MLK Week

Celebrated on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day was first recognized in 1986, following a declaration by President Ronald Reagan. Dr. King, who dedicated his life to serving others and fighting for justice, is recognized as a hero and leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King’s numerous speeches, non-violent stance, and accomplishments have served as inspiration to generations of Americans. The University of Mount Union observes this federal holiday by holding no classes, and providing opportunities for service and reflection. The MLK Awards and Alpha Phi Alpha Book prize, given during the same week, are ways in which the university honors individuals who embody Dr. King’s vision through works of advocacy and social justice. 


2023 SCHEDULE

Monday, January 16- MLK Day of Service

Tuesday, January 17- National Day of Racial Healing Unity Walk, Social Service Internship Fair, Chapel Service

Wednesday, January 18- RPB Trivia Night

Thursday, January 19- Desserts and Dialogue, MLK, Jr. Awards and Dessert Reception

Events

  1. MLK Day of Service

    Campus Volunteers

    Mount Union will once again do our best to accommodate record numbers of volunteers. Volunteers can participate in person if they are currently enrolled at or employed by the university. Online registration is required and must be submitted by January 12 to be eligible to participate.

    We will offer make and take projects, on-campus projects, and some off-campus projects. Volunteers will be able to indicate your preference when registering.

    Register Here


    Alumni and Friends

    We would encourage everyone to find a way to get involved in one of the following ways:

    1. Sign up to volunteer as part of our day of service. All are welcome! 
    2. Learn more about the National Day of Service and volunteer in your community. 
    3. Make a donation to a charity that makes a difference in your community. You can also make donations of clothing, school supplies, or hygiene items to non-profits.
  2. National Day of Racial Healing Unity Walk

    Mount Union is recognized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) as a Truth, Racial Healing, and transformation Campus Center. Please join us in our inaugural Unity Walk.

    The walk will begin near the Mount Union lakes, Tuesday, January 17 at 11 a.m.

  3. Social Service Internship and Job Fair

    Join Career Development and the Regula Center for a job and internship fair featuring government and non-profit employees.

    The fair will be held in HPCC on Tuesday, January 17, and runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

  4. Chapel Service

    Join the Dewald Chapel for a special chapel service featuring guest Rev. Gregory Kendrick. 

    Chapel service will take place on Tuesday, January 17 at 11:30 a.m.

  5. RPB Trivia Night

    Join the Raider Programming Board for a special night of trivia! Get a team together and come showcase your knowledge for prizes.

    Trivia will take place on Wednesday, January 18 at 7 p.m.

  6. Desserts and Dialogue

    Join Mount Union's Regula Center for Desserts and Dialogue, a facilitated conversation that allows students and staff to discuss controversial topics in a civil and tolerant environment.

    The conversation will take place Thursday, January 19 at 12:30 p.m. in Campus Grounds, HPCC.

  7. Keynote and Awards

    Keynote Address

    The MLK awards will be presented at the University of Mount Union's MLK Jr. Keynote and Award Ceremony. The ceremony and dessert reception will be held on Thursday, January 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Brush Theatre in the Giese Center for the Performing Arts. The keynote address will be given by Rev. Anthony Theodore Parker Esq. Parker is the Senior Pastor of Rhema (hray’ mah) Fellowship Church near downtown Cleveland, Ohio. He is the Magistrate for the Village of North Randall Mayor’s Court, President of the ATP Legal Group, LLC., and Personal Bailiff to Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge. He also founded a nonprofit ministry which provides financial and mentoring support to High School and College Students and adopts elementary schools so that young scholars can be introduced to professionals from various fields who motivate the youth to succeed.

    The topic of the address is “Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr., Day: Beyond Celebration to Empowerment.”

     

    Awards

    Each year, the University presents the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Award to members of both the Mount Union community (student, faculty, or staff) and the Alliance community who best embody the values and principles exemplified by Dr. King. Selection for the MLK Award will be based on the nominee’s exemplification of the following: Promoting racial harmony; Advocating for social justice; Collaborating with groups, offices, churches or organizations; Demonstrating sustained commitment to diversity; Fostering inclusiveness and an appreciation of differences.

    Alpha Phi Alpha Book Prize

    The Alpha Phi Alpha Book Prize was established in 2015 by members of the Iota Phi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This scholarship was created to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who was a notable member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and to reward a current student who has carried on his legacy at Mount Union. The selected student receives a $500 scholarship to cover the cost of textbooks in the following semesters. The scholarship is awarded to one student yearly during the Martin Luther King Jr. Award Ceremony.  

    Past recipients include: 

    • 2015- Kimesha Callie Flonnoy 
    • 2016- Caitlin Shimp 
    • 2017- Reilly Augustine 
    • 2018- Brianna Boehlke 
    • 2019- Ande'Marie Green 
    • 2020- Francesca Bowman