With rousing and inspiring words, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Senior Of Counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, encouraged attendees of UT Southwestern’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration to show kindness and be part of the change they would like to see in the world.

“No one is asking you to move a mountain, but you could get your shovel,” he said.

The campus event honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service attracted a packed crowd.

In a conversation on stage with Marc Nivet, Ed.D., M.B.A., Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement at UT Southwestern, the lively and charismatic guest speaker urged everyone to honor Dr. King’s legacy by utilizing their voices to speak out in the face of adversity.

Mr. Kirk is renowned for his public service career spanning over 25 years, including roles as the 56th Mayor of Dallas and as the U.S. Trade Representative from 2009-2013 within the administration of President Barack Obama.

Drawing over 300 in-person and online attendees, the celebration was hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity and the Office of Student Empowerment and Engagement. It included an award ceremony honoring the recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for Community Service and a musical performance by elementary students from Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern.

A musical performance by elementary students from Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern closed out the program.

Now in its 38th year, the annual event recognized UTSW students for their outstanding volunteerism and devotion to community service as they carry on the legacy of MLK, the civil rights leader who spent his life serving others.

Following the event, attendees enjoyed food, refreshments, and socializing at a reception.