This Monday, Jan. 15, marks the start of UC's nearly two-week celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year's theme: "Growing Our Dreams," with a focus on using Dr. King’s legacy to help move from dreaming into action. Learn more and see the full schedule of events at utica.edu/mlk

Two UC professors are in the news this morning. Luke Perry, professor and chair of government and politics and director of the Utica College Center of Public Affairs and Election Research, and Christopher Riddle, associate professor and chair of philosophy and director of the Applied Ethics Institute at Utica College, authored an op-ed piece for U.S. News and World Report on politicizing presidential health. Read more here.

Please be advised: A full-scale emergency preparedness exercise will bring law enforcement and emergency personnel to campus on Wednesday morning for a simulated active shooter scenario. Learn more about the drill and UC's emergency management initiative:

Congratulations to the UC students who earned academic honors for the Fall '17 semester! See the full list here: http://www.utica.edu/news/stories/uc-announces-fall-high-honors-deans-lists/ …

They lived in a house made of bamboo and plastic. There was not enough food, nor running water. They came to the U.S. for safety, for freedom, for opportunity. Nate Bridge '18 tells their story, as part of the New York Reporting Project (NYRP UC) for WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

Someone received a very special Christmas gift this year. Francis S. Bartkowiak '16 had quite a collection of UC shirts and the memories to go along with them. His father made them into a huge soft and warm comforter for him. Thanks, Francis, for sharing this holiday story!

A gift to Utica College helps students like Taylor discover their talents, stay on track, and graduate on time with greater prospects for professional success. Make your tax-deductible gift in support of student learning at UC today. utica.edu/donate

UC's own BSU received a shoutout on ABC's The Chew last week for its annual Kwanzaa dinner! Check out the clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aecKSSXRSV0

UC's new Teacher Preparation Program was designed for those who hold bachelor degrees in high-need areas, including English, social studies, science, mathematics, technology, and several others. Thanks to a partnership with more than 30 local schools in Oneida, Madison, and Herkimer counties, students who complete an intensive summer course of study and pass required teaching exams will secure a full-time teaching job by fall 2018. Learn more:

One of Utica College’s fastest growing majors will soon have a new home, thanks in part to Governor Andrew Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Read more:

Tonight at 5 pm, Carbone Auditorium becomes UC's own "Shark Tank" when five media-based student companies compete for startup success (and real cash), part of Prof. Brett Orzechowski's Entrepreneurial Media course, now in its second year. Learn more about the companies vying for the top prize—and how you can watch via live stream: