Living MLK's Dream, Partners Find 'Unity' in 'Community'

Published 01.21.2018

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Dream Week, in which Penn College and its community collaborators practice the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., featured a number of events designed to effect positive change on campus and beyond. In a week that included some winter curveballs, the community spirit shone through in such activities as a Peace Walk, rally and service projects at local nonprofits; and an appearance by Herman Boone, the former Virginia football coach portrayed by Denzel Washington in "Remember the Titans."


– Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann and by J.J. Boettcher, student photographers




 A registrant adds the power of one to the strength of hundreds.

A registrant adds the power of one to the strength of hundreds.

Standing alongside a photo of the day's guiding spirit, Katie L. Mackey, director of campus and community engagement at Penn College, welcomes participants.

Standing alongside a photo of the day's guiding spirit, Katie L. Mackey, director of campus and community engagement at Penn College, welcomes participants.

Those taking part in the day's activities rally in the college's Bardo Gymnasium.

Those taking part in the day's activities rally in the college's Bardo Gymnasium.

Hannah E. Dawson, a first-year legal assistant/paralegal major from Williamsport, defines
something ... yet we are all here today for something quite remarkable."" />

Hannah E. Dawson, a first-year legal assistant/paralegal major from Williamsport, defines "community" for her audience: "Each one of you is just one small piece of

something ... yet we are all here today for something quite remarkable."

While the weather prompted a last-minute change in the route, marchers' enthusiasm was warmer than ever.

While the weather prompted a last-minute change in the route, marchers' enthusiasm was warmer than ever.

Community Peer Educator Maepearl S. St. George (left), of Bellefonte, joins the Peace Walk across campus.

Community Peer Educator Maepearl S. St. George (left), of Bellefonte, joins the Peace Walk across campus.

Brittany Tasch, member development coordinator with STEP AmeriCorps, commends the crowd for its commitment to unity.

Brittany Tasch, member development coordinator with STEP AmeriCorps, commends the crowd for its commitment to unity.

The event's traditional collaboration between Penn College and Lycoming College is noted by Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs and provost, who championed the combined campuses' efforts to

The event's traditional collaboration between Penn College and Lycoming College is noted by Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs and provost, who championed the combined campuses' efforts to "build up, rather than tear down."

Jeff Lecrone, director of spiritual life at Lycoming College and president of the Beloved Community Council, advocates for year-round adherence to the goals of peace and civil rights.

Jeff Lecrone, director of spiritual life at Lycoming College and president of the Beloved Community Council, advocates for year-round adherence to the goals of peace and civil rights.

Richard James of the Beloved Community Council encourages participation as the path to positive change.

Richard James of the Beloved Community Council encourages participation as the path to positive change.

The Rev. John Manno applauds the day's turnout, particularly by college students spending a day off in service to others.

The Rev. John Manno applauds the day's turnout, particularly by college students spending a day off in service to others.

The day's unifying force is embodied in Emily Gale, program manager at STEP AmeriCorps, another of the event's partners.

The day's unifying force is embodied in Emily Gale, program manager at STEP AmeriCorps, another of the event's partners.

Students Tanner A. Huff, of Altoona, and Timothy J. Lamont, of Eldred, scrub the floor at Firetree Place, a community center on Campbell Street in Williamsport. Huff majors in engineering design technology; Lamont in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

Students Tanner A. Huff, of Altoona, and Timothy J. Lamont, of Eldred, scrub the floor at Firetree Place, a community center on Campbell Street in Williamsport. Huff majors in engineering design technology; Lamont in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

A group of volunteers, including Penn College students, fulfills a service project at Firetree Place

A group of volunteers, including Penn College students, fulfills a service project at Firetree Place

Boone shares the spotlight with Luis R. Rodriguez, of Bronx N.Y., a WIldcat baseball player who majors in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

Boone shares the spotlight with Luis R. Rodriguez, of Bronx N.Y., a WIldcat baseball player who majors in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

A pre-lecture event in the Athletics Office allows student-athletes and other invited guests to

A pre-lecture event in the Athletics Office allows student-athletes and other invited guests to "meet and greet" the keynoter.

Making time for newfound fans

Making time for newfound fans

Student leaders gather 'round the evening's guest.

Student leaders gather 'round the evening's guest.

Campus and community gather in the ACC Auditorium for a football story that transcends the playing field.

Campus and community gather in the ACC Auditorium for a football story that transcends the playing field.

Herman Boone shares his inspiring story at Thursday's Dream Week culmination.

Herman Boone shares his inspiring story at Thursday's Dream Week culmination.

Holding his audience in thrall

Holding his audience in thrall

Participants, from multiple generations and walks of life, loop around campus in a show of community cooperation.

Participants, from multiple generations and walks of life, loop around campus in a show of community cooperation.

"A day on, not a day off"

Fueled by hot coffee and the warmth of friendship

Fueled by hot coffee and the warmth of friendship

Sunlight streams through clouds and onto a snowy Penn College campus.

Sunlight streams through clouds and onto a snowy Penn College campus.

After walking for peace and solidarity, marchers enter Bardo Gym for a rally.

After walking for peace and solidarity, marchers enter Bardo Gym for a rally.