09/12/24 Full Edition

Old Gold&Black “Covers the campus like the magnolias”

VOL 111 , NO. 1

WA K E F O R E S T ’ S S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 1 6

WELCOME TO WAKE

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University / All other photos by Evan Harris/Old Gold & Black

What's Inside NEWS Campus renovation project begins Page Three

CITY & STATE New barrier for Wake Forest voters Page Five

FEATURES Remembering Gary "Sergio" Ward Page Six

ENVIRONMENT From seed to produce Page Ten

OPINION The case for voting Page Eleven

SPORTS Football dropped game to UVA Page Fourteen

ARTS & CULTURE "Founders Vision" opens at Reynolda Page Eighteen

Old Gold & Black This column represents the views of the Old Gold & Black Editor-In-Chief Maddie Stopyra

From the editor: Welcome to Wake Forest!

Whether you are beginning your freshman year or you just experienced your last first day of class, the Old Gold & Black welcomes you to Wake Forest.

I hope that you have had a productive and exciting first few weeks of the academic year.

As the university’s student-run newspaper, the Old Gold & Black is committed to our motto of “covering the campus like the magnolias,” To me, this means extending our reach into an array of spaces on campus to tell your story. We hope to connect with you and share your unique perspective of this campus and the city around it. I am excited about what the 2024-2025 academic year has to offer us.

With the announcement of The Grounds mixed-use development this week, Wake Forest is clearly working to

extend its reach further into WinstonSalem. To help students understand and navigate these changes, the Old Gold & Black has kickstarted a new section, City & State. Not only is this section dedicated to reporting on the ever-changing relationship between the university and the city, we are excited to jump head-first into the 2024 election season.

We are coming up on a pivotal moment in American history this November, and North Carolina is poised to make a significant difference at the polls. We are excited to use both print and multimedia journalism to present timely stories that help you navigate this election season and know how to use your resources. Voting is imperative, and the Old Gold & Black hopes to give you all the necessary informa-

tion to help you get to the polls this Fall.

As the Old Gold & Black gets more involved in our campus and our community as a student publication, I hope that you will take the new academic year as an opportunity to do the same.

College presents the unique opportunity to try a dozen different things to figure out what you are passionate about. One of the best pieces of advice I was given during my freshman year was to commit to doing two to three extracurricular activities really well and find a few other clubs to be involved in casually.

For me, this looks like leading the Old Gold & Black, participating in an a capella group and volunteering at a local middle school. While each of my commitments is vastly different from

“

We hope to connect with you and share your unique perspective of this campus and the city around it. the other, they encourage me to be a well-rounded individual who is invested in both Wake Forest and WinstonSalem. I hope you challenge yourself this year to know your community both on and off campus. Welcome to Wake Forest, and I wish you all the best.

Old Gold&Black THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY SINCE 1916

MADDIE STOPYRA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF stopmf21@wfu.edu

BREANNA LAWS

SHAILA PRASAD

EVAN HARRIS

RYDER SOLBERG

MANAGING EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITOR

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

BUSINESS MANAGER

lawsbn21@wfu.edu

prassp21@wfu.edu

harres22@wfu.edu

solbrs23@wfu.edu

>> NEWS Maria Silveira, silvmt23@wfu.edu Skyler Villamar-Jones, villsc22@wfu.edu >> CITY & STATE James Watson, watsjc22@wfu.edu >> FEATURES Ella Klein, kleiek22@wfu.edu >> ENVIRONMENT Ella Klein, kleiek22@wfu.edu Mia Springer, spriml21@wfu.edu >> OPINION Virginia Noone, noonvc21@wfu.edu >> SPORTS Andrew Braun, brauar23@wfu.edu Sean Kennedy, kennsm21@wfu.edu

>> ARTS & CULTURE Lydia Derris, derrlf23@wfu.edu Adam Coil, coilat21@wfu.edu

>> PHOTO Isabella Parolini, paroir22@wfu.edu >> VIDEO Jack Perez, perejw22@wfu.edu >> SOCIAL MEDIA Sophie Chan, chansr23@wfu.edu >> COPY CHIEF Alex Keating, keatam23@wfu.edu >> WEBMASTER Christina Tran, tranth21@wfu.edu >> ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ellie Otteson, otteej23@wfu.edu >> EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Breanna Laws (Chair), lawsbn21@wfu.edu

Virginia Noone, noonvc21@wfu.edu

If you are interested in working on the editorial commitee, please email Breanna Laws.

