UT Tyler Encourages Participation in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
January 16, 2008

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is Jan. 21, and The University of Texas at Tyler encourages its faculty, staff and students to participate in local civic and volunteer activities during the holiday.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of observing the King Holiday as a day of service. In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging Americans to celebrate the King Holiday as a day of service reflecting King’s life and teachings.

Through UT Service and Civic Participation initiative, students, staff and faculty on all UT System campuses can participate in various activities and record their volunteer hours for service and civic participation through the UT Service and Community Service Web site, http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/s/ut.

The UT Service and Civic Participation program is part of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, which promotes UT System’s tradition of volunteer service. The Council has created the President’s Volunteer Service Awards as a way to thank and honor Americans who engage in volunteer service and inspire others to volunteer their time and energy.

“We encourage all students and employees to participate in the Day of Service,” said Carol Killingley, UT Tyler administrative services officer. “The university community may participate in Tyler’s annual march planned for MLK Service Day. The march begins at Butler Plaza and ends at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Tyler.” 

Individuals also may visit the Web site www.mlkday.gov to find out about other King Day services projects and events in their surrounding communities.