During the 15th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Mendel Center for Arts and Technology, Lake Michigan College presented its Ninth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Award to Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren.

Executive Director Todd Gustafson accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Award is presented annually by the LMC president and Board of Trustees to an individual(s) or organization that embraces and values the diversity of the greater community and promotes connections across differences.

Criteria include a demonstrated commitment to enhancing inclusion through community service and professional endeavors; contributions to the progress of humanity, diversity, and the valuing of differences; and leadership in providing increased understanding and respect for diversity.

Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren is a non-profit organization that provides workforce development services throughout Southwest Michigan. They have made it their mission to ensure that local businesses of all sizes have access to a skilled and diverse workforce.

“Michigan Works knows that in diversity there is texture and strength, whether in the workplace, in classrooms, in communities,” said Pat Moody, chairman of the LMC Board of Trustees.