>> ADVISER Ivan Weiss, weissij@wfu.edu

Want to write for us? Email wfuogb@gmail.com

>> POLICIES Our job as a newspaper is to be a platform for all voices, not just the ones we agree with. However, we reserve the right to reject advertisements that are vulgar, inaccurate, obscene or violate Wake Forest’s policies on nondiscrimination, diversity, equity, and inclusion as they pertain to student organizations. We will also reject any advertisements that promote illegal activities according to the state of North Carolina.

Not only do we hold our newspaper and its contents to a high standard, but we also expect that those who choose to use us as an outlet for their ideas, opinions and skill hold themselves and their content to a high ethical standard.

The Old Gold & Black is published Thursdays during the school year, except during examinations, summer and holiday periods, by Triangle Web Printing of Durham. The views expressed in all opinion pieces and advertisements contained within this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Old Gold & Black. As part of our commitment to reporting news fairly and accurately, we will not remove any previously published content online unless it is retracted. If an error in either our online or print content is brought to our attention, we will revise the originally published article with an appended correction. In order to facilitate thoughtful and appropriate debate, profane, vulgar, or inflammatory comments on our website are not allowed and will be deleted. Comments which incite violence, target individuals in a form of cyber bullying, or which promote ideas which vilify marginalized communities will be deleted, and proper authorities may be notified and involved. >> SUBMISSIONS The OGB welcomes submissions in the form of story tips, columns and letters to the editor.

Letters to the editor should be fewer than 500 words, and columns should be around 500 words. Send yours via e-mail to stopmf21@wfu.edu the Monday before publication. We reserve the right to edit all letters for length and clarity. No anonymous letters will be printed. >> ONLINE MEDIA Web: wfuogb.com Facebook: facebook.com/ogb1916 X (Twitter): @wfuogb Instagram: @wfuogb TikTok: @wfuogb Sports X (Twitter): @wfuogbsports

NEWS Maria Silveira, silvmt23@wfu.edut Skyler Villamara-Jones, villsc22@wfu.edu

OLD GOLD & BLACK

PAGE 3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Welcome to the News section!

MARIA SILVEIRA & SKYLER VILLAMARA-JONES News Editors

Welcome to the news section of the Old Gold & Black! As a whole, we are so excited to be reporting on the everyday happenings at Wake Forest. The Old Gold & Black’s motto, “Cover the campus like the magnolias,” is truly what this section is all about.

The news section focuses on informing the Wake Forest community accurately and fairly. We cover all campus

news including campus events, breaking news and so much more. Basically, we keep the campus informed on everything and anything that is worth knowing! We hope that by keeping members of campus informed about current events, they can become more involved in our Wake Forest community.

We are committed to being the voice of the student body, holding those in power accountable and highlighting the wide variety of events happening on our campus. As the news editors,

we are honored to be the leaders of this section and are determined to maintain the values that the Old Gold & Black stands on.

In a time when breaking news is all around us, we are excited to see what the year will bring. We thank all of our writers and readers for your consistent support.

Contact Maria Silveira & Skyler Villamara-Jones at silvmt23@wfu.edut villsc22@wfu.edu

Major campus renovation project begins President Susan Wente recently announced plans for the campus space planning project MADDIE STOPYRA Editor-in-Chief Wake Forest’s near-term campus space planning project is underway, according to an announcement by President Susan Wente.

According to the message, the project aims to create 35% more academic space and 50% more student gathering space, making it the most “significant renewal of the Reynolda Campus core academic spaces” since Wake Forest moved its campus to Winston-Salem in 1956.

“Students, faculty and staff deserve the academic, learning and collaborative spaces that match our academic quality and reputation,” Wente said.

The launch of the project follows three years of planning and will create 60 offices, 20 specialized teaching and research spaces and more gathering space to support the College of Arts and Sciences. Alongside adding these spaces, the project will focus on “right-sizing” or allocating existing classrooms, labs and offices in the buildings included in the plan.

The first phase of the project will begin this semester in Alumni Hall. Administrative offices currently housed in the building will move to swing space in the University Corporate Center be-

Maddie Stopyra/Old Gold & Black

fore becoming the first tenants in an office space built as a part of the Deacon Boulevard project titled “The Grounds.”

Plans were released for this project today.

The Alumni Hall will then become home to the Philosophy, Education, Computer Science and Entrepreneurship departments as early as Summer 2026.

Transitioning administrative offices such as Advancement, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems and Legal to the Baity Street redevelopment area is part of what the university calls “unlocking the campus core.” This means creating an “administrative cluster” that will have increased strategic adjacencies, equitable and quality offices and more access to shared resources.

