SALT LAKE CITY — Today, Westminster University announced robust plans for its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., kicking off this week. A key component of the university’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Westminster’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration events invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to honor his legacy through action and dialogue.
One of the first universities in Utah to recognize and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, Westminster has embedded his powerful words, “Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education,” into its university-wide learning goals and diversity statement. In addition to this year-round commitment to embedding Dr. King’s vision into its educational offering, Westminster will celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy with a calendar of events stretching into mid-February, expanding beyond a traditional week-long celebration.
“Public service and civic engagement were the cornerstones of Dr. King's approach to challenging the status quo, fostering reconciliation, and bringing about transformational social and policy change to expand human and civil rights for marginalized communities,” said Tamara N. Stevenson, Ed.D., vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, chief diversity officer, and associate professor of communication at Westminster. “His principles of nonviolence continue to guide efforts to promote peace, love, and justice, calling on all of us to resolve conflicts and build a world that values humanity through shared experiences and peaceful action.”
On Friday, January 31, Westminster will host its annual Unity Luncheon, designed to bring the campus community together to connect and have conversations about diversity, community, and engagement. At the luncheon–which is free and open to the public with an online RSVP– Westminster will recognize the following 2025 Unsung Hero Awardees, campus and community members dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2025 Unsung Heroes Awardees
Ezequiel Busquets is a guitarist, composer, and performer based in Salt Lake City, with a focus on jazz. Originally from Argentina, he is completing a BA in Music with an emphasis in Jazz Guitar at Westminster University. Ezequiel has performed at institutions like NYU Steinhardt and presented research at UCLA and Westminster, exploring the cultural dynamics of Black American musicians and the role of improvisation in intercultural communication. His debut project as a bandleader, Natural Things, features a blend of jazz innovation and modern composition, with a release available on streaming platforms and vinyl. Ezequiel regularly performs at venues across Salt Lake City and collaborates with local artists as a studio musician, leaving a significant mark on the area's music scene.
As Registrar, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the commencement planning committee at Westminster University, Michael brings a cultural lens to his work, aware of how systems and policies support or work against endeavors to bring out the best in every individual and strengthen our dynamic community of teaching and learning—with a careful eye towards protecting student rights for privacy and access and ensuring the University complies with various regulations with integrity. As an advocate for “Courageous Pluralism” on campus Michael works to develop the capacity of faculty, staff, and students to pursue unity across lines of deep religious and cultural differences and to leverage those differences for the common good of the entire community.
Dr. Chris Davids is a licensed psychologist and an associate professor of psychology at Westminster University. His research addresses topics of sexual identity, gender, and sexual objectification and he is a former member of the executive board for the Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. He currently serves as an organizer with the Human Rights Campaign Utah and maintains a small private practice providing psychotherapy to LGBTQ+ individuals. Davids received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri Kansas City.
The Diversity Council is a group of faculty dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Westminster University. The council has supported affinity group events for underrepresented populations, challenged unjust state legislation, addressed inequities in faculty workload, and reviewed curricula to ensure compliance with the Diversity Emphasis designation within the WCore. Recently, the council introduced a “fourth pillar” to the faculty contract review process, recognizing faculty work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative encourages broader faculty participation in these efforts. In the 2023-2024 academic year, faculty voted to accept the fourth pillar into the faculty manual. Council members include Bianca Thompson (Math, Data, First Scholars Program), Brian Wierman (Management, Gore School of Business), Christy Seifert (Communication, Honors College), Julie Stewart (Sociology, Honors College, WCore), and Kathryn Lenth (Mathematics, Computer Science).
Loyda Archuleta Kyremes is a retired educator who dedicated 33 years to teaching Spanish in the Salt Lake City School District. She taught at Jordan Junior High and Highland High School, where she was head of the Spanish Department and a teacher leader. Loyda was a key member of the Multicultural Interdisciplinary Team at Jordan, focusing on Hispanic/Chicano culture, and led inclusivity programs in music, art, and drama. At Highland, she participated in the national Community of Caring program, emphasizing values and inclusion. Loyda was also deeply involved with the NCCJ, leading camps and workshops on diversity and inclusivity for 20 years. In addition to her teaching career, Loyda has served on Westminster’s Woman’s Board since 2006, helping raise over $1 million for student scholarships.
Rev. Dr. Oscar T. Moses is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, a position he has held since January 1, 2020. A fifth-generation preacher, Dr. Moses earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Religious Studies from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary. He completed his Doctor of Ministry at United Theological Seminary, focusing on preaching that fosters community transformation. Dr. Moses is the author of several books, including Before You Send Them Out and The Christian Family Value System. He is a recipient of multiple awards, including the 2023 Live Fierce, Stand for All Award and the Utah Clean Energy Climate Champion Award. Dr. Moses is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Dr. Richard Ferguson, a physician leader and health equity advocate, founded Black Physicians of Utah (BPOU) in 2021 to improve healthcare outcomes for Black and underrepresented Utahns. Under his leadership, BPOU has launched impactful initiatives, including Medicine Immersion Day and the Clinical Research Internship, aimed at inspiring and mentoring Black students in medicine. Recently, he spearheaded the Mental Wellness Alliance to address mental health needs in Black communities. Dr. Ferguson is also the Chief Medical Officer for Health Choice Utah, focusing on equitable care for Medicaid beneficiaries. A former U.S. Army surgeon, he brings extensive experience in emergency and family medicine. His dedication to diversifying the healthcare workforce and advancing health equity continues to create lasting change in Utah.
