A Day of Reflection, Action, and Engagement
VWU’s annual MLK Day of Commemoration bridges gap between words and deeds
University News | January 15, 2024
Although Chris Mercer-Garrett is just beginning his second semester at Virginia Wesleyan University, he’s already making his mark. A dedicated volunteer, Chris is a Nonpartisan Democracy Fellow for VWU’s Campus Vote Project. He also gives his time to a variety of worthy organizations on and off campus, which includes serving as a tutor at Luxford Elementary School in Virginia Beach. 
That’s why Chris was selected as this year’s recipient of the Mavis McKenley ’11 Award. Named in honor of VWU’s esteemed Trustee and Alumna, it’s given annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “Chris exemplifies the characteristics that inspired the creation of this award such as courage and conviction in valuing differences; a commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion; compassion for humanity; and commitment to social change,” says VWU Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning Bethany Tsiaras.
Chris received the award during the campus’s MLK Day of Commemoration Ceremony which also included an inspiring speech by the university’s great friend, Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President and Community Development Manager at Truist Financial Corporation. Raised by a single mother and the first in his family to graduate from college, Johnson challenged a large audience of students, faculty, staff, and community supporters at Boyd Dining Center to acknowledge that there are many who stand on Dr. King’s shoulders and must now accept the responsibility for those who will stand on theirs.
“Dr. King would have found it a scandal to let another generation fall into another cycle of poverty,” said Johnson. “This should be a day of responding to community needs, not a day of rest. It should be a day of reflection on the gap that exists between our words and our deeds.”
During his comments, Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller reinforced VWU’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through its actions to make college more accessible and to perform a larger role within the community. Evidence of that commitment could be seen throughout the day as students collected donations for the Foodbank and GotSneakers? They also wrote letters of support and sent paracord lanyards to overseas service members which can be used to hang IV bags in an emergency situation, secure camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, build makeshift shelters or serve as tourniquets. 
Third-year student Stephen Schneider spent several hours making the lanyards and says doing this sort of thing is the least we can do. “Anything to support our troops is something we should all be involved in.”
Virginia Wesleyan University's MLK Day of Commemoration embodies its commitment to Dr. King's legacy. It honors individuals like Chris Mercer-Garrett, reflecting values dear to Dr. King. Mark Johnson's speech urged action, emphasizing VWU's dedication to diversity and inclusion. Through activities like supporting the Foodbank and sending letters to servicemembers, the university transforms words into meaningful deeds, echoing Dr. King's spirit of unity and service.