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SALEM, Mass. --- Rev. Laura Biddle, English professor Keja Valens, alumnus Emmuel Asonganyi ’11, and psychology major Molly Cavanagh ’15 are the recipients of Salem State’s 2016 MLK Leadership Awards.

The award is presented annually to “special, innovative individuals” for their outstanding contributions to the “cause of freedom, justice, peace, and equality.”

Biddle, the coordinator of spiritual life at Salem State, has spoken at many campus events such as commencements, memorial services and celebrations. Her nomination noted that she “has brought a sense of peace and enrichment that has had a profound impact on the Salem State community.”

Valens, a professor and interim chair of the English department at the university, is an active member of the Salem State community who leads an initiative to incorporate diversity into the university’s academic curriculum.

Asonganyi has spent much of his life working to right wrongs, and assist others in achieving their dreams. He has faced insurmountable odds to do so.

Kavanagh, who completed her degree requirements this past fall, has strived to make the university more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing students by attempting to create an American Sign Language curriculum on campus.

More information is available at the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.