EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Two Eastern Michigan University students, Kimberly Dixson-Ferrell and Nailah Bush, were honored Monday, Jan. 21 for the ways in which they powerfully honor diversity, community service and the values of Martin Luther King, Jr. The awards were presented at the annual President’s Luncheon, part of the University’s annual celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Evans-Strand Diversity Award

Dixson-Ferrell received the annual Evans-Strand Diversity Award. The honor is modeled after the Nobel Peace Prize, and recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the understanding and acceptance of diversity on campus.

Dixson-Ferrell earned her bachelor of science and master’s degrees from EMU and is currently in the Educational Studies Ph.D. program with a focus on urban education.

She is an active member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi, and the TRIOTA Honor Society. Her accolades include The Golden Student Medallion Award, the Margaret Smith Scholarship Textbook Award, and the Engaged Scholar Award in Activism and Leadership.

In his letter of support, Joseph Engwenyu, a professor of history at EMU, wrote that “Kimberly demonstrates a solid commitment to promoting respect and improving the quality of life of all people.”

In presenting the award, Dana Heller, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said that, “Kimberly has modeled for others how to generate possibilities for a more diverse and inclusive campus and community, how to create more peaceful ways of living and working together, how to engage in meaningful and sustained action toward realizing this vision, and how to gracefully accept the responsibility we all have to share enriching opportunity with others.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Scholarship Award

Bush received the annual student Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Award. The honor recognizes an Eastern Michigan University student who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting respect and improving the quality of life for all people consistent with the ideals of Dr. King, along with service to the Eastern Michigan University and/or the southeastern Michigan community

Bush is pursuing majors in African American studies and psychology with a minor in social work.

Award presenter Donna Holubik, director of financial aid at Eastern, noted that Bush has promoted the ideals of Dr. King through a variety of service positions, including serving as an RA of the SisterHOOD Initiative, Vice President of the African American Association and President of the Society of Africology. Holubik added that Bush is a McNair Scholar, a therapist for autistic spectrum children and an activist.

“Nailah is an outstanding student in the classroom and a very attentive mentee in (coaching children),” Holubik, said, quoting a letter of recommendation for the award. “Through her life experiences, she has created a purpose-driven attitude and has a remarkable rapport with her peers and professors.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.