Since 1986, America has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through observances that teach, excite, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
From 1999-2005, Southeast Missouri State University held a memorial breakfast to honor Dr. King. In 2006, King's eldest son, Martin Luther King III, was invited to be the keynote speaker for the first campus celebration dinner. The 2006 dinner initiated a new tradition that continues to garner growing involvement by students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and community members from the southeast Missouri region and beyond.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Each year, Southeast honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a celebratory dinner featuring a guest speaker to share their story and diversity and acceptance.
2024 Infomation Coming Soon!
MLK Celebration Past Speakers
Since 2006, celebrated guest speakers have come to Southeast Missouri State University to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the first being King's eldest son, Martin Luther King III. Check out some of our other previous speakers.
Each year, the Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK) Celebration Planning Committee plans, organizes, and executes the annual dinner as well as other campus and community-wide activities on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Planning Committee members include faculty and staff from various colleges and departments across campus. The committee also includes Graduate Assistants from the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, students involved in the TRIO/Student Support Services Program, the MLK Scholars, and a representative from the Student Government Association (SGA).
The MLK Co-Chairs are appointed by the Provost and serve two years appointments.
| MLK Planning Committee Members | Title |
|---|---|
| Dr. Melissa Odegard, co-chair |
Chair, Psychology & Counseling |
| Dr. Shonta Smith, co-chair | Chair/Associate Professor Elementary, Early & Special Education |
| Michelle Irby | Director, Campus Life & Event Services |
| Dana Saverino |
Director of Creative Marketing Strategy |
| Tammy Underwood | Executive Assistant, Assistant to the President & Dean of Students |
| Tonya Wells | Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications |
| Valdis Zalite | Director, TRIO Programs |
| Special Projects | Title |
|---|---|
| Ms. Taylor Johnson | Events Supervisor, Show Me Center |
| Ms. Chistie McIntosh | Catering Director, Chartwells |
| Mr. Kurt Walker | Campus Executive Chef, Chartwells |
The Will to Do
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Thank you for your interest in attending this celebratory dinner! If you would like to purchase a ticket, table or sponsorship, please select one of the following options.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701