The president and trustees present the second annual MLK Dream Builder Awards to community, corporate, humanitarian and student leaders Thu. Feb. 23 at Newtown

Bucks County Community College, which has been making the dream of higher education a reality for nearly six decades, will honor four individuals with the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dream Builder Awards on Thursday, February 23.

To cap off the college’s celebration of Black History Month, President Felicia L. Ganther, J.D., Ph.D., and the Board of Trustees will present awards to leaders of community, corporate, humanitarian, and student organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.

“Acknowledging and honoring these leaders is critical to keeping the legacy of Dr. King alive,” noted Ganther. “Doing so not only educates our community on what is needed to improve the lives of all citizens, it also provides a blueprint for others to follow as they see the great works of those we honor for their service. This year’s honorees have truly modeled the way for us to do more and be more and for our fellow man, just as Dr. King had done.”

Kevin Antoine, J.D., the college’s associate vice president for government and community relations and chief diversity officer, says the honorees are being recognized for the unsung work they do.

“The MLK Dream Builder awardees have done their job well, without the expectation of recognition or glamour,” said Antoine. “What’s more, this program exemplifies the college’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by reaffirming that there is goodwill in the people of Bucks County, regardless of their station in life.” 

This year’s honorees are:

-Community Dream Builder – Adrienne King, Founder and President, The PairUP Society

-Corporate Dream Builder – Dr. Vail Garvin, President & CEO Emerita, Bucks County Chamber of Commerce

-Humanitarian Dream Builder – Karen Downer, President, Bucks County NAACP

-Student Dream Builder – Lateefat Adewale, President, Bucks County Community College Student Government Association

For full biographies of each honoree, visit bucks.edu/dreambuilderawards.

The second annual Bucks County Community College MLK Dream Builder Awards, featuring live music from the college’s Madrigal Singers and jazz faculty combo, takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 23, in the Linksz Pavilion on the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa. The ceremony will be streamed live online starting at 5:30 p.m. at bucks.edu/dreambuilderawards. Special thanks to the presenting sponsor, Parx Casino.

About Bucks County Community College

Founded in 1964, Bucks County Community College offers more than 80 programs of study that lead to either an associate degree or certificate. Successful graduates transfer to four-year institutions to complete a bachelor’s degree, or directly launch a career, depending on the major. The college also offers a wide range of noncredit educational, professional certification, and training opportunities. Locations include Newtown, the Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol, the Upper Bucks Campus in Perkasie, a top-rated online, virtual campus, and Public Safety Training Centers in Doylestown and Croydon. To learn more, visit www.bucks.edu or call 215-968-8000.

Suggested cut lines for headshot images of awardees (attached):

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Adrienne King, president and founder of The PairUP Society, will be honored Feb. 23 by Bucks County Community College at the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Builder Awards. The Perkasie resident was chosen for her community leadership that demonstrates outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.

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Dr. Vail Garvin, who recently retired after more than two decades as president and chief executive officer for the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, will be honored Feb. 23 by Bucks County Community College at the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Builder Awards. The Warminster resident was chosen for her corporate leadership that demonstrates outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.

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Karen Downer, president of the Bucks County NAACP, will be honored Feb. 23 by Bucks County Community College at the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Builder Awards. The Bensalem resident was chosen for her humanitarian leadership that demonstrates outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.

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Lateefat Adewale, Student Government Association President, will be honored Feb. 23 by Bucks County Community College at the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Builder Awards. The Croydon resident was chosen for her student leadership that demonstrates outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.