Franklin Abraham Sonn, the South African Ambassador to the United States, and Semere Russom, the Eritrean Ambassador to the United States, will discuss issues that affect each of their countries at two separate events on June 5 at DePaul University's Egan Urban Center, 245 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 9100.

Sonn will discuss the latest economic developments in South Africa at a reception to be held in his honor from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The reception will be co-hosted by the Rev. John P. Minogue, C.M., DePaul president; John F. Kordek, associate vice president for external relations; and Michael I.J. Bennett, Egan Urban Center executive director.

Sonn is visiting Chicago to raise awareness about Shared Interest, a New York-based not-for-profit social investment fund that supports South Africa's reconstruction process by encouraging investment in the country's low income communities. The organization is seeking contributions to the fund from individual and institutional investors in the United States. Donated money is deposited into the Thembani International Guarantee Fund, which is used to guarantee bank loans to South African grassroots organizations. The organizations use the loans to provide affordable credit and training for small businesses, housing and rural developments in the country's economically marginalized black communities.

"At DePaul's Egan Center, Ambassador Sonn will gather information about parallels between his country's community redevelopment efforts and similar efforts underway in Chicago," Bennett said. The Egan Center's mission is to forge collaborations between DePaul and Chicago-area community organizations to address critical urban problems, alleviate poverty and promote social justice through teaching, service and scholarship.

Sonn also will speak at a noon luncheon June 5 sponsored by the South African-American Economic Council and the South African Consulate. The luncheon will be held at the law offices of Gardner, Carton & Douglas, 321 N. Clark St., Suite 3400. Sonn will discuss trends involving investments in South Africa.

Russom will discuss the challenges facing the northeastern African nation of Eritrea at a reception and panel discussion at the Egan Center that begins at 6:30 p.m. Following his 7 p.m. remarks, a panel consisting of Kordek, DePaul Vice President for Lifelong Learning David O. Justice, the Rev. Edward Udovic, C.M., School for New Learning Assistant Professor Kevin Downing, and Assistant Professor of English Anne Calcagno will discuss issues affecting Eritrea.

The event is sponsored by DePaul's Division of Lifelong Learning, International Programs & Government Relations, International Human Rights Law Institute, the School for New Learning, the Vincentian Endowment Fund and the Egan Center.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Journalists interested in covering the DePaul receptions should contact Robin Florzak, DePaul Media Relations: 312/362-8592. For more information on the South African-American Economic Council luncheon, call 312/245-8010.