Stories this week at Wake Forest

WFU POTENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE SITE

Wake Forest is one of 12 sites being considered for a presidential debate in 2000. Wake Forest and the Winston-Salem Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) submitted a formal proposal to the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) to host a debate in the university’s Wait Chapel, where George Bush and Michael Dukakis debated in 1988. Final site selections will be made in January. University president Thomas K. Hearn Jr. said in addition to experience, Wake Forest offers an extensively renovated Wait Chapel and a campus that is recognized nationally for its sophisticated computer facilities. “Having hosted one already, we understand the importance of a presidential debate to our political process and the preparation necessary to ensure its success,” he said. The city is also more prepared since the last debate with more hotel space and renovated and expanded meeting facilities, said Stephan Dragisic of the Winston-Salem CVB.

ELECTRICITY FROM LEMONS AND OTHER WAYS ART AND SCIENCE COME TOGETHER

Artist John Pakosta turned 100 lemons into batteries for his 15-foot by 25-foot artistic creation called “Cell” by piercing the fruits with metal electrodes. Norman Tuck explores the natures of sound in his interactive piece called an “OscylinderScope,” which translates the vibration of musical strings into visible waves. Tuck’s and Pakosta’s pieces are part of “Fusion: Art and Science,” an exhibit at the Wake Forest Fine Arts Gallery through December 10. The exhibit, which explores the use of scientific principles in the creation of art, is part of the yearlong celebration, “Science and Techology: the Next Millennium.” To arrange an interview with the gallery director, call the News Service.

DIVINITY SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS FOUND ONLINE

Reporters and editors interested in reading the inaugural convocation address by Divinity School Dean Bill J. Leonard or hearing audio excerpts can visit the News Service Web site at www.wfu.edu/wfunews. Tuesday night’s inaugural convocation was part of a series of events celebrating the opening of the new school at Wake Forest. Also featured on the Web site are downloadable photographs, including one of Maya Angelou delivering her remarks during the event. The divinity school is the first professional school to open at Wake Forest in 30 years. Leonard is available for interviews about the school. Please call 336-758-4315 to schedule a time.

HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU

Check the Wake Forest University News Service Web site for up-to-date information and news stories. The site provides answers to frequently -asked questions about Wake Forest, links to archived news releases, photographs, and information on the latest breaking news story. A list of expert sources from the faculty are available in the online, searchable Source Guide. “The site is an important tool for journalists who quickly need to download a photograph, audio file or news release,” said Julie Leonard, a media relations officer and coordinator of the site. The site is updated daily and located at www.wfu.edu/wfunews.

Categories: Community, School of Divinity, University Announcement