Dr. Rinehart gives 'Last Lecture'

The Religion Department at Ashland University will celebrate its graduating seniors and close out the year with a final lecture by long-time Ashland resident Dr. Don Rinehart on Wednesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Miller Chapel at the corner of King Road and College Avenue.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, is titled “Last Lecture: The Beginning of Wisdom.”

“The Last Lecture series is a way the Religion Department honors great teachers by asking them to give a lecture as if it were their last,” said Dr. Peter Slade, associate professor of religion. “In this case, this really is Dr. Rinehart’s last semester teaching and our last chance to hear him give a lecture at the university.”

Dr. Rinehart started teaching in the Religion Department at AU in the fall semester of 1969. He retired in 2007, but continued teaching sections of the class “Exploring the Bible.” “Many generations of AU students can testify to his wisdom and compassion in the classroom,” Slade said.

“The Religion Department extends an invitation to all present and past students, colleagues and members of the community to celebrate the success of our students and to have one last opportunity to be taught by Dr. Don Rinehart,” Slade said.

In addition, those attending the lecture will have an opportunity to contribute to the Rinehart Lectureship in Practical Theology endowment campaign, which was started when Dr. Rinehart retired. The Annual Rinehart Lecture in Practical Theology will bring a leading scholar in Practical Theology to Ashland's campus to work with students and give a public lecture.

“This is a way of continuing to honor the legacy of Dr. Rinehart's extraordinary career,” Slade said. Those who are not able to attend the lecture but would like to contribute, can call the AU Office of Development at 419.289.5620.