DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Tuesday, Jan. 20, with its annual commemorative luncheon event, which this year reflected the King Center’s 2026 theme, “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
The program featured Amber Viola, a Northeastern Pennsylvania native, U.S. Navy veteran and community activist, who spoke to students, faculty, staff and local residents about service, resilience and community engagement.
Viola, who returned to the region in 2019 after a career in the U.S. Navy, and as a sexual-assault victim advocate with the U.S. Department of Defense, shared her personal journey confronting adversity and racism during her military service and later as an adult college student and single mother. She said she draws inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday she shares.
Her talk, titled “Volunteerism,” emphasized the role of service in strengthening communities and driving social change.
“I always wanted to be a servant,” Viola said. “I always wanted to help people my entire life.”
She said her belief in equality and treating others with respect motivated her to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work after leaving the military.
“I want to be the change,” she said, adding that King did what he did for the same reason. And, she added, that means committing to the idea of being the change all the time, not just for one day or a specific occasion. “You have to be willing to be the change and do the work," she said. "Be that change that you want to see.”
In addition to her service in the Navy and serving as a sexual-assault victim advocate for the U.S. Department of Defense, Viola is also a founding member of the Lackawanna County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she serves as acting treasurer and content and media creator; the first Black female commander of the Gouldsboro American Legion Post 274; the author of the published short story, “72 Hours of Hell: My Time in the VA”; and the creator of the podcast “Politics but make it Fashion.” She also has previously campaigned for the Scranton School Board and Scranton City Council, and worked at Scranton City Hall.
Excellence in Diversity Awards
Penn State Scranton’s event also included the presentation of the annual Excellence in Diversity Awards, which recognize individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
This year’s community recipient was Nancy Sarno de los Rios, co-owner of Este Rux Inc., Sarno and Sons Tuxedos, and chair of the Penn State Scranton Advisory Board, who was recognized for her advocacy for student success and leadership development.
Sarno de los Rios has partnered with the campus for years to enhance the student experience by connecting academic learning with professional growth and real-world insight. She has volunteered extensively, including as a presenter during the campus’ annual Student Leadership Training Week, where she leads sessions on professionalism, career readiness and leadership development.
University officials cited her student-centered approach and commitment to creating inclusive, meaningful opportunities in selecting her as this year’s community recipient of the award.
The campus recipient was Sarah Smith, mental health counselor at Penn State Scranton, who was honored for her dedication to student well-being through inclusive and culturally responsive care.
Smith works closely with students, faculty and staff to promote mental health, equity and belonging. In addition to counseling, she helps organize campus programs and workshops that encourage open dialogue, reduce stigma and foster connection among students. Her efforts include advocating for underrepresented and marginalized students and making mental health resources more accessible.
Established in 2015 by the campus Diversity Advisory Council, Penn State Scranton’s Excellence in Diversity Awards honor contributions that foster a welcoming and inclusive community.
Day of Service Jan. 29
Penn State Scranton holds its MLK Day celebration along with a designated Day of Service each year to honor the life and legacy of King and to reaffirm the campus’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
This year’s Day of Service will take place Thursday, Jan. 29, at CHOP Out Hunger, 1739 Dickson Avenue, Scranton, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. or 12:15 to 2 p.m. The event is open to members of both the campus and local community. Interested individuals are asked to sign up in advance.