Findlay, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2005 – Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell will discuss “Diversity in Politics and the 2004 Election” on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union at The University of Findlay.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Blackwell’s visit to campus is the highlight of the University’s Black History Month activities.

Prior to his speech, Blackwell will have dinner with seven UF students.

Blackwell’s public service includes terms as mayor of Cincinnati, an undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. In 1994, he became the first African-American person elected to a statewide executive office in Ohio when he was elected treasurer of state. Blackwell is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and a former member of the federal government’s senior executive service. He is co-chairman of the board of directors of the Campaign Finance Institute in Washington, D.C., a member of the Advisory Panel of the Federal Elections Commission, and a member of the Harvard Policy Group on Network-Enabled Services and Government. Blackwell is a member of the national advisory boards of Youth for Christ and the Princeton Review. He also is a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity.

Blackwell also serves on the National Advisory Board for UF’s Mazza Museum.

The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university located in Findlay, Ohio, about 45 miles south of Toledo. With a total enrollment of more than 4,600 full-time and part-time students, The University of Findlay is noted for its innovative, career-oriented programs in more than 60 majors and eight master’s degrees. For more information, visit www.findlay.edu.