The University of Southern Indiana will host a presentation by retired Major General Barrye L. Price, honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration Luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday, January 15 in Carter Hall, located in University Center East. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m. The presentation is open to the public. Tickets are required to attend.

Price presently serves as the President and CEO of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). A 1985 distinguished military graduate of the University of Houston’s College of Business Administration, he also boasts an impressive military career. His extensive military service included a range of notable assignments, showcasing his leadership and strategic acumen. Price’s roles encompassed Executive Officer, Battalion Commander, and Deputy Commanding General, among others, with assignments spanning various locations such as Fort Polk, West Point and Washington, D.C.

Notably, he served on the President and First Lady’s Task Force on Raising Responsible and Resourceful Teenagers in 2000 and contributed to President Clinton’s Mississippi Delta Task Force from 1999-2000. Price is also a published author, with volumes examining urban unrest and federal intervention within the United States. His accolades and honors during his army career include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

“As we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is befitting that we have Major General Barrye L. Price as our keynote speaker,” says Dr. Pamela Hopson, Executive Director of the USI Multicultural Center. “Both leaders represent peace and inspiration. Regardless of the circumstances in their life, they have never given up.”

Immediately following the Luncheon, there will be a screening of “Interview with a King,” created by Price, in the USI Performance Center. The short film is a portrayal of King in 2023 and touches on moments from the Montgomery Boycotts and the March on Washington. It also delves into lesser-known happenings that shaped King’s journey as the influential leader he’s remembered as today. Tickets are not required for this event.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), University of Southern Indiana students in the Romain College of Business will provide free federal and state income tax preparation on Monday evenings, January 29 through March 18. The annual service is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

The sessions will be held by appointment only in the Business and Engineering Center on the following Mondays: January 29; February 5, 12, 19, and 26; and March 11 and 18. Appointments times are 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

“We are excited to continue to provide free tax preparation to USI students, employees and the surrounding community,” said Dr. Brett Bueltel, Associate Professor of Accounting and Site Coordinator for the USI VITA Program. “Our students are excited for the opportunity to serve our community and gain real world experience preparing tax returns.”

In VITA programs, the Internal Revenue Service partners with national and local organizations to provide tax services to individuals with low-to-moderate income at no cost to the taxpayer. Accounting students will interview and prepare the taxes of those taxpayers who make an appointment for the service.

VITA sites do not prepare Schedule C business forms or Schedule E rental forms. Federal and state tax returns are prepared at the time of the appointment, and all taxpayers must be available to sign their returns. Preparation of returns typically takes 90 minutes to complete.

Individuals are required to bring their tax information, photo identification cards and Social Security cards for themselves and any dependents. International students must bring their passports and visas as well. The IRS encourages electronic filing, and returns will be filed electronically for those who are eligible.

Please bring copies of your prior year state and federal tax returns if they are available. Your tax returns from the prior year are very helpful in preparing correct and complete current year returns. Paper returns will be prepared for those taxpayers who do not qualify for electronic filing or prefer paper returns.