Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy

Dear Maroons,

On Monday, we will join communities across the nation in honoring the remarkable life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As I reflect on his legacy, I am struck by the fact that his journey began as a student at Morehouse College. It was there that he grappled with profound questions about character, justice, and service—questions that would not only shape his own life but would later awaken the heart and conscience of the world.

It was also at Morehouse that Dr. King developed a deep passion for the power and purpose of education. In his final year, he authored an article for the school newspaper, asserting: “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” 

I am tremendously proud that our mission at Roanoke College embraces the same spirit and commitment Dr. King exemplified: to cultivate the strength of character, resilience, and moral responsibility to contribute to the greater good. I’m even prouder of the ways our students, faculty, and staff live into these values each day. Inspired by our Lutheran calling, we work together to fulfill our highest purpose: preparing Roanoke College graduates to be “called and empowered to serve the neighbor so that all may flourish.” 

Today, I’m mindful of how deeply this purpose aligns with Dr. King’s vision for “The Beloved Community”—a society in which learning, empathy, peace, and justice unite us in our shared humanity to end suffering and build a better world. Remarkably, King first evoked this vision just nine years after writing so passionately for his college newspaper, and it served as a guiding principle for his life, work, and dreams.

In that spirit, Kelly and I plan to honor Dr. King’s legacy with neighbors from the local community at Roanoke Justice Ministries’ MLK Day celebration, and we would love for all Maroons who are interested to join us. The event begins Monday evening at 7:00pm at Hill Street Baptist Church in Roanoke.  You can learn more about the event here.

Warmly and with hope,

Frank

Frank Shushok, Jr.
President