USU Debuts Inaugural Aggies Walk the Walk Week

With a focus on civic responsibility throughout Aggie communities, Utah State University is building on previous Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations with its first Aggies Walk the Walk week, starting Thursday, Jan. 11, and culminating on Saturday, Jan. 20.

A highlight of the week is the university’s first Aggies Walk the Walk procession before the men’s basketball game against Fresno State, said event organizer Isaiah Jones, the senior director of USU’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“The Luminary processional during Connections is one of the most loved Aggie traditions to come about in the last decade, and we’re hoping to bring a similar enthusiasm to the ideals of social and civic responsibility,” he said. “Bringing education to everyone is a pillar of land-grant universities, and we are excited to help further Utah State’s goal of building prosperous local and global communities with events that allow for reflection and action.”

The walk starts at noon on Jan. 20 at the Quad, and those interested in participating can register here. Following the walk will be speakers, including leadership for USU and students, speaking to the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated specifically for community service, adding a unique component to help participants make an impact in their communities.

“Boosting communities and serving others is what Aggies Walk the Walk is all about,” Jones said. “In order for USU to provide transformative experiences, we need to seek out those who need help, and this is a collaborative effort.”

He added he was inspired by the University of Notre Dame’s annual observance of Walk the Walk Week that similarly highlights university and historical efforts around inclusion and opportunity but elevated with an “Aggie twist” to the week, such as the Walk the Walk procession, and involving community partners, like Cache Community Connections and the William A. Burnard Warming Center, as well as USU Athletics.

More information on the events and the schedule can be found here.