Six Oakland University students each received a $5,000 scholarship February 14 during the ninth annual Keeper of the Dream banquet, which celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Created to provide funds for student scholarships, the award recognizes students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and in promoting interracial understanding.

This year's recipients include Angel D. Guy, Brian S. Jaye, Kimberly Layan, Ann R. Lefkowitz, David C. Mackinder and Naeam Wilkerson.

Guy, a junior from Detroit majoring in human resource development, was awarded the Champion Enterprises Inc. Keeper of the Dream Award. She is involved in many leadership and volunteer roles. She is the president of the Association of Black Students at Oakland and is involved in many other groups on campus, including Student Congress, the Student Allocations Funding Board and the Student Life Lecture Board.

Jaye, a junior from Sterling Heights majoring in management information systems, was awarded the Bank One Keeper of the Dream Award. As a Residence Hall Council president, Jaye represents more than 1,500 students and is an ardent supporter of cultural and ethnic events.

"In all of his activities, Brian has demonstrated an understanding and sincere appreciation for the value of diversity and the spirit of inclusion as important elements in his and every college student's experience," says Eleanor Reynolds, Department of University Housing director.

Lavan, a senior from Detroit majoring in nursing, was awarded the William Beaumont Hospital Keeper of the Dream Award. She is the vice president class representative for the Student Nursing Association and a peer mentor for the Office of Equity. She also is involved in many student groups, including Project Upward Bound and AmeriCorps Oakland National Service program.

Lefkowitz, a sophomore from West Bloomfield majoring in elementary education, was awarded the Haden Inc. Keeper of the Dream Award. Lefkowitz participates in the AmeriCorps Oakland National Service program and has coordinated and implemented tutoring for students with disabilities.

"Ann is dedicated to breaking down cultural stereotypes. She depicts strong leadership qualities and has genuine care and concern for people," says Carol Anne Ketelsen, director of the AmeriCorps Oakland program.

Mackinder, a senior from Rochester majoring in human resource development, was awarded the General Motors Corporation Keeper of the Dream Award. He is a mentor for Disability Support Services, president of the Human Resource Development Student Association and a speaker for the Oakland County School District. He also is involved in many other activities, including the Oakland University Senate and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Naeam Wilkerson, a junior from Pontiac majoring in nursing, was awarded the MSX International Keeper of the Dream Award 2000. He is a tutor and supplemental instruction leader for Project Upward Bound, a peer mentor for the Office of Equity and is a member of the Association of Black Students, Men of Umoja and the Student Nursing Association. He also tutors low-income elementary school students.

This year's keynote speaker was Harold R. Kutner, vice president of Worldwide Purchasing for General Motors Corporation. Kutner has served as chairman of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council and was appointed to the Board of National Minority Supplier Development Council in 1996. In the same year, he was named to the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. He also is a member of the Board of Directors of Oakland University.