BLUFFTON—Rob Alexander, the Wilfred Binkley endowed professor of political science and director of the Institute for Civics and Public Policy at Ohio Northern University, provided insight into the Electoral College during Bluffton University’s Sept. 20 Forum in Yoder Recital Hall.
“The institution of the Electoral College is a little bit like the weather,” Alexander explained. “People know something about it, they have opinions on it, but as you learn more and dig a little bit deeper into it, your opinions may change.”
An abrupt U-turn happened this summer when Ohio Northern University biology professor Katheryn Krynak, Ph.D., was taking a road trip during one of her rare days off work. The reason: Momma Snake was giving birth.
Granted, a snake in labor isn’t usually cause for such a sudden change in human plans, but in this case, the snake in question is a member of a species that’s been listed as endangered in Ohio since 1974. In fact, the only Plains Garter Snake colonies that live in the wild in the Buckeye State are located at Kildeer Plains Wildlife Area (KPWA) in Wyandot and Marion counties.
Ohio’s captive Plains Garter Snakes, which are part of breeding programs to increase the population, reside at the Columbus Zoo, where the species’ first captive breeding program began in 1999; at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; and now at Ohio Northern University.
All are invited to drop by the ONU Observatory between 8:00-10:00 p.m. on Frinday, September 23 for the second astronomy public event of the Fall season.
Organizers note, "This event is a celebration of the autumnal equinox (the start of autumn). This year, the actual moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator on its way south is on September 22--around 9 pm EST.
Ohio Northern University is resuming its Star Parties, which provide opportunities to gaze at and learn more about the night sky.
Organized by physics professor Jason Pinkney, Ph.D., the five fall events will be free and open to the public. Each will focus on a theme or celestial happening. Telescopes will be available for sharing and occasionally a short talk will be given.
Ohio Northern University assembled the following assessment of the latest college rankings, noting that the university "remained high on the latest lists, which again emphasized features such as the institution’s excellent academic offerings, noteworthy job placement rates and favorable viewpoints about campus culture."
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine will offer a free, public presentation on “The Role of Justice” at Ohio Northern University at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 in Tilton Hall, Room 129.
Justice DeWine began his six-year elected term on the Ohio Supreme Court in 2017. He is known for the quality and thoroughness of his legal opinions, which reflect his strong belief in judicial restraint and his respect for the constitutional roles of the other co-equal branches of government.
