Newman University recognized three community members with its annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr Distinguished Service Awards. The MLK honors are given to individuals who exemplify King’s call to service, justice and moral courage.
Student soccer player Delphine Sosu, men’s head basketball coach R.J. Allen and social work field director Vanessa Rials were honored during a ceremony Feb. 3 in the Dugan Gorges Conference Center.
Student Award: Delphine Sosu
The MLK student service award celebrates an individual whose actions create belonging, uplift others and reflect the values of the Newman University Code through service, leadership and community engagement. Sosu is a graduate student in Newman’s Master of Social Work program. Whether she is working in her practicum at the International Rescue Committee or playing along side her fellow Jet women’s soccer players, Sosu creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where others feel seen, valued and supported, especially those who may feel like outsiders.
She said the recognition carries weight beyond the ceremony.
”It is not just something to celebrate just for today … but it is just a reminder that I shall live my life throughout my daily activities,” Sosu said. “I should always be mindful that someone is watching … and live by his principles, his values and create an environment for everybody to feel belong.”
Staff Award: R.J. Allen
The staff honor is awarded annually to a person who exemplifies the spirit and values of Dr. King which Allen personifies through his dedication to mentorship, leadership and the holistic development of student athletes in the men’s basketball program.
Allen is in his 9th season as the Jets’ head coach and 15th season overall at Newman. He was associate head coach prior to taking over the top spot when Mark Potter retired in 2017.
When he was introduced by emcee Dr. Yelando Johnson she commented that Allen fosters inclusivity through his recruiting practices, mentoring and advocacy for students from diverse backgrounds, while prioritizing academic excellence, equity and community.
Allen called it “a tremendous day” and noted his players turned out in support.
“Love the support, love the guys, the solidarity of them showing up and supporting and being a part of the event today,” Allen said. “It’s just an encouraging event to be a part of, to hear the panelists and speakers and our student athletes on campus having the opportunity to learn and be encouraged and all under the umbrella of Dr. Martin Luther King.”
Faculty Award: Vanessa Rials
Rials was nominated for the 2026 faculty honor in recognition of her difference making contributions within the Newman University community. Through her leadership, scholarship, mentorship and community engagement, she “embodies the spirit and values of Dr. King by advancing justice, lifting marginalized voices and creating spaces where individuals feel respected, supported and empowered.”
As an advisor and mentor Rials works with students and dozens of organizations. She is know for fostering inclusive and affirming relationships and a perfect example of someone who lives the Newman University Code through respect, integrity, inclusivity, critical consciousness and ethical leadership, inspiring others to embrace the dignity of every person.
Rials is a member of the committee that organizes Newman University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr Distinguished Service Awards but she was humbled by receiving the recognition.
“I get so caught up in just doing it, because I think that it’s right, because I feel like it’s my passion, my purpose to help students grow,” Rials said. “When people take time out of their day to recognize that or tell you the impact that that’s making, it’s kind of like, wow.”
In addition to the awards, the ceremony featured a panel of four Wichita-area community leaders: Anthony Joiner, founder of Mulberry Arts; Dr. Latasha N. Eley Kelly, owner of Left on Read, the state’s only Black-owned bookstore; Peggy Jones-Foxx, president of the Wichita Black Nurses Association; and Tyler Nolan, a physics research scientist at Wichita State University.
Panelists discussed sacrifice, keeping King’s legacy alive and their motivations for community work. Jones-Foxx urged students to donate their time, saying, “Everybody that’s taking up space should find 10% of your time through the years.” Eley Kelly called reading “a revolutionary act.”
Joiner drew a connection between King’s approach to community organizing and the need to include affected people in decision-making.
“So often we get tied up coming up with solutions and we don’t invite the people that we’re trying to solve a problem for to the table,” Joiner said. “Invite the people that we’re trying to impact to the table and make sure that they have a voice in the final decision.”
The ceremony is part of Newman’s Heritage Month programming, now in its 12th year.
The planning committee, led by Katherine Reynoso, include Johnson, Rials, Marguerite Regan, Shannon Johnston and Lawna Kurtyka.
