January 17, 2025
Dear members of the Conn College community,
I hope you are all well and enjoyed a winter break that was exactly what you needed. I want to reach out to mark Monday’s federal holiday when we celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
King’s life of service changed the trajectory of our nation’s history and the world as well. As I reflect on his work, I am struck that it represents the incredible power of leadership combined with focused collective effort. The Montgomery bus boycott involved the efforts of 30,000 to 40,000 people, sustained over 381 days. This effort required sacrifice of all involved to have their habits and conveniences disrupted in support of a vision for change and improvement that was not guaranteed. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom involved the efforts and engaged presence of 250,000 people, all aligned in a desire for a world committed to equity, inclusion and harmony.
On MLK Day, I encourage you to reflect on how you can contribute, in whatever ways you can, to the vision of a world that continues to advance equality and freedom. It is our great fortune to have the Holleran Center for Community Action here on campus. The Center, which is dedicated to service beyond oneself every day, was kind enough to offer the community a robust menu of opportunities for service that can be engaged individually or collectively, as one-time or ongoing opportunities.
May our hearts be tender, connected, uplifted and resolute enough to continue this great legacy.
Sincerely,
Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
President