FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Monday will mark the 15th year this country has officially observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first being in 1986. Had he lived, the great civil rights leader would have been 71 years old this year.

Activities in King’s memory on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville include a Recommitment Banquet this Friday evening at the Arkansas Union Ballroom. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, 77, of Cincinnati, who is perhaps best known for his work alongside King during the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott.

In addition to Shuttlesworth’s speech, four individuals and one local corporation will be recognized for their contributions. They are state Rep. Sue Madison, Korienne Barnes, Christine Childress, the late Pearl Blye, and Proctor & Gamble Inc. For more information on the banquet or to purchase tickets, call John L. Colbert at 527-3610.

At noon Monday, a Student Commemoration Service and Vigil will be held at the Fulbright Peace Fountain. The public is invited to participate in the lighting of candles and the placing of carnations in King’s memory. There will also be a moment of silence before student speakers reflect on the impact of King’s work on their lives. For more information on this ceremony, contact Eddie Armstrong at 575-5201.

Then from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday the words of Dr. King will be spoken at nine sites across campus. The Read-In will feature students, faculty, staff and community members reading the stirring writings and speeches of King. For further information on this event, contact Jaquator Hamer at 575-8405.