Government and Community Relations
Events
MLK 2020 Celebration - President's Luncheon and Humanitarian Award
On January 20, 2020, EMU hosted its 34th annual MLK President's Luncheon. EMU students, staff, faculty, state legislators, and members of the community gathered to celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Governor Whitmer was awarded the 2020 MLK Humanitarian Award for her leadership, determination, and consistency in creating long-lasting opportunities for the people in Michigan. Since being sworn into office, Governor Whitmer has put together the most diverse cabinet in the history of the State of Michigan. She has dedicated her career to ending discrimination in state government and solving the problems that the people of Michigan face on a daily basis. She exemplifies the leadership and courage that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had for justice to become the reality that we currently live today.
Eastern Michigan University is very proud to honor Governor Gretchen Whitmer as the 2020 MLK Humanitarian Award winner.

2019 EMU Day in Lansing
On March 19, 2019, the Government Relations Office hosted EMU Day in Lansing, where groups of EMU Faculty, staff, students, and alumni met with state legislators regarding pressing issues of the state and EMU. This year, 57 meetings took place with state legislators and their staffs, and 58 Eastern Michigan students, faculty, staff, and alumni volunteered for the day.
2018 EMU Day in Lansing
MLK 2019 Celebration - President's Luncheon and Humanitarian Award
On Monday, January 21, 2019 EMU students, faculty, staff, members from our local community, and state legislators came together for the annual MLK President's Luncheon at the Student Center. This year's keynote address was delivered by CNN political commentator Keith Boykin who spoke briefly at the luncheon, with a longer address following the event.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell was also present at this year's luncheon, as she was recognized for EMU's 2019 MLK Humanitarian Award. Congresswoman Dingell represents the 12th district of Michigan in the United States House of Representatives, which includes the cities of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, and much of southern Wayne County. As a distinguished public servant and unwavering advocate for families, women and children, she has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the State of Michigan and its citizens. EMU was proud to honor Congresswoman Dingell as this year's MLK Humanitarian Award winner.
President Smith Visits State Capitol
Campus Visit with the Detroit Leadership Academy
On Friday, November 16th, 2018 the EMU Government Relations Office was pleased to host a group of juniors and seniors from the Detroit Leadership Academy with former State Representative Derrick Hale for a campus visit. The day included a tour of our EMU Athletics facilities, Admissions Center presentation and tour, and a luncheon with special visits from Swoop, EMU student leader Ethan Smith, and Dr. Doris Fields, Director of Undergraduate Studies here at EMU.