UN DAY 2026
Saturday, October 24
5 pm – 8 pm
Doors open at 4:30 pm
MSU Kellogg Center
219 S Harrison Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
GL-UNA'S 2026 UN DAY CELEBRATION
Join the Greater Lansing United Nations Association for our annual UN Day Celebration on Saturday, October 24, at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at MSU.
Each year, UN Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations Charter and gives us a chance to recognize people in our own community whose work reflects the goals and values of the UN.
This year’s theme is:
United to Deliver on Promises to Support Peace, People & Planet
The evening will include dinner, entertainment, and the presentation of our 2026 Vandenberg Award, Global Goals, Local Leaders Award, and Global Education Awards.
If you’re not yet a GL-UNA member, we encourage you to explore the benefits of UNA-USA membership before registering for the event. GL-UNA members enjoy a discount on their UN Day tickets and much more. Learn more here.
Purchase Tickets
Each ticket includes a meal (salad, entree, dessert, and beverage) and parking. When purchasing your ticket, please select your meal option. When you purchase multiple tickets you must select a menu option for each ticket.
Deadline to purchase tickets is October 15, 2026
TICKET PRICES
- Students: $20
- Members: $40
- General Admission (non GL-UNA members): $50
MENU OPTIONS
- Pollo Verde, pan-seared chicken – Gluten Free
- Pan Seared Salmon – Gluten Free
- Pozole Rojo – (VG/GF)
UN DAY AWARDEES
Vandenberg Awardee
Professor Charles D. Mackenzie
PhD, DVM, global leader in veterinary and human medical pathology research and service
Global Goals, Local Leaders
Refugee Development Center
The Refugee Development Center (RDC) is a vital nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to help create a welcoming and thriving community where refugees and newcomers can learn, connect, and succeed. Through education, engagement, and support, RDC empowers newcomers throughout mid-Michigan with comprehensive, multigenerational programming. Its programs include English language and digital literacy classes, K–12 tutoring, early childhood literacy, workforce development, hands-on driving instruction, and health and housing navigation. In 2025 alone, RDC served 2,022 newcomers, including 740 adult English language students and 363 youth receiving tutoring, with the support of 426 dedicated community volunteers. The RDC is led by Executive Director Erika Brown-Binion and more than 30 staff members.
Global Education Awards: Educators
Meagan Kubu
Art Teacher Williamston High School
Crystal Van Walsum
English Teacher Waverly High School
Global Education Awards: Students
Lee Gerring
Williamston High School
Isaiah Waldron
Waverly High School
Vivian Wolfe
Waverly High School