2025 ‘Building the Dream’ award winners making a difference

Chase Clark (‘26) a double major in African American Studies and Communications and Community Director, Residence Life and Housing Leighann Brooks have been named Wake Forest University’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. “Building the Dream” award winners. 

Clark was recognized for “working tirelessly, professionally and enthusiastically for others.” Brooks was recognized for “her determination to lift others up, coupled with selfless service and an unshakeable commitment to social justice.”

Building the Dream awards are traditionally presented to a professor or administrator and a student from Wake Forest and Winston-Salem State University who exemplify King’s qualities including leadership, commitment to justice, determination, resilience and community engagement. Winners were recognized during an annual event co-sponsored by the two universities and honors the slain civil rights leader.

About the Awards

For more than two decades, Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University have collaborated to host events honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty, staff and students submit “Building the Dream” award nominations for their respective universities and a committee of representatives from each school selects winners. 

This year’s event was hosted on the campus of Winston-Salem State University on January 20.