A crowd of more than 425 people had a dream Friday.

In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, eclectic masses of participants in brightly-colored jackets assembled in front of Old Main.

"The goal of the march and bell ringing was to provide the Penn State community as well as the greater Centre region a unique opportunity to come together and celebrate Dr. King's legacy while playing an active role in servicing the community," said Tineke Cunning, assistant to the dean of undergraduate programs.

Friday's events marked the start of Penn State's celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Events included speeches commemorating King's life, a march through campus and a ceremonial bell ringing.

Cunning said the program was initiated years ago, with the theme of King's "I've Been to the Mountain Top" speech in mind. She added that the Penn State community should continue striving to reach King's dream of equality.

The Undergraduate Education and International Programs and Finance and Business services sponsored the event this year with the help of Nicole Sandretto (junior-business logistics) and Adam Tarosky (junior-political science), co-chairs of today's Martin Luther King Day of Service.

Students from local middle and high schools took part in the event. After learning about King in the classroom, some students said the event had a profound impact on them.

"It's just an honor to be here witnessing something like this in our community. I feel really lucky to participate in a way that I would have if I lived in the time [of King]," said eighth-grader Eric Pryor.

Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity, spoke before the march through campus.

"Let this march be the first step in this attempt to make a difference," Jones said. "The fact that you have all come here today means the dream is alive."

He added that although discrimination has diminished significantly, there are still a many places where unwarranted prejudice must be eradicated.

The crowd had a moment of silence and continued with the traditional march from Old Main, down to College Avenue, up Shortlidge Road, and finally to the HUB-Robeson Center. The ceremonial bell ringing in HUB Alumni Hall followed the march.

Cunning said the bell ringing symbolized the idea of "letting freedom ring." She said the ceremony was supposed to mimic the national bell-ringing event that takes place each year in Philadelphia.

Crisp and vibrant music resounded throughout Alumni Hall as State College's Westminster Bell Choir at Our Lady of Victory Church played bell-ringing musical selections.

The ceremony came to a close after a small group of middle and high school students recited their short poems, essays and thoughts honoring King.