In January 2019, 200 students from across the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) service organization community participated in annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service. The annual Day of Service is hosted by the Center for Service and Action (CSA) to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, CSA works with students from all ten service organizations to donate their time and their organization’s resources to support the projects of a community partner.
CSA partnered with Our Lady of Victory School in Compton to transform traditional classrooms and hallways into spaces of creativity and learning, where students can be excited to come to school. This year specific projects included painting inspirational murals, plant gardens and other projects to help beautify the school.
Here are reflections from students on participating in the 2019 annual MLK Day of Service:
On Action
Service and justice correspond to empathy and action for me. These are values that have been instilled in me since childhood and give me a sense of purpose in my life. I am so grateful for my experience of being a part of a cause-related organization like CSA that has enabled me to grow and create values in ways that I have never been able to before.”
— Priyanka Gupta ’19, Marians
On Community
It is a reminder that we have such a wonderful community that takes every opportunity to serve our greater community, even on our day off. I am proud to be a member of such a giving community.”
— Donovan Moini, Magis
I loved that I was able to see so many people get involved during MLK day because that is what the day is all about. I am glad to be a part of an organization that provides ways for everyone to get involved.”
— Taylor Pajuen, Marians
On Encouragement
I wanted to participate in MLK Day of Service because I wanted to make an impact on the students that go there. I recall my own elementary/middle school and there were sometimes similar projects for our school. The feeling of coming back to school after a long weekend and seeing the art and words of encouragement on the walls and in the rooms was always uplifting. I wanted to be the same inspiration for these young students. Service and Justice have always been important to me because I recognize my place of privilege and I know that I can use that to help others.”
— Ethan Tsao, Magis
With the hard work of all the students who attended, the service organizations completed over ten projects for the school, and the principal and students who were in attendance were overwhelmed with gratitude.
Through this annual MLK Day of Service, the Service Organization Community not only celebrates the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. but also honors his memory through action that supports an entire community.
CSA works with the service organizations to foster on-campus service and community service as well as reflecting upon their experience of service. CSA coordinates communication between the leadership of these organizations and the Service Organization Council.
Each Service Organization at LMU has its own unique mission, history, charisma and organizational structure. The members of these organizations make themselves available for on-campus service as well as on-going commitments to serve at specific non-profit agencies in Southern California.