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MLK Day ON

MLK Day ON 2026: Freedom. Community. Solidarity. Justice.

The University of Portland community considers Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a day ON (not a day off), in the spirit of Dr. King’s question: “What are you doing for others?” Our MLK Day ON events reflect-in-action UP’s commitments to teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership.

MLK Day ON Student Prize Drawing (UP students): Check in at each MLK Day ON signature event to earn entries (each event = 1 entry; attend all three for a bonus entry) Prizes include dinner for four with President Robert D. Kelly, two 2026–27 full-year parking permits, and UP Athletics swag.

Click Here for Full details / official rules

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026

University of Portland Day of Service (UP-affiliated community)

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service, an invitation to volunteer and strengthen our local community in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Eligibility: This service day is open to UP-affiliated participants (students, staff, faculty, alumni, donors, Board of Regents members, and family members of any of these).
Click Here to Sign up!
Note: Spaces are limited; we encourage you to register quickly.

Contact: oiedi@up.edu or moreaucenter@up.edu

Day of Service — Sat, Jan 17, 2026: UP students, check in with your Event Pass to earn an entry in the MLK Day ON Student Prize Drawing (bonus entry for attending all three signature events).

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM (PT)

Interfaith Vigil Celebration (Open to the public)

Join us the evening before MLK Day for an interfaith vigil featuring gospel music, student readings, reflection, and candle lighting. This year’s vigil centers Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech through four words guiding MLK Day ON 2026: Freedom. Community. Solidarity. Justice.

WHAT: Interfaith Vigil Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 7:00–8:15 PM (PT)
WHERE: Chapel of Christ the Teacher (CCTT), University of Portland
FEATURED: Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir; student readings; guest reflection by Lieutenant Colonel Terrance "TP" Pitts; candle lighting
WHO: All are welcome (open to the public)

Click here to sign up!

Interfaith Vigil Celebration — Sun, Jan 18, 7:00–8:15 PM: UP students, check in with your Event Pass to earn an entry in the MLK Day ON Student Prize Drawing (bonus entry for attending all three signature events).

What does the dream demand now panel image with Dr. MLK Jr. foregrounded at Washington Mall in DC giving "I Have a Dream" speech.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026 | 3:00 PM (PT)

What Does the Dream Demand Now? (Open to the public)

MLK Day ON 2026 Multidisciplinary Panel: Freedom. Community. Solidarity. Justice.

Join us for the keynote conversation of MLK Day ON 2026. In dialogue with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech (shared the night before through the Interfaith Vigil of student readings), this panel invites our community to ask: What stories do we tell about freedom, community, solidarity, and justice—and what stories must we tell differently now?

WHAT: MLK Day ON 2026 Keynote Panel
WHEN: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 3:00 PM (PT)
WHERE: Brian Doyle Auditorium, Dundon-Berchtold Hall
OPTION: Zoom Webinar option available (registration required, available at link below)
WHO: Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members seeking a thoughtful, grounded, action-oriented conversation worthy of a day ON.

Click here to sign up!

Keynote Panel — Mon, Jan 19, 3:00 PM: UP students, check in with your Event Pass (in person) or attend via individual webinar registration (UP email required) to earn an entry (bonus entry for attending all three signature events).

This is a live, in-person event. If you would like to attend live virtually, register by clicking here.

Archive of previous MLK Day On events.