2025 MLK Commemoration featuring Breaking Barriers Reception
Join the Florida Tech Office of Alumni Affairs, the Black Student Union, and the Evans Library in an evening of celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and achievements.
The night will kick off with a cocktail reception located on the third floor of the Evans Library in front of the “Breaking Barriers” mural which features Dr. Julius Montgomery. You will also be able to meet the new Dean of Libraries, Jason Martin.
Attendees are then encouraged to walk over to the Gleason Performing Arts Center for the 2025 MLK Commemoration. This event will include a live rendition of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, musical performances, powerful speakers, and an awards ceremony where two outstanding community members serving Brevard County will be recognized.
Dr. Julius Montgomery Pioneer Award
The Dr. Julius Montgomery Pioneer Award is presented each year to a deserving candidate to honor their commitment and contributions to their community. It is also a recognition of the pioneering spirit of Julius Montgomery and his selfless contributions to our great university.
Dr. Julius Montgomery was the first African American student to sign up for classes at the newly conceived Brevard Engineering College (Florida Tech) in the summer of 1958. The new college was using classroom space provided by the local school district. A few days before the first day of class on September 22, 1958, officials at the Brevard County School District learned that an African American was enrolled and immediately issued an ultimatum to President Jerry Keuper. They warned if Mr. Montgomery and any other aspirant African American students were allowed to attend class, the school district would prohibit the use of classroom space at Eau Gallie Junior High School. Rescinding the use of school district facilities to hold classes would have effectively been the college's death knell.
When Julius became aware of the ultimatum, he voluntarily withdrew his application—and his sacrifice saved the founding of our university. President Keuper promised Mr. Montgomery that there would be a place for him at the university once Florida Tech secured its campus and wasn't constricted by another entity's limited views. In 1961, soon after Florida Tech received the property on Country Club Road (now part of the current campus), Julius enrolled in classes.
Watch how Julius Montgomery helped Florida Tech get its start
On January 13, 2020, Julius was awarded an honorary doctorate by Florida Tech President Dwayne McCay in recognition of his legacy at Florida Tech.
Dr. Montgomery died on January 22, 2020, at a nursing home in Melbourne, Florida, just days after Florida Tech awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters. He was 90. Read his obituary written by the New York Times.
Scholarship Fund
The Dr. Julius Montgomery Scholarship Fund was established as a testament to his legacy at Florida Tech, providing financial support for students from historically marginalized backgrounds. To learn more and donate, click here.