Three Recognized for Contributions at Annual MLK Keynote and Awards
January 22, 2024ALLIANCE — The University of Mount Union’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Keynote and Awards were held on January 18 in the University’s Presser Recital Hall.
The keynote address was given by Youngstown native Bishop Kenneth W. Paramore, published author and founder of Bradley Bible College. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron, a master’s degree from Ashland Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary.
Three awards were presented at the event, including the Alpha Phi Alpha Book Prize, the Mount Union Community Award and the Alliance Community Award. The recipient of the Book Prize is Kayla Kilgore. Kilgore, a psychology major of Elyria, Ohio, was nominated by her peers with a nominator saying, “Not only does she shine as a student, but her involvement on and off the Mount Union campus is enough to show how worthy she is of this award.”
Dr. Lori Braa
Kayla Kilgore '24
Elayne Dunlap
Dr. Lori Braa, professor of sport business at Mount Union, is the recipient of the Mount Union community award. One nominator said of Braa, who has been a member of the University’s faculty since 2011, “Dr. Braa has been an instrumental member of the Coalition of Liaisons...Her tireless efforts have significantly contributed to creating a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere that values the unique perspectives of every student.”
The Alliance community award will be presented to Elayne Dunlap, a retired Alliance City Schools teacher and current school board member, for her impact on the city of Alliance.
The keynote and awards were part of a week of impactful programming that also included the annual MLK Day of Service, a Unity Walk and a local health fair.