Penn State's decision to place a historical marker commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1965 visit to campus and to give students the day off to participate in service activities are the most appropriate ways to recognize his contributions.

King's marker is one of 70 that currently line the campus to recognize accomplishments of those who have contributed to Penn State's history.

Last year, members of the Commission on Racial and Ethic Diversity (CORED) wanted to commemorate the event. The proposal to add King to the list of blue and white historical markers on campus was one of the ideas that resulted from meetings CORED held with university officials. Other proposed ideas included a life-size statue and reflecting garden to honor King.

Fortunately CORED and the student body as a whole had their voices heard by the administration.

Students, faculty and staff were given the day off from classes this year, and Wednesday night the commemorative marker at Rec Hall was unveiled. Though not all the proposals were implemented, recognizing the day as a holiday and placing a marker in honor of King is a step in the right direction.

The marker may not be the life-size statue that CORED originally had in mind, but it is a simple reminder of King's contribution to Penn State.

The purpose and intent of the marker is to commemorate a single speech he made at Penn State, contrary to what a statue would imply: A former university president or large-scale donor with a significant tie to the university.

King undoubtedly made a substantial impact on the nation as a whole, but the marker's specific purpose is to commemorate his visit to Penn State 40 years ago.

Of course, this is not to say that a physical reminder on campus should outweigh the importance of promoting a day of activities, which in essence stand a greater chance of improving Penn State and the surrounding community.

A day of celebration with service activities is a perfect example of how to honor King's beliefs.

His dreams live on in the actions of those who continue to give back to their communities.

Canceling classes to encourage students to participate in such service activities is an excellent way to bring his dream to life.

From the record number of students and administrators who took part in the past week's events, it is apparent that there is a great interest to commemorate King in such a way.

Now that King's legacy will remain on campus permanently, students can be reminded of his historical speech and the role he played in Penn State's history.

If Penn State constructed a statue in King's name on campus, then perhaps the university would also have to construct statues to recognize other individuals who have shared their messages with students, such as Theresa Heinz Kerry, George H.W. Bush and even Larry Flynt.

After all, would Penn State feel pressure to then recognize each Distinguished Speaker Series lecturer with a monument on campus?

Let's hope that's not the case.

University officials responded properly to the requests of the students who wanted to honor King's visit and overall mission.