Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., devoted himself to building unity across divisions in service of a nation where freedom and equal opportunity for all are lived realities.

Given the complexities of our current moment, it’s understandable to question whether we will ever be “free at last.” Dr. King faced his own doubts, and his reflections give me strength: “The road ahead will not always be smooth...But difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.” 

At UW Tacoma, the future is full of hope. From our founding 35 years ago, community has been the heart of our work — we were created by and for the people we serve. Here, every voice adds value. Every story reshapes the conversation. 

On Monday, January 19, we’ll gather with our community for the 18th annual MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast hosted by the UW Tacoma Black Student Union. If you’re able, I hope you’ll join us in this joyful celebration. Be sure to register in advance — tickets are $25 per person and usually sell out.

Today, over 66% of our graduates stay in the South Puget Sound region, becoming leaders and change-makers in every corner of society. In partnership with community members, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni strive to uplift each other for the good of all. 

As we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy, let us renew our commitment to rising together. May our collective work smooth the pathways for all who will follow.