Eke to Lead Winter Term Course to Continue Katrina Relief

Ocek Eke, assistant professor of communications, is leading a group of 20 students on a Winter Term course to the Katrina-stricken areas of southern Mississippi. The course is titled "Volunteerism, social justice and civic engagement in the wake of Hurricane Katrina." This is Eke's third trip to the areas surrounding Bay St. Louis. The group will be in the area from Jan. 12 to Jan. 20.

The course examines civic  responsibilities of citizens in times of natural disasters. Students will learn about different aspects of disaster relief by studying related socioeconomic and political issues such as the role and function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as state and local governments. More importantly, students will be active, participating volunteers, helping in the rebuilding efforts. Upon their return, they will reflect through verbal and visual presentations on the impact and importance of civic engagement.

Eke will be joined in leading the group by Lynda Butler-Storsved, instructor in the health and human performance department. The trip is partially funded by a grant from Elon's Project Pericles.