Bowie State University Celebrates Opening of Martin Luther King, Jr. Center

Expansive Facility Designed to Fuel Individual Expression

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University today celebrates the opening of the 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.  

“Every student receiving a BSU education will pass through this building at some point in their curriculum,” said President Aminta H. Breaux. “The cutting-edge tools and resources found here will elevate instruction of the liberal arts and enable students to find their own voice and develop skills to navigate real-world challenges in their future careers.” 

Honoring a Commitment to Service 

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, 1st 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 was formed in response to the tragedy dedicated to educating and advocating for social justice and racial understanding at both institutions. 

Enlightened Learning Environments 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center provides customized, technology rich learning environments for studies in communication and humanities disciplines. It will be home to the Departments of Language, Literature and Cultural Studies; History and Government; Communications and Military Science.  

Students will sharpen their skills in digital, broadcast and print communications with an array of new specialized studios including two advanced television studios, streaming and podcasting studios, digital editing labs, custom-designed vocal recording booth and an advanced digital screening room. Specialized spaces for developing writing and language studies are also available along with 18 flexible general classrooms and two 150-seat tiered classrooms. 

Space for Campus and Community Gathering 

A 1,500-seat auditorium designed for maximum flexibility provides capability to host a wide variety of campus and community events. Chairs can be completely removed from the auditorium floor leaving tiered seating on all three levels of the building.   

Space to accommodate the university’s ROTC program will enhance the experience cadets receive with a classroom dedicated to the future Army officers, a fitness center and an outdoor training plaza. 

Design Bridges Past and Future 

“The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center is more than just a physical structure,” said Renee Rodriguez, project manager at Perkins & Will. “Artwork and graphic elements throughout the communal areas offer a tribute to the power of ideas and using one’s voice to create change.” 

Bowie State’s 160-year history of empowering change is reflected in the Historical Legacy Corridor that presents a graphical representation of the bridge between values and actions –skills essential for success on campus and in life. Images and words are intertwined to reflect how values and actions have been expressed throughout BSU and American history. Each panel pairs academic skills with notable events, showcasing the heritage of the university. 

A vibrant mural titled “Conversation,” by Victor Ekpuk, a Washington, DC artist, will hang in the atrium of the south auditorium entrance. The artwork celebrates Bowie State University’s history as a diverse institution and Dr. King’s ideals of empowerment, justice, equity, love, and community. 

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.