"Presidential Endowed Chairs" Archive

Wake Will Lead reaches historic milestone

February 1, 2018

This announcement was emailed to faculty and staff on Feb. 1 on behalf of Mark Petersen, vice president for University Advancement:

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Since we launched the Wake Will campaign, nearly 74,000 alumni, parents and friends have rallied behind the movement to reduce Wake Forest’s dependence on tuition, and power our aspirations with philanthropy.

Your enthusiastic support from the start of the campaign propelled us to our initial goal of $600 million a full two years ahead of schedule, and prompted University leadership to extend the campaign to 2020 with a new goal of investing $1 billion in students, faculty, and campus enhancements. With gratitude, I bring you the news that Wake Will Lead has surpassed the $800 million milestone.

Your generous support has already made so much possible:

• More than one third ($275 million) of the funds raised support student scholarships and financial aid. Thanks to you, Wake Forest is able to attract high-achieving students regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Wake Will Lead by reducing the financial constraints for as many students as possible.
• Close to another third ($232 million) of the funds raised support faculty and programming, including support for every Academic Department and the creation of 10 Presidential Endowed Chairs. Thanks to you, Wake Forest is able to facilitate real-world engagement by funding opportunity in the classroom, and beyond. Wake Will Lead by continuing to attract and retain a world-class faculty of teacher-scholars.
• Wake Forest’s Reynolda Campus is undergoing a 10-year construction and renewal effort aimed at enhancing classroom and campus life for students, as well as investing to make all of our athletics teams competitive. Thanks to you, students and faculty are enjoying new and renovated academic, athletic, recreational, and residential facilities across campus. Wake Will Lead by complementing excellent academics with exceptional spaces for students to learn, grow, and live.
• Wake Forest’s campus has grown in scope as well, with the creation of Wake Downtown, home of our new undergraduate engineering and biomedical sciences programs, and the recently-launched Wake Washington Center, where we host internship and study-away programs in D.C. for undergraduates. Thanks to you, students are able to explore new and exciting opportunities. Wake Will Lead by transcending the traditional boundaries of campus.

On our current trajectory, the possibilities for Wake Forest are unlimited. I am grateful to be part of a dedicated and enthusiastic community that shows pride in our present, and optimism for our future.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Petersen
Vice President, University Advancement