On Jan. 19, 2026, Viterbo University students and staff honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by dedicating their time to service rather than treating the day as a break from classes. The annual service initiative reflects Dr. King’s belief that justice, equality and responsibility must be practiced through action, and not just discussed in words.
Kristin Mull is one of the CREW and a volunteer coordinator, which includes helping plan small events around campus. Mull emphasized that participating in service on MLK Day allows students to engage directly in Dr. King’s message in a meaningful way. “Participating in service on MLK Day helps students at Viterbo better understand Dr. King’s message and legacy by putting his values of justice and equality into action,” Mull explained. Rather than viewing social change as something distant or abstract, students learn that it is “relational, local, and ongoing,” Mull stated. Through their involvement, students see how their actions can create a ripple effect that contributes to broader change within the community.
Mull also noted that Viterbo students and employees intentionally choose service as a way to honor Dr. King, instead of viewing the holiday as simply a day off from school. “Viterbo employees and students view service as a meaningful way to honor Dr. King because it puts his values of justice, equality, compassion, and active citizenship into action,” she said. Serving others allows participants to feel more deeply connected to the community, and as one participant shared, “it fills their cup and renews their sense of purpose.”
Community service on MLK Day also teaches students important lessons about justice, equality, and responsibility. Mull explained that these values are not abstract ideas, but commitments that require action. “Justice means responding to real needs, equality involves recognizing the dignity of every person, and responsibility requires actively caring for the community,” she said. By engaging directly with community organizations and individuals, students gain a clearer understanding of what these values look like in practice.
Serving others on MLK Day can also have a lasting impact on students beyond their college years. According to Mull, service helps students recognize the influence their actions can have on others. “Serving others on MLK Day can encourage students to become more active citizens beyond college by helping them see the impact of their actions on their community,” she explained. Experiencing the tangible outcomes of service teaches students the importance of civic engagement and shows that meaningful change often begins with “small, consistent efforts.” In this case, that means students helping others in a responsible setting and giving the sense of professionalism in the future of how service can address real needs.
Mull added that service reflects Dr. King’s belief that everyone has a role in improving society. “Positive change depends on the contributions of individuals, not just leaders or institutions,” she said. When students and staff volunteer, they actively participate in addressing real community needs, demonstrating that each person’s effort truly matters.
In addition to benefiting students, MLK Day service strengthens the relationship between Viterbo University and the surrounding community. Mull explained that collaboration with local organizations fosters trust and shared responsibility. “When students and staff serve alongside local organizations and residents, they contribute not only to meeting real needs but also modeling the engaged citizenship Dr. King encouraged,” she said. These efforts help build a more connected and caring community.
Through service, reflection and community partnership, Viterbo University continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy by living out his vision. By making MLK Day a “day on, not a day off,” as Mull put it, the university reinforces the idea that justice and equality are upheld through action, compassion and continued commitment to others.
