A message from President Hatch to faculty, staff & students

November 25, 2014

My wife, Julie, and I stood on Hearn Plaza at 12:45 this morning with heavy hearts. Following the announcement from the grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri, a small group of people entered the Quad and threw toilet paper into our trees. While we do not know the identity of these individuals or their intentions, we are saddened that this unacceptable behavior caused harm to our community.

Wake Forest has always been a place where we set our passions to work toward a common good. This community – like so many – is imperfect, but we have demonstrated a studied resolve to find common ground, to look at ourselves honestly, and to work to make the Wake Forest of today better than it was yesterday. We are undeterred in our efforts to make this a place that embraces all who call it home.

At this moment, it is important that we continue our thoughtful campus-wide conversations and forums, that we continue our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and that we continue to strive for respectful discourse in an era of polarized, fragmented polemics.

As we part ways for the Thanksgiving holiday, may we – as a community – pause to recommit to build a stronger campus based on face-to-face dialogue and a charitable spirit worthy of our motto, Pro Humanitate. Let me offer my deepest appreciation to so many who work diligently to uphold the best of Wake Forest. May you all cherish the time with family and friends this holiday.

With gratitude,

Nathan O. Hatch, President