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Roderick Lamar Carey, A&S '04, received this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship at the 22nd annual MLK Memorial Committee awards banquet on Thursday, March 13. According to its pamphlet, the committee, formed in 1981, wishes to honor King's memory "by recognizing and encouraging the development of future leadership at Boston College through offering a scholarship in his name." The award is presented to a junior of African descent who "exemplifies the ideals of Dr. King through academic excellence and community service." Darcel Clark earned the first scholarship in 1982.
The awards banquet was originally scheduled for Feb. 17, but was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Dr. Kwasi Sardokie-Mensah, co-chairperson of the MLK Committee, opened the ceremony by welcoming those in attendance and congratulating the finalists for their accomplishments. He also gave tribute to John Dinneen, a founding member of the MLK Committee who passed away last Dec. 11. Dinneen was remembered at the ceremony through photographs placed throughout the hall.
Rev. Joseph Appleyard, vice president for University mission and ministry, gave the invocation. He prayed that the "finalists' generosity is a sign of hope for our world." The Voices of Imani gospel choir followed, singing selections of a song written as a tribute to King entitled, "Free at Last."
A dinner catered by the Boston College Dining Services was then served. After those in attendance finished their meals, Sarkodie-Mensah introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. J-Glenn Murray, SJ, director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy with the Diocese of Cleveland.
Beginning his address with a gospel song, Murray invited the audience to sing along. He then spoke about the power of dreams and the possibility to become a saint. Citing famous dreamers such as Joseph from the Old Testament, Saint Catherine of Sienna, and Martin Luther King, Murray said, "Every God-given dream has its time and will not be deferred. In this line of dreamers I would like to proffer one more dream: that all of us who are Christians would be saints."
Murray continued that the goal of the Jesuits is to produce saints. "This is why you came to a Jesuit school - to put into practice what Christ demands," he said. "I invite you to be excessively holy and come out of your comfort zone."
Throughout his address Murray repeated his belief that being a saint is simple. "Everybody can be great; everybody can be a saint, because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul full of love." He wrapped up his speech by saying, "Dream, but even more, make the dream come true."
The audience responded with a standing ovation before handing the floor to the winner of the 2002 MLK memorial scholarship, Rufus Caine, A&S '03. Speaking about what the scholarship meant to him, Caine said, "This scholarship is a reminder that while the bar Martin Luther King, Jr. set is undeniably high, it is imperative that we continue to work, and be dissatisfied about what is not."
Yevette Johnson, from the MLK memorial committee, introduced the finalists. She gave a short biography of each student and presented them with a gift from the BC community. University President Rev. William P. Leahy SJ then took the stage to announce the winner of the 2003 MLK memorial committee scholarship. Before he named this year's recipient he congratulated all of the finalists and said, "Their work, commitment, and zeal is a challenge to all of us."
Leahy then announced Carey as this year's winner. Carey is currently studying abroad in Ireland and was not present to receive his award. His parents, Harmon and Claire Carey accepted the award in his honor. "We are deeply astounded and very grateful," said Harmon Carey. On behalf of his son he added that Carey would "redouble his efforts to live up to the high standards this award represents."
Grace Simmons, a friend of Carey and A&S '05, said of him, "Rod is one of those guys who always does the right thing. Everyone who knows him loves him and respects him. He really deserved this award."
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