Stories this week at WFU

WFU HOSTS ‘POLICY PROJECT,’ ULTIMATE IN DEBATE CAMPS — Approximately 80 high school students from around the country are at Wake Forest participating in the university debate team’s four-week Policy Project. The camp, which runs through Aug. 1, is one of the nation’s premier workshops for high school debaters. Camp director Ross Smith says other institutions have used the Wake Forest model in developing similar camps of their own. Students are coached by expert debaters, including Wake Forest debate team coaches, in debate theory and research. They will participate in several practice debates in preparation for the camp-ending tournament. Wake Forest’s debate team is consistently ranked among the top debate programs in the country and is directed by Allan Louden, associate professor of communication. To arrange coverage, contact Sarah S. Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

WAKE FOREST PROFESSOR, BENIN NATIVE, AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT ON PRESIDENT’S AFRICA VISIT — Sylvain Boko, associate professor of economics and a native of Benin, West Africa, will be available to comment on President Bush’s trip to Africa and the possible economic implications of increasing trade between the United States and Southern Africa. Boko is currently traveling across Africa, following an economics study abroad trip he sponsors to Benin each summer. He will return to Wake Forest in late July. He is currently available for interviews by e-mail, with a slight delay in response time. For more information, contact Sarah S. Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

HOW CHILDREN CAN FIND THEIR SOCIAL NICHE — There are still a few weeks of summer vacation left, but some children may already be thinking about how they will fit in when they start the new school year. Children are more likely to be accepted by their peers if they show interest in another person says Mark Leary, Wake Forest psychology professor and author of “Interpersonal Rejection.” Showing kindness to others is another way to make new friends says Samuel Gladding, chairman of the Wake Forest counseling department and president-elect of the American Counseling Association. Leary and Gladding can explain how parents can help children find their social niche on the emotional roller coaster of social acceptance. To arrange an interview with Leary or Gladding, contact Cheryl Walker at walkercv@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

HOW RUMORS AND TECHNOLOGY WILL AFFECT THE REBUILDING OF IRAQ — In a culture conditioned to live in fear, speculation and distrust, rumors and misinformation can become viewed as trusted news sources in and of themselves, says Connie Chesner, an adjunct instructor in communication at Wake Forest and an Internet rumors specialist. “Iraq’s newfound freedoms provide evidence of the power of social networks to spark and spread misinformation and, more importantly, to move people to action,” says Chesner. “As rebuilding efforts introduce modern, networked communication technologies to the Iraqi masses, the ability of individuals to disseminate misinformation will increase dramatically and the exponential influence of rumors will rapidly emerge.” To arrange an interview with Chesner, contact Sarah S. Mansell at manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237.

GRAYLYN CONFERENCE CENTER CONTINUES TO RECEIVE HONORS — For the seventh year, Wake Forest University’s Graylyn International Conference Center was awarded the Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings magazine. Graylyn also received the Gold Key Award from Meetings & Conventions magazine for the fourth consecutive year. The conference center features 98 guest rooms, 25 diverse and fully equipped meeting rooms, and unique special events geared for the community. For more information, contact the News Service.