Happy New Year Comets!As the flurry of the spring semester commences next week, I would encourage each of us to pause and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose timeless words are just as meaningful today as they were more than a half-century ago when he called upon the best in us to achieve our collective dream for a better world. This year, Dr. King’s birthday will be observed as a federal holiday on Monday, Jan. 15.As one of the most prominent leaders of American civil rights, Dr. King believed that equality under the law is a basic human right.I am especially drawn to Dr. King’s words when accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964: “We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.”Dr. King remained hopeful, nonetheless, that the deep divisions separating people could be overcome. He knew that realizing the dream starts with each of us. He also knew that it matters how we respond to people with differing viewpoints or life experiences. At UT Dallas, I am proud of our students, staff and faculty who routinely reach out to those outside of their own groups. This coming week, for instance, numerous UTD students are volunteering for three local nonprofit organizations as part of our annual MLK Day of Service on Thursday, Jan. 18. The Office of Student Volunteerism is hosting the event, which will benefit Carter Bloodcare, Feed My Starving Children and Vogel Alcove.The theme of our observance this year is: “It Starts with Me – Yesterday’s Dream & Today’s Vision.” Let us continue to be inspired by the example of kindness and service set by Dr. King and all those — including all of you — who continue his work today.Thank you for all you do.Sincerely,
Dr. Richard C. BensonPresidentEugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership
