Newman University will honor the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Distinguished Service Award ceremony from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Dugan Conference Center.
Each year, Newman recognizes one student, one faculty member, and one staff member who embody King’s principles of service, justice, and equality. The awards celebrate impactful contributions through leadership, community-building, and commitment to inclusivity within the Newman community. Last year’s recipients were Travia Smith (student), Tim Cho (faculty), and James Sanny (staff).
Who will receive this year’s honors? Cast your votes and join us on Feb. 3 to find out!
Guest Panelists
This year’s ceremony will feature a distinguished panel of Wichita-area community leaders:
Peggy Jones-Foxx, president of the Wichita Black Nurses Association, leads initiatives that address health disparities in underserved communities, including efforts to reduce Black infant mortality in Kansas.
Anthony Joiner, creative director and founder of Mulberry Arts, a nonprofit organization amplifying the voices of Black artists and artists of color in the Wichita community.
Tyler Nolan, a physics research scientist who has collaborated on NASA-funded research at Wichita State University to develop radiation detection technology for future space missions.
Latasha N. Eley Kelly, owner of Left on Read bookstore and founder of TMBP Media, who is dedicated to amplifying representation and empowering the community through literature and storytelling.
Join Us
When: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 | 4–5 p.m.
Where: Dugan Conference Center
For more information, contact Student Life at [email protected].
Life at Newman
Campus life at Newman University is active with plenty of ways to get involved.
