Wilmington College's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program Jan. 18 will feature the theme "You Matter," as the community celebration returns — albeit prerecorded — with music, speakers and thoughtful reflections. New WC President Trevor M. Bates will provide a keynote address.

The program honoring MLK's legacy will be featured as a YouTube video easily accessible on the College's social media and website homepage at www.wilmington.edu beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Observed as a federal holiday since 1986, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of Wilmington College's signature outreach programs to the local community presented by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

In addition to the College president, featured speakers will include the Rev. R. Scott Miller from the United Methodist Church; Dr. Michael Snarr, professor of political science; Nancy McCormick, campus minister; and several WC students. Musical selections will be provided by the Praise Team from Bible Missionary Baptist Church; Randy Zimmerman from Cornerstone Baptist Church; and WC alumna Brandi James.

Also, this year's recipient of the Nedra Gordon Memorial Scholarship will be announced. Gordon, the mother of several sons who graduated from WC, was a community activist and advocate for solving local issues associated with hunger and homelessness.

Earlier in the day, students, faculty and staff will renew another Wilmington College tradition when they participate in the national day of service associated with the King holiday — often described as "a day on, not a day off." The Office of Service and Civic Engagement will send volunteers to serve in the local community that Monday morning.

The College is one of 10 organizations to receive ServeOhio grants, as WC students will be among 312 volunteers across the state working on the MLK Day service component. This year's grant-funded project will be to replace and build damaged shelving, along with other tasks, at the Clinton County Homeless Shelter.