January 11, 2024

Dorian Rouse-Phelps, Delta College’s Downtown Saginaw Center coordinator, is the 2024 recipient of the College’s Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.

This award is sponsored by Delta’s Black Faculty and Staff Association. Members annually select a Delta College employee whose service to the institution and community exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King’s work and values.

Rouse-Phelps will receive the award on January 15 at the 28th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Luncheon, taking place at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw.

Dorian began working at Delta College as a receptionist in Counseling, Advising and Career Services in 2012. Later that same year, she moved into the role of Possible Dream and youth programs coordinator. In 2019, she began her current position at the Downtown Saginaw Center. 

“Dorian has taken an active role in the Saginaw Academy of Excellence (SAE) since it began serving students from the city of Saginaw in 2022,” said Dr. Angela Guy-Lee, assistant professor of sociology. “Dorian’s care and wrap-around support of all of Delta’s students, especially the SAE students, exemplify a dedication to service that aligns with the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Dorian is actively engaged in the community through a variety of Delta College committees and organizations dedicated to fostering positive change.

“Dr. King taught us that life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Dorian said. “In my own way, I try to do my part. Giving of myself honors our great leaders, honors people and honors our communities. It brings me joy.”

Dorian is an active member and former officer of Delta’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, a member of Delta’s Out of the Cubicle Committee, co-chair of Delta’s CIBE Community, Alumni, Supporter and Engagement subcommittee, a founding committee member of Delta’s Women’s Inclusive Network, a co-advisor to Delta’s Black Student Union and a facilitator for the Saginaw Academy of Excellence. 

In the wider community, she serves on the Saginaw African Cultural Committee and the Saginaw Public Schools Bond Advocacy Committee. She is also a Board Trustee to the Downtown Saginaw Association, the Historical Society of Saginaw County and the Saginaw Food Club and Kitchen.

The Unity Luncheon’s theme is “Living the Dream, It Starts With Me,” and Delta College alumnus Bob Johnson, MLive editor for The Saginaw News and The Bay City Times is the keynote speaker. A 10am Unity March will precede the luncheon. 

More information about the event can be found at 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr Unity Luncheon. 

Past Award Recipients

2023 – Joseph Hernandez
2022 – Lula Woodard
2021 – Beth Kelch
2020 – Carlos McMath
2019 – John Neal
2018 – Veronica Bond
2017 – Monica Hernandez-Alaniz
2016 – Rosemary Reeves
2015 – Dr. Linda Holoman
2014 – Dr. Charissa Urbano
2013 – Carl Ruth
2012 – Beverly Westbrook
2011 – Mary Beth Looby
2010 – Dr. Jean Goodnow
2009 – William E. Ketchum, Jr.
2008 – Teresa Stitt
2007 – Katrina Nichols
2006 – Joan Sabourin
2005 – Jack Crowell
2004 – Neville Britto