Seton Hill University will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of community service on Saturday, February 7 and an educational program on Tuesday, February 17. Seton Hill University has entered into a partnership with Westmoreland County Community College, Saint Vincent College, and the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to engage Rev. Bernice King, youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, as a guest speaker on Tuesday, February 17.

In keeping with Dr. Martin Luther King’s commitment to service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Task Force at Seton Hill University will host its annual Take the Day On community service program on Saturday, February 7. Through this project, Seton Hill faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate in a community service project. Community service sites include: Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry, Redstone Highlands Nursing Facility, Green Meadow Nursing Facility, YMCA in Greensburg, Christian Layman Store, St. Emma’s Monastery, Caritas Christi, Westmoreland Cleanways, and Saint Joseph Chapel at Seton Hill University. In 2008, approximately 90 students participated in the Take the Day On activities.

Take the Day On, coordinated by Seton Hill’s Campus Ministry office, provides opportunities for students to assist the very young and the elderly, the unemployed and economically disadvantaged, the homeless and the disabled. Cindy Boland, director of Campus Ministry at the University commented, “We encourage our students to reflect on the value of meaningful service in their community. St. Matthew writes in his Gospel, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ Seton Hill students are living the Beatitudes by extending peace and friendship to others through their good works. Community service and service learning are hallmarks of the Seton Hill experience.”

Take the Day On is only one example of the Seton Hill community’s commitment to service. In 2007-2008, 785 Seton Hill students took part in academic service learning; 727 students were engaged in forms of community service other than academic service learning; 453 students were involved in at least 20 hours of community service per semester. Seton Hill University students provided 25,812 service hours overall.

In addition to Take the Day On, Seton Hill students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in an educational program on Tuesday, February 17, at 7 p.m. at the Youngwood Campus of Westmoreland County Community College. Rev. Bernice A. King will serve as the guest speaker. Rev. King, who has a strong concern for community and family partnership, will speak on the topic “To Whom Much is Given, Much Is Expected.” This event is open to the public and general admission tickets may be purchased through Westmoreland County Community College by calling 724-925-6890.

Seton Hill, Saint Vincent, and Westmoreland County Community College students and faculty will be admitted free with ticket. College students should contact the following offices at their campuses for tickets: Seton Hill University Office of Activities and Commuter Life, 724-838-4213; Saint Vincent College Office of Campus Life, 724-805-2094; and Westmoreland County Community College Events Services, 724-925-6890.