Office of Communications

Contact: Amy Batheja

Communications Specialist

Office: (817) 531-7521

abatheja@txwes.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUTHOR OF "THANK GOD FOR EVOLUTION" TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DAY

Rev. Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution, will be the keynote speaker for University College Day at Texas Wesleyan University. Dowd will give the keynote address at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, in Martin Hall. The address is free and open to the public.  

Dowd will focus on our common creation story - the epic of cosmic, biological, and human evolution revealed by science - as the basis for an inspiring and meaningful view of our place in the universe. As an "evolutionary evangelist," Dowd preaches that it is possible to view evolution as a spiritual process; that current science shows that evolution is not meaningless blind chance; how to use practical methods for using evolutionary insights to achieve greater personal fulfillment; and how aligning with evolutionary trends can guide activists and others hoping to make our world a better place.

Dowd holds a BA in biblical studies and philosophy from Evangel University and a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary). He served as a United Church of Christ minister for nine years, pastoring churches in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Michigan. In 1995 he began working with religious leaders across America for the Washington D.C.–based National Environmental Trust (now part of the Pew Charitable Trusts). From 1997 to 2000 he headed the first government-funded program designed to produce large-scale voluntary citizen behavior change along stewardship lines in the United States: The Portland Sustainable Lifestyle Campaign, in Portland, Oregon. In 2000 and 2001 he served as Campaign Manager of Global Action Plan's EcoTeam and Livable Neighborhood Programs in Rockland County, New York.

Since April 2002, Dowd and his wife (popular science writer Connie Barlow) have lived entirely on the road, providing Sunday services and workshops at more than 600 churches and other organizations across North America.

The annual University College Day at Texas Wesleyan University celebrates the scholarly activity of students and faculty by providing them with the opportunity to take part in presentations, panel discussions, art projects and multi-disciplinary events. Presentations and discussions will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Eunice and James L. West Library orientation room and gallery and may include a variety of topics: literature, science, math, social studies or even theater or music. The sessions are free and open to the public.

For more information about University College Day, please contact Bruce McDonald, chair of the UCD Committee. Martin Hall is located at 1309 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth. (map)

Click here for a program of events.

Online: Request a sample chapter (PDF) from Thank God for Evolution or view FAQs about the book.