New semester begins: Waynesburg to host MLK Day celebration

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The spring 2022 semester is in full swing. Students are back. Events have begun.

Unlike the 2021 spring semester, Waynesburg University students began this spring semester with in-person instruction Monday, Jan. 10. 

Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee said he is glad to welcome students back to campus for the spring semester. 

“Thanks for the work of our health and safety committee we’ve been able to keep the university in person and on campus since the fall semester of 2020,” President Lee said. “It’s taken a lot of cooperation and commitment to do that and I’m very proud of our entire university community for doing that.”

According to the university website, Waynesburg will continue to host in-person events throughout the semester in compliance with the Keep Waynesburg Well Plan. One of the first events this semester will be the university’s annual convocation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event will be hosted Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. in Roberts Chapel. The guest speaker will be Sam London, assistant football coach.

“Each year at Martin Luther King Jr Convocation we recognize the life of Dr. King and his work of nonviolent activism against racial segregation and inequality. Dr. King’s commitment to ‘love ethic’ is a message that must inspire and challenge all of us each day,” President Lee said.

Following the convocation, Waynesburg will host a special ceremony at noon to unveil a plaque which will commemorate the former Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Waynesburg. According to the university website, the plaque will be located on the corner of Franklin and Fruit Streets.

“This year, we will also recognize in a permanent way the Bethel AME Church and the significance it played in this community for many years,” President Lee said. “I am excited that the university is involved in this project and look forward to the commemoration ceremony tomorrow afternoon.” 

According to the university website, all guests are asked to comply with the KWW plan and wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status.