Panel Discussions on the Future of Haiti to be Held at Roger Williams University

BRISTOL, RI (02/13/2010)(readMedia)-- In the wake of Haiti's devastating earthquake, Roger Williams University will host two panel discussions to explore the emerging issues surrounding the rebuilding of that nation's infrastructure. RWU faculty across disciplines will come together on those evenings to promote a better understanding of the political, economic, sociological and construction-related issues surrounding a prosperous rebuilding of Haiti.

The first panel – "Haiti: To Rebuild a Nation - Engineering, Infrastructure, Buildings" – will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 4:00 p.m. The discussion will focus on the structural and social infrastructures needed in Haiti to better enable the country's future emergency preparedness.

RWU faculty panelists will include: Dr. Stephen White, professor of architecture and dean of RWU's School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation; Dr. Linda Riley, professor of and program coordinator for engineering; and Dr. Jason Patch, assistant professor of sociology.

The second panel – "Haiti: To Rebuild a Nation - Government, Economics, Social Networks" – will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4:00 p.m. Panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities facing Haiti as it rebuilds its political and economic infrastructures.

RWU faculty panelists will include: Dr. Tad Kugler, assistant professor of political science; Dr. Mark Sawoski, professor of political science; and Dr. Jeremy Campbell, assistant professor of anthropology.

Dr. June Speakman, professor of political science and public administration at RWU, will moderate both panels.

Both panel events will take place in the Mary Tefft White Cultural Center in the University Library on the Bristol Campus at One Old Ferry Road. These ticketless events are free and open to the public. For more information on these events, contact Dr. June Speakman at (401) 254-3346.

Members of the media are also encouraged to attend. For more information, contact University Communications at (401) 254-3805.

Both panel events will be videotaped and archived on the Bridge to Haiti program website. The "Haiti: To Rebuild a Nation" panels are sponsored by RWU's Bridge to Haiti program, the University community's response to the crisis in Haiti. For more information on RWU's Bridge to Haiti program, visit: http://sites.rwu.edu/bridgetohaiti.

About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 40 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. Under the leadership of President Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D., the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report named RWU the seventh-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.

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