ALMA — Alma College will honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events during the week of Jan. 19, celebrating his enduring vision for justice, service, and hope.

The week’s activities will be highlighted by the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in Presbyterian Hall at the Oscar E. Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and all students, faculty, staff, and community partners are encouraged to attend.

The program will feature a welcome from Alma College President Joe Odenwald, speeches by student winners of the oratorical contest, musical performances by the Alma College Choir, and a keynote address by Mr. Stan Shingles.

“MLK Day and the week of events that follow are an important time for our community to reflect on Dr. King’s values of justice, service, and hope,” said Damon Brown, vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer at Alma College. “We are grateful to Mr. Shingles and our student speakers for helping us honor Dr. King’s legacy and inspire continued action toward equity and unity.”

Shingles recently retired from his position as interim vice president of student affairs at Central Michigan University, where he served for 35 years in various roles. Shingles also served as an adjunct professor at CMU, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, and spent several years broadcasting Division I football and basketball at CMU.

Shingles is affiliated with a number of local professional associations and nonprofit organizations; including service as president of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, a state director for the Michigan Intramural-Recreational Sports Association and president of the Mid-American Conference Recreation Directors Association. He is also active with Special Olympics Michigan, United Way, American Red Cross and the Angel Wings Fund.

In addition to the keynote program, several other events are planned for students, staff, and faculty of Alma College.

On Monday, MLK National Day of Service, Alma College students, faculty, staff and community members will create meal kits for the Community Cabinet, with support from a grant from the Michigan Community Service Commission.

The public is invited to attend the Hilson Poetry Slam, where poets of all skill levels will perform works inspired by Dr. King’s legacy. It is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Ballyhoo Books and Brew, 111 W. Superior St. An open mic session will be available for anyone wishing to perform; memorization is not required. The event honors the late Calvin Hilson ’06, who began the tradition of hosting a poetry slam on MLK Day at Alma College and passed away in 2016.

The week’s events will conclude with the 2025 Unity Celebration, held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Tyler-Van Dusen Campus Center. Participants will celebrate the week’s achievements with live entertainment, dinner, and community. The public is welcome to attend, and no RSVP is required.

For more information, contact the Alma College Diversity and Inclusion Office at diversity@alma.edu or (989) 463-7247.