Stories This Week At Wake Forest

POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION: WHO GETS WHAT? — Michael Hughes, professor of history at Wake Forest, can comment on restitution and justice in the aftermath of war. Hughes, author of “Shouldering the Burdens of Defeat: West Germany and the Reconstruction of Social Justice,” can discuss post-war Germany and lessons learned following World War II. “Dictatorship, war, and defeat all bring suffering and loss to individuals, and societies have struggled to decide whose misery deserves recompense, and how much,” Hughes says. “For example, should a fervent Nazi be entitled to recompense, at society’s expense, for loss of his home to bombing in a war he helped foment? Can you deny him recompense and expect him to support the new democracy you’re trying to create?” Such problems have faced many nations and will also face Iraq, he says. To arrange an interview with Hughes, contact Cheryl Walker at walkercv@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237. Find more war-related experts here.

OSTEOARTHRITIS STUDY REACHES EXERCISE PHASE — In the coming weeks, local participants in Wake Forest’s GATES (Glucosamine/chondroitin And Training Exercise Study) will begin the exercise phase in one of the nations’ first studies to examine glucosamine and chondrotin’s effect on osteoarthritis of the knee. The first group of around 20 men and women ages 60 and older started the research study in the fall and has taken either the supplements or a placebo for six months. Now, they will see how exercise affects mobility in combination with the supplements. Researchers are also still recruiting patients for the study. See the full story on the study here. To arrange coverage or an interview with the researchers or participants, contact Sarah Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

SPONTANEOUS THEATER — Wake Forest students and faculty will begin writing, producing and directing multiple 10-minute plays at 8 p.m. April 18 as part of the university’s first 24-Hour Theatre project. The 24-hour period will culminate with a free and open performance of the created pieces at 7 p.m. April 19 in the Ring Theatre of the Scales Fine Arts Center. Rebecca Lowry, a sophomore, organized the project. She is available for interviews, and still and video cameras will be allowed in the practices and in the performance. To arrange coverage, contact the News Service at 336-758-5237.

SHOOTING JFK — Wake Forest art historian and Charlotte Weber Professor of Art David Lubin will present a slide show and lecture on John F. Kennedy April 23 at 7 p.m. in Room 102 of the Scales Fine Arts Center. The free and open event will link images of John and Jackie Kennedy to American art, pop culture and history. Lubin is the author of the forthcoming book “Shooting Kennedy: JFK and the Culture of Images.” He will be available for interviews. To arrange an interview with Lubin, contact the News Service at 336-758-5237.

NATIVE AMERICAN FILMMAKER VISITS WFU — Malinda M. Maynor, a filmmaker and doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will visit Wake Forest today. Maynor will introduce her 2001 film “In the Light of Reverence, Environment and the Sacred: A Native American Indian Perspective” and lead a discussion about it beginning at 5 p.m. in Room 302 of Wingate Hall. She will also participate in a humanities class focused on Native Americans at 3 p.m. in Room 312 of Green Hall. She will be available for interview while on campus. To arrange an interview or coverage, contact the News Service at 336-758-5237.

NYC MAYOR, U.S. SURGEON GENERAL TO RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREES AT COMMENCEMENT — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will deliver the 161st commencement address at Wake Forest and receive an honorary doctor of laws degree May 19. The university will award four other honorary degrees during the morning ceremony, including an honorary doctor of science degree to U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona. Media will have reserved seating and parking for the event. To request media credentials and parking passes, contact Sarah Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

NEWS SERVICE CLOSED APRIL 18 — The News Service, along with most administrative offices on campus, will be closed on Friday, April 18, for the Easter holiday. For urgent media matters, call the News Service main line at 336-758-5237 and voice mail will provide instructions on contacting a staff member.