Stories this week at Wake Forest

Laptops Handed Out

Wake Forest will distribute IBM ThinkPads to nearly 400 freshmen on Monday, Aug. 25, in Reynolds Gymnasium. Students will pick up their computers between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition, each student will receive a printer. Computer training sessions are scheduled for Aug. 25, 26, 30. More than half of the entering students received their ThinkPads by mail during the summer. (For details about computer distribution or to arrange coverage of a training session, call Kevin Cox in the News Bureau.)

Coping With The Emptying Nest

When children leave home to begin college, parents need help with transitions, according to Johnne Armentrout, assistant director of the Wake Forest Counseling Center. Armentrout leads a “College Transitions” program for parents of freshmen Thursday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22. She helps parents understand some of the changes freshmen will experience, while encouraging them to refocus on their own lives. She includes an abbreviated marriage enrichment workshop for couples and a session focused on self-discovery and the demands of parenthood for singles.

Getting A Head Start On Volunteering

Before they register for their first classes at Wake Forest, a group of 20 freshmen will experience volunteering in the Winston-Salem community. S.P.A.R.C. (Students Promoting Responsibility and Action to the Community) is a program designed by the Office of Volunteer Services to show students first-hand the important role that community service plays in the life of the university. Aug. 17-19, students will work on an environmental project at Pilot Mountain, volunteer at hunger relief and children’s agencies and help Habitat for Humanity. (For a detailed schedule of events, call the News Bureau.)

Year Of Religion Begins

Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of such best-selling books as “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” kicks off the Year of Religion in American Life at Wake Forest University with an 11 a.m. address Thursday, Sept. 4, for Opening Convocation in Brendle Recital Hall. Although admission is free, tickets are required for the general public. Call (910) 759-4359. Seating is limited. As part of its yearlong focus on religion, Wake Forest will also host lectures by journalist Bill Moyers (Nov. 19) and evangelist Tony Campolo (Jan. 22-23). Scholars from different faiths will also visit the campus each month to lecture, teach classes and lead discussion groups. Beginning Aug. 20, check the Year of Religion web site for the most updated information about Year of Religion events, speakers and programs.

Wait Chapel Undergoing Renovation

Wait Chapel, perhaps the most recognizable feature of the Wake Forest campus, has been undergoing an extensive renovation this summer. The renovation includes the installation of new acoustical ceiling plaster, new vinyl flooring (as well as carpeted runners), improvements to the heating and air conditioning system, rewiring of the chandeliers, and refinishing of the wood portions of the seating. The project, scheduled for completion in late September, is the first extensive renovation of the university landmark since it opened in 1956. Because the permanent seats have been removed, 2,600 folding chairs will be set up for New Student Convocation Thursday, Aug. 21. The chairs will provide a good photo opportunity.

Undergraduate Classes Begin Wednesday, Aug. 27