Judge Hatchett to keynote USI MLK Luncheon

Judge Glenda Hatchett will be the keynote speaker for the University of Southern Indiana’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday, January 16, in Carter Hall in the University Center.

Hatchett is known for her award-winning syndicated television show, “Judge Hatchett,” and is the author of the bestsellers Dare to Take Charge and Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say. She was named one of the “100 Best and Brightest Women in Corporate America” by Ebony magazine.

After graduating from Emory University School of Law, Hatchett accepted a position at Delta Air Lines, as the company’s highest-ranking African-American woman. She served in dual roles as a senior attorney and manager of public relations, supervising global crisis management and media relations for all of Europe, Asia and the United States.

She left Delta to accept an appointment as Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County, Georgia Juvenile Court, where she became Georgia’s first African-American Chief Presiding Judge of a state court and the department head of one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country.

A graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Hatchett was recognized as a distinguished alumna and awarded an honorary degree by the college. She also received the Emory Medal, the highest award given to an alumna by Emory University because of her commitment to excellence and service within the community.

“Judge Hatchett” is currently in its tenth season. Hatchett also is the founder of Parent Power Now, the premiere online parenting network.

In addition to the keynote address, the luncheon includes entertainment by the Designed by Grace Praise Dancers, Designed by Grace Gospel Choir, Children’s Center for Dance Education, and Amadeus Percussions Drumline.

The sit-down meal will include a garden salad and choice of dressing, baked chicken with rotisserie seasoning, mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, a cornbread muffin, beverages and dessert.
Tickets may be purchased at the USI Multicultural Center (Room 1244, UC East) and are $5 for USI students, $10 for USI employees, and $15 for the general public.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to stay after the luncheon for a book signing and “Up Close and Personal” session with Hatchett in Forum 1 in the Wright Administration Building.
The MLK Memorial Luncheon is sponsored by the USI Foundation, Scripps Howard Center for Media Studies, Service Learning, Black Student Union (through a Student Government Association Programming Grant) and the USI Multicultural Center.