Working with gratitude, leading with integrity

Whenever we reach the Thanksgiving holiday in our academic calendar, I know that we are nearing the home stretch! All across campus, you can feel the energy rising as finals approach, projects peak in intensity, and our eyes start turning toward the approaching winter breaks. And cherished campus traditions, like Pitsgiving and LoveFeast bringing us together to lift our collective spirits and help us reach the finish line for 2024! 

At Wake Forest, I am continually heartened by how dedicated we are collectively to our shared mission and pursuit of academic excellence; there is no question about that. And yet, even as we strive to do our best in our academic and professional pursuits, this community also never fails to inspire me with the many ways you make time to show up for others and live out our motto. A poignant reminder of this happened November 16, when students, faculty, and staff came together to participate in our Community Day of Action for Hurricane Helene relief. As university president, it has been a humble privilege and a joy to Wake Foresters joining together to help those who need it, and to see this commitment play out again and again. 

I shared my gratitude for you and all the ways members of our community lead with integrity during my annual Presidential Address on November 14. Thank you to all who came in person to Brendle Recital Hall despite the cold, wet weather, as well as those who took the time to view the livestream. In my address, I reflected on my belief in the momentum of our great university – fueled by our people and accelerated by the ways we come together to act and to invest in what matters. And at this moment in our history, it is so clear to me that we have the momentum we need to reach for our future aspirations and goals – and to achieve them together. 

In this season of gratitude, I so appreciate all that you do to offer support to those in need, to lead with integrity in all that you do, and to work together to advance our shared goals and aspirations. My deep thanks and very best wishes for the Thanksgiving holiday and winter break to come.