MLK Humanitarian Awards Honor Student Leaders, Faculty Mentors
(LEBANON, Ill., January 28, 2021) — Each year McKendree University recognizes student
and faculty leaders who demonstrate humanitarian qualities and the philosophy of nonviolent
social change advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Humanitarian Award recipients
show increased understanding and tolerance for all people; embrace humanitarian principles
and ideals; and lead or participate in programs or service which reflect these ideals.
These include racial harmony, socio-economic empowerment, religious understanding,
social justice, and generosity and hospitality, reflecting an attitude of acceptance
of differences.
The 2021 awards were presented in a recent ceremony organized and conducted by Brent
Reeves, Director of Equity and Inclusion, and Rev. Tim Harrison, chaplain. Due to
COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation was recorded for viewing online at https://youtu.be/n67y2K3pk6M.
Honored this year were:
-
Shelby Benn, a senior from Lansing, Ill., studying business administration, management and supply chain logistics.
-
Giavonni “Gigi” Hopkins, a senior psychology major from Kansas City, Mo.
-
Dr. Pamela Manning, associate professor of education
-
Dr. Martha Patterson, professor of English, who dedicated her award to Dr. J.L. Simmons, professor of psychology
Shelby Benn has been a powerful influencer as Student Government Association (SGA) president
for the past three years, inspired by the late Congressman John Lewis’ challenge to
“get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” An enthusiastic, effective agent for change,
Benn has organized and led numerous projects devoted to diversity, health, safety
and social justice.
Last summer and fall, during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, he contacted McKendree
public safety officers, local and regional law enforcement members, and city, state
and federal government officials to discuss police training reform—an experience which
helped him better understand their perspectives. In September he organized a peaceful
“Black Lives Matter” rally on the campus front lawn, attended by more than 100 students,
faculty and staff members to support students of color. He led a group conversation
with the university president about issues of institutional racism in higher education.
A list of opportunities they created resulted in early dismissal for Election Day
voting, and a book resource program for students needing assistance.
Leading up to the November 2020 general election, Benn spoke to students in several
classes about the importance of voting. He provided information on how they could
vote, work at polls, and access their ballots in advance to learn more about local
and state candidates.
He chairs McKendree’s Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Committee, as well as community
outreach for Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. He has volunteered more than 60 hours at homeless
shelters and community homes, and encourages his fraternity brothers to write to young
black men and women in the area.
Benn will graduate soon but he continues to advocate for a monument on campus honoring
Mamie Turner, McKendree’s first African American graduate. He is also seeking to establish
an emergency fund for students experiencing financial hardship.
Gigi Hopkins is the vice president of the Student Government Association, a member of Pi Gamma
Mu social sciences honor society, Phi Eta Sigma honor society, the Social Justice
and Equity Committee (SJEC), the metro area’s St. Louis Graduates committee, and the
Postsecondary Equity Network. A quiet and insightful leader, she has helped orchestrate
community service projects and events on campus. Before coronavirus forced its unfortunate
cancellation, she was the catalyst in organizing a 5K fundraising event for Join Hands
ESL, a program which helps underprivileged students stay on an academic path toward
college.
Last summer Hopkins met with leaders of the university and the Lebanon police department
to discuss actions to address racial injustice and to create a safe, more welcoming
space for students of color. The SJEC has since hosted Brown Bag discussions to bring
awareness and action to issues of discrimination on campus. “Being part of a community
where we as individuals can express ourselves and come together as one is essential
to this campus,” she said.
Dr. Pam Manning teaches graduate students in evening classes but she is highly involved in the lives
of undergraduate students as well. She shows up regularly to support student-sponsored
events and activities and makes sure their voices are heard and respected.
While Manning supports all McKendree students and their wellbeing, she has a special
affinity for creating community among students of color. She helped students start
ELITE, a chapter of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. It celebrates
their accomplishments and connects them with the broader community of Black women
who came before them and helped pave the way forward. Manning is a proud member of
Delta Sigma Theta sorority, a sisterhood of predominantly Black, college educated
women devoted to public service.
A stalwart member of the SJEC since its inception, Manning has led several conversations
on campus about diversity, inclusion and social justice, eloquently speaking her mind
about issues of fairness and equity. She believes in the dignity of each person and
tries to use her voice and actions to raise others. She wants all students, faculty
and staff members to feel respected, heard and valued as members of the McKendree
family, and forges personal relationships with a wide variety of people in her effort
to build community.
Dr. Martha Patterson seeks out opportunities for underrepresented groups as the university’s coordinator
of prestigious scholarships and fellowships. Behind the scenes, she is a tireless
advocate for resources to allow students to succeed.
She is a scholar of the extraordinary and often unsung accomplishments of African
American writers, mentors and activists. Her latest book project, “The Harlem Renaissance
Weekly,” examines the work of African American writers who were published in popular
black newspapers in the early 20th century. Sharing her passion for African American literature with her students, she
pushes them to grapple with the complicated history of race in America. She has co-taught
honors classes that explored East St. Louis and introduced students to its notable
figures, such as poet Eugene Redmond.
Patterson dedicated her award to Dr. J.L. (Kemp) Simmons, professor of psychology,
in recognition of her promotion of diversity and inclusion on campus and throughout
the region; her selfless dedication to her colleagues and students; and her years
of community service in Belleville, Cahokia and East St. Louis schools. Simmons has
devoted her personal and professional life to mentoring young people, particularly
African American youth. Quoting several of Simmons’ former students, Patterson noted
how influential the psychology professor has been in recruiting and retaining African
American students at McKendree, building their confidence and self-esteem, and inspiring
many to pursue advanced degrees.
Simmons admitted she had to be convinced to accept Patterson’s award but was clearly
touched by the gesture. “It’s a good thing when your colleagues give you accolades,”
she said. “I’ve never, ever had someone give to me something that was awarded to them.
How selfless. That is such a wonderful gift. We need that in this country today.”
A special Social Justice and Equity Award was presented to Dr. Christine Bahr for her leadership and contributions to the campus through the SJEC. She retired
as provost of the university on Dec. 31, 2020. During her tenure, Bahr developed academic
retreats and the Academic Excellence Celebration, improved onboarding for faculty,
helped create the Student Success and Advising Center, successfully guided the university
through two Higher Learning Commission accreditation visits, advocated for diverse
faculty hires, and served for many years on the Social Justice and Equity Committee.
-McK-
McKendree University seniors Shelby Benn and Gigi Hopkins are the 2021 MLK Humanitarian Award winners.
Dr. Pamela Manning and Dr. Martha Patterson received the 2021 McKendree University MLK Humanitarian Award winners. Dr. Patterson dedicated her award to Dr. J.L. Kemp for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, her service to the university and region, and her devotion as a mentor to young people.
Dr. Christine Bahr (center), who recently retired as the university provost, received a special Social Justice and Equity Award from Dr. Tami Eggleston, provost, and President Daniel Dobbins.
