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(l-r) Olivia Besselieu ’14, President Lindgren,
Dr. Wilson, Aliya Headley ’12 |
Randolph-Macon College honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 16, 2012 with a noon ceremony held in Blackwell Auditorium in R-MC’s Center for Performing Arts. R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren welcomed guest speaker, Dr. Jamelle Wilson, the Superintendent for Hanover County Public Schools and a near capacity crowd which included representatives from the Hanover County Public School Board, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and Ashland Town Council. He also acknowledged R-MC Trustee Robin Anne Floyd ’85 and Donna Klepper ’75 who serves as vice president on the Society of Alumni Board of Directors.
Click on MLK Celebration to view a slideshow of photos from the event. Wilson delivered an inspirational address, and referred to Dr. King as “one of the greatest men to grace our global community.” Wilson reminded the audience that King’s work was not only for civil rights but also for socio-economic justice and challenged those in attendance to ask themselves, “What am I doing to embody Dr. King’s message?”
Wilson has served as superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools since her appointment on July 1, 2011. Prior to serving as superintendent, she served as assistant superintendent for instructional leadership, principal, assistant principal, curriculum specialist, and classroom teacher in Hanover County Public Schools. She also served as a principal with Caroline County Public Schools.
Wilson is a graduate of Spotsylvania County Public Schools. She completed her undergraduate studies, and earned both, a master’s degree in teaching and a doctorate in education with a concentration in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. She also earned a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and rhetoric from Virginia Commonwealth University.
The tribute to Dr. King also included two musical presentations by the Ujima Gospel Choir, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” By James Weldon Johnson and “Emmanuel” by Norman Hutchins.
Randolph-Macon College holds an annual celebration in honor of Dr. King. Previous speakers include entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila Johnson, The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, The Honorable Douglas L. Wilder, R-MC Religious Studies Professor Rev. Jerry Ross and Civil Rights Leader Wyatt T. Walker.