Memorable Moments

Commencement

President Wente congratulated graduates at her first Wake Forest Commencement on May 16, 2022, telling them in her address: “You are entering a world that needs your expertise and knowledge, a world that craves your leadership and character.” Relive the 2022 Commencement here.

Inauguration Ball

In the Wake Forest tradition of Presidential Balls, President Wente celebrated alongside faculty, staff, students and others from the Wake Forest community. Photos can be viewed here and here.

Presidential Inauguration

Wake Forest celebrated the inauguration of the University’s 14th President, Susan R. Wente, on March 25, 2022. Relive inauguration week here.

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Presidential Address

On November 19, 2021, Dr. Wente delivered her first presidential address as the 14th president of Wake Forest. In her remarks to a standing-room-only crowd, she shared about her journey of discovery, engagement and initial observations. View or read the address here.

President Wente walking with student organizers under the Hit the Bricks sign.

Hitting the Bricks

“It is truly an honor to experience one of Wake Forest’s finest traditions. Your gifts — the money you have raised, your support of those facing cancer and your commitment to seeing this through to a cure — are a remarkable testament to the spirit of Pro Humanitate that is alive on this campus,” said President Wente after her first “Hit the Bricks” event. The 2021 event, which raises money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, set new records for participants, the number of teams and total money raised. View photos of the event.

President Wente with the Deacon on the motorcycle

Opening the Gate

President Wente was the “Open the Gate” honoree at the opening game of the Demon Deacons football team at Truist Stadium on Sept. 3, 2021. President Wente led the team onto the field by riding a motorcycle with the Demon Deacon mascot.

President Wente teaches a biology seminar.

First Day of Class

On the first day of class, President Wente was in the classroom teaching one of her favorite subjects. She joined the biology department seminar to share her expertise in biochemistry in a presentation called “Gatekeepers of the Nucleus.” President Wente also is visiting classrooms. Find out more »

President Wente addresses the Convocation audience.

New Student Convocation

The Class of 2025 was officially welcomed into the Wake Forest family at New Student Convocation on Friday, August 20.

Watch, read President Wente’s welcome back message »

President Wente poses with a student on move-in day.

Move-In Day

Dr. Susan R. Wente greets members of the Class of 2025 as they arrive on campus for the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

New Deac Week photo story » | Move-In Day video »

President Susan Wente talks with Ed Wilson in ZSR Library.

Talking with “Mr. Wake Forest”

On her second day, President Wente spent time in ZSR Library talking with and learning from Provost Emeritus Ed Wilson (’43), affectionately known as Mr. Wake Forest.

President Susan Wente gestures will speaking to a group of administrators.
President Wente address the crowd at a welcome coffee.

First Day

Dr. Susan R. Wente arrived for her first day as the 14th President of Wake Forest on July 1, 2021.
Message of Greeting » | Read more » | Photo gallery »

Dr. Susan R. Wente meets Dr. Herman Eure and trustee Matt King.
Dr. Susan R. Wente (center) meets with Trustees Dr. Herman Eure (left) and Matt King.

Announcement

Dr. Susan R. Wente was announced as the 14th President of Wake Forest University on Jan. 30, 2021. She toured campus and met with a variety of campus leaders. Read more about the announcement »