MLK Observance Jan. 17 on campus

Col. Richard Toliver, retired Air Force pilot whose many honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit, is the featured speaker as Youngstown State University hosts the Martin Luther King Observance 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center on campus.

The event is open to the public. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be provided.

The purpose of the event, presented by the YSU Division of Student Experience, is to acknowledge, celebrate and embrace Dr. King’s legacy of service and support for individuals of all backgrounds.

At the event, awards will be presented for:

• Campus Leadership, recognizing a YSU faculty, staff or administrator who exemplifies a commitment to service and inclusion throughout campus and the community.
• Community Leadership, recognizing an individual from a business, group, agency, organization or community initiative who exemplifies a commitment to service and inclusion throughout their communities.
• Student Leadership, recognizing current upper division students at YSU (i.e., junior, senior, or graduate students) who exemplify a commitment to service and inclusion throughout campus and the community.
• Emerging Leader, recognizes current lower division students at YSU (i.e., first year and sophomore students) who exemplify a commitment to service and inclusion throughout campus and the community.

For more information, contact Ani Solomon, YSU assistant director of Diversity Programs, at ACSolomon@ysu.edu

Toliver graduated from Tuskegee Institute University in January 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his Air Force career in February 1963 as a project engineer. He completed pilot training in June 1965. He was one of the first five African American F-4 Phantom II pilots to serve under the famed Tuskegee Airman Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James and was twice deployed during the Vietnam War, flying 446 missions and 860 combat hours in fighter jets.

During 26 years in the Air Force, Toliver served throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Persian Gulf. He commanded a number of units and held key staff positions in major commands of the Air Force. He was a command pilot with 4,000 flying hours in the F-4, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, OT-37 Tweet, O-2 Skymaster, T-33 Shooting Star and several civilian aircraft.

His many military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 27 oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.