Nearly 500 students and staff from Walsh University participated in a Day of Service on January 20, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. This event marked the start of Human Dignity Week at the university, with volunteers engaging in service projects across Stark County.

The day began with breakfast at the Schervish Dining Centre, featuring an address by Stark County Prosecutor Kyle Stone. He urged participants to use their unique gifts and serve others with love and purpose. "You don’t have to mimic Dr. King to support the dream," Stone said. "Whatever and however you serve, do it in love—not for accolades, but for the well-being of others."

Volunteers engaged in various activities such as youth programming and sorting food donations at community sites including Beech Creek Botanical Gardens, Boys & Girls Club, Gigi’s Playhouse, House of Loreto, Lighthouse Ministry, Refuge of Hope, Stark Fresh, SAM Center, YMCA Canton among others.

Walsh University emphasizes servant leadership as a core value; all students participate in service during their time on campus. The event honored Dr. King's legacy through acts of kindness and solidarity.

Human Dignity Week runs from January 20-26 and includes activities like an MLK Essay Contest where winners received scholarships for essays demonstrating grace and respect. Other events include a Blouin Scholar Human Dignity and Poverty Awareness Event, a March for Life Trip to Washington D.C., and basketball games against Malone University.

Dr. Tim Collins, President of Walsh University stated: “As a Catholic university, we are called to foster servant leaders who dedicate themselves to making a difference in their communities.”