The Dr. William P. Sexton Award - 2024: Dwight B. King Jr.
2024: Dwight B. King Jr.
In recognition of his dedicated service to the University of Notre Dame and his commitment to helping those most in need in our local community, Librarian Emeritus Dwight B. King Jr. is honored with this award.
After earning his bachelor’s, J.D., and M.L.S. degrees from the University of Michigan, King arrived at the Notre Dame Law Library in 1986. Since then, King has been a dedicated member of the Law School community, the University, and the city of South Bend. As a member of the Notre Dame Law School (NDLS) faculty for 33 years, King proved to be a pillar within the Notre Dame community. In the classroom, notably in his teachings of legal research and writing for the LL.M. program, King was an anchor of support and knowledge. Additionally, he served on various committees of the American Association of Law Libraries and published numerous scholarly articles in professional journals. In 1997, he received the Rev. Paul J. Foik, C.S.C Award, conferred upon a Notre Dame library faculty member.
For over 25 years, King served as the faculty advisor of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), offering support and guidance to his students. For many international students who were unable to return home for the holidays, King offered seats at his Thanksgiving table, and even opened up his garage for bike repairs and maintenance during the year. In 1996, the BLSA recognized his dedication to the young people in his charge by creating the Dwight King Community Service Award, which is given annually to a member who has devoted considerable time, energy, and attention to both the BLSA and the NDLS community just as he did. Additionally, he served for 17 years as the Discriminatory Harassment Ombudsperson for the University through the Office of Institutional Equity, appointed to the position by President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., ’76, ’78 M.A.
In retirement, King returned to the Law School this academic year (2023-24) as an adjunct faculty member to teach the first-year legal research course. Outside of campus, King is a member of St. Joseph Parish and volunteers at the Downtown Soup Kitchen operated out of the First United Methodist Church during his lunch hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Since 2004, he also served as the play-by-play announcer for Clay High School boys’ soccer.
King is a husband of 40 years to his wife, Mary Hendriksen, a father to Elise, Matthew, Gabriel, and Madeline, and a grandfather. He continues to embody servant leadership to his family, his students, and the Notre Dame and South Bend communities.
“I am surprised but so grateful to win this wonderful award. It is good to know that others have appreciated my part in the Notre Dame effort to provide students with a stellar education.”