EIU Media Relations

EIU-Sponsored Events to Focus on "Darwin Day"

While many recognize Feb. 12, 1809, as the date on which Abraham Lincoln was born, few realize that the 16th president entered into this world on the same day as naturalist Charles Darwin.

That number continues to rise, however, as individuals and groups world-wide join efforts in celebrating Darwin's contributions to modern society, humanities and the sciences. British-born Darwin, known primarily for his efforts at introducing the idea of evolution through natural selection, is recognized internationally as the author of "The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection."

Eastern Illinois University will once again join a myriad of academic institutions in commemorating Darwin's contributions by sponsoring educational programs designed to teach others about Darwin and his theory. As part of this commemoration, Eastern plans to host four separate events, all of which are free and open to the public.

A showing of the film, "Darwin's Dangerous Idea," will be shown at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, in the Life Sciences Building, Room 3080. This film is a part of NOVA's Evolution Series.

Floyd Sandford, professor emeritus, biology, Coe College, will present the one-man show, " Darwin Remembers," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union.

Sandford will return to the EIU campus at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, to deliver the lecture "Marine Sponge -- Crustacean Associations." This event, too, will take place in Life Sciences, Room 3080.

The final event of the week, a lecture titled "The Evolution of Blood Clotting," will be presented by Russell Doolittle, professor of biology, University of California at San Diego. This event will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in Eastern's Coleman Hall Auditorium, Room 1255.