Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
The legacy of The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that we all can contribute with love and service of others. In the Rev. King's words, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve."
At DePaul, this call resonates deeply. Our Vincentian mission affirms the dignity of every person and urges us to respond to the urgent needs of our time with creativity, humility, and love. The Rev. King's pursuit of equity mirrors our commitment to accompany communities, advocate for the marginalized, and build pathways of opportunity — especially here in Chicago.
As we advance the Designing DePaul strategic plan, the Rev. King's legacy inspires us to imagine a university that is even more responsive, more future‑focused, and more deeply woven into the fabric of our city. Together, we are called to:
- Engage with Chicago through partnerships that promote educational access, economic mobility, and community well‑being.
- Live our Vincentian values intentionally by ensuring dignity and justice guide our decisions and actions.
- Prepare students to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in an increasingly complex world.
The Rev. King's words echo our Vincentian mission, affirming the dignity of each individual and how we all can rise to meet the need for justice in our communities. While we officially observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday on Monday, Jan. 19, we invite you to join our community in honoring the legacy of the Rev. King through a week of events centered on connection and service.
Tuesday, Jan. 20: Letters of Care and Solidarity
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lincoln Park Student Center, Suite 104
Loop DePaul Student Center, 11th Floor Gallery
Join the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity and the Division of Mission and Ministry for a letter-writing campaign in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service. Community members are invited to write messages of care and encouragement to:
- Chicago Survivors, an organization that supports families of Chicago homicide victims
- Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (Chicago), a longtime community partner serving older adults who are aging alone.
- Elected officials, encouraging action around justice and violence-prevention efforts
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Day of Peace
In a world too often affected by violence, we find inspiration in the faith-based nonviolence of The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. We invite you to dedicate Wednesday, Jan. 21, to reflection, prayer, and action around the theme “Becoming Peacemakers."
Interfaith prayers for peace and nonviolence:
8:30 a.m. and 4:40 p.m.
Interfaith Sacred Space
1st Floor, Lincoln Park Student Center
The morning prayer will be streamed on Zoom
Catholic Masses at both campus chapels will be offered for peace and nonviolence:
12 p.m.
St. Louise Chapel, Lincoln Park Student Center
Miraculous Medal Chapel, Loop Campus (Lewis Center)
Supper N Stories commemorating Vincentian Foundation Day and the roots of our mission of faith- based service, justice, and peace (for students):
5–6 p.m.
Suite 104, Lincoln Park Student Center
RSVP here
Thursday, Jan. 22: Foundation Day Mass & Lunch (for faculty and staff)
12 p.m.
Lincoln Park – St Louise Chapel on the 1st floor of the Student Center
Loop – Miraculous Medal Chapel on the 1st floor of the Lewis Center.
Join us for a special January mass to celebrate the foundation of the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentian Order).
There will be a casual luncheon for faculty and staff following Mass in the Loop. RSVP here.
Friday, Jan. 23: Reflections for Peace and Belonging
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lincoln Park Student Center, Room 105
Join the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity for a community reflection experience where participants will share hopes for peace, justice, and belonging by adding messages to a collective reflection board. This visible display of voices will honor the Rev. King's legacy of nonviolence, dignity, and community care.
Thank you for joining us in honoring the life and legacy of The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through action, reflection and community engagement. Together, let us continue to answer the Rev. King's call to build a more just, compassionate and beloved community – on our campus and beyond.
We look forward to serving alongside you.
In community and Vincentian spirit,
Dania Matos, she/her/ella
Vice President, Institutional Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging