September 11 anniversary news experts

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

The following list of VCU experts and events has been developed to assist you in planning for news coverage of the first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Please call University News Services at 804/828-1231 to set up an interview with one of our experts or for more information on the commemorative events.

Psychological impact of the 9/11 anniversary on children.  Dr. Cheryl S. Al-Mateen is a psychiatrist at VCU’s Virginia Treatment Center for Children.  She says the September 11 anniversary may create anxiety in some children as they watch news coverage. 

Smallpox expert.  Dr. Richard P. Wenzel is chairman of the VCU’s department of internal medicine department and an infectious disease expert.  Dr. Wenzel is one of a few physicians who has first-hand knowledge of smallpox, gained as a young physician working in Bangladesh.

Radiation expert.  Dean W. Broga, Ph.D. is a member of the VCU Health System emergency preparedness committee and is director of the VCU office of health & safety.  

International relations experts.  William Newmann, Ph.D., and Judyth Twigg, Ph.D., professors in the department of political science and public administration, are experts on international relations. Dr. Newmann’s expertise extends into the creation of the department of Homeland Security.  Dr. Twigg is an expert on Russia and its role in the U.S. war on terror and its relationships with Iran, Iraq and North Korea.  

Muslim perspective.  Amina Wadud, Ph.D., professor of religious studies, is a female Muslim. She can discuss the Muslim religion, how it has been portrayed in America since 9/11 and how Muslims have been treated since the attacks.

Forgiveness.  Everett Worthington, Ph.D., chair of VCU’s department of psychology, is a noted expert on forgiveness in relation to health, personality, religion and interpersonal interactions. 

Economic impacts. George Hoffer, Ph.D., professor of economics, is an expert on the economics of travel, specifically the automobile and airline industries. He can discuss how 9/11 has changed the way people travel and how the travel industry has been affected.   

Economic impacts.  Edward Millner, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of economics, is an expert on economic changes in times of uncertainty. He can discuss how the economy changed and continues to change after the events of 9/11.

Middle East historian.  Yucel Yanikdag, Ph.D., is a history professor and has done research and study on Middle Eastern history and relations. He can discuss all aspects of history in the Middle East and their relationships with other countries.

Events

The literary response to terrorism.  Noted author and critic Margaret Scanlan will speak on “The Literary Response to Terrorism” on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m., in the School of Business Auditorium, 1015 Floyd Ave.  This is the kick-off event for the year-long series, “Literature, Crisis and Community,” which explores the role literature plays in creating community and negotiating conflict.

Scanlan is chair and professor of English at Indiana University South Bend.  She has long been interested in the literary depictions of terrorism and terrorists in modern fiction, and has written extensively on the political troubles in Ireland, among other related topics. 

Musical commemoration. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at noon, Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall of the W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, at Park and Harrison streets.  The VCU music department will present a multi-media remembrance that includes music, poetry and photographic images.  VCU President Eugene P. Trani and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Roderick J. McDavis will lead the VCU community in reflecting on the tragedy of September 11.  

The program will include music with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Commonwealth Singers, and faculty string quartet along with narration and photographic images.  Original photographic work by Julie Harvey, a VCU Alumna who was in New York City at the World Trade Center, will be featured in the program.  The commemorative program is free and open to the public.

“Reflection and Connection” candlelight program of remarks and music from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Park Plaza located outdoors between the W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts and the Hibbs Building.  The VCU Division of Student Affairs and the Academic and MCV Student Government Associations are sponsoring the commemorative event.