HOUGHTON — Michigan Technological University joined most of the nation Monday in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Day of Service Banquet, held in the Memorial Union Ballroom, is designed by organizers to be “a time of critical reflection, or consciousness raising, and of building up community.

Attended by students, faculty, staff and community members, more than 150 gathered to enjoy good food, good music and good conversation on the legacy of King and the important of service to others.

Attendees were greeted by music by the Workshop Brass Band – fully credited ensemble at MTU that learns all of the music by ear (no sheet music!). Led on trumpet and vocals by Adam Meckler associate professor of visual and performing arts the ensemble also featured Assistant Teaching Professor Drew Kilpela on trombone, along with five students.

Michigan Tech President Richard Koubek opened the event.

“When I was thinking about what I was going to say tonight, I was reflecting on what makes up Michigan Tech,” Koubek said while the buildings on campus and those inside those building “Make up Michigan Tech … kind of” he said.

Koubek reflected on the thought that the university is really about the bond the institution forms by all those affected by the University, including those on campus, the alumni community and the community in general. He said the evenings theme “Unity Through Service” is an adequate description of the goals of the university.