WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks honored the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with events and activities held on Jan. 20 and 21.
The Penn State Berks Sustainability Council hosted the MLK Day of Service project, which focused on the removal of invasive plant removal around campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Jayne Park-Martinez, assistant teaching professor of science and coordinator of research, planning and assessment led the event by discussing local invasive species, ways to remove them and plants to replace them. Then the group spent several hours removing invasive species found on campus. Participants also learned about the connection between Martin Luther King Jr. Day and service while enjoying pizza and hot beverages.
On Jan. 21, Penn State Berks hosted a celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The event featured a keynote address, student performances, awards recognition, and dinner. The keynote was titled "We Cannot Walk Alone: Bridging Divides, Building Community" by Darryl Mace, who currently serves as the vice president for mission, diversity and inclusion at Alvernia University and is the co-founder of Unstuck Insights LLC, a company focused on executive coaching, strategic planning and organizational culture.
Following the keynote, an awards reception recognized campus and local community individuals who embody Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through community service, leadership, and commitment to social justice and positive change.
Rani Bhogal, administrative support assistant in residence life, received the staff service award. She is the first face that many students living in the residence halls see at the front desk and is an advocate for students.