Presidential Address

November 19, 2021

by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. ('92, MA '94)

This morning, President Susan R. Wente gave a Presidential Address for the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Sutton Center to hear from Dr. Wente and to enjoy a reception afterwards. In her remarks, Dr. Wente reflected on the question “What is expected of a great university today?” and shared three key observations about Wake Forest. I won’t be able to do justice to her remarks, so I encourage you to watch her address here.

In other news on campus:

I saw this announcement today for students staying on campus during the Thanksgiving break:

“Thanksgiving Menu for Pick up on Wednesday, Nov 24...Use ONE Meal Swipe. RSVP by email to wfucater@wfu.edu or call 336-758-5610 by Monday Nov 22 at 4 pm. Pick up at Shorty’s on Wednesday Nov 24th between 11 am-7pm.

Includes Hot items: Sliced Turkey Breast, Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots with Honey Butter, Cold items: Cranberry Sauce, Tossed Salad with Dressing, Rolls and Butter, Pumpkin Pie.”

Part of Dr. Wente’s message this morning focused on gratitude. So it was very timely to learn that we are once again offering the Thank a Teacher program, which gives students an opportunity to thank faculty and staff who have made a difference in their education. Interested students can fill out a short form online and the Center for the Advancement of Teaching will compile the responses and forward them along to recipients at the end of the semester. If your Deac has shared that a particular faculty or staff member has made a real difference to them, encourage them to participate.

This message was sent to current study abroad students and students who will be new to Wake Forest in the spring semester regarding our vaccination policy.

Earlier this week, Residence Life and Housing sent the following message to off-campus residents.

We’ll close with something fun. I have seen a lot of my faculty and staff friends posting pictures on social media of various trees on campus that they think are especially glorious. So before Dr. Wente’s address, I did a little sleuthing around campus to see what I could find. You can see my [very amateur, non Ken Bennett-esque] pictures below. Do you have a clear favorite? Also, a bonus shot of garland going up on the railings of the Wellbeing Center.

As always on Fridays, call your Deacs :). Have a great weekend, Daily Deacdom!