Stories this week at WFU

By Sarah S. Mansell
336.758.5237
October 24, 2002

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM UGANDA— A leading proponent for the advancement of women in Africa says that women in the United States can learn from the experiences of women in her homeland. “In Uganda, because of tradition, culture and custom, boys are often given better educational opportunities than girls,” says Joyce Mpanga, Uganda’s chairperson for the Non-Government Organizations Board. “I want to sensitize people to exercise the freedom that is given to them here.” During the colonial days of Africa, Mpanga was one of the first women appointed by the British Colonial Governor of Uganda to represent women in Parliament. She will speak at Wake Forest Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. in Benson University Center’s Pugh Auditorium. Mpanga will be available for interviews prior to and following her presentation. To arrange an interview contact Sarah Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES OFFER N.C. VOTERS SWEEPING CHANGE — Jack Fleer, professor emeritus of political science at Wake Forest University and author of the book “North Carolina Politics,” can comment on the U.S. Senate race between Elizabeth Dole and Erskine Bowles. “The key is that regardless of who is elected, the representation of North Carolina in the U.S. Senate will change significantly from that of Jesse Helms, with his ideologically infused rhetoric and orientation to national policy,” Fleer says. “Both Bowles and Dole are moderates, pragmatic and non-ideological.” If Bowles were to win, it would be a big upset for the White House, which has invested much in Dole’s candidacy, Fleer says. In addition, it would be the first time since 1972 that the Democrats would have both seats in the U.S. Senate from N.C. To arrange an interview with Fleer, contact Cheryl Walker at walkercv@wfu.edu or 336-758-6073.

DAYS OF THE DEAD, LIVE AT WFU — Throughout the month of October, the Anthropology Museum at Wake Forest is hosting an exhibit titled “Days of the Dead.” On Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m., Christina Roche of the Hispanic League of the Piedmont Triad will speak about “Days of the Dead” observances. The museum will also show videos of authentic “Days of the Dead” celebrations during their open house from 4-6 p.m. “Days of the Dead” are celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador and Peru from All Saints Day until All Souls Day as a way of remembering lost loved ones. The event is free and open to the public. To arrange coverage, contact the News Service at 336-758-5237.

WFU STUDENTS GIVE FUN, SAFE HALLOWEEN TO LOCAL KIDS — Project Pumpkin, an annual event sponsored by the Wake Forest Volunteer Service Corps, will bring about 1,500 children from more than 35 community agencies to campus for an afternoon of Halloween fun Oct. 31 from 3 – 6 p.m. Food Lion has donated $2,500 worth of candy and costumed student volunteers will escort children through decorated residence halls for safe trick-or-treating. Student organizations and faculty departments will sponsor carnival booths, face painting, haunted houses and other entertainment. Most events will take place on University Plaza (Quad) between Wait Chapel and Reynolda Hall. More than 1,500 Wake Forest students will help with Project Pumpkin, now in its 14th year. The media is invited, but the event is not open to the general public. To arrange coverage, contact Rachel Cook at cookrj@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

NICKEL CREEK TO BRING BLUEGRASS SOUND TO WFU — They have been called one of the top five music innovators of the millennium and have been hailed by critics from The New York Times to Rolling Stone magazine. The bluegrass revival band Nickel Creek will bring their “polystylistic” sound to Wake Forest Nov. 16 on a tour that includes dates with Willie Nelson and John Mayer. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in Wait Chapel. The band’s self-titled first album went gold and earned two Grammy nominations. Nickel Creek’s newest release “This Side” debuted in August at No. 2 on Billboard’s country album chart. Members of the band are available for interviews prior to their Wake Forest performance. To arrange an interview, contact Rachel Cook at cookrj@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.