Though still celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day by spreading the philosophy of King through service to Penn State and the community, students organizing the "day on" plan to bring a richer sense of diversity to the holiday this year through expansion and change.

"I think the main purpose of this day is to get as many students involved as possible in the most accessible way," said Rubina Javeri, chief of staff for the Day of Service and Rec Hall chair.

"We need (King's) day, his initiative, his work to be recognized on campus so that students can come together with one common goal. We're making this day even bigger, not just in Penn State but in the Penn State community as well."

Tony Huang, director of the Day of Service, said the focus this year will still be on the service aspect of the day, but also on what students can take from this day to places outside of Penn State.

"Last year was the seedling of the Day of Service and it went over really well," Huang said. "This year, we really want to focus on the values of King."

With the recent hate mail and negative outlook of Penn State students, Huang said they wanted to work to change the character of Penn State.

"We wanted to redefine what it means to have the heart of at Nittany Lion," he said.

Undergraduate Student Government has worked with many different organizations to put together a day of activities aimed at all students.

There are over 50 projects off campus and 15 on campus that will run continuously through the day free of charge.

Huang said there are almost 180 organizations involved in the day, nearly three times last year's number. This year, there are over 3,000 people participating in the Day of Service across the state, including all the 19 Commonwealth Campuses — up from last year's 2,000 people.

There are a variety of organizations involved this year, including athletic, environmental, educational and multicultural, Javeri said, adding anyone who wants to get involved is welcome to participate next week.

The activities will include a keynote speaker, Dr. Henry Giroux, Penn State Waterbury Chair Professor, who is considered a cultural theorist, Huang said.

Giroux is also a well-renowned author. He primarily writes about race, youth and popular culture.

Huang said Giroux has been asked to speak at many universities; everywhere but here.

"Part of what we've done this year is to link the Day of Service outside of Penn State," said Kelly O'Brien, USG vice president.

This service day will encourage students to serve for Penn State organizations, which leads to service in a job and service throughout life, O'Brien said.

The committee's focus last year was on convincing people of the importance of serving and raising awareness. This year they hope to take it one step further, changing values at Penn State and the world as well, O'Brien said.

"Over all it has been great," said Gabe Bryant, Commonwealth Council of Student Government president. "There is a lot more interest from last year and it's more of a common thing."

Tom Poole, associate vice provost for educational equity, said he is working with USG to help them maintain a good line of communication and to help avoid barriers and pitfalls.

"I think it's good anytime people look beyond themselves," Poole said, "Students are improving the quality of life in the community that they live and learn in."

Javeri said USG wants to make this event bigger and bigger each year.

"We will continue with that tradition," Javeri said.