(June 12, 2009, New Orleans, La.) - C. Mark Phillips, University of New Orleans instructor of philosophy, has been selected to receive the 2009 Humanist Award from the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association for his work with the annual UNO Darwin Day celebration.

The award will be presented at the organization's meeting on June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Audubon Zoo Dominion Learning Center where Phillips will deliver a presentation titled "Is There a Difference Between Politics and Religion?"

The New Orleans Secular Humanist Association is dedicated to raising the awareness of people of the Gulf Coast region to the ideals and values of secular humanism. For more information on the organization, visit http://nosha.secularhumanism.net/.

The University of New Orleans (UNO), the urban research University of the State of Louisiana, provides essential support for the educational, economic, cultural and social well-being of the culturally rich and diverse New Orleans metropolitan area. It opened its doors in 1958 as part of the Louisiana State University System "to bring public-supported higher education to Louisiana's largest urban community." Today, UNO offers 43 undergraduate degree programs, 37 masters, and 11 doctoral programs. The 340-acre main campus sits on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering easy access to all parts of the metro area. For more information, visit www.uno.edu.

Johanna M. Schindler

Director of Public Relations

(504) 280-6939

Fax (504) 280-1080

jschindl@uno.edu