About

For more than 30 years, Valparaiso University and the surrounding community have gathered to celebrate, commemorate, and encourage the continuance of the work begun by Martin Luther King Jr.

The theme chosen for the 2025 MLK Day Celebration is inspired by King’s influential work, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” (1967). In this important analysis, King explored the next phase of the Civil Rights Movement. He called for a “beloved community” built on nonviolent social change, rather than succumbing to the potential chaos of racial division. On this day, we are dedicated to providing our students with opportunities to serve and lead. Our goal is to equip you for the coming changes with the tools necessary to navigate and lead in a changing world, guided by the values of our Lutheran tradition.

Instead of taking the day off and contemplating our call in isolation, we choose to gather as a community to collectively reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the work still left for us to do. Through thoughtful dialogue, focus sessions, and a compelling convocation, we allow King’s prophetic work to give life and guidance to fulfilling the dream today.