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2nd Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Foundation
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Bowie, Md. – August 27, 2024 -- Bowie State University today celebrates the opening of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Center, a vibrant environment for learning and creativity designed to inspire students to harness the power of their voice and free expression to shape the future. State and local officials, university leaders, and project partners gathered to cut the ribbon and officially open the $166 million, 192,000 square foot center that will serve every BSU student. The center will become the hub for core studies in communications and humanities. Dr. King’s own words will be a constant inspiration for students in the building. Abstract impressions of vocal sound waves from his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize speech are incorporated into the design of the façade and interior finishing of the main entrances echoing his call to have “the courage to face the uncertainties of the future.” The two-year construction project was completed in partnership with architect Perkins & Will and construction manager Whiting-Turner. With a focus on visibility, connectivity and storytelling, the design of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center expresses the power of voice and community.


Honoring a Commitment to Service


Included inside the new MLK Jr. Center, the 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III Alcove features a two-story likeness of the fallen Bulldog who was killed by an act of hate in May 2017 a few days after his commissioning into the Army. It provides a space for collaboration and reflection where students and visitors can draw inspiration from his commitment to a life of service. “The Collins family is overwhelmed with gratitude and inspiration by this tremendously powerful gesture to honor the memory and legacy of our beloved son, 1 st Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III,” said Dawn Collins, the late Bulldog’s mother. “We want to thank President Breaux along with her faculty and staff for bestowing upon us this very high

honor.”


His tragic death left an indelible mark in the history of Bowie State, its ROTC program

and the University of Maryland where he was killed. The BSU-UMD Social Justice

Alliance (SJA) was formed in response to the tragedy dedicated to educating and advocating for social justice and racial understanding at both institutions.


Media Contact: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311


Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered on April 12, 2024 for the Social Justice Alliance Spring Symposium. Featured speakers included:

  • Laura Coates - CNN's chief legal analyst and anchor of Laura Coates Live.

  • Keshia Knight Pulliam - Emmy nominated and award-winning actress who was welcomed into homes all over the world at five years old as Rudy Huxtable.

  • Nikkolas Smith - Artivist, Concept Artist, Children's Books Author, Film Illustrator and Movie Poster Designer.

  • Amanda Seales - Comedian, actress, writer, producer, and more.

  • Leon Timbo - country-soul singer-songwriter.


Video produced by Taylor Brown 31.



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