In 2008, for the first time, Skidmore will officially observe a College holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. While many members of our community have observed Dr. King's birthday in past years, I am pleased that the Institutional Policy and Planning Committee supported our recommendation that the College observe a holiday each January in recognition of Dr. King's profound contributions to advance the cause of civil rights in our country.

Skidmore's holiday observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. will occur in 2008 on Monday, January 21st. Plans for possible campus events and local activities are still being finalized, and I encourage each of you to watch for future announcements. I hope that you will take part in those activities that might be most meaningful for you. Most importantly, I hope that each of you will take the opportunity of this holiday to reflect not only on Dr. King's accomplishments, but on the ways in which our own community must continue to advance the goals of intercultural and global understanding.

Because Skidmore is a community that cannot ever completely close down its operations, there will be some number of employees who will be required to work on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. As always, I express my special appreciation to those who keep the College running during such holidays. I hope that you, too, will take the opportunity to reflect on the day's meaning even as you continue your good work on behalf of the campus community.