Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:
Today, as we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day, we are called to reflect on the important intersection of history and progress. This moment reminds us of Dr. King’s enduring vision of a just and united society—a vision that challenges us to recognize our shared humanity and to confront the barriers that divide us.
Dr. King’s 1966 visit to Monmouth still echoes in our community, particularly his assertion: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. […] No racial group is an island entire of itself. We are all tied together, and when there is injustice, in any race, it diminishes all people in this country.” These words remind us that our destinies are interconnected, and the pursuit of equity, dignity, and freedom for all is a collective endeavor.
As we navigate a time of political change and continued social challenges, let us recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s ideals of courage, empathy, and action. At Monmouth, we are proud of our ongoing commitment to advancing social mobility, diversity, and academic excellence. At the heart of our mission is honoring the intrinsic worth of every individual, and building a legacy of understanding and mutual respect through education.
May this day inspire us to continue to engage thoughtfully with one another, to listen with open minds, and to take meaningful steps toward creating the “beautiful symphony of brotherhood” that Dr. King envisioned.
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President