"University Announcement" Archive

University Photographer Ken Bennett to retire on March 31

Ken Bennett with camera gear on campusAfter serving as Wake Forest’s University photographer for nearly three decades, Ken Bennett will retire at the end of March.

Bennett joined Wake Forest in January 1997 as staff photographer, and for 27 years, he has captured University life through images. He will retire from the position of director of photography.

“I’ve been extraordinarily lucky to have spent the last quarter century as the Wake Forest photographer, documenting our amazing students and faculty and our beautiful campus,” Bennett said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with highly talented colleagues in Communications and External Relations (CER), University Advancement and across the University. The community here is unlike anywhere else, and so many of my colleagues have become friends. I will miss that community most of all.”

The University community is invited to attend Bennett’s retirement party on Wednesday, March 20, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Green Room on the first floor of Reynolda Hall. Remarks will begin at 4:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Friday, March 15.

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Milestone reached in Baity Street area redevelopment efforts

City Council approves plan to receive $35 million in state infrastructure funding

The Winston-Salem City Council has approved the receipt of $35 million in state funding that will go towards targeted infrastructure enhancements necessary to support economic development. Located in the Baity Street area, north of Coliseum Drive and south of Reynolds Boulevard, the redevelopment effort will reinforce Winston-Salem’s position as a tourism, sports and entertainment destination. Carter and Front Street Capital, the development team for the project, will implement these funds as part of the first phase of the redevelopment.

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Update on faculty, staff tickets for baseball games

Because of the high demand for Demon Deacons baseball tickets, Athletics has had to re-evaluate its policies. Faculty and staff still can claim complimentary single-game tickets for themselves and their immediate family members with their WFU ID at the Couch Ballpark ticket office on the day of the game (opens 90 minutes before the first pitch). However, the number of complimentary tickets is now capped at four per ID.

With multiple sellouts expected this season, general admission seating will be limited and tickets will be based on availability. Faculty and staff who would like to guarantee a general admission seat at every home game are encouraged to purchase season tickets by clicking here. Information about faculty and staff access to all athletic events is available here.

Additional information about campus posting and chalking policies

On Monday, Feb. 5, flags, banners and chalk were removed from several public locations on campus. A University email notified the community of the removals and shared links to related policies and processes. 

“In our discussions with students, we have heard some questions and confusion,” said Matt Clifford, associate vice president for campus life and dean of students. “We want to say clearly that we affirm the importance of free expression, and we also want to help bring clarity to University policies.”

The flags, banners and chalk were removed by the University because they violated campus posting policies, which the University aims to apply consistently irrespective of content. Wake Forest policies identify where chalking and posting are permitted and not permitted. Important points include: chalking is permitted only on the sidewalk between the Magnolia Court and Benson Center patio; materials should be attached properly (push pins on bulletin boards; tape on stone, concrete, wood); and material should not be posted on sidewalks or iron railings. There is a reservation process for Hearn Plaza and policies for events held there.  Read more

Resources available for bias reporting and training

Nationally and locally, campuses have seen an increase in instances of Islamophobia and antisemitism as the Israel-Hamas War continues. Such instances can and do happen in our Wake Forest community as well. 

As President Susan R. Wente shared in her annual Presidential Address in November, “We condemn any threats, discrimination, or acts of hatred, whether in our community or in society. As a community of care, I ask you to please be active and supportive bystanders and encourage those who may encounter instances of these or other forms of bias to use our University resources to report them – as well as get support — when needed.”  

A biased incident is defined as an act or behavior motivated by the offender’s bias against facets of another’s identity. Harm can happen whether the act is intentional or unintentional, and may be directed toward an individual or group. 

  • If you or someone you know are concerned about something you’ve experienced or witnessed, we encourage you to report the incident so that it can be reviewed and assessed, and so that support can be offered to the impacted person(s). 
  • We also encourage anyone looking for additional support to contact 336-758-CARE. 

We can all learn to be better community members and reduce instances of bias. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion also offers many options for training that promote the development of empathy and understanding for all members of our community.

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