Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a holiday that has extra meaning to Central College.

Dr. King made a visit to campus on March 22, 1967, and spoke to over 1,300 listeners overflowing from Central’s gymnasium.

Mary Lubbers Montgomery is the daughter of then-Central President Arend “Don” Lubbers, who invited King to campus. Montgomery was eight years old at the time.

“I remember waiting impatiently for him to arrive at our home, and when he finally arrived, of course my brothers and I were instructed to use our manners and how to act and how to introduce yourself to someone or greet someone,” Montgomery says. “So I stuck out my hand as Dr. King came through the door, and I was mesmerized, of course, seeing him.”

Central traditionally honors the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service and discussion about civil rights issues on campus. Students are returning for the spring semester this week.