Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
Martin Luther King Jr., Speech at Civil Rights March on Washington, August 28, 1963

“Nearly fifty years ago, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had the same dream I have today. A dream filled with diversity, illustrating the importance of respect and outlining proper treatment to each individual.”
                                                            Azim Ross, 2007 Essay Contest Co-Winner

“Despite the hungry individuals in the world who busy themselves each day by means of attaining food, another great hunger exists in this world which is quite dissimilar from the latter.  Throughout American history, Americans have always been hungry to address and solve issues of public concern. This civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has left behind a legacy that not only continues to shape our modern world, but also has exemplified America’s steadfast commitment to civic engagement.”
                                                            Stephanie Loffredo, 2007 Essay Contest Co-Winner

2008 Wagner College MLK Essay Contest

All Wagner College students are encouraged to submit essays reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy as a civil rights leader and compare and contrast it to Wagner College’s commitment to civic engagement.  The essay should not exceed 1000 words in length, and must be typed using Times New Roman 12pt font, double-spaced, on white 8.5” x 11” paper. Contestants should submit one copy of the essay, along with a cover page to:
MLK Essay Committee
c/o Nicole Brodeur
nbrodeur@wagner.edu
Office of Co-Curricular Programs
One Campus Road
Staten Island, NY 10301
On the cover page of your essay, include your name, address, phone number, email address and class year. Please do NOT print your name on any other page. Essays will be judged on the author’s knowledge of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement; an understanding of civic engagement and its impact on the community; originality of ideas; clarity of expression; organization and grammar. All essays will become the property of the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Committee, and may be published via various campus media systems. The first place winner(s) will be asked to read his/her essay on January 23, at the opening reception for the MLK Week Celebrations.


Deadline: All essays must be received by the MLK Essay Committee by Friday, November 30, 2007.  You may submit your essay through the mail, electronic mail (to the addresses listed above) or by delivering it to the Office of Co-Curricular Programs. Essays received after the deadline will not be considered or returned.


Notification: Winners will be notified by email on or before Friday, December 7, 2007.
Prizes:  $250 Gift Card to the Wagner College Bookstore (first place), $150 Gift Card to the Wagner College Bookstore  ( second place), $100 Gift Card to the Wagner College Bookstore (third place)