Annual peace brunch encourages transformation, honors 3 for commitment to diversity, inclusion

Annual peace brunch encourages transformation, honors 3 for commitment to diversity, inclusion

Northwest Missouri State University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion launched its Celebration Week commemorating the work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday with its 14th annual MLK Peace Brunch, where it honored three employees for their efforts to foster an inclusive environment on the campus and in the community.

The theme for this year's Celebration Week is "Beyond the Dream: Transforming Communities."

"(It) challenges us to move beyond admiration for Dr. King's ideals and into the intentional work of turning those ideals into action," Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest's assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, said during her opening remarks Friday. "Dr. King once said, 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?' This question reminds us that pursuing justice and equity is not a TikTok. It is a not sticker or a pin on our backpack. It is not a bracelet of solidarity. While all these things are great, Martin Luther King gave us a call to action. It is a call to roll up our sleeves and engage in the hard but transformative work of community building."

Fitting that theme, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion presented its Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Awards this year to Brian Swink, a senior instructor of mathematics and statistics; Judy Frueh, the director of clinic services at Wellness Services; and Dr. Bayo Joachim, a professor of communication.

Swink, who also serves as the director of Northwest's University Seminar program, was honored for consistently demonstrating a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and understanding among Northwest students. Through his leadership and innovative instructional methods, he ensures that every University Seminar class promotes academic excellence as well as cultural enrichment and meaningful dialogue.

Frueh, who is in her 29th year at Northwest, was recognized for her work as a women's health nurse practitioner and her dedication to assisting students. Through her interactions with patients as a nurse practitioner, her nominator wrote, Frueh strives to focus on education and care for all she encounters. She exemplifies dedication to diversity and inclusion through her work with Northwest's international students, by offering compassionate care, bridging cultural differences and fostering a welcoming environment that ensures students feel supported and valued.

Joachim was recognized as a trusted mentor and "go-to person" for Northwest students who come from Africa, going above and beyond to support their needs. Joachim, his nominator wrote regularly provides transportation, assists students with housing needs and organizes social gatherings for students, including a Fourth of July celebration. Parents of African students often rely on him as the first point of contact in emergency situations. Additionally, his intercultural communication course helps Northwest's predominantly white student population gain awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures.

The peace brunch also featured a keynote address by Northwest alumnus Dr. Tyrone Bates Jr. Bates, the president and chief executive officer of True Empowering LLC, a consulting agency dedicated to helping organizations maximize recruiting, minimize turnover and enhance retirement rates among staff. While his career spans roles as a teacher, academic coach and school administrator - all reflecting a deep commitment to education, equity and leadership - Bates specializes in transforming organizational cultures and bridging communication across cultural divides.

A native of Chicago, he has a bachelor's degree in biology, an educational specialist degree and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, all from Northwest.

During his address, Bates recounted the life and influence of Martin Luther King Jr. while challenging attendees to ignite meaningful transformation and advocate for social justice. In doing so, Bates also called on the students, faculty and staff gathered Friday to pursue personal purpose, commit to collaboration and prioritize purposeful participation.

"Make the things you participate in purposeful, intentional, not accidental," Bates said. "Some people get up and let their day happen to them, and some people happen to the day. Some people experience the day and other people create experiences in their day. I encourage you to be someone that creates experiences."

The Celebration Week's activities continue with a lecture, documentary screening and a school supply drive; more details are provided below. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week activities at Northwest are sponsored by the University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, contact Malone at [email protected] or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/diversity/.