January 15 marked the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King promoted tolerance, equality and opportunity, and his legacy exemplified service and learning as cornerstones to the peaceful coexistence of people from all walks of life.
To honor Dr. King’s legacy, the UW Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D) partnered with the UW College of Engineering and the Pacific Science Center to give back to the community with a day of service. Seattle Public School elementary students were invited to take part in hands-on math and science activities at the Pacific Science Center. Three-hundred and forty-five students from Emerson, Dunlap, Gatzert and Roxhill elementary schools joined together to celebrate Dr. King’s dream of striving to educate, achieve and ensure justice for all.
Opening remarks were made by Thomas Calhoun, Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering, followed by Rodney Proctor, a Pacific Science Center board member. Keynote speaker and Microsoft XBOX Live computer engineer Tychaun Jones gave an inspirational speech about his own path to success and the opportunity for others to do the same.
The students experienced a laser show and spent much of the afternoon interacting with each other and exploring the different exhibits, recreational areas and activities offered by the Pacific Science Center. Students also submitted poems they felt exemplified the essence of Dr. King’s teachings and prizes were distributed for the winning poem. Enthusiastic parents, teachers, volunteers and students all praised the day of math and science activities as a fantastic way to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Closing remarks were made by Joy Williams Doyle, a current graduate student at UW, as well as representatives from OMA&D and the College of Engineering.
This year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service inspired understanding, learning and growth both individually and collectively. The event has become an OMA&D tradition, serving the community with growing numbers of volunteers each year
