Monday Roundup
In this Issue:
- How Wake Forest’s Demon Deacon Became College Football’s Most Unusual Mascot
- Travel + Leisure calls Winston-Salem a Must-Visit
- Reminder: Academic Resources Awareness Week begins now
- World Cultural Festival this Thursday
- Faculty expert: What’s at stake in North Carolina’s 2026 midterm elections?
This weekend marked a change in the Winston-Salem climate: it feels like Fall now. Temperatures were (IMHO) absolutely delightful this weekend: mornings were quite chilly (as low as the low 40s) and daytime highs were high 60s/low 70s. Our students will likely be reaching for their hoodies/jackets/vests for the foreseeable future. Even the air smelled cold and clean.
One of my favorite fall pasttimes is to take a cold nighttime walk – not necessarily for aerobic exercise, but just to enjoy being outdoors and moving around without breaking a sweat. Hopefully our students will be taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather.
Now onto today’s news…
How Wake Forest’s Demon Deacon Became College Football’s Most Unusual Mascot
When people first come to know Wake Forest, some find our mascot a little bit out of the norm. Southern Living magazine decided to tell the story of our beloved Demon Deacon. Here’s a sample:
“When it comes to college football, no one shares a love of the game more than a team mascot. Whether it’s a bulldog, gamecock, or gator, college football wouldn’t be the same without a costumed character pumping up the crowd. And then there’s the South’s most unusual college mascot—the Demon Deacon. With his top hat, black tails, and giant oversized head, Wake Forest University’s Demon Deacon has been called everything from hilarious to terrifying.
A larger-than-life character known for his devilish grin and motorcycle entrance, the Demon Deacon has become synonymous with Wake Forest pride and football traditions that are anything but ordinary. Mention Wake Forest University to anyone and you’re likely to hear, ‘Go Deacs!’”
You can read the full article here and brush up on an important part of Wake Forest’s history.
Travel + Leisure calls Winston-Salem a Must-Visit
Winston-Salem was recently featured in Travel + Leisure, with the writer saying we are a ‘must-visit’ destination in NC. Here is a taste:
“Once known for Big Tobacco, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has quietly reinvented itself into one of the South’s most compelling culture-forward destinations. I’ve lived in the Carolinas for almost three decades, and I will never pass up an opportunity to visit.
The city transformed its industrial and historic spaces into places visitors will want to linger. It also delivers a refined aesthetic with landmarks like Reynolda House, the former estate of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds, which blends Gilded Age grandeur with a Southern agrarian sensibility. Add to that the beautifully preserved living-history museum of Old Salem, and a thriving, walkable arts district, and Winston-Salem stands out as a destination defined by history, adaptive reuse, and creativity.”
I have lived in Winston-Salem since August of 1988 (for all intents and purposes) and I agree that our fair city has done a lot to transform itself and make W-S a compelling place to live. Read the full article.
Reminder: Academic Resources Awareness Week begins now
Just a reminder that CLASS is hosting all sorts of cool events this week for our students. I am highlighting just one below, but students can visit the ARAW website for a full list of events.
“CLASS Cafe: Celebrate Academic Resources Awareness Week (ARAW) with CLASS by enjoying seasonal treats and fun conversation on Wednesday, October 21, 3-4:30pm on Hearn Plaza. Come learn more about great academic resources, including the CLASS Office, the Office of Academic Advising, and the Office of the Registrar. This event is open to all faculty, staff, and students.”
I am told there will be live owls again at CLASS Cafe, as the owl is CLASS’ mascot. This was super cool when I went last year, so I hope our students will check it out.
World Cultural Festival this Thursday
In the ‘mark your calendars’ category for today, this Thursday from 5-7 p.m. is our annual World Cultural Festival, which will take place on Davis Field. Here is how the event is described on The Link (our student event platform):
“World Cultural Festival is the annual day of culture and community hosted by the Intercultural Center. This day aims to highlight many cultural groups that make up Wake Forest. At this event we will have a variety of food from businesses in Winston Salem, performances representing many cultures around the world, music, giveaways, and an overall amazing experience.”
This is always such a fun night – great food, music, and more. I hope a lot of Deacs attend!
Faculty expert: What’s at stake in North Carolina’s 2026 midterm elections?
We are blessed at Wake to have a tremendous group of teacher-scholars who not only help our students learn, but who also share their expertise with others. Today we have a video from Wake Forest politics professor John Dinan, who breaks down the key races and ballot measures in the NC midterm elections. From the U.S. Senate and state Supreme Court races to constitutional amendments, Dr. Dinan talks about what the results could mean for North Carolina and the nation.
That’s all the news that’s fit to blog today, dear readers. Have a great evening!