Four distinguished community leaders from the Great Lakes Bay Region will be awarded the 2026 Drum Major Award for Community Service during the 17th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The event will take place on January 22, 2026, at Saginaw Valley State University, commencing at 7 p.m. in the Malcolm Field Theatre located in Curtiss Hall. This annual recognition honors individuals whose service embodies the principles of equity, justice, and community responsibility championed by Dr. King.
Honorees Making a Difference
The first honoree, Nicole Luczak, serves as president and CEO of United Way of Bay County. Representing Bay County, she has dedicated over a decade to initiatives aimed at enhancing community resiliency and improving access to essential resources, financial security, and health. Luczak’s influence extends beyond her role at United Way; she is also a member of the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance board, the 211 Northeast Michigan Board, and various advisory councils, including those for Blue Cross Blue Shield and SVSU’s College of Health and Human Services. Additionally, she actively volunteers with the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Jennifer Vannette, the honoree from Midland County, plays a significant role in the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Cultural Awareness Coalition. She is also the outreach coordinator for the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History. Vannette has spearheaded projects that document the narratives of Black Midlanders through the Voices of Black Midland historical archive and has contributed to the creation of a community learning program based on this archive, which was launched in 2025.
A Legacy of Service in Education and Community
Jack and Janet Nash will be honored for their extensive contributions to Saginaw County, particularly in education and community programming. Jack has practiced dentistry in Saginaw for decades and is an active member of the Positive Results Downtown Saginaw board of directors. His commitment to the community also includes volunteer work with the YMCA and local history projects.
Janet Nash has a rich history in the Saginaw Public School District, having served in various roles, including as principal of the Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy. In recognition of her contributions, a riverfront preserve near Saginaw United High School was named in her honor. Together, the Nashes have established three scholarships to support local youth in their educational pursuits.
The upcoming celebration is free and open to the public, encouraging community members to join in honoring these remarkable leaders. This event is presented in collaboration with the Bay Area Community Foundation, Midland Area Community Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation, and Delta College. Additional information about the event can be found at svsu.edu/mlk.
