1/6/2004

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

‘REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., DAY OF SERVICE’ SET AT SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University will observe the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday Jan. 19 with a day of activities, including a candlelight vigil, service projects and an evening address titled “Shattered Dreams” by Leon Williams, director of intercultural programs at Buena Vista University. The public is invited to the vigil and     7 p.m. lecture honoring the slain civil rights leader.

           The university’s daylong “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service” observance, kicks off with students participating in the Butler Unity Project Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Breakfast set for the Butler YMCA. Michael Matambanadzo, assistant professor of history at SRU, is the scheduled speaker. The Butler Unity Project is an organization created to promote interracial understanding and combat racism in Butler and surrounding communities. There will be no classes at SRU Jan. 19 in observance of the holiday.

          Robert Clay, assistant director of SRU’s Office of Intercultural Programs and co-chair of the day of service program, explains, “We wanted to honor Dr. King and the values he stood for. We could think of no better way to call attention to his leadership than to offer community service to others. Students, faculty, staff and members of the regional community will participate and all will see the benefits of living the kind of life and character Dr. King epitomized. The program is open to everyone – and I think everyone who participates will be enriched by the experience. Our goal is to make the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service a day ‘on’ not a day ‘off.’”    

          On returning to campus from the Butler breakfast, students will attend a 10:30 a.m. “King Day of Service Kickoff Program” in the University Union with a welcome from SRU Interim President Robert Smith and Slippery Rock Mayor Ken Harris. The university’s traditional Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Speech Competition will be held, followed by a King Day of Service Volunteers Lunch. After lunch, student teams will undertake service assignments in the local community, including work at the Slippery Rock Park District and All Saints Lutheran Church.

          An opportunity to meet the day’s keynote speaker will be offered at 5 p.m. in the Russell Wright Alumni House followed by a 6 p.m. candlelight vigil assemblage at Carruth Rizza Hall for a walk along Main Street and Keister Road ending at the University Union where Williams’ address will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King, including his famous “I have a Dream” speech at 7 p.m. The free program will include presentation of SRU’s first Civil Leadership Awards.

          The day’s events are sponsored by SRU’s Division of Student Life, Office of Intercultural Programs, King Day of Service Planning Committee, Office of Residence Life, Office of Human Resources and Diversity, University Program Board, Office of Enrollment Services, SGA Bookstore, University Printing Services and AVI, with additional funding provided by the SRU Student Government Association.

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