Ithaca College

Each year, Ithaca College chooses a central theme for its annual MLK Day celebration. This year's theme is "Where Do You Stand," derived from the quote, "The ultimate measure of individuals is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy." This was taken from a Dr. King sermon entitled, "On Being a Good Neighbor."

The weeklong-plus schedule of events from January 25 through February 2 include a kick-off event featuring the MLK Scholars and a Diversity Listening Session hosted by President Rochon, educational workshops on Tuesday and Thursday, the "Take a Stand" Social Justice Fair on Wednesday, the MLK Day of Service on Saturday (register by Wednesday, January 27 to participate), and a conversation with President Rochon on Tuesday, February 2. Keep reading for all the details or visit the MLK Celebration website:

MLK Day Celebration 2010

Ithaca College’s MLK Day events will be themed around the issue of making choices amid controversy, the price one might pay for not getting involved, and the importance of being a good neighbor.

“On Being a Good Neighbor” examines the parable of the Good Samaritan, and redefines Samaritan as neighbor. Dr. King goes on to explain that a good neighbor has a capacity for universal altruism as well as a willingness to go beyond the call of duty. He states that good neighbors ask, “what will happen in society if I don’t participate” instead of “what will happen to me if I do participate.” He closes the sermon by stating, “more than ever before, (people) of all races and nations are today challenged to be neighborly."

The week’s schedule of events is:

Monday, January 25, 2010
3:30 p.m. - Emerson Suites - MLK Week Kick-Off
featuring the Amani Gospel Singers and the First Year MLK Scholars Civil Rights Tour Reflection

4:30 p.m.- Emerson Suites - "Diversity: A Listening Session"
Moderated by President Tom Rochon
For more information on this program, click here.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
12:15 p.m. - Klingenstein Lounge - "Modern-Day Abolitionism"
Professor Laura Murphy

12:15 p.m. - Clark Lounge - Talking Circle on Race and Racism
Sponsored by the Diversity Awareness Committee and the Multicultural Resource Center. For more information on this workshop, click here. You do not need to sign up in advance to attend these workshops.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Emerson Suites - “Take A Stand” Social Justice Fair
For more info on the fair, click here.

Thursday, January 28, 2010
12:15 p.m. - Klingenstein Lounge - "Difficult to Speak and Impossible to Remain Silent"
Professor Carla Stetson

12:15 p.m. - Clark Lounge - IC Climate Action Plan
Marian Brown
For more information, click here. You do not need to sign up in advance to attend these workshops.

Saturday, January 30, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - MLK Day of Service
Must register by Wednesday, January 27 to participate. Click here to register.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
12:15 p.m. - Klingenstein Lounge - "Comfort and Challenge in 2010"
President Tom Rochon
For more information, click here. You do not need to sign up in advance to attend this workshop.

***Please note, as the official Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday does not fall during the academic calendar, the College will not celebrate "A Day On, Not Off" but will revert to the weeklong programming schedule so that our students can be involved in the campus MLK celebration.