SUNY to Co-Sponsor Annual New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observance

Albany – The State University of New York will co-sponsor this year’s Annual New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observance on Jan. 17, 2011. Through SUNY’s participation in the live satellite broadcast and partnership with cable television systems, millions of citizens throughout New York State are able to view this annual memorial observance. 

The event will air live from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a musical prelude from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., on television stations throughout New York State and neighboring states, compliments of SUNY and New York Network. The theme of this year’s observance is Remember, Celebrate, Act – A Day On, Not a Day Off.

“SUNY is committed to keeping Dr. King’s dream alive by ensuring access to high quality education for students from all walks of life,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “It was Dr. King’s dream that all people, especially our children, have the opportunity to reach their full potential, but, as ever, our progress will depend on how we educate our children and prepare the next generation of leaders. Thank you to Robert James and Yvette Roberts, who served as SUNY’s liaisons during preparations for Monday’s event.”

Agenda and satellite information are available online.

Additionally, the SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir will provide a featured musical performance of the day. The Gospel Choir is a diverse group of students from around the United States, as well as locations in the Caribbean, Japan, Korea and Africa, to name a few. They join forces with members of the faculty, staff and community to form what is perhaps the most popular performing group on campus, singing and dancing in front of packed concert halls. The group has also taken its show on the road, performing in cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Montreal.

“SUNY Plattsburgh’s Gospel Choir has a reputation for inspiring audiences,” SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling said. “I have no doubt that the choir’s music will provide a fitting accompaniment as the state of New York pays tribute to one of our nation’s great leaders.”

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 467,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with more than 2.5 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu 

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