Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration

2025 Speaker 

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry to keynote USI MLK, Jr. Luncheon Celebration

The University of Southern Indiana will host a presentation by Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration Luncheon. The event will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, January 20 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m. The presentation is open to the public, and tickets are required to attend. 

Terry’s presentation, “A Blueprint for the Future,” will examine how our investment in ourselves and community can lead to a breakthrough in freedom and justice for all. 

A lifelong Evansville resident, Terry proudly serves as the city’s leader. A graduate of Bosse High School, she holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kentucky State University and a master’s degree in health service administration from the University of Evansville. Her career highlights include serving as Deputy Director of the Carver Community Organization and 13 years as Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe), where she led impactful initiatives and a $6.5 million capital campaign. 

In public service, Terry made history as the first Black woman elected to the Vanderburgh County Council, serving from 2010-22, before her election as mayor in 2023. She prioritizes neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing and city employee well-being. An active community leader, she has served on numerous boards and as Indiana State Coordinator for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Terry and her husband, Marques, have three children and are active members of Memorial Baptist Church. 

“We’re excited to welcome the campus and community to unite for such an admirable occasion,” says Jada Hogg, Associate Director and Interim Executive Director of the Multicultural Center. “Our ability to honor a trailblazer of the past and a trailblazer of our present day gives us the hope that tomorrow continues to be a future we can all be optimistic about seeing.” 

Luncheon tickets are $35 for USI employees and students and $45 for the public. They can be purchased on the USI Multicultural Center website. A ticket includes lunch.  

For more information or accommodations, please contact the Multicultural Center at 812-465-7188.