Drum Major Award
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award for community service is based on nominees who selflessly perform daily acts of service to make their community—and our world— a better place. The award was created by the Great Lakes Bay Regional MLK Celebration event committee, and the honorees are selected from Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.
“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness… We all have the drum major instinct.”
Excerpt from The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s
"Drum Major Instinct" sermon,
given on February 4, 1968.
2026 Honorees
Nicole Luczak
Bay County
Nicole Luczak is president and CEO of United Way of Bay County. She serves on the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance board of directors, the 211 Northeast Michigan Board and several advisory councils, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and SVSU’s College of Health and Human Services. Luczak is also a longtime volunteer with the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Jennifer Vannette
Midland County
Jennier Vannette volunteers with the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Cultural Awareness Coalition, helping lead projects that highlight the stories and lived experiences of Black Midlanders through the Voices of Black Midland historical archive. In 2025, she supported the development of a community learning program built around the archive and continues to facilitate educational initiatives across the Great Lakes Bay Region. Vannette serves as the outreach coordinator for the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History.
Jack Nash and Janet Nash
Saginaw County
Jack Nash has practiced dentistry in the city of Saginaw for decades. A longtime leader on the Positive Results Downtown Saginaw board of directors, he is also active with the YMCA and supports projects that highlight local history. Jan Nash held prominent positions in the Saginaw Public School District, from community education program specialist to principal of the Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy (SASA). She supports various fundraising initiatives in Saginaw. The Nashes have established three scholarships that support local youth.
2024 Honorees
Jeffrey Dukes
Bay County
Dukes is a licensed journeyman with UA Local 85 Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Service Techs and a member of the AFL-CIO of Saginaw and Bay County. Dukes said his involvement with these organizations has allowed him to be involved in the community. With the AFL-CIO, Dukes has built accessibility ramps for individuals and families in need. In addition, He has valued the opportunity to serve the United Way of Bay County and the Foster Families Navigation and Resource Center.
Kenneth Jolly
Midland County
Jolly is a professor of history and chair of the Black Studies Program at Saginaw Valley State University. As a volunteer with the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Cultural Awareness Coalition, Jolly has helped conduct research for the We Hear You initiative’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) community assessment. In addition, he provides DEI workshops throughout the region, and volunteers at numerous events for inclusion and belonging in the community.
Gilberto Guevara, Sr.
Saginaw County
Guevara is the executive director of Artistas Latinx en Accíon Siempre (A.L.A.S.), a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for Michigan artists and performers to entertain in a judgement-free zone. Guevara’s history of community service in Saginaw spans more than 50 years, during which time he has served on more than 30 boards and commissions focusing on youth services, education and community service. He was recognized as an outstanding Chicano student alumnus by Delta College and received the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan.
Past Honorees
2023 Honorees
- Pastor Philip Johnson
- Smallwood Holoman, Jr
- Angelia Williams
2024 Honorees
- Moira Branigan
- Anita Jenkins
- Joyce Aldridge Seals
2022 Honorees
- Darold Newton
- Erin Patrice Walker
- Waheed Akbar, M.D.
2021 Honorees
- Charles Brunner
- Diane Brown Wilhelm
- Frances Carter
2020 Honorees
- Carolyn Wierda
- Dave Stickles
- Charles McNair
2019 Honorees
- Jeanne Lound Schaller
- Benton Gibson
- Leola Wilson
2018 Honorees
- Eileen Curtis
- Pastor Rufus Bradley
- Randi Kawakita
2017 Honorees
- Brandon Murphy
- Billy Strawter
- Odail Thorns
2016 Honorees
- John Smith
- Kevin Kendrick
- Joan Douglas
2015 Honorees
- Betty Jones
- Freddie Jones
- Aladia Mazique
- Teresa Stitt
CONTACT US.
Sponsorship Information
(989) 964-4068
Office of Diversity Services
diversity@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4068
The Conference Center
(989) 964-4348