Michael Owu '86 received the MLK Leadership Award for his service to the Institute as both an alum and as staff.

After receiving his SB from MIT in 1986, Owu stayed on at the Institute as a Senior Planning Officer until 2000. Since, he has served as Director of Real Estate at the MIT Investment Management Company.

His dedicated work has brought to fruition many Institute projects, including The Central Square Theater.  The performance hall broke ground at 450 Massachusetts Avenue in 2007 and now serves as the permanent home for the Nora Theatre and the Underground Railway Theater.

MIT Club of Boston is another community to which Owu has lent his gifts. He began as assistant treasurer in 2003, progressing to vice president of finance a year later and president in 2008. During his presidency, Owu quickly established more cohesiveness among club officers, revamped club programming, and improved communications.

Recognized as a leader among regional alumni volunteers, he served on an ad hoc committee of the Alumni Association (2007-2008), the Community Catalyst Leadership Program (2008-2010), and the Technology Day Committee (2008-2011). Owu's commitment led to his being nominated to the Alumni Association board of directors in 2010, a role he carried out with dedication, grace, and professionalism.

Owu was also honored with a 2014 Bronze Beaver Award by the MIT Alumni Association. The award recognizes distinguished service to the Institute and/or its Association of Alumni and Alumnae; the Bronze Beaver is the highest honor the Association bestows upon any of its members.

According to MIT AA, "The qualities that Michael brings to each role in which he serves—coupled with his familiarity with the Association’s portfolio of programs and activities—make his service to the Institute-wide community invaluable".