UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS NAMED 2004 CORPORTATION/ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR BY NORTHWEST ARKANSAS MLK PLANNING COMMITTEE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - For its part in an eight-year relationship with the Northwest Arkansas MLK Planning Committee, the University of Arkansas was named the Corporation/Organization of the Year for 2004. The university received the award Monday, Jan. 19, at the committee’s Recommitment Banquet, held at the Fayetteville Town Center.

"Through services and facilities as well as committee membership, the university has maintained a proud relationship with the Northwest Arkansas MLK Planning Committee since 1996," Chancellor John A. White said. "We have shared a special bond in the annual celebration of Martin Luther King Week, and I look forward to seeing those ties grow even stronger in the future."

Working with the Northwest Arkansas MLK Planning Committee, the university hosts numerous events annually during the week celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. This year’s events include the annual MLK march that concludes at the Fulbright Peace Fountain on campus; a noon vigil sponsored by the Black Student Organization and the Associated Student Government; and a lecture by civil rights activist and native Arkansan Dr. Ozell Sutton.

The university also spearheads the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read In. The event occurs in multiple venues on the UA campus and allows participants the opportunity to read from the works of Dr. King.

"Year in, year out, the university has been there for us and for Dr. King," said Northwest Arkansas MLK Planning Committee member Kit Williams. "Under Chancellor White’s leadership, the U of A has increased its efforts towards diversity and acceptance. Now, Martin Luther King Day is honored not only as a holiday but as a day of remembrance and commitment by the U of A."

"This award is a reflection on the entire campus community," said Marsha Norvell, University MLK Planning Committee co-chair. "It is the concerted efforts of staff, students and faculty that make Martin Luther King Week such a success each year, and this award should be shared by everyone at the U of A."

Past recipients of the Corporation/Organization of the Year include Proctor and Gamble, Wal-Mart and Tyson Foods Inc.