Breadcrumb
MLK Celebration 2025-2026
Living the Dream: Bringing Unity to the Community
The University of Central Missouri's MLK Celebration is an opportunity for our community to pause and reflect on the work and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while recommitting to the goal of showing respect and dignity toward one another.
The MLK Celebration is only possible through the generous donations and sponsorships of the community.
Call for Artists
The MLK Committee seeks a wide variety of artists and art forms to help us celebrate Dr. King and the year's theme.
Watch this space for more information!
Freedom Scholarships
Each year, the UCM Alumni Foundation awards Freedom Scholarships to high school students who are accepted to UCM and/or are returning UCM students. These students are recognized at the annual MLK Freedom Scholarship Banquet in January.
Click here to go to the UCM Scholarship Finder page, the online one-stop portal for all UCM Alumni Foundation scholarships, and search for "Freedom Scholarship."
There is always a need for contributions to keep the MLK Freedom Scholarships going! Donate here.
Community Service Awards
These awards, co-sponsored by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, honor those in our community who exemplify humanitarianism, leadership, and selfless service.
The Community Service Award is open to any individual in Johnson County, and the High School Community Service Award is open to any student enrolled in high school in Johnson County.
Nomination forms for the 2026 Awards will open in the Fall of 2025.
2025/2026 Calendar of Events
All events are open to the public and most are free to attend - everyone is welcome!
Chamber Community Service Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 / 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
First United Methodist Church
141 E. Gay Street
Warrensburg, MO
Hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, this annual luncheon honors the recipients of the Community Service and High School Community Service awards.
From the 2024 Luncheon: Sharon Franklin, a long-time volunteer for the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary, received the MLK Community Service Award. Claire Thomas, an exemplary Warrensburg High School student, received the MLK High School Community Service Award. The awards were presented by Joshua Detherage, Chair of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Dr. Lover Chancler, Director of the UCM The Center.
Let's Talk:
"Imagining Tomorrow: What is Your Vision of the Beloved Community?"
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 / 1:00-2:00 PM
The Center
Elliott Student Union, 3rd Floor North
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO
Hosted by The Center
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Scholarship Banquet Celebration
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Silent Auction for VIPs and sponsors begins at 5:15 PM; event open to the public at 6:15 PM
Elliott Student Union 238
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Join us to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of bold action in pursuit of justice, inclusion, and the beloved community!
Enjoy vocal and dance performances from UCM and community members, view works of art by local students inspired by Dr. King’s message, and see the presentation of the 2026 MLK Freedom Scholarships.
For more information about UCM's MLK Celebration, please contact Dr. Lover Chancler at 660-543-8049 or chancler@ucmo.edu.
Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 / 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Elliott Student Union Atrium
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO
Visit with a wide variety of our community partners looking for YOU to help fulfill their mission!
Contact Kristie Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu with questions.
Day of Service - Warrensburg Campus
Thursday, January 22, 2026 / 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Elliott Student Union Ballrooms
Warrensburg, MO
For more information or questions, please contact Kristie Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu.
Day of Service - Lee's Summit Campus
Friday, January 23, 2026 / 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Missouri Innovation Campus
1101 NW Innovation Prkwy.
Lee's Summit, MO
MLK Celebration - Lee's Summit Campus
Friday, January 23, 2026
Celebration begins at 6:00 PM
Missouri Innovation Campus
1101 NW Innovation Prkwy.
Lee's Summit, MO
Join others in the Lee's Summit community for a celebration that will include faculty and student awards and the presentation of the MLK Art Contest award to a Lee's Summit R-VII student.
Contact Rick Smetana at smetana@ucmo.edu for more information.
Community Service Blood Drive
Monday, January 26, 2026 / 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Elliott Student Union 240
511 South Holden Street
Warrensburg, MO
Give the gift of life! Appointments preferred; walk-ins accepted as time and available staff allow. When information is finalized, registration will be available online.
Contact Kristie Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu with questions.
Contact
Dr. Lover Chancler
Union 314
Tel: (660) 543-8049
