Adrian College Hosts 22nd Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration posted 1/20/09
Junior Kevin Totty receives Student Service Award

ADRIAN, Mich. – Adrian College held the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday evening, Jan. 19. Almost 300 students, faculty and staff from all three local colleges, public schools, city officials, and community persons attended the event.

The dinner honors Dr. King's work and students from Siena Heights University and Adrian College. The event is organized by the MLK Jr. Community Celebration Planning Committee, made up of individuals from the community, as well as staff and students from the three colleges.

The Adrian College Student Service Award was given to Kevin Totty II. He received a $500 scholarship and a plaque recognizing his accomplishment. He was unable to attend the dinner as he was in Washington D.C. with a group of students for the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama, but his father accepted the award on his behalf.

Kevin Totty II is a junior, with a dual major in Spanish and international business. He also has dual minors in psychology and communication arts and sciences. He has been on the Dean’s List throughout his college career. Totty was selected to be a Ronald McNair Scholar in his sophomore year, and is also a Dawson Scholar. In addition, he is on the National Honor Society – Phi Eta Sigma.

His on campus activities include serving on the Student Government Association, Adrian College Student Trustee, a participant of the Adrian College EXCEL Program, and an internship with the academic dean.

He has also been involved in R.O.O.T. (Raising Over Obstacles and Tribulations), a strong supporter of A.L.P.H.A. (African Americans Promoting Higher Achievement), serves on the College Retention Committee, and has been a resident assistant for the past two years.
His nominator states “as a mentor, math tutor, resident assistant, safety officer, and active student, Kevin embraces diversity challenges and directly contributes to empowering, motivating, and uniting others. He supports and participates in activities that highlight diversity. He is a tremendously positive role model of reconciliation, maturity, and open mindedness."

Kevin was unable to attend the event because he traveled with a group of students to Washington, D.C. to attend the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. All the students spent MLK, Jr. Day volunteering at Mt. Zion Cemetary in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr's commitment to serving others.