Seton Hill University’s spring semester begins January 22, 2013. Because students return to campus after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 21, the University will celebrate King’s legacy with an educational program on Thursday, January 31, and a day of community service on Saturday, February 2.

On January 31, from 11:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Seton Hill University students, faculty and staff will attend an educational program featuring a presentation by Larry Bell.

Bell has served as director of the National Coalition Building Institute’s (NCBI) District of Columbia Chapter and regional director (Mid-Atlantic Region) of NCBI International. He is a former assistant dean, chaplain and director of the Ministry of Racial Reconciliation at the Servant Leadership School in Washington, D.C., and adjunct faculty and visiting fellow at George Mason University. He has been an advisor, senior training consultant and member of the Board of Directors at NCBI International for more than 15 years and a senior leader of the African Heritage Caucus. His expertise includes prejudice reduction, diversity and inclusion, conflict resolution, team-building, violence prevention and spiritual direction.

Seton Hill’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Task Force will host its annual “Take the Day On” community service program on Saturday, February 2, which engages Seton Hill faculty, staff and students in community service projects at project sites throughout Westmoreland County. In 2012, nearly 100 members of the Seton Hill community participated in service initiatives on this day.

Coordinated in partnership with Seton Hill’s Campus Ministry office, “Take the Day On” provides opportunities for students to assist the very young and the elderly, the unemployed and economically disadvantaged, the homeless and the disabled. Sister Maureen O’Brien, S.C., director of Campus Ministry at the University said, “Community service and service learning are hallmarks of the Seton Hill experience. We encourage our students to reflect on the value of meaningful service in their community.”