Annual Retiree Luncheon celebrates careers of service and impact

Wake Forest University’s annual Retiree Luncheon, hosted by Human Resources, brought faculty, staff and retirees together on May 14 in the Sutton Center to celebrate 37 employees whose combined service to the University spans more than 835 years. Among this year’s honorees were 11 individuals who dedicated 30 years or more to Wake Forest. 

Retirees leave a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the broader University community.

Hosted annually by Human Resources, the Retiree Luncheon recognizes faculty and staff members for their years of service and contributions to the University.

This year’s program included an invocation and reflection led by Chaplain K. Monet Rice-Jalloh, celebratory remarks from President Susan R. Wente, faculty recognition by Interim Provost Nell Newton and staff recognition by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jackie Travisano.

As part of the ceremony, faculty and staff reflections written by colleagues highlighted the contributions, accomplishments and personal connections that defined each retiree’s Wake Forest journey.

“We aren’t just marking the end of careers; we are celebrating the lifetimes of energy, passion and heart that each of you have poured into Wake Forest,” said Malika Roman Isler, associate vice president for employee experience.

Isler opened the luncheon by recognizing the retirees’ role in shaping the University’s culture and community through decades of service.

In her remarks, President Wente reflected on the many ways retirees have helped shape the University through decades of service. She noted that the collective impact of the honorees’ years can be found in classes taught, students mentored, partnerships built, problems solved and countless daily acts of care and commitment that have strengthened Wake Forest.

“As I have spent time with faculty and staff over the years, I am always struck by the relationships that define this place,” Wente said. “The respect people have for one another, the pride in shared work and the sense that what we do here matters — not only individually, but collectively.”

Wente also spoke about the enduring connections that continue long after a career at Wake Forest concludes.

“There is a lasting bond that connects all of us in this room,” she said. “I am proud to share that connection with you.”

As retirees were recognized individually, colleagues and friends applauded careers marked by dedication, service and a shared commitment to Wake Forest’s mission. Retirement represents not an ending, but a transition, as many retirees continue their engagement with the University and all remain valued members of the Wake Forest family as lifelong Deacs.