major for justice,” a phrase drawn from one of his final sermons.
Dr. Montgomery is WCU’s director of student advocacy and resources. She leads efforts
to
support students facing financial and basic needs challenges. A first-generation
college graduate, she made WCU history as the first African American to earn a Doctor
of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration. Her career spans more than 33
years, including more than two decades in corporate leadership at The Vanguard Group
and 12 years in higher education.
Her work closely aligns with the University’s Moon Shot for Equity initiative, and she was recognized as a Moon Shot Maker in 2024 for her sustained contributions to student success and access. Through her leadership, Dr. Montgomery has helped remove barriers for countless students, advancing dignity, opportunity, and equity across campus and beyond.
After receiving the award, Dr. Montgomery thanked her family for their support and said her passion is fueled by purpose.
“In my current role, I see students that have concerns about their ability to continue their education at West Chester University because a basic, and/or essential need is missing for them in that moment,” Dr. Montgomery said. “I live in my purpose every time I am able to help them bridge that gap. When education is paired with access, resources, and opportunity, students can imagine and pursue the lives that Dr. King envisioned. Lives of dignity, contribution, and justice.”
Larry Dowdy Community Service Award
Dr. Daniela Johannes, associate professor of Latin American Studies and Spanish in WCU’s Department of Languages and Cultures, received the Larry Dowdy Community Service Award. Named for Lawrence A. Dowdy ’79, former Executive Deputy to the President, the award recognizes exceptional community engagement and service. Dowdy presented the award to Dr. Johannes.
Dr. Johannes’ academic, creative, and service work is grounded in equity, cultural
justice, and community-engaged public education. For eight years, she directed the
Latinx Communities Conference, transforming it into a vital interdisciplinary forum
that connects students, faculty, artists, activists, and community organizations.
She currently serves as Director of the Greater Philadelphia Latin American Studies
Consortium, which advances collaboration and access to cultural and academic resources
across the region.
At WCU, Dr. Johannes has co-founded several women-of-color-led initiatives, including the Latinx Social Justice Collective and the Women of Color Caucus. She also played a central role in shaping equity guidelines within WCU’s College of Arts and Humanities through her leadership with the Equity, Access, Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives (EAIDI) Grant Program. Her work has left a visible legacy on campus, including a permanent collective mural created with students and community members that celebrates Latinx identities in the Student Union.
After receiving the award, Dr. Johannes reflected on what receiving a community service award at an event honoring Dr. King means to her. She said service is a responsibility, one that can be deeply rewarding but also feel uncomfortable and unseen.
“I believe deeply that universities should not be fortresses,” Dr. Johannes said. “They should be places where knowledge circulates outward and inward, where community wisdom is not extracted but honored, where students learn that service is not an extracurricular activity. It’s a way of being in the world.”
Student Organization Leadership and Community Award
The Society of WCU Student Organization Leadership and Community Service Award was presented to Black Men United (BMU), a student organization founded at WCU in 2001.
Black Men United is dedicated to empowering and enriching the campus community through service, leadership development, and advocacy around issues affecting African American men. The organization focuses on academic and professional support, leadership opportunities, community engagement, and creating a safe and supportive environment for its members.
Through consistent campus involvement and community outreach, BMU has played a vital role in fostering connection, visibility, and support for all at WCU, while also working with other affinity groups to strengthen the broader campus community.
BMU President Amari Jackson accepted the award. Jackson, a senior Integrative Biology major, said he was especially touched by a Dr. King quote that he read when learning about BMU receiving the award: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
“At Black Men United, we’ve taken that message to heart,” Jackson said. “BMU was founded on the belief that leadership was not about titles but about responsibilities – to our campus, to our community and to each other. This award affirms that service, mentorship, and advocacy are not just ideals we talk about but values we actively live out.”
The legacy celebration also included student reflections, musical tributes, and recognition of outstanding student leaders. Student MCs Alicia Greene, a senior Business Analytics major, and Amirah Morris, a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major, guided the program, which concluded with a tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy and a call to action for continued service.
The annual MLK Awards celebration serves as both a commemoration and a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Frederick Douglass Legacy Scholarship, said The Society president, Dr. Tiffany Jones. Through this event, The Society of WCU continues its mission to enrich the University’s climate and honor those who advance justice, equity, and community engagement in the spirit of Dr. King.