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Saint Joseph's News |
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University Hosts Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration
Hosted by State Representative Louise Williams Bishop, the event is sponsored by several organizations including Saint Joseph’s University, Comcast, Health Partners, Hershey Foods Corporation, Independence Blue Cross, Keystone Mercy, and McDonald’s. In past years, the event has gathered more than 4,000 people from the Philadelphia area. Tribute to Dr. King is paid through speech and music. This year’s guests include Jeff Bradshaw and Heavenly Brass Ensemble, the Gospel Ambassadors with Jay Caldwell, and the Sharon Baptist Praise Dancers with Reverend Dr. Keith Reed. "The University is honored to host this celebration," said Patty Martin, associate director of government and community relations. "Dr. King was a man who worked to join all people together, regardless of their race or beliefs. This task embodies the Jesuit ideal of being men and women with and for others, a goal this University strives for every day." In addition, Saint Joseph’s student athletes will spend their “Day On” doing service at different community sites. Sophomore members of the men's lacrosse team will go to Aspen Farms Community Gardens. Women's cross-country will go the First African American Presbyterian Church. The women's rowing team will divide up among three sites: Rev. Dr. Chantal's Church, Morris Park through Philly Cares and Ardmore YMCA through Philly Cares. BACKGROUND: Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive, educational experience. One of only 142 schools with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 4,150 full-time undergraduates and 2,700 graduate, part-time and doctoral students. Steeped in the 450-year Jesuit tradition of scholarship and service, Saint Joseph's was recently named to the 2006 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for General Community Service. The University strives to be recognized as the preeminent Catholic comprehensive university in the Northeast. -30- Contact: Alexa Bonadonna, Communications Coordinator, 610-660-3226, abonadon@sju.edu |
PHILADELPHIA (January 9, 2007) — On Monday January 15, the Saint Joseph’s Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse will host the 20th annual birthday celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On October 26, 1967, Saint Joseph’s was the site of one of Dr. King’s final public speeches. Almost 40 years later, the University and neighboring community will gather to celebrate “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” as the celebration has come to be known— a day designated to reflect on the mission of Dr. King and to advance that mission by continuing his service to the community.