MLK Day of Service 2018

Thoughts from Dr. Kesselman on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 

Each year, in honor of Dr. King’s legacy, our planning committee intentionally strives to create a more meaningful program for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. With a university mission and curriculum rooted in the values of “giving back” and “dedication to service,” this year, we’ve decided to extend our program to include a full week of service, which allows for more opportunities to learn from one another, to have meaningful dialogue with each other, and to engage in service to others.

MLK Day of Service Kesselmans on the BeachI see many new faces with us today, but I also see many returning participants. And if you recall, last year I challenged you not to forget why we do what we do here, the reason why we serve. I challenged you to remember what service is really about, the act of helping others, and what it’s not about… seeking glory and praise for oneself. I challenged you to embrace the commitment of lending a hand, not boasting about your voluntary service, saying “Look at me… look at what I’m doing. Ain’t I special?”

In one of Dr. King’s greatest sermons, delivered exactly two months before the date of his assassination, the “Drum Major Instinct,” …he referred to the latter as one’s motivation of “doing good” being cloaked in the need to be out in front, to gain attention, or receive recognition in the eyes of others.

He went on to share that all of the accolades and awards, or any other outward measure of achievements he had received, were really unimportant; but when that day would come when he would leave this earth, he stated those things of which he would truly want to be said about him, or to be remembered for…

And at the very top of his list, he said, “I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others… I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.”

He would close his thoughts with, “If I can help somebody as I pass along… then my living will not be in vain.”

To Dr. King, his service to humanity was his greatest achievement.  Service was his calling.

So in closing, this year I challenge you to go deeper. I challenge you to allow some real time for reflection on the importance of this experience. Because it is important. Important to our community, but also important to our personal development and well-being.

You see, this act of service provides benefits that will last a lifetime. It allows us to see how we are all connected, and promotes those necessary life skills to become engaged citizens within our community. It helps to foster a greater understanding of each other, and encourages communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.

But moreover, it helps us to build our sense of compassion for each other, which in turn, helps us become better human beings. 

Today, you are answering Dr. King’s question of “What are you doing for others?” You’ve even checked your egos and ulterior motivations at the door.

But when it’s all said and done, and the last assignment has been completed…When you are home or back in the dorms, and you have some alone time, I’d like for you to pause for a moment… actually more than a moment, and ask yourself, “What are my take-aways from today’s Day of Service?”

I want you to ask yourself… to go deeper.

Thank you and I’ll meet you in the field of service!

Press Release: More Than 800 Give Back at 14th MLK Day of Service