Community College Holds Annual MLK Leadership Awards

Bucks County Community College paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. last month during its fifth annual MLK Leadership Awards.

The Jan. 22 event honored leaders who served the community in outstanding ways.

Attendees gathered at the Newtown Township campus to celebrate individuals who have demonstrated what King stood for, including commitments to civic engagement, nondiscrimination, and service.

This year’s award honorees include individuals in corporate, community, humanitarian, and student sectors.

The recipients include the Corporate Leadership Award for Angèle Bell, Community Engagement Lead at Merck-West Point Site; the Community Leadership Award for Marlene Pray, Founder and Director of The Rainbow Room at Planned Parenthood Keystone; the Humanitarian Leadership Award for Barbara Simmons, Executive Director at The Peace Center; and the Student Leadership Award for Kayla Wulffleff who is a part of Bucks County Community College Class of 2027.

The event saw previous award honorees introducing this year’s recipients, as well as local elected officials who spoke of the ongoing importance of King’s legacy and work.

The recipients were each presented with engraved bells from Malmark
Bellcraftsmen in Plumstead Township.

Live musical performances from the College’s music faculty and Madrigal Singers also highlighted the event. Performances included renditions of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “MLK” by U2.

Bucks County Community College President and CEO Dr. Patrick Jones recognized King’s legacy while also applauding local leaders who have served to uplift community members regardless of their station in life. Jones also highlighted how the MLK Leadership Awards reflect the College’s mission.

Bucks County Community College was founded in 1964 to provide the community with open access to higher education. The community college, which has campuses in Bristol Township and Richland Township, has sought to foster equal opportunity for all. Jones expressed this ongoing mission in a speech at the event.

“Dr. King challenged us not only to dream, but to act,” Jones said. “The recipients of this year’s Martin Luther King Leadership Awards embody that challenge through their commitment to economic mobility and civic engagement. We are honored to recognize leaders who share our belief that education and opportunity are powerful forces for improving lives.”