The event began with a silent march from Zumberge Library to the Fieldhouse. President Thomas J. Haas will also spoke and the Voices of GVSU gospel choir performed.
Williams directed much of his remarks to the students, telling them he didn't want to focus on King's birthday but wanted to talk to them about their futures. "I want to talk to you about you," said Williams. "You have to find your own way in this world. There is much more to you than good grades and a good job."
Williams used King and Nelson Mandella as examples of people who weren't born into greatness, but found their own path.
Williams said like Martin Luther King, students need to make their own mark in the world (audio clip). He said instead of talking about King's birthday, he came to talk about the students (audio clip). He added that students need to really think about who they are and who they will become (audio clip). He also told students there is more to them than good grades and a good job (audio clip).
