Reflecting Dr. King's Vision Through Belonging at Endicott
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
At Endicott, we answer that question daily through initiatives designed to foster belonging and a sense of shared community. These efforts are grounded in a commitment to justice and opportunity for all while empowering every campus member to thrive—academically, socially, and professionally.
One such initiative is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, a group of dedicated faculty, staff, and students who meet regularly to develop strategies to strengthen Endicott’s reflection of our interconnected world. Reporting to Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Brandi Johnson and co-chair Gail Cantor, Director of Belonging and Spiritual Life, the committee focuses on programs and policies that enhance belonging and access on campus.
A standout effort of the committee is Dine & Dialogue, a grassroots program designed to unite students, faculty, and staff over shared meals to engage in meaningful conversations about belonging. These sessions create a space for exploring biases, sharing experiences, and building understanding in a way that uplifts compassion and community, resulting in increased cultural awareness, empathy, and stronger interpersonal connections among participants. Dine & Dialogues are offered monthly in the College’s Center for Belonging—look out for monthly invitations in your email.
“At Endicott, we honor Dr. King’s vision by turning his call to service into action. Belonging isn’t just a value—it’s a daily practice of ensuring every community member feels seen, supported, and empowered to make a difference,” said Johnson.
Developed collaboratively by Endicott’s Office of Belonging, International Education, and the Internship & Career Center, Endicott’s award-winning Belonging@Work program—a self-paced, non-credit online course—aligns with the College’s mission to inspire leadership through transformational learning and experiential education.
Belonging@Work equips students with the tools to navigate belonging in the workplace, including addressing bias, stereotypes, privilege, and beyond. Hundreds of students have graduated from the program, applying these critical skills during internships and throughout their professional careers.
Endicott’s commitment to belonging also extends to the professional development of the College’s employees. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), such as the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Women’s Empowerment ERGs, create spaces where faculty and staff can connect, find support, and build awareness of cultural differences. These groups enhance recruitment and retention while providing opportunities for employees to grow professionally and personally.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is also known as a day of service, and the Community Service Office exemplifies King’s legacy. King believed everyone had a civic duty to serve their community and make an impact.
By offering a wealth of opportunities for students to volunteer and help those in need, the Community Service Office is guided by the belief that by helping others, we help ourselves. During the 2023-24 academic year, 43% of Endicott students participated in community service projects, resulting in more than 15,000 service hours.
“We want a community of people who care about other people and want to help out, not just on this college campus but in general,” said Lauri Rawls, Director of Community Service.
Whether it’s spending a single afternoon with Habitat for Humanity or running the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Endicott’s Community Service Office and its opportunities instill in students a sense of responsibility and empathy, aligning with Dr. King’s vision of service as a cornerstone of a just society.
“Students are learning life skills, learning how to get along with other people, to compromise, to be flexible, to be open, to live with others who aren’t just like them, diversity, equity, inclusion, all the things we talk and work to instill on the daily,” Rawls added.
At Endicott, belonging isn’t just a value—it’s a practice, added Johnson.
“Dr. King’s question, ‘What are you doing for others?’ challenges us to build a community rooted in service, equity, and belonging. At Endicott, we strive to answer that question through intentional actions that uplift and connect every individual,” she said.
And by continuing to answer Dr. King’s question, Endicott ensures that his vision of service and justice remains alive in every community member.
Get involved with the Office of Community Service.