Ending this Week, Looking to Next

We’re closing out on the last full week of classes, and ending this week on a good note.  After a couple of days of miserable rain and colder weather, today is going to be sunny, low 70s, and gorgeous.

This morning as I was coming across campus, I saw a slew of young men, all wearing blue blazers and khakis, some carrying what looked like gym bags.  It was not clear whether they were all members of the same fraternity who were being asked to all dress the same way for some reason, or if they all were going to a class where they had to make a presentation that required dressing up, or if they were student-athletes who had to dress that way for a road trip.  I doubt the Blue Blazer Parade was accidental – my guess is most of those guys would rather have been asleep since it was before 8 am.

We did have an exciting announcement on campus this week in our men’s basketball program.  Randolph Childress (’95) was named director of player development for the basketball team.  What’s the big deal, you ask?  The big deal is that it is Randolph Childress, who was one of the most legendary and beloved Demon Deacons ever.  Here’s the official press release summary of his achievements: “Childress is the school’s all-time leader in 3-point field goals and ranks fifth in ACC history with 329 3-points field goals made. His 2,208 career points ranks second in Wake Forest history. Childress’ No. 22 jersey is one of 10 numbers retired by the basketball program.”  If you are a committed fangirl like myself, this doesn’t begin to capture all he did for our team.  In addition to his basketball acumen, this guy had icewater in his veins and nerves of steel.  Nothing ruffled him.  His face never gave anything away.  He was tough as nails, a feared competitor, and an incredible leader.

Two of his best known feats:  1) hitting the winning shot in the 1995 ACC Tournament, giving us a win over a much-loathed Carolina team.  He made this ridiculous bicycle kick shot, nailing it at the buzzer.  In Wake Forest parlance, it became known as “The Shot” (in the same way of “The Drive” or “The Immaculate Reception”).  As I frequently say about The Shot, robbing from John Keats, it is “a thing of beauty and a joy forever.”  See it here.  2) In that same game, he completely schooled Carolina’s Jeff McInnis by faking him out on a crossover dribble, which caused McInnis to fall.  Randolph paused – motioned for him to get up – and then drained the 3.  Watch it and be dazzled.  He was like an assassin that tournament.  He took everyone out.  Probably my best basketball memories.

And now he is back, and will bring that skill and will and hunger to our basketball team as part of the official staff.  I know our team has been a bit beat up this year, but look out.  You’ve been warned.

Climbing down off my fangirl soapbox, we’ll close today’s Daily Deac with a summary of some of the activities coming up this weekend (thanks to the Provost’s office for making this handy summary below, and to Campus Life for their Wake the Weekends listing for students!)  Hope you and your students have a great weekend.

Spring Student Choreographic Concert
Sunday, April 29, 2:00 P.M., Scales Fine Art Center, Mainstage Theatre
The WFU Dance Company will present work by 11 student choreographers. Adults, $10; senior citizens and students, $5.  Tickets available at the Theatre Box Office, at 336-758-5295.

University Wind Ensemble Concert
Sunday, April 29, 3:00 P.M., Scales Fine Arts Center, Brendle Recital Hall
The University Wind Ensemble will perform the world premiere of a commissioned piece by Nathan Daughtrey (percussionist, composer, and native of Greensboro, NC). The concert concludes Daughtrey’s week-long visit as composer-in-residence. Kevin Bowen and Philip Morgan, conducting. More information.

University Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, May 2, 7:30 P.M., Scales Fine Arts Center, Brendle Recital Hall
Featuring winners of this year’s Concerto Competition:  Jacob Eichhorn, clarinet; Mary Beth Freitag, soprano; Harrison Grunwald, alto saxophone; Cecilia Kucera, violin; Matthew Martin, trumpet; Jorge Mendez-Estrada, double bass; George Story, trombone.  David Hagy, conducting.  More information.

From Self to Other Opening Reception
Thursday, May 3, 8:30-10:30 P.M., START Gallery
START Gallery invites faculty, staff and students to the opening reception of From Self to Other, an exhibition featuring video art projects produced by students of Professor Joel Tauber. The videos explore local sites and people, as well as concepts of identity. More information.

Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, May 3, 2:00-4:00 P.M., Benson University Center, Room 218
Cookies, coffee, and tea in the LGBTQ Center. Everyone is welcome. More information.