ESPN!

In this Issue:

• ESPN coming to campus Sept. 11 before the WF-NC State game
• Arriving early for Family Weekend? Come to the Soweto Gospel Choir concert
• NBA front office executive joins Wake Forest, goal to launch a new sports analytics concentration

Today is all about big news and campus events. Let’s get right to it!

ESPN coming to campus Sept. 11 before the WF-NC State game

Big news today! Mark your calendars, Deacs! ESPN’s SportsCenter, hosted by Matt Barrie, will broadcast live from Hearn Plaza (the Quad) on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. in front of Wait Chapel. Here’s what we have told students:

“Come out starting at 1:30 p.m. to grab a spot and join in the live atmosphere. The show will feature Coach Jake Dickert, campus traditions, and a lively gameday vibe with the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black Marching Band, cheer and dance teams, and the Demon Deacon mascot.

Exclusive giveaways and interactive opportunities will make this an unforgettable afternoon before the Deacs take on NC State that evening at 7:30 p.m. at Allegacy Stadium. Don’t forget to wear your black and gold and be part of the national spotlight on Wake Forest.”

Encourage your Deacs to be there – maybe you will see them on TV! These kinds of events are great fun, and it’s not every day that we have ESPN on campus. GO DEACS!

Arriving early for Family Weekend? Come to the Soweto Gospel Choir concert

Family Weekend is just a few weeks away. For those of you who are arriving on Thursday, Sept. 25th, there is a Secrest Artists Series concert that evening that looks to be amazing: the Soweto Gospel Choir will be here:

“Formed in 2002, the career achievements of Soweto Gospel Choir are phenomenal. To list but some: 

• They have performed in programs alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Angelique Kidjo, Jimmy Cliff, Youssou N’Dour, Ziggy Marley, and South African superstar Johnny Clegg, including at his farewell concert.
• They have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, U2, John Legend, Robert Plant, Chance the Rapper and Ben Harper. 
• They have performed on stage with Celine Dion, Andre Rieu, Bono, Diana Ross, Zahara, and Pharrell Williams.” 

Your Deacs can register for a free ticket, and you can purchase tickets here.

This is a chance to see a world-class concert, so if you are coming early, please consider attending.

NBA front office executive joins Wake Forest, goal to launch a new sports analytics concentration 

Our School of Business and Athletics have announced a new partnership with some lofty goals. Here is a snippet:

“Wake Forest Athletics announced today that Steve Weinman, a seasoned NBA front office executive with over a decade of experience in data strategy, scouting and performance analysis, has been appointed as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Analytics. In this role, Weinman will also serve as General Manager for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, providing direct strategic and operational support for Coach Steve Forbes and Coach Megan Gebbia.

Weinman comes to Wake Forest’s staff following a distinguished 13-year tenure with the Chicago Bulls, most recently serving as Vice President of Basketball Strategy and Analytics and Assistant General Manager…. 

As part of Wake Forest’s forward-thinking vision for athletics analytics, Weinman will serve as an Executive Affiliate with the Wake Forest School of Business, building and managing a formal partnership with the shared goal of developing a sports analytics concentration within the Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. This collaboration—an unprecedented integration of academic and athletics leadership—will include hands-on learning opportunities for MSBA students through embedded projects within Athletics, enhanced alumni engagement and industry-facing programming.”

You can read the full story here on the School of Business website, and this gift article from the Triad Business Journal.

The article from the Triad Business Journal says “WFU is anticipating launching the concentration for the 2026-2027 academic year.” The idea of having a sports analytics concentration within our MSBA program is really intriguing, and I imagine this will be a very popular program once launched. Will keep you posted as I learn more.