HIGHLIGHTS:

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE RALPH NADER GIVES SPEECH HERE - July 21. Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader will speak at 6:30 p.m. this evening (7/21) at Independence Hall, 1923 Neil Avenue. Nader, author of the 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed, is known as a consumer advocate and has led efforts to encourage Congress to pass stricter safety regulations on consumer products. He joins candidates Al Gore and John McCain in campaigning at Ohio State this year. No tickets are required and media representatives do not need to be credentialed. Contact: Amy Murray, University Relations, 292-8385.

SUMMER WORKSHOP INTRODUCES ENGINEERING TO YOUNG WOMEN - July 24-28. Improving the chances for success for women entering Ohio State's College of Engineering is the goal of the "Women in Engineering Summer Workshop 2000," July 24-28 in Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Avenue. Started in 1994, the workshop was established in response to the awareness that young women entering the traditionally male discipline of engineering could benefit from an introduction into college life and coursework. The young women develop friendships and support systems that help them throughout their undergraduate years. The new students learn basic skills that help them succeed in engineering courses and in careers. Workshops include half-day sessions with faculty, alumni and students from each of six different engineering disciplines. Hands-on projects, construction site visits and laboratory tours are included on the weeklong agenda. Contact: Audeen Fentiman, program director, College of Engineering, 688-8715; or Gina Langen, Engineering Communications, 688-4423.

RESEARCHERS REPORT DARBY CREEK RECOMMENDATIONS - July 26. Results of an economic and fiscal analysis of the proposed Darby Creek Wildlife Refuge will be released to the government and citizen groups that requested the study at noon on Wednesday, (7/26) in the Agricultural Administration Auditorium, 2120 Fyffe Road. The proposed Darby Creek Wildlife Refuge has been hotly debated in Central Ohio by those for and against plans to purchase land to establish a refuge within the Darby Creek watershed. Urban economics researchers in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences conducted the study for Ohio State University Extension at the request of government and citizen groups in the regions effected by the proposed refuge. Findings will be reported to representatives of those groups or entities at this meeting. Researchers will be available for media questions for 30 minutes following the committee meeting at 1:30 p.m. in 111 Agricultural Administration, 2120 Fyffe Rd. Contact: Earle Holland, Research Communications, 292-8384.

The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story--Reggie Anglen, 292-8423; Elizabeth Conlisk, 292-3040; Amy Murray, 292-8385; Lesley Deaderick, 292-0569; Melinda Sadar, 292-8298; and Karissa Shivley, 292-8295.

Compiled by Amy Murray, University Relations, (Murray-Goedde.1@osu.edu)