Braving the frigid temperatures, Deric Fritzges ’28 worked with a team to remove invasive plant species to promote a healthy space for native flora to grow.
MLK Day of Service Unites Juniata and the Community
Now in its sixth year, the annual event mobilized 250 volunteers at 30 service sites throughout the county.
“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said. At Juniata College, those words are put into action each year as volunteers spread out across Huntingdon County for the annual MLK Day of Service, held just before the start of the spring semester.
On January 19, 2026, 250 students, faculty, and staff worked at 30 project sites in partnership with local organizations.
“This National Day of Service gives us a chance to honor Dr. King’s legacy of community building while creating space for everyone to give back,” said Sarah Worley ’00, professor of communication and director of community-engaged teaching and learning. “It shows both our campus and our broader community that we show up for one another. Service happens all year, but this day brings us together to build community through service.”
Juniata’s MLK Day of Service outreach activities are supported through grant funding from the Partners for Campus-Community Engagement (PCCE).
The first campus-wide observance of the MLK Day of Service took place in January 2020. A virtual option was offered in 2021, and the annual event returned in person in 2022.
“Every time we think it can’t get bigger, it does,” Worley said. “We’ve grown in terms of volunteers and community partners.”
Serving on MLK Day was an exciting and meaningful experience because it allowed me to give back while actively connecting with the purpose of the day.
Painting the community center felt rewarding, knowing our work would help create a welcoming space for the community. As someone who isn’t from Huntingdon, I loved exploring a new place and meeting people from both the local community and my school.Olivia Seasor ’29
MLK Day of Service was an important day for students to come together and enjoy our community.
It made me think about how big our task was for one person, but it ended up being efficient with the help of volunteers. It was refreshing to be able to give back and have a personable experience with community members. A little bit of time made a difference to improve the local area.Eva Johnson ’27
What we did primarily impacted plant life, but the job that I was tasked with also allowed me to offer a space void of invasive plants to the students of Juniata, and the community of Huntingdon.
Impacting the community of Huntingdon in a positive manner gives me a sense that I am returning the generosity that this community gives to Juniata College.Deric Fritzges ’28
The MLK Day of Service was a very enjoyable event. Speaking to the community was even more exciting than the work. I have been participating in these MLK events since freshman year.
The first time really teaches you about how much helping one another plays a huge factor in growing as a person and I’m thankful these events helped everyone around us.Eric Jallah ’27
Eva Johnson ’27 joined a group led by Tammy Stuber, associate director of career development, supporting Juniata’s Career Clothing Closet and preparing peers for professional interviews.
Olivia Seasor ’29 freshened up the paint at the Huntingdon Community Center.
Eric Jallah ’27 was part of a group of volunteers guided by Derek James, dean of access, opportunity, and leadership development, serving the Mount Union Community Library.
A group of students volunteered to clean at the Swigart Antique Auto Museum.