To the UMB Community:

Combining inspirational speeches, soaring songs from a vocal group, and diversity awards to worthy colleagues, UMB's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and Black History Month celebration is a must-see event each year.

I hope you will join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at noon at MSTF Leadership Hall for this year's program. Keynote presenter Roni Ellington, PhD, MA, an associate professor in the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy at Morgan State University, will show why she is a sought-after inspirational speaker. She is a staunch advocate for promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for under-represented minorities.

In addition, UMB's Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) honors MLK Diversity Recognition Award winners, recognizing those at UMB whose personal or professional work sustains Dr. King's legacy of building a free and just society.

Our outstanding student is Elodie N. Tendoh, a fourth-year student at the School of Pharmacy; our outstanding staff member is Bill Joyner, LMSW, senior economic inclusion specialist for the Office of Community Engagement; and our outstanding faculty member/unit is the Positive Schools Center, a program under the Social Work Community Outreach Service at the School of Social Work. 

The event also annually highlights middle and high school students from our Baltimore community. This year, students will be recognized for writing songs or poems about Dr. King's legacy and UMB CURE Scholars will present scientific posters during the reception. Music will be provided by Hippocratic Notes, a School of Medicine a cappella group, and a light lunch will be served after the event.

You can read more about Dr. Ellington and the award winners in the coming weeks on the DAC website, where you can also register for the Feb. 5 event. I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

Sincerely, 

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS

Interim President