Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance

Metropolitan State University of Denver will be closed Jan. 17 so that Roadrunners can observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. MSU Denver has historically observed MLK Day in December as part of an alternate holiday schedule to provide employees an extended winter break; this closure will be in addition to the December observance, which can be found alongside other University holidays on MSU Denver’s 2022 holiday calendar.

In light of the challenges facing workers during the pandemic, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis granted an additional holiday to state employees on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2021. Since MSU Denver already observes that holiday, we were able to reallocate a holiday in further recognition of the contributions of Dr. King and in celebration of his life.

MLK Day is celebrated across the nation every January to honor the civil rights icon’s birthday with a day of service; it is the only federal holiday designated as such. The University also commemorates Dr. King with the annual MLK Peace Breakfast, a presence in Denver’s Marade, and by encouraging community service on MLK Day and year-round.

As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, I encourage you to spend MLK Day in remembrance of all that he worked for and, if possible, by participating in an act of service. You can find service opportunities in your area, including virtual opportunities, by searching the AmeriCorps volunteer website.

Sincerely,