Parents Give Back – Kate and Peter Klein (P ’14)

Wake Forest is nearly at the end of the fiscal year, which means our parents’ campaign is coming to a close.  Parent gifts to the Wake Forest Fund make a tremendous impact at Wake Forest.  To date this year, 2,561 current and past parents have contributed over $1.85 million to the parents’ campaign of the Wake Forest Fund, which helps enhance the student experience at the University by providing additional funds in areas where the school has greatest need, such as faculty support, student programs, library and technology resources, and more.

The Office of Parent Programs gratefully acknowledges the gifts made by Wake Forest parents, and we want to tell the story of a few of our donor families.  Today we are featuring Kate and Peter Klein (P ’14) of Redmond, Washington.  The Kleins are members of the Parents’ Council and their son Jake just finished his first year at Wake Forest.  Our office talked recently to Kate about their family’s Wake Forest experience.

Tell me a little bit about the best of Jake’s experience – how has he changed and grown during his first year?
Jake has really enjoyed the people he has met at Wake – he loves being surrounded by intelligent, nice people. He came home full of enthusiasm and great stories.

What impresses you about Wake Forest?

• The beautiful campus that encourages a community to develop. I think the freshman all living in the same area is very important for first-year students to get a sense of belonging and expand their friendships beyond their hall. I like that most students live on campus at least through junior year.
• The small class size really encourages participation (and attendance!) There is a much greater chance that a student will participate in meaningful dialogue with the professor and other students.
• I believe in a liberal arts education and Wake’s Basic and Divisional requirements as well as the First Year Seminars ensure that students get a well-rounded experience that inspires thoughtful discussion and critical thinking.
• Wake’s emphasis on community service – both locally through projects on or around campus – and broadly incorporating Pro Humanitate into almost every discussion and plan for the future.
• I got the sense immediately that Wake cared about my son as an individual and that many elements, including the advisor system, career services and individual professors, would support him throughout his years at Wake.

Do you or Jake have favorite memories from this year?
Jake has really enjoyed playing Frisbee and joining the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.  I remember sitting in the chapel on Campus Day (for prospective students) listening to the professors talk about their amazing classes and thinking to myself “They sound wonderful, but with only 25 kids per class, my son will never be taught by someone like this.” Turns out, Jake had one of those professors for his First Year Seminar and the rest of his teachers were fabulous too.

You are from the west coast – how did your family find Wake Forest and what helped you and Jake determine this was the best place for him to be?
Jake was interested in other schools in the North Carolina area and we had planned a trip to see them. A college counselor thought Wake would be a good fit based on his interest in liberal arts, college sports, business and good weather. The campus visit confirmed that Wake would be a great fit. Although far away, Jake thought college on the East coast would be a great opportunity to expand his horizons rather than staying in the familiar Northwest.

Why do you think it’s important to support the parents’ campaign?
My son chose Wake Forest for many reasons; it is a great school with a great reputation. I believe it is my responsibility, and in the best interest of my son, to do what I can to maintain the high quality of the school. The most effective way for me to do that is to give money to the school and allow the administration to put it to good use. I trust them to give my son an excellent education and college experience and I trust them to continue to invest in the school so that its reputation continues to be a benefit once my son is an alumnus.

What would you say to encourage another parent to make a gift to the parents’ campaign?
Tuition covers the bare bones of having a student attend Wake Forest – If you want your child to have an adequate education, pay only the tuition – if you are hoping for an outstanding experience – invest in Wake Forest!

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Finally, on behalf of the Parent Programs office, we thank all our parents for their significant support.  And our goal is not yet met – we are still looking for 60 more donors to make our parent participation goal of 2,621 Wake Forest families supporting the parents’ campaign.  If you haven’t made a gift yet to the parents’ campaign, you may make a gift securely online.  Your gift will impact our students in so many ways.