This week at Wake Forest University
Experts Available for Analysis on Attack on America
MEDIA COVERAGE OF NATIONAL POLITICAL CRISIS
Kathy Smith, chair of the political science department at Wake Forest, can comment on how the media coverage of the terrorist attacks is shaping Americans’ views and reactions. She can also speak about media responsibility in a time of national political crisis. “It is interesting to see how the media’s response to the attacks measures up to our country’s need for responsible journalism,” Smith says. “Some incidents being shown are more sensational than informative. An example is the repeated broadcast of footage of people cheering in the West Bank. From what we are learning, this is not an accurate portrayal of the general feeling in that part of the world. But those images remain in Americans’ minds and shape the way some people are reacting to what happened and what they expect from our government.” Smith is available until 11 a.m. on Sept. 13. Contact the News Service to arrange an interview.
IMPACT OF TERRORIST ACTS ON FINANCIAL MARKETS
Bruce Resnick, Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Professor of Banking and Finance at the Wake Forest University Babcock Graduate School of Management, can comment on the impact of Tuesday’s terrorist activities on international financial markets. Resnick is the co-author of the book “International Financial Management.” He specializes in investments, portfolio management and international financial management. He can be reached at 336-758-4581 or by contacting Eric Whittington in the MBA school’s external relations office at eric.whittington@mba.wfu.edu, 336-758-5030.
U.S. ECONOMY IN THE HANDS OF CONSUMERS, SAYS WFU EXPERT
The impact that the shocking terrorist attacks on New York and Washington will have on the U.S. economy lies in the hands of consumers who so far have helped keep the slowing economy out of a recession, says Gary Shoesmith, professor of economics at Wake Forest University. “If consumers lose confidence in the stability of the U.S. and world economy, it could be enough to tip the economy into recession, especially considering that consumer spending is what has prevented a national recession so far,” says Shoesmith, director of the Center for Economic Studies at Wake Forest’s Babcock Graduate School of Management. He can be reached at 336-758-5053, or by contacting Eric Whittington, eric.Whittington@mba.wfu.edu, and 336-758-5030.
CRISIS COMMUNICATION/INVESTIGATING TERRORISM
Randall Rogan, associate professor of communication and an expert on crisis communication and terrorism, is available for expert analysis of Tuesday’s terrorist acts in New York and Washington, D.C. Rogan is a consultant to intelligence agencies, providing assistance and training in crisis communication and hostage negotiations. In 1995, Rogan was one of two communications experts that linked the Unabomber Manifesto to Ted Kaczynski by analyzing letters and other documents. He can comment on the how these agencies conduct investigations into terrorist acts, the purpose of and responses to terrorism, and handling crisis situations. To arrange an interview, contact the News Service.
BOTH SPIRITUAL CRISIS AND RENEWAL, AS AMERICANS REACT TO TERRORIST ATTACKS
Bill J. Leonard, dean of the Divinity School at Wake Forest, says Tuesday’s terrorist attacks have greatly affected Americans on the spiritual level. Some people are questioning their faith while others are experiencing a religious renewal. Leonard is available to comment on these issues. The author of several books, he is an expert on religious trends in America and church history. To arrange an interview, contact the News Service.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS CAN HELP KIDS DEAL WITH CRISIS
Donna Henderson, assistant professor of counselor education, can offer tips on how teachers and parents can help school-aged children handle the tragic events of Sept. 11. An expert on counseling children and an experienced school counselor, she can also comment on the long-term psychological effects the recent terrorist activities may have on children. To talk with Henderson, contact the News Service.
Other Stories This Week at Wake Forest
CONVOCATION WITH N.C. FIRST LADY MARY EASLEY STILL ON
Mary Easley, first lady of North Carolina, will speak at Wake Forest’s Opening Convocation on Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. in Wait Chapel. Easley’s scheduled speech is titled “Competence, Confidence and the Comfort Zone; How to Color Your Life Outside the Lines.” The university will recognize the recent terrorists attacks during the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public. To arrange media coverage of the event and an interview with Easley, contact the News Service.
FAMOUS COMEDY TROUPE COMES TO WFU
The Second City, an improvisational comedy troupe that lists Bill Murray and Joan Rivers among its alumni, will perform at Wake Forest University at 8 p.m. on Sept. 17. Members of the group will be on campus throughout the day prior to their performance and will be available for interviews. To arrange an interview with the cast, contact the News Service by Friday, Sept. 14.
FORUM TO DISCUSS AMERICAN RELATIONS WITH PACIFIC NATIONS
Wake Forest University will host a political science forum titled “The Taiwan Issue: U.S. Policy Toward Taiwan and China,” Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. The event will be held in Benson University Center, Room 401, and is free and open to the public. The media is also invited to attend. To arrange an interview with the panelists, contact the News Service.
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