Contact: Cheryl Walker
(336) 758-5237

FOUNDERS' DAY ADDRESS BY ACTIVIST WOLE SOYINKA

Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian author and political activist, will deliver the Founders' Day Convocation address during the 11 a.m. ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in Wait Chapel. Soyinka, a poet, playwright and novelist, won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986. He is currently the Woodruff Professor of the Arts at Emory University. Through his writing and protest activities, Soyinka spoke out against the Nigerian government concerning human rights issues. Eventually, he had to flee the country and live in self-imposed exile for numerous years. He returned for the first time in 1998..

UNIVERSITY'S HIGHEST HONOR TO BE AWARDED

Wake Forest's highest honor, the Medallion of Merit, will be awarded during the Founders' Day Convocation on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in Wait Chapel. Four faculty members will also be recognized during the 11 a.m. ceremony for contributions to student life, excellence in research and excellence in teaching.

NEW STUDENT HEALTH CENTER DEDICATION SCHEDULED

The formal dedication of the George C. Mackie Student Health Center will be held Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. in Reynolda Hall's main lounge. The new center is named in honor of a Wake Forest alumnus who served as the college physician when the university was located in the town of Wake Forest. Members of the Mackie family will attend. The dedication will feature remarks by President Thomas K. Hearn Jr. and Senior Vice President Edwin Wilson. An open house will take place later in the semester.

WFU RESEARCHER SEEKING SUBJECTS FOR NEW PHASE OF STUDY

According to a Wake Forest University study, exercise and diet may improve physical function and the quality of life for senior citizens afflicted with osteoarthritis of the knee. Stephen Messier, the lead researcher, is currently recruiting new subjects for his study that targets overweight men and women ages 60 and older who have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. To arrange an interview with Messier, call the News Service.