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.
Breaking Barriers Cocktail Reception
Date – Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time – 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm EST
Location - The third floor of Florida Tech’s Evans Library (see map)
Admission - Free
2025 MLK Commemoration
Date – Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time – 7:00 pm EST
Location – Florida Tech’s Gleason Performing Arts Center (see map)
Admission - Free
Lorenzo Laws grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida where he attended Mainland High School. He then went on to attend Bethune-Cookman University where he graduated in 1976 with a degree in sociology. Rev. Lorenzo continued his education earning another bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Logos Christian College in Jacksonville Florida, and a master's degree in divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando Florida. He then received a doctor of ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky in 2024.
Rev. Laws has been the president/CEO of Laws & Associates Inc., a successful insurance & financial planning firm for over 40 years and has over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Currently, Rev. Laws is serving as the presiding elder of the Dynamic Daytona Beach District of the AME Church, supervising twenty-one churches covering Brevard, Volusia, and Seminole Counties.
Through his vision when serving as the pastor of Greater Allen Chapel Rev. Laws initiated their 1st Annual Crane Creek Founders Heritage Festival, which is now called Melbourne Founders Festival. Given the history, this annual event increased awareness of the African American culture, history, and the role it played in the development of the city of Melbourne.
Rev. Laws has been involved in many boards and organizations throughout the years. More specifically as founder of the Fort Mose Historical Society in St. Augustine. Due to Rev. Laws’ efforts, the Florida Park Service and the Fort Mose Historical Society were instrumental in securing funding to preserve Fort Mose from developers.
Albino "Bino" Campanini ’90, ’92 MBA is a dynamic leader with over three decades of experience in education, athletics, and business.
Born on October 29, 1967, in Jersey, Channel Islands, UK, Campanini grew up immersed in soccer, playing for the English National Public School boys’ team and training with the Southampton Football Club before accepting a soccer scholarship to Florida Tech.
At Florida Tech, Campanini became a cornerstone of the soccer program, leading the Panthers as team captain to their first NCAA Division II National Championship in 1988 and assisting as a coach in their 1991 national title win. His legacy earned him induction into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame, the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame, the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, and a spot on the Sunshine State Conference Silver Anniversary Soccer Team.
After a successful 17-year career in the architectural, engineering, and construction industry, Campanini returned to Florida Tech in 2010, where he served in several leadership roles, including senior vice president for Student Life and Alumni Affairs.
While at the university Campanini also helped to create Florida Tech's Homecoming Fest, Alumni Awards Gala, WISE Awards, and the MLK Commemoration which he hosted for 12 years.
From 2022 to 2024, Bino served at Eastern Florida State College, where he oversaw special projects and programs.
In July 2024, he stepped away from his professional career to focus on his health. His resilience and courageous spirit, which have defined his success on the field and in his career, continue to guide him in this latest chapter.
Pastor Steve Brock serves as the esteemed senior pastor at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, located in Cocoa, Florida.
Originally from Grenada, Mississippi, Pastor Brock pursued his academic endeavors at the University of Mississippi, Truett Seminary at Baylor University, and Central Western University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and a Master's degree in Divinity.
Alongside his pastoral duties, he thrives as a Senior Sales Manager at CarePlus Health Plans.
With over two decades of experience in teaching, preaching, and counseling, Pastor Brock has cultivated a reputation for connecting with others through humor, warmth, transparency, and fortitude.
A compelling communicator of God’s word, Pastor Brock is celebrated for his practical and dynamic teaching style, facilitating the application of timeless biblical truths to the complexities of daily life.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he has authored several impactful books, notably "Dare To Be Great: Overcoming Fear, Complacency, and the Need to Be Average & Ordinary!" This literary contribution reflects his dedication to instilling hope and faith in others.
Outside of his professional commitments, Pastor Brock finds solace and joy in spending quality time with his cherished family, including his proud role as a father and grandfather. When leisure beckons, he delights in the serenity of beachside relaxation.
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.
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.
On Friday, September 23rd, 2022 the Florida Tech Alumni Association hosted an unveiling of local artist Ian Soden's mural honoring the legacy of Dr. Julius Montgomery. The Evans Library was bursting at the seams with Julius's family, friends, and the local community all bonding over their shared love for this incredible man.
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