Reverend Mary Council-Austin Named Marian University’s 2026 MLK Spirit Award Recipient at Community Prayer Breakfast

Marian University (Wisconsin) and community partners invite the public to attend the2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 a.m., celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honoring this year's MLK Spirit Award recipient, Reverend Mary Council-Austin. Rev. Council-Austin will also serve as the event's keynote speaker.

A retired United Methodist pastor and longtime Fond du Lac community leader, Rev. Council-Austin is recognized as a trailblazer and servant leader whose life's work reflects Dr. King's vision of equality, justice, and service. In 1978, she became the first Woman of Color appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin, ministering to congregations across the state and later serving in national leadership roles in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Council-Austin's contributions span youth and young adult ministries, global missions, higher education, campus ministry, and community engagement. After serving as pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Fond du Lac, she joined Marian University as Assistant to the President for Diversity, further strengthening the University's commitment to inclusion and opportunity.

The MLK Community Prayer Breakfast brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members to reflect, pray, and celebrate those who carry forward Dr. King's legacy. Seats are limited; registration closes Monday, January 12, 2026. To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit marianuniversity.edu/about/special-events/martin-luther-king-jr-community-breakfast/