Chancellor Randy Woodson signed the traditional human rights declaration during the annual Human Rights Day observance program on Monday. 

“Today gives us the chance to celebrate what we do across this campus,” Woodson said. 

This year’s program, “Coffee and Conversation with the Chancellor,” spotlighted N.C. State staff members for their service dedicated to human rights causes. 

Following the signing of the proclamation, Woodson took time to recognize 22 staff members who dedicate their personal time to human rights causes and organizations. 

Slater Newman, co-chair of Human Rights Coalition of North Carolina spoke about the importance of service and further encouraged the honorees to continue their service, both on and off N.C. State’s campus. 

“Human Rights is the responsibility of every single one of us on the planet … It is central to our purpose and our values,” Newman said. 

Newman is also a professor emeritus of psychology and has a long history at N.C. State as pioneer for peace and human rights.  

Honorees represented various departments of N.C. State. 

Among the honorees was Catherine Lull, a business officer for the Department of Chemistry, who has worked with the homeless for more than 25 years and currently works with outreach groups to help the homeless. Samuel Byrd, GLBT Life Coach and University Housing residence director, dedicates his time and recourses to students of the GLBT community. Lastly, Toni Thorpe, program coordinator for the African American Cultural Center, facilitates the center’s annual donation drive for Raleigh-area children. 

“Shoes Boxes of Love teaches our students how to give and be a conscious giver,” Thorpe said. 

Woodson closed the program asking everyone this holiday season to remember the needs of others. 

N.C. State officials will celebrate International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 at the Bell Tower with the Bell Ringing Event. The same event will take place on Dec. 15 for National Bill of Rights Day. The event will feature Tom Koch, associate director of the Music Department, playing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, a one-minute salute at 12:10 p.m.

The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948, and since then, Human Rights Day has been celebrated globally on that day. 

According to Deb Luckadoo, director for Staff Diversity, N.C. State always celebrates the day about a week before because the Chancellor is aware that finals are approaching and students find themselves very occupied. 

This was the first year the event spotlighted faculty members, and the second year members of the N.C. State community were recognized for their service.