Alvernia Students Engage in Martin Luther King Day of Service

20 Alvernia students embraced their civic responsibility and volunteered at the 2024 annual MLK Day of Service. Alvernia University's Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement partnered with the NAACP, Albright College and Penn State Berks for this national initiative observed each year on the third Monday in January as "a day on, not a day off." Students volunteered across the Reading community at Helping Harvest, the Reading Firefighter's Museum and Mary's Shelter.

"Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. through giving back to the community directly aligns with our Franciscan mission and Alvernia's core value of service," said Senior Director of the Holleran Center for Community & Global Engagement, Alyssa Slade. "Alvernia embraces this initiative as it allows us to not only address local needs but also instill a sense of civic responsibility and a culture of giving back in our students. By participating in this event, students can see how their impact fits into the larger picture as other groups serve alongside Alvernia, addressing other needs in the same community."

Students also participated in a pre-service reflection with Vice President of Mission, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Darryl Mace where they were able to deepen their knowledge about the meaning behind serving in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Mace discussed additional opportunities to honor MLK's legacy in our every day lives beyond the day of service.