Sam Mitchell
Jan. 21, 2026
At 4:00 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2026, two students and one faculty member of Thiel College were awarded The M.L.K. Jr. Day Service Award. The recipients were Dr. Natalie Homa, Ph.D., Brandon Flock, and LaShawn Williams. Both students are in the MBA program of 2026.
The ceremony began with President Susan Traverso speaking about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., especially about his time as an activist for the Civil Rights movement. “He didn’t want it to be a movement of hate,” declares President Traverso. “He wanted it to be a movement of love.” President Traverso talked about how the younger generation of King’s time inspired him to become the figure he was and how the recipients reflected the characteristics of Martin Luther King Jr. As he suggested, the award recipients began to “make a career in humanity.”
After President Traverso, Pastor Brenda Martin spoke about religion and how racism has no place within. She led the audience into prayer. Soon after the prayer, Dr. Sheila Gross rose to the podium and spoke about Dr. Homa. Dr. Gross recounted the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and how Dr. Homa was concerned for each of the students. “I have since gotten to know Natalie as a colleague and friend,” states Dr. Gross. She also discussed Dr. Homa’s role in inspiring students.
Before reading the reasons why Brandon Flock received the award, Ian Slippy announced the people who nominated Flock were unable to attend. Slippy spoke about how Flock offered assistance to others, was very humble, and many of his peers looked up to him. The people who nominated Flock for the award were classmates, coaches, and professors.
Finally, Dr. Rogers spoke about student LaShawn Williams, who organized the Organization of Black Collegians (O.B.C.) and worked hard within the theater department. Williams stated, “I think it is amazing to be honored for the MLK Jr. Service Day Award, being of what he represents is giving service back to his community. I got this award which means I’m giving back to my community and helping my community as well. It makes me feel amazing.” Each of
these recipients were honored for their acts of service and are influential people in the community.
Photo by Sam Mitchell, Depicted from left to right: Brandon Flock, Dr. Natalie Homa, Ph.D., and LaShawn Williams.
