Findlay, Ohio, Feb. 19, 2003 — The University of Findlay has planned a series of seven events to celebrate the state of Ohio’s bicentennial.

The celebration will begin on Monday, March 10, with a presentation from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, Multi-Purpose Room. Jason Slone, assistant professor of religious studies, will speak on “The Utmost High in Higher Education: A Denominational History of Ohio’s Colleges,” and Richard Kern, professor emeritus of history, will speak on “Founding of Findlay College.”

On Monday, March 17, Paul Chwialkowski, associate professor of history, political science and law and the liberal arts, will address “Northwest Ohio in 1803 – Life and Hardship in the Black Swamp,” while Douglas Switzer, assistant professor of communication, talks about “Ohio and the Wrath of Mother Nature.” The presentations will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, Multi-Purpose Room.

Nondace Campbell, director of the Reading Center, will address “Ohio Authors Speak to Young Adults,” while Teresa LaRocco, assistant professor of English, will speak on “Viewpoints from Ohio: Authors from the Buckeye State” on Monday, March 24, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, Multi-Purpose Room.

On Monday, March 31, Chwialkowski will speak on “Law on the Frontier of Ohio” and Switzer will address “Some Buckeye Tales: A Reader’s Theatre Video of Ohio History” from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, Multi-Purpose Room.

An Ohio Bicentennial Poetry Reading will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, Multi-Purpose Room. Hosted by UF poets Diane Kendig, assistant professor of English, and Marianna Hofer, associate professor of English, the event will include readings from “I have My Own Song for It: Modern Poems of Ohio.”

The University of Findlay Symphonic Band and Wind Ensembles will perform “A Salute to the Composers of Ohio” on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. in Central Auditorium in Findlay. The event will be conducted by Jack Taylor, director of bands.

Jerry Mallett, director of the Mazza Museum at UF, will present “Bicentennial 1803-2003, Ohio: A Wealth of Children’s Book Artists” on Monday, April 7, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion.

The last event of the celebration will take place when the Findlay Civic Concert Band, co-sponsored by UF, performs its “Buckeye Bash!” at the Summer Concert Series at Riverside Park in July 2. The Findlay Civic Concert Band is also under the direction of Taylor.

In addition, reviews of more than 60 historical sites in Ohio are available on the UF Web site at http://www.findlay.edu/academics/cola/hist/classprojects/hist390.

For more information, contact Charlene Hankinson, executive director of university relations, at 419-434-4515.