Valparaiso University Students, Faculty and Staff Celebrate MLK Day 2025
Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community gathered at Valparaiso University’s campus on Monday, January 20, 2025 to take part in a series of presentations and discussions centered around the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Abdullah Hasan Pratt ’11, M.D., assistant professor and emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center, took the podium as this year’s convocation speaker. A passionate advocate for underserved communities, Dr. Pratt’s upbringing and firsthand experience with the health challenges faced by many residents of Chicago’s Southside have deeply influenced his career and his commitment to addressing systemic healthcare disparities. In his speech, he shared his connection to Valpo and what it meant for him in his career.
“I can remember my first time being here as a senior in high school,” Dr. Pratt said. “The one thing that brought me into this place was the promise of what I could learn, combined with the difference I could make in my community.”
The convocation ceremony also included the awarding of the Valparaiso University Faculty and Staff MLK Award. This year’s recipient was Karen Allen, Ph.D, RN, FAAN, dean and professor at the College of Nursing and Health Professions, for her work in raising awareness of addiction as a medical condition, her impact as a mentor and leader, and her use of education and advocacy in challenging stigma.
Music for the convocation ceremony was provided by Dave Martin & Glory Song Ministries.
A series of focus sessions preceded the ceremony, and included presentations and discussions based on community, legacy, and the role of social media in fostering communication. Hip-hop artist Olmeca explored the intersections between non-Black Latinos and African Americans in forging collective strength amidst shared struggles with his presentation: “We Are Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams: Black America’s Legacy in Latinx Communities.”
Valparaiso University would like to thank all of the presenters and participants, as well as the members of the community that chose to join us in recognizing this day. For more information on public events happening at Valparaiso University, please visit valpo.edu/community.
