56³Ô¹ÏÍø

The Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education is celebrating a quarter century of student-led service at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø as it continues to promote positive social change and contribute to the well-being of those on campus and surrounding communities through volunteerism.

56³Ô¹ÏÍø hosted the grand opening of the C Store in the O’Connor Campus Center on Friday, Feb. 13, adding to the University’s 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Day celebrations.

Nearly 500 56³Ô¹ÏÍø sophomores and 130 alumni gathered on campus in January for Sophomore Connections, a two-day program featuring alumni panels, networking events, and workshops.

The Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE) led a campuswide MLK Day of Service, sending volunteers to community partners in Utica, N.Y.

The Alasitas Festival is celebrated at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø as a collaboration with the Longyear Museum of Anthropology and the Native American Indigenous Students Association.

Tracee Ellis Ross, the award-winning actress, producer, founder, and CEO, will join the 56³Ô¹ÏÍø community for a keynote Q&A during 56³Ô¹ÏÍø’s annual Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.

The elective designation, awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation, recognizing the University’s continuing commitment to community engagement and partnerships.

This academic year marks the 10th anniversary of Ciccone Commons, the first Residential Commons established at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø. Since its launch in 2015, the program has grown to four communities that gather students with similar interests and passions to extend learning beyond the classroom.

University Photographer Mark DiOrio shares his favorite images from 2025.

Activist Fredrika Newton, president and co-founder of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, will deliver 56³Ô¹ÏÍø’s 2026 MLK Celebration Keynote Address. The celebration’s opening ceremony and keynote address set the tone for a week of learning, dialogue, and collective action grounded in community, empathy and justice.