As the nation prepares to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, the need for healing, rebuilding, revitalizing and energizing the peoples and areas of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf continues. DePaul University, the nation’s largest Catholic university, prides itself on a mission of service to community, and over the past year faculty and students have extended assistance to those affected by this devastating catastrophe. Our lineup of faculty are available to comment on a wide range of subjects related to community service, geographic information systems, politic image of the president, social and psychological ails associated with the disaster and transportation.

Matthew “Casey” Bowles, Service Immersion Coordinator, DePaul University Ministry, heads DePaul’s annual community service immersion trips, including the university’s community service trips to New Orleans and Biloxi this past spring, and can talk about students’ experiences there. DePaul: (773) 325-4772, e-mail: mbowles@depaul.edu

Ashley Morris, Associate Professor, Computer Science
An expert in geographic information systems (GIS) and how they can be used to model “fuzzy” regions of an area’s environmental character, such as shorelines and wetlands. These models could help better predict the impact of hurricanes on those areas, as well as the strength of the ground surrounding levees. A native of New Orleans, Morris is currently rebuilding his family home in the city, and has worked with his DePaul students on a database project with the New Orleans Police Department to help improve emergency and evacuation procedures. Editor’s Note: Prof. Morris is on sabbatical this fall in New Orleans. Interviews can be arranged by contacting Shawn Malayter, DePaul Media Relations, at (312) 262-6978 or smalayte@depaul.edu.

Bruce Newman, Professor, Marketing
Author of several books about political marketing and the presidency, Newman believes that the Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 crises define George Bush’s image and legacy as president. He can discuss how politicians use crises to mold their images and President George Bush’s image one year after the hurricane. He can be reached at cell phone: (847) 984-6932; phone: (312) 362-5186 or email: bnewman@depaul.edu.

Sheila Ribordy, Director, DePaul’s Mental Health Center; Professor, Psychology
Can discuss the long-term psychological effects of displacement on children, youth and families; the positive and negative impact of rebuilding or starting over; and how poverty continues to shape the lives of those people most affected by Hurricane Katrina. DePaul: (773) 325-7787; e-mail: sribordy@depaul.edu (She will be out of the country and unreachable until August 22).

Joseph Schwieterman, Director, DePaul’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development; Professor, Public Service is available to discuss the overall rebuilding of New Orleans; and issues involving energy, transportation, commerce and city facilities. He is a coordinator of a New Orleans project in which faculty and graduate students of the public service program are helping to revitalize the Tulane-Canal district of the city. DePaul: (312) 362-5732; e-mail: jschwiet@depaul.edu.

Neil Vincent, Assistant Professor, Social Work,
can talk about how such factors as poverty and stress caused by the magnitude of the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina, may still be weighing on its victims. Vincent is a native of Lafayette, La., and, prior to moving to Chicago in 2005, spent six years living in New Orleans. DePaul: (773) 325-4046; e-mail: nvincen2@depaul.edu.