Jan 16, 2015 1 min read

Derric I. Heck, director of strategic initiatives at Propel Schools, will speak at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Vulcan Theatre at California University of Pennsylvania in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Heck will discuss “Connecting for Impact.” Heck, an architect and longtime community advocate, works with Pittsburgh-based Propel charter schools and the Propel Foundation to offer quality choice in education to communities throughout western Pennsylvania and to inspire achievement among students.

He also is the founder of Project HOPE, an initiative designed to mitigate disparities in academic outcomes through staff and scholar development.

In addition to Heck’s presentation, Cal U. will continue its longstanding tradition of honoring King’s memory with an annual Day of Service. This year, students will meet Jan. 27 in the Carter Hall Multicultural Center to perform service-oriented activities coordinated by the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning.

Projects will benefit numerous organizations, including Center in the Woods, Washington Family Center Afterschool Program, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Golden Living Center, local animal shelters and Meals on Wheels.

For more information, visit www.calu.edu.