‘‘I was humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Rubino. ‘‘It feels funny to get it when I know there’s so many people here at the Academy doing so many great things. It’s such a great team effort and I wanted to accept on behalf of everybody.”

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a propensity and a commitment to the dream of Dr. King. The award is given annually to recipients locally and nationwide.

Founded in 1988 by Annapolis Alderman Carl O. Snowden, the MLK awards dinner was designed to honor Dr. King’s legacy by honoring men and women who keep his values alive through their deeds, words and actions.

The event included a performance by the Naval Academy Gospel Choir and a keynote speech by Maryland Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards.

‘‘It was a great evening,” said Rubino. ‘‘The Navy family was a real presence there in the room and that just made it all the more fun. It’s a great event for a great cause, recognizing a lot of good people.”

Rubino is responsible for all Congressional and intergovernmental interfaces for the Academy, including interface with governmental and donor organizations in support of the Academy’s programs. Governmental interface includes close coordination with Congress, defense committees and the Academy Board of Visitors regarding legislative initiatives, funding, facilities programming, infrastructure, and policy.