Stories this week at Wake Forest

DEAN’S NEW BOOK EXPLORES CHRISTIANITY IN APPALACHIA

A new book edited by Wake Forest Divinity School Dean Bill Leonard examines everything from snake handling to Catholicism in Appalachia. “Christianity in Appalachia: Profiles in Regional Pluralism” (University of Tennessee Press, 1999) explores religious practices in the region’s cities, small towns and rural communities. “Religion has long been a source of identity for many southerners, and the Appalachian areas in particular have proven to be a virtual fortress protecting faith and culture,” Leonard said. Leonard is available for interviews by calling 758-4315.

WHAT IS THE GOOD LIFE?

What constitutes “the good life” and how do we sustain a higher “quality of life” index? Is “the good life” determined by our daily spiritual practices, our outlook on life, or our good works? Wake Forest faculty will lead a panel discussion addressing these questions from 11 a.m. to noon on April 13 in the Benson University Center’s rotunda. The panel will feature Assistant Professor of Philosophy Andrew Cross, Instructor of Religion Jay Ford, Assistant Professor of Psychology Batja Mesquita and Assistant Professor of English Jan Caldwell. The free and public event is part of the Benson Center’s “Discovery Series.”

GRADUATE COUNSELING PROGRAM AND DIRECTOR RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARDS

Wake Forest’s graduate counseling education program was named the 1999 Robert Frank Outstanding Program, a national recognition of excellence from the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES). ACES, a division of the American Counseling Association, selected the program from among hundreds across the country, including much larger programs with doctoral degrees. Samuel T. Gladding, director of the graduate counseling education program and a nationally known figure in the counseling profession, was honored by ACES with its Professional Leadership Award. Gladding specializes in the use of creative arts in counseling and has written numerous textbooks, including “Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession.” Gladding has also held leadership position for various international, national and regional counseling organizations.

GENDER, CULTURE AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Irish legal scholar Siobhan Mullally will discuss “Gender, Culture and International Human Rights Law” April 13 at 4:30 p.m. in Benson University Center’s Pugh Auditorium. “I will examine the difficulties that have arisen in attempting to enforce international human rights standards prohibiting discrimination against women,” says Mullally. “Tensions arise between feminism and multiculturalism when a concern to protect distinct cultures, traditions and religious beliefs comes into conflict with rules prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex.” Currently, Mullally is a Visiting Fellow of the Harvard Human Rights Program, and is a lecturer in international law at the National University of Ireland (Cork).

GLOBAL WARMING FOCUS OF TALK BY NCAR SCIENTIST

Kevin Trenberth of the National Center for Atmospheric Research will present “Global Warming is Happening” on April 14. The free and public lecture is among several events concerning the environment during Wake Forest’s Year of Globalization and Diversity. The lecture will begin at 4 p.m. in Benson University Center’s Pugh Auditorium. Trenberth is a senior scientist with NCAR and leads its climate analysis division.