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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (January 16, 2004) — Milligan College will honor and remember the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of events next week, culminated with an afternoon of community service. The college announced earlier this month that day classes on Wednesday, Jan. 21, would be cancelled and all students and campus personnel would be asked to volunteer in the community.
“For the past several years, the college has discussed ways of honoring the work and memory of Dr. King,” said Milligan president Donald R. Jeanes. “His life reflects Milligan’s mission of servant leadership.”
Jeanes said that he appointed a special committee of faculty, staff and students last fall to discuss how to best recognize King’s legacy. The committee developed a multi-phase plan for the campus.
The week of reflection begins Sunday, Jan. 18, with a vespers prayer walk and memorial tribute at 10 p.m. On Monday, Jan. 19, students are asked to pause throughout the day in remembrance at candle light memorial locations around campus. Tuesday evening, the SUB7 Coffeehouse and Milligan Fine Arts Council will sponsor an evening of poetry, music and fellowship which highlights the heritage of African-American culture.
The events will culminate Wednesday, Jan. 21. In lieu of traditional day classes, the day will begin with a special chapel service at 9:30 a.m. in Seeger Chapel, followed by a campus-wide brunch from 10:30-1 p.m. in McCormick Dining Center. The afternoon will then be spent in service in various community locations in the Tri-Cities.
“All students are invited to celebrate with a day of service and reflection in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Danielle Booth, director of student life. “Student clubs and organization leaders are organizing volunteer groups to work in the community. Faculty and staff will be joining the groups in service and helping provide transportation for the students.”
Milligan’s campus minister, Nathan Flora, said that the purpose of the college’s recognition is to promote interracial cooperation, as well as to provide Milligan students with an example of servant leadership.
“Here’s a Christian preacher who had a tremendous impact on our culture and dramatically changed the landscape not only of our nation but the entire world,” said Flora. “His desire for equality and peace changed lives and shaped our culture. What a portrait of servant-leadership for our students to see.”