Findlay, Ohio, Feb. 28, 2003 — The first in a series of seven events to celebrate the state of Ohio’s bicentennial will be held Monday, March 10, 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.”

Slone will discuss the transformation of Ohio’s many private colleges from Christian schools founded by various church denominations in the 19th century to humanistically-oriented liberal arts institutions in the 20th century. He will explore the rise of science in academics and how it impacted church-based institutions of higher education.

In his first year at The University of Findlay, Slone’s area of research expertise is the cognitive science of religion. His book, “Theological Incorrectness: Why Religious People Believe What They Shouldn’t,” has been accepted for publication by Oxford University Press. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster, a master’s degree from The Ohio State University and a doctorate from Western Michigan University.

Kern will discuss the historical factors in Findlay and the Churches of God that led to the establishment of an institution of “higher education” in Findlay, Ohio, in the 1880s.

A 1954 graduate of Findlay College, Kern’s association with Findlay spans more than 50 years. He taught religion and history at Findlay from 1970 until his retirement in 1998, when he was named professor emeritus of history. He continues to teach part-time as an adjunct instructor. His educational background includes earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a doctorate from Winebrenner Graduate School of Divinity.

Kern has literally written the book about Findlay College. He published “Findlay College: The First Hundred Years” in 1982 for the college’s centennial celebration, and he contributed the chapter on “The University of Findlay” for “Cradles of Conscience: Ohio’s Independent Colleges and Universities,” scheduled to be published by Kent State University Press in 2003 for the Ohio Bicentennial.

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