WMU News

Campus group organizing MLK Day events

October 29, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Colleges, departments and groups across the WMU campus are being invited to present programs and activities as part of the University's 1999 observance of the birthday of the late Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 18-21, 1999.

With the designation of Monday, Jan. 18, as a University holiday by President Elson Floyd, activities will begin with a University-wide convocation at 7 p.m. that day in Miller Auditorium. They will continue with an MLK festival at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, in the Bernhard Center.

The University's observance is being coordinated by the MLK Day Committee of the Faculty Senate.

"It is my hope that all members of the University community will use the opportunity of this holiday to come together to honor Dr. King's dedication to equality and freedom for all persons," Floyd said in announcing the holiday.

"Through participation in the programs organized by our students and colleagues, I hope that we may become a stronger community, more committed to those same ideals," he said. Floyd has pledged significant support to the Faculty Senate, including an allocation of $15,000.

This year's theme is "Courage to Live the Dream: Commitment, Community, Opportunity." This is the fifth year that the University has observed MLK Day with scheduled events and activities.

"We're looking forward to a wide array of programs, presentations and events during this year's observance," said David M. Lyth, industrial and manufacturing engineering, who is chair of the MLK Day Committee.

The committee includes six students, five faculty members and three staff members. They are: Students-Veronica Cantu, Hispanic Student Organization; Jamilah Levens, Michael Miller and Katrese Minor, residence hall advisers; Sien-Sien Tan, International Programs Council; and Hattie Walker, pre-occupational therapy.

Faculty-Trudy Cobb Dennard, dance; Elen M. Cutrim, geography; Susan H. Edgerton, teaching, learning and leadership; Lyth; and Delores D. Walcott, University Counseling and Testing Center.

Staff-Diana Hernandez, MLK/Cesar Chavez/Rosa Parks program; Katherine Ill, University recreation programs and facilities; and Michael J. Matthews, marketing, public relations and communications.

Persons may contact the committee through Bobette Hampton in the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations at 7-2141, or through Lyth at 7-3748 or at <david.lyth@wmich.edu>. Requests for financial assistance are due by Monday, Nov. 23.


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