Arthur Romano, an international peace worker, is scheduled to speak in observance of Martin Luther King Junior Day. Romano will bring King’s teachings to life and explain the lasting relevance they have today. His program highlights King’s understanding of the basic principles of nonviolence and his ideas about social change. He is slated to speak at 7:00 p.m. on January 19, in Hiller Auditorium.
The Speak Up Workshops will start the campuses student diversity series with presentations prepared by faculty and staff on methods to combat issues such as bullying, sexism, stereotypes, and more. The Speak Up Workshops will be presented at noon on Jan. 26, in the Quiet Lounge on the first floor of the Hiller Building.
A Film and Forum event is planned for the evening of Feb. 22. A film with a focus on diversity, to be announced, will be screened and discussed afterwards. Campus faculty and staff members will make up a discussion panel that students will be able to interact with. Students from local high schools have been invited to join Penn State DuBois students for this event.
An MLK Essay Contest is open to all Penn State DuBois students and designed to help participants explore themselves and their own beliefs by borrowing wisdom from King’s teachings. Writers must answer the question: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” What adversity or challenges have you faced that have helped form the person you are today? Essays will be accepted by Melissa Coles at mec160@psu.edu now through Feb. 11. Three winners will receive a $100 cash prize, and will be recognized at an awards reception at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, in the Hiller Auditorium. Winning essays will be read.
The awards ceremony is also part of a full Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration taking place February 23. Local high school students have been invited to join Penn State DuBois students that day, and enjoy a special MLK presentation and lunch, as well as the readying of the winning essays.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to introduce and celebrate such worthy historical figures and transformative moments in history,” said Melissa Coles, campus academic advisor and organizer of the MLK celebration events. “Collaborating with the different offices on campus to organize these events mirrors the message we have diligently tried to bring to life at Penn State DuBois. We recognize our differences and how those differences make us stronger.”
Steve Harmic, Penn State DuBois