DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event on Tuesday, Jan. 20, welcoming members of the campus and local community for a public program focused on service, volunteerism and unity.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The View Café, located inside the Study Learning Center (SLC) Building. While the campus will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of the federal holiday, the MLK program will be held the following day and is free and open to the public.

This year’s event reflects The King Center’s 2026 theme, “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” Amber Viola, a Northeastern Pennsylvania resident who is a mother, veteran, social worker and community activist, will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Viola is the host of the podcast “Politics but make it Fashion” and the first Black female commander of the Gouldsboro American Legion Post 274. Her talk, titled “Volunteerism,” will focus on the role of service in strengthening communities and creating positive social change. In addition to the keynote address, Penn State Scranton will present two Excellence in Diversity Awards during the program. The awards recognize individuals in the local and campus communities who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion and who have made meaningful contributions to creating a welcoming community. Established in 2015 by the campus Diversity Advisory Council, these awards recognize outstanding efforts toward fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Penn State Scranton celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year to honor the life and work of the civil rights icon and to recognize the campus’ ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Registration is encouraged and requested by Friday, Jan. 16.

Volunteer opportunity for MLK Day of Service

In addition to the MLK Day program, the campus will host an MLK Day of Service on Thursday, Jan. 29. Volunteers will assist CHOP Out Hunger, located at 1739 Dickson Ave. Suite 3 in Scranton. Two service shifts are available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. or from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested are asked to sign up by Jan. 27.

Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Marianne Gable at 570-963-2539 or email mcg18@psu.edu in advance of your participation or visit.

Students, faculty, staff and members of the local community are encouraged to attend the annual event, which honors the legacy of Dr. King through reflection, dialogue and recognition.