February 12, 2009, is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin.  In observation of this historical event, Chattanooga State will participate in a national celebration of Charles Darwin by hosting an event called “Darwin Day.”  Chattanooga State, along with other groups across the United States, will celebrate the life of Charles Darwin while promoting an understanding of his contributions to science.

Chattanooga State’s Department of Science will salute Darwin in a variety of ways.  David Wollert and Carolyn Dodson are both associate professors of biology at Chattanooga State and have organized a student‐centered “Darwin Day” celebration.  “While we are interested in creating a festive atmosphere, “Darwin Day” is also a time to nurture our students’ natural desire to inquire about the world,” suggests Ms. Dodson.   “This celebration gives our science faculty the opportunity to informally interact with students and gives students the opportunity to discover science without being in a classroom.”

The concluding event on “Darwin Day” is the local premiere of the award‐winning documentary film Paradise Lost: The Religious Life of Charles Darwin.  In an attempt to address the science and religion controversy in a positive manner, Professor Wollert, who also wrote, directed, and produced the film, will be leading a discussion following the screening.  The screening begins at 7 p.m. in Room C30 of the Center for Advanced Technology located on Chattanooga State’s main campus at 4501 Amnicola Highway.  The screening is open to the public free of charge.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s “Darwin Day” celebration, contact David Wollert by email at david.wollert@chattanoogastate.edu or by telephone at 423.697.3112.

For information about Chattanooga State and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.