Stories this week at WFU

WILL BUSH USE STATE OF THE UNION TO SIGNAL AN INVASION? – What issues will President Bush focus on during his second State of the Union address? Allan Louden, an expert in political communication, says he may use the airtime to signal an invasion on Iraq. Louden, associate professor of communication, has analyzed presidential speeches and debates for several years and was Senator Elizabeth Dole’s debate coach during the recent North Carolina senate race. He can provide insight on the issues Bush is likely to discuss, and analyze the manner in which he will deliver the address during a potential wartime situation. To arrange an interview with Louden, contact the News Service at 336-758-5237.

ONE YEAR BEFORE ‘I HAVE A DREAM;’ MLK’S VISIT TO WFU – A Wake Forest researcher says a 1962 visit by Martin Luther King Jr. to Wake Forest was a good example of King’s campaign to build support for his proposals with white audiences. Susan Faust, instructor in communication, recently transcribed and analyzed the audio tape of King’s address to a nearly full Wait Chapel in October 1962, nearly one year before his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Faust says King successfully overcame two main rhetorical obstacles. “The first was to establish his credibility as a knowledgeable and trustworthy educator,” she says. “The second was to craft his message so the audience would listen to the words but, more importantly, would understand and accept the meaning of the message.” King’s speech was part of the College Union Lecture Series. University Chaplain Ed Christman was among a small group of students and faculty who attended a dinner with King prior to his speech. For more information or to arrange an interview with Faust or Christman, contact the News Service through Friday at 336-758-5237 or Faust over the weekend at 336-759-7229.

WAKE FOREST, LOCAL COLLEGES CELEBRATE MLK JR. DAY – In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, students at Wake Forest and two local colleges will remember the civil rights leader with several activities. Wake Forest will host a memorial basketball tournament Jan. 18 and show Spike Lee’s film “Four Little Girls” continuously from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 20 in Benson University Center’s Pugh Auditorium. Murals created by students at Wake Forest, Salem College and Winton-Salem State University will be on display during a closing program Jan. 20 at Winston-Salem State. To arrange coverage, contact the News Service at 336-758-5237.

CLASSES, OFFICES CLOSED FOR MLK DAY – There will be no classes on Jan. 20 and all administrative offices, including the News Service, will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes began for the spring semester Jan. 15.

Categories: Campus Life, Community, Events