Campus Update Ep. 112 | MLK events throughout January at SMSU with Jeet Sausen Diversity & Inclusion Office

This week, we cover all of the events and opportunities that The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at SMSU is hosting in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year’s theme is “Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” and features educational and volunteer opportunities to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Events include the Vernon Jordan Documentary Screening (in-person) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00-1:15pm in CH104. Free and open to all. No registration required.

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a virtual screening of the Vernon Jordan Documentary will be available at 12:00-1:15pm via Zoom. Sign up required to participate in the Zoom. Register at: qrco.de/vernonjordan 

The “I Have a Dream” Reflection room is in SC 235 and is available from January 12-23, Monday - Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Visitors are welcome to stop in and reflect as frequently as they like. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the space.

There will be a Clothing and Food Drive from January 12-23. Items can be brought to the ODI Office (SC 231) from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23. Refer the Mustang Market’s website for donation ideas: www.smsu.edu/campuslife/mustangmarket

There are also Volunteer opportunities have been a traditional part of SMSU’s MLK Day programming. This year, individuals can sign up for a number of service projects and programs: 

• SMSU Mustang Market: Assist in shelf stocking and organizing food donations.
• Lyon County Museum: Help with organization in the storage room.
• UCAP Kitchen Table and Food Shelf- Marshall, Tracy, or Westbrook: Assist in shelf stocking, unloading truck deliveries, and packing food requests
• UCAP Free Tax Clinic: Provide administrative support by helping clients schedule appointments.

Visit www.SMSU.edu/go/MLK for specific dates, days, and times of availability at each volunteer location. #MLKDAY2026