Alvernia University honors MLK Day of Service with community engagement

Alvernia University students, faculty, staff, and alumni came together on Monday to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through our annual Day of Service focused on community connection, creativity, and meaningful impact. Nearly 110 participants volunteered, engaging in hands-on service activities designed to support local organizations and address community needs.

This year's project is part of a partnership with VOiCEup Berks and centers on the theme of Cultural Unity with a focus on Allyship. Students created individual artwork using canvas tiles and markers. Once finished, they photographed their pieces and uploaded them to a shared folder. These images will be used to assemble a larger digital mural to be displayed on Alvernia's campus. Participants were able to take their canvas tiles with them as a reminder of the day.

"Service is a great opportunity to connect with your community and the different populations around you," said Jordan Thompson '26, a literature major. "Through Alvernia, I've had so many chances to get involved, like today's MLK Day of Service and working with local organizations, which really allows us to make a meaningful impact."

Members of S.T.A.R., VOiCEup's youth leadership and service group, were also present. S.T.A.R. focuses on supporting youth-driven conversations and projects around racial equity in schools and the community. They guided students through the project, and one student leader offered brief remarks on allyship and student leadership.

"Being able to blend my work at Alvernia with my role at VOiCEup Berks, empowering young changemakers to strengthen their communities, is what motivates me every day," said Katie Diamond Rothstein, program director for Generation Impact at VOiCEup Berks and an Alvernia adjunct faculty member. "I love working for and with Alvernia and I love working for and with VOiCEup Berks."

The MLK Day of Service reflects Alvernia's commitment to experiential learning, civic engagement, and youth empowerment, encouraging students to translate classroom learning into action while making a difference in the community.

"Service learning and service work are core values in my life," said Rothstein. "Our Franciscan tradition of showing up for one another is what life is all about. When given the opportunity, Alvernia students always step up to help, and that inspires me both inside and outside of the classroom."