Wake Forest University and Allegacy Financial announce renewed and expanded University-wide strategic partnership

Multi-year agreement expands historic collaboration to drive student career success, leadership development, financial well-being, and community impact across North Carolina.

Wake Forest University and Allegacy Financial have announced a continuation of their university-wide strategic partnership. The multi-year agreement builds on the landmark 2023 stadium naming-rights partnership and deepens collaboration across Wake Forest’s academic, student life, financial, and community operations.

The comprehensive partnership evolves the relationship beyond a visible sponsorship into a transformative, long-term strategic collaboration. The two institutions are aligning Wake Forest’s motto, Pro Humanitate (for humanity), with Allegacy’s mission of helping people build stronger financial futures. Together, they are making a powerful investment in people: students, faculty, staff, health care professionals, local businesses, and the broader North Carolina community.

“This expanded partnership represents far more than a corporate relationship; it is a shared investment in the people, values, and future of Winston-Salem and North Carolina,” said Wake Forest University President Peter Rodriguez. “When education and financial well-being work together, opportunity grows. From accelerating leadership education and student career pathways to enhancing financial literacy for our entire campus community, this collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when two purpose-driven institutions unite around a common mission to serve humanity.”

The renewed agreement highlights a deep regional alignment rooted in Winston-Salem, where both institutions share common origins dating back decades. The expanded collaboration encompasses key initiatives across the Reynolda Campus, the Wake Forest School of Business, the Division of Campus Life, Human Resources, and Wake Forest Athletics.

Key initiatives and expanded benefits of the strategic partnership include, but are not limited to:

• Academic & Leadership Excellence: Expanding the impact of the Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character at the Wake Forest School of Business through regular custom professional development, an alumni “Lunch & Learn” series, and interactive “Living Room Takeovers” in Farrell Hall’s atrium to engage students and faculty directly.

• Student Success & Career Pathways: Direct collaboration with Wake Forest’s Office of Professional and Career Development (OPCD) and Division of Campus Life to provide paid internships, educational tours, career fair participation, recruitment strategy sessions, and full-time career pathways for students.

• Student-Athlete Financial Empowerment: Serving as Wake Forest Athletics’ Preferred Student-Athlete Financial Education Provider, offering specialized financial literacy seminars and guidance on general financial matters, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) management.

• Campus & Employee Financial Well-Being: Providing optional financial literacy and planning programs for Wake Forest faculty and staff through Human Resources, and supporting university employees to make informed financial decisions.

• Innovative Campus Financial Services: Exploring a full-service on-campus financial center and expanded ATM infrastructure on the Reynolda Campus and The Grounds, alongside the exclusive “Deacon Banking” program featuring official Wake Forest affinity debit cards and checking options.

• Athletic & Community Activation: Continued naming rights for Allegacy Stadium — the centerpiece of Winston-Salem’s sports and entertainment offerings in The Grounds — and fan activations across several Wake Forest athletic events.

Allegacy Financial’s new brand reflects its evolution into a comprehensive financial partner offering personal, small-business, commercial, and wealth management services while remaining grounded in its member-owned credit union principles.

“This partnership is built on a simple human truth: when you invest in people, you create a better future for individuals, families, and entire communities,” said Nathanael Tarwasokono, President and CEO of Allegacy Financial. “Our relationship with Wake Forest University has grown organically because our core values are so deeply aligned. As Allegacy Financial continues to expand across North Carolina, we are proud to stand alongside Wake Forest to empower future leaders, strengthen our local economy, and demonstrate that where roots and relationships matter, meaningful progress follows.”

Barry Faircloth, Deputy Athletic Director for Development and Partnerships, said: “What makes this strategic partnership so impactful is that it touches virtually every corner of our campus and community. Colleagues from across the University worked closely with Allegacy to build a framework that delivers value far beyond gameday. Together, we are creating tangible learning opportunities, supporting career development, and enhancing the quality of life for our fans, students, and neighbors.”