RELEASED: January 7, 2010

To register for this year’s Diversity Days event, click here.

By Leigh Ivey

DANVILLE, KY—During the weekend of Jan. 17 and 18, prospective students are invited to campus for Centre College’s "Service, Leadership, Diversity Days."

The two-day event is part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Challenge, in which high school students have the opportunity to learn more about diversity at Centre, take part in community service and enjoy the College's celebration of King’s legacy.

The College welcomes all prospective students who identify themselves as service and/or diversity leaders in their high school and local community.

The 2010 theme is "A Day On, Not a Day Off," which will focus on King’s vision that urges people everywhere to "rise above the narrow confines of our individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

The Challenge is a region-wide effort "to get people engaged in community-based service work in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy," says Ned Frazer, associate director of admission.

Throughout the weekend, current Centre students will connect with students interested in attending the College and will focus on positive change in honor of King.

A key component of the weekend will be reflection upon what it means to be a citizen of the world today, to contribute meaningfully to society and to continue the mission set forth by King.

"It's our intention that by engaging students in working with and for the community that we'll cultivate an understanding of the value of service to others and thereby encourage students to engage in additional service in the future," Frazer says.

Those participating in the event will attend Centre's MLK Convocation, "The Dream Alive," in which former lieutenant governor of Colorado Joe Rogers will be speaking.

Following the convocation, students can enjoy a dessert reception and a game night hosted by the Diversity Student Union, Bonner Program and International Students Association.

On Monday, a Service Plunge will be held, enabling current and prospective students to volunteer at various sites in the Danville community. Sites include the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, the local food pantries at First Baptist Church and others.

After the Service Plunge, students have the opportunity to join a community celebration and march at the First Baptist Church in Danville.

To register for this year’s Diversity Days event, click here.

Have comments, suggestions, or story ideas? E-mail leigh.ivey@centre.edu with your feedback.

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Consumers Digest ranks Centre No. 1 in educational value among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.