Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., to give Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation Address

The Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., president of Fairfield University, will be the speaker at the university's Martin Luther King Jr. Human Relations Convocation on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 3 p.m., in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. His talk will focus on the history of Jesuits and multiculturalism and the importance of diversity in a Jesuit vision of education. Also on the program will be student reflections on peace and justice in today's world and the announcement of this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award winners. A reception follows in the lobby.

Fr. von Arx will present his views on why a diverse campus is integral to the education and socialization of all members of the university community. That diversity, he says, should include members of various racial and ethnic communities as well as those from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. Beyond increasing the diversity statistics on campus, Fr. von Arx will stress the importance of creating a welcoming and fully integrated community where people have the opportunity to learn from one another. The program is free and open to the public.

The convocation is the highlight of a three-day celebration that begins on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m., with an Interfaith Service and Multicultural Festival for the university community. Students, faculty and staff will offer prayers and words of peace and inspiration, followed by a "Taste of the World" food and cultural festival, accompanied by entertainment.

On Thursday, the traditional Multicultural Marketplace will be held in the John A. Barone Campus Center Lower Lobby from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with ethnic vendors, food, music and performances. The Marketplace moves to the Quick Center from 3:30 to 6 p.m. for the convocation. As part of the event, a pamphlet is being produced of selected speeches by Dr. King, accompanied by reflections from faculty and other university members.

Thursday evening the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Awards Dinner will be held in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business Dining Room at 6 p.m. The dinner honors recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Awards and the winners of the Connecticut Post-Fairfield University essay contest for 6th, 7th and 8th graders from Bridgeport. The Vision Awards, first presented in 2001, recognize community members who have worked "to instill and inspire the teachings and ideals of Martin Luther King Jr. in today's youth." The essay contest, begun last year, gives students the opportunity to write on the subject of "What Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy Means to Me and My Community."

The celebration comes to a close on Friday morning with the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Leadership Workshop for middle and high school students, which will be held in the Barone Campus Center Oak Room.

Posted On: 01-13-2005 10:01 AM

Volume: 37 Number: 139