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It’s Inauguration Week!

by Betsy Chapman

In this Issue:

We have all kinds of events and big activities this week. Today I am going to talk about a couple of them, plus share a recap of the Ken Burns Face to Face, and some info just for our P’30s. Enjoy!

Preparations have begun for President Rodriguez’s inauguration festivities

I was on the Quad walking to an early meeting this morning and see the signs of upcoming activity: a giant tent on the end of the Quad closest to Reynolda Hall, as well as white picket fencing. These are up in preparation for the Inauguration celebrations this Friday. Here’s what our Deacs are seeing:

Tent for Inauguration of Peter Rodriguez, as seen from mid Quad Front of Reynolda Hall with President Rodriguez inauguration banner

Inauguration banner Inauguration banner as seen from the balcony of Reynolda Hall

The installation ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Friday in Wait Chapel, and there will be the Community Celebration from 6:30-9 p.m. I am told there will also be fireworks. It should be a fantastic night for all and I hope to see a lot of students at both events.

Photostory on the Ken Burns Face to Face event

Some of my talented colleagues have created this photostory about Ken Burns’ time with us last week at our Face to Face event.

Project Pumpkin is tomorrow

Tomorrow is going to be a great day on campus – it’s Project Pumpkin!

“Project Pumpkin is the largest student-led community-building event that began in an effort to bring together both the campus and Winston-Salem communities, started in 1989. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 3-6 PM on Hearn Plaza, and is open to the community and suggested for children in K-5th grade. 

Since its inception more than 35 years ago, Wake Forest students, faculty and staff have partnered with multiple local schools and agencies to bring children to the Reynolda Campus and create a fall festival that includes trick-or-treating, entertainment, and educational activities, raising money for Wake Forest’s Freedom School.”

I used to bring my ’27 to Project Pumpkin as a little kid, and it was always one of the highlights of the fall. Many thanks to all the students who will be dressing up, staffing booths and games, leading groups of schoolchildren around to all the events.  

For P’30s: weekly message, and Pre-Wall Street Track info session

Two things for our P’30s today: first is our weekly message (which shares thoughts on upcoming course registration), and this from the OPCD (Office of Personal and Career Development):

“Is your first-year student interested in a position on Wall Street? If so, they should consider attending the Pre-Wall Street Career Track Information Session on Oct. 28 in the Broyhill Auditorium of Farrell Hall to discuss the track and walk through the application process.

This selective, four-year program begins in the spring semester of the first year and prepares qualified students of any intended major for global careers in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Sales & Trading, and Private Equity. Our aim is to position Wake Forest among the top 15 schools developing elite talent for top-tier financial firms.

Key features of the track include:

  • Targeted Cohort: A competitive selection process will admit 35 first-year students seeking careers in high finance.
  • Applied Learning: Targeted coursework alongside co- and extra-curricular experiential learning through sophomore year to build sharp technical and professional skills.
  • Faculty & Staff Guidance: Dedicated leaders who provide deep industry knowledge, market tools training, and high-level connections.
  • Alumni Mentorship: Direct involvement from an engaged network of Wake Forest alumni and supporters offering hands-on coaching and professional networking.

If your ’30 student is interested, encourage them to review the listing on Handshake.”

It’s going to be a great week. Go Deacs!

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