Campus & Community

Nominations Sought for MLK Unsung Hero Award

Friday, November 17, 2023, By Dara Harper

Each year, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ hosts the largest MLK Jr. Celebration held on any college campus. As part of the program, several community members who embody the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receive the Unsung Hero Award.

people sitting and standing on stage in front of large curtain that states Remember. Celebrate. Act. with image of Martin Luther King Jr.

As part of the MLK Jr. Celebration, several community members who embody the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receive the Unsung Hero Award.

The award seeks to honor the life and legacy of individuals who exemplify the spirit, life and teachings of Dr. King yet have not received widespread recognition or been previously honored for their efforts. These individuals represent a direct expression of the University’s commitment to fostering and supporting a university welcoming to all.

If you know an individual who should be honored and celebrated, please consider nominating them for the 2024 celebration.

included University staff member Nichole Henry, student Thomas Wilson ’23, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community members and more. Nominations may be made in any of the following categories:

  • youth/teen from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
  • adult from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
  • currently enrolled student at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ or the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
  • faculty or staff from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ or SUNY ESF

The Unsung Hero Award nominations are due by Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 11:59 p.m. Nomination forms can be found on the .

The 2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place on Jan. 21, 2024, in the JMA Wireless Dome. Further information will be announced in the coming weeks at .

Questions regarding the Unsung Hero Awards can be directed to Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.