Pathfinder Awards Announced Today

Recipients to be honored at Celebration on January 19

MANKATO, Minn. (January 7, 2008) The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Board today announced the recipients of the annual Pathfinder, Young Pathfinder and Business Pathfinder Awards.

The Pathfinder Award was created in 1986 to recognize individuals or organizations that, in the spirit of Dr. King, are initiators or action takers in the struggle for equal treatment, human rights and non-violence. The award represents the ideal that all people should be treated fairly and equally without the fear of discrimination on any basis. This year’s Pathfinder Award recipient is KMSU at Minnesota State University, which for decades has been a powerful voice in the push toward a more diverse campus and society for students, volunteers, and the community of listeners.

The Young Pathfinder Award was added in 2002 to recognize the commitment and courage displayed by area young people to achieve fair and equal treatment for all, healthy communities and peaceful resolution to conflicts. This year’s Young Pathfinder Award recipient is Megan Maloney, a student at Mankato East High School who participates in a variety of groups that strive to educate and enrich the lives of other students and the community.

The Business Pathfinder Award was established in 2003 and is presented by Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. to recognize businesses that strive for equal treatment, human rights and non-violence in the workplace. This year’s Business Pathfinder Award recipient is Couglan Companies, an organization that has demonstrated its commitment to diversity through employment engagement, business practices and corporate giving programs.

Pathfinder Award recipients will be honored at the 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration on Monday, January 19 at AmericInn Hotel and Conference Center. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00 pm, presentation of Pathfinder awards and scholarships at 6:30 pm and a theatrical/voice performance by Regina Williams at 6:45 pm. Tickets may be purchased at Greater Mankato Growth, 122 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato or at the Minnesota State University, Mankato International Diversity Office in Morris Hall #265.