May 15, 2013 // Local

Historic King speech anchoring USF’s free ‘Future of Education’

Todays Catholic

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addresses a crowd at the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne on June 5, 1963. The University of Saint Francis is hosting a free event, “The Future of Education,” on June 5, the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s historic speech, in the USF Performing Arts Center, the former Scottish Rite. Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz will be the keynote speaker.

FORT WAYNE — A historic event will be commemorated and its subject’s views on education highlighted in the University of Saint Francis’s free “The Future of Education — Connecting to Careers, Educating for Peace,” on June 5 at 4:30 p.m. in the USF Performing Arts Center in downtown Fort Wayne.

A long-range view of education and its intersection with partnerships leading to careers will coincide with the 50^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech on social justice at the historic Scottish Rite, now the USF Performing Arts Center.

A presentation by keynote speaker Glenda Ritz, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, will be a highlight, as she shares her thoughts on leading education into the future. A panel of education experts at all levels will also examine key facets of the interrelationship between careers and the instruction required for those looking to the future. Insights on how education is evolving and partnering to connect graduates with careers — including project-based learning, New Tech high schools and strategic alliances — will be discussed.

Two sessions will provide a multi-leveled look at education in the future, and examine ways in which education becomes the great equalizer in terms of opportunity and social justice.

Session one from 4:30-6:45 p.m. will include the keynote address by Ritz, followed by the panel discussion. Session two from 7:15-9 p.m. will offer a round-table discussion with educators and others on using education to decrease community violence. A complimentary boxed meal will be provided to registrants for the second session.

Serving on the session one panel will be Dr. Mark D. Myers, Secretariat for the Office of Catholic Education of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend; Dr. J. Andrew Prall, vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Saint Francis; Jonathan Ray, president/CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League; Wendy Y. Robinson, Ed.D., superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools; and Alan Veach, director of Regional Development, New Technology Network.

The free event is sponsored by the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne Urban League and WANE-TV 15, Fort Wayne. Registration is required for both sessions. Register at www.futureofeducation2013.eventbrite.com by Friday, May 29.

For more information contact Jane Swiss at [email protected] or (260) 399-7700, ext. 8414. Complimentary parking is available across from the event center at 431 W. Berry St.

“Dr. King made clear his vision that special night, June 5, 1963, in Fort Wayne,” said University of Saint Francis President Sister of St. Francis M. Elise Kriss. “Fifty years later, the university still numbers education and a peaceful environment among its most important community objectives. This event brings us all together to consider coming needs in terms of career preparation and educating for peace.”