During Oregon State University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Breakfast, several OSU community members received recognition for advancing diversity, equality and social justice.

The Phyllis S. Lee Award was presented to Lawrence F. Griggs, director of OSU’s Educational Opportunities Program.

Grigg’s career at OSU began when he gained assistantships with the Educational Opportunities Program and the Memorial Union. In 1974, he became an instructor and counselor for EOP. In 1976, he became the coordinator of Admissions and Financial Aid for the program.

From 1978 to 1986, he was the assistant director. From 1986 to 1987, he was the acting director of the Affirmative Action Office. In 1987, he became the director of EOP. Griggs has been instrumental in advising students as well as working on search committees for the city of Corvallis and coaching at the boys and girls club, officials noted.

Also honored at the breakfast were Allison Davis White-Eyes, coordinator for the Indian Education Office, which is part of Minority Education Office; and OSU student José Gutierrez. They were presented the Frances Dancy Hooks Award, which annually recognizes students and staff members.

Davis White-Eyes is responsible for the recruitment and retention of American Indian students into OSU, and for liaisons between OSU and tribes in the Northwest. She previously worked with President Dave Frohnmayer of the University of Oregon in creating a Native American Initiative to enhance educational opportunities for Native American students.

Gutierrez has been heavily involved in community and student activities and leadership roles while attending OSU. His participation includes being a senator for student government, Community Service Center external coordinator, Native American Longhouse activities coordinator, M.E.Ch.A. political action chair, Oregon Students of Color Coalition member, Martin Luther King Jr. Park honoring ceremony organizer and a Black Poets Society member.