Living MLK’s Dream, Partners Find ‘Unity’ in ‘Community’

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

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

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.

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

Holding his audience in thrall

Making time for newfound fans

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.

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

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

Fulfilling a service project at Firetree Place is this group of volunteers – including Jessica L. Zimmerman (kneeling at center), of Williamsport, an early childhood education student at Penn College.

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

Fueled by hot coffee and the warmth of friendship

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.”

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.

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

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

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

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

“A day on, not a day off”

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

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

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

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.

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 “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.”