Our first annual Darwin Day was a huge success. We had two lecture sessions and a movie. All were well attended and remarks and comments were all positive.

Humanists of Utah was joined by Utah Friends of Paleontology (UFOP) at the University of Utah in sponsoring what looks to be the first and not the last celebration of science in general using the excuse of a Grand Patriarch's birthday.

The first lecture, given by Professors Kristen Hawkes and Henry Harpington, marveled in the prescience of Charles Darwin in being able to describe the process of evolution in such detail when he did not have the tools, such as DNA analysis, that are available to today's scientists. His insights were virtually all right on target.

Professor Hawkes

Professor Haprington

They also pointed out that human evolution is far from complete; it is a dynamic process that continues to this day. Example of recent evolution include blonde hair/blue eyes trait and also lactose tolerance. Both of these features happened very recently on the evolutionary time scale.

The movie was from the Biography channel and was an hour exploring the life and time of Charles Darwin.

The final lecture by Professor Scott Sampson emphasized the critical importance of teaching the concepts of Deep Time and Evolution to everyone. He noted that this should start at the university level; nobody should be given a degree with exposure to these topics. We cannot understand our place in the world without at least an introduction to these concepts.

Professor Sampson

Some more images from the day.

Professor Sampson discussing his remarks with HoU Members Earl, Richard, and Paul

Craig Wilkenson, MD

Committee Members Julie, Bob, and Craig

Bob Lane, President HoU

Collage of Attendees

Collage of Attendees

--Wayne Wilson