Another major renovation includes transforming Benson University Center into an academic building that houses several humanities departments. The timeline for this phase of the project has not been finalized. Tribble Hall, which currently is home to humanities departments, will be demolished, and a new facility, whose purpose has not yet been announced, will be built on the site.

However, the project timeline reveals a new student center that will be planned during the 2024-2025 academic year and built in the next few years.

Alongside proposed minor renovations in buildings such as Pruitt, Kirby-Manchester and Reynolda Hall, Scales Fine Arts Center will undergo major renovations. The plans and timeline for this phase of the project have not been finalized.

Upon hearing about the new projects happening on and around campus, Sophomore Lilly Larson was concerned about the construction impacting dayto-day life on campus.

“I would not want to be here during the construction and demolition of a big academic building. I feel like that would definitely impact students’ lives here,” Larson said. “In the long run, I think it will be great because the academic buildings here are pretty old, but I think the process of getting there is going to be interesting for sure.”

Sophomore Nishu Shah expressed a similar sentiment, stating that while these changes will positively impact Wake Forest in the future, they may hinder alumni’s feelings of nostalgia when returning to campus.

“I like the ideas and how they’re going to be executed in the long run, but I’m a little iffy about how it’s going to look short term, especially for incoming freshmen touring campus,” Shah said.

“When alumni come back or when we come back after we’ve graduated, it’s going to feel so weird. It’s not going to feel like the place we went to school at. It’s going to feel very new.”

Project sponsor and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jacqueline Travisano looked toward the future and said that the near-term campus space planning project will help meet space allocation needs.

“Space challenges that we have not met can be met now through the lens of our Strategic Framework, the Baity Street opportunity and larger campus master planning to be kicked off later this year,” Travisano said.

Contact Maddie Stopyra at stopmf21@wfu.edu

2023-2024 year in review MARIA SILVEIRA & SKYLER VILLAMARA-JONES News Editors During the 2023-24 academic year, the News section covered a wide range of different events and topics around campus. Coverage spanned from event recaps of campus events, such as charity fundraisers and campus speakers, to how Wake Forest students responded to national and global events, such as the Israel-Hamas war and the 2024 primary elections.

Last fall, the news section was led by Maddie Stopyra and Daniel Parolini.

Under their direction, the section reported on the spike in COVID-19 cases that hit the campus in the fall, as well as Wake Forest’s fall from the top 30 in the U.S. News rankings.

When the Israel-Hamas war began, the News section covered vigils hosted by the Wake Forest Jewish community and Muslim community to create a network of support for those affected by the war on campus. The section also reported on the campus-wide controversy over a professor’s social media post relating to the war and her subsequent resignation.

In the spring, the assistant news editors, Claire O’Brien and Maria Silveira, took over as editors of the News section as it continued to cover campus reactions to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

In February, banners and flags were arranged around campus in support of Palestine by students, which were then removed by the University. Wake Forest Chabad and Hillel hosted “Faces of Oct. 7,” which featured a speaker who survived Hamas’s attack at the Nova Music Festival. Negotiations between students, faculty and administrators took place when a pro-Palestinian protest began on Hearn Plaza and evolved into an encampment.

Wake Forest hosted TEDX and celebrated Mental Health Week followed

by Wake ‘N Shake in March, which raised over $313,000 to support cancer research. Wake Forest celebrated Holi in April, followed by the annual FastA-Thon.

The News section also began to cover the North Carolina election cycle with a guide to the 2024 North Carolina primaries, a guide to the 2024 municipal primary elections and a recap of the North Carolina primary results. Wake Forest student government elections also took place, beginning with a candidate debate followed by the results announced on April 10.

We’re proud and thankful for the diligent reporting done by our old and new reporters, and we look forward to continuing to tell the stories of Wake Forest this fall.

Contact Maria Silveira & Skyler Villamara-Jones at silvmt23@wfu.edut villsc22@wfu.edu

Page 4 |Thursday, September 12, 2024

Old Gold & Black | News

Student Government passes resolution to approve the Executive Advisory Committee The committee will expand the resources available to students through the upcoming 2024 Elections SKYLER VILLAMAR-JONES News Editor Student Government passed Senate Resolution SR 5 on Sep. 3 to approve the charge and membership of the Executive Advisory Committee on the 2024 Elections.

The resolution was passed in order to approve the committee’s membership list and goals in alignment with the committee charge. The resolution cites voter involvement as a key principle of Wake Forest’s pro humanitate efforts. The committee will be responsible for promoting election involvement across campus and collaborating with various campus organizations to promote civic engagement.

“The 2024 elections are a really important time for our campus to be civically active and act on Wake Forest’s driving spirit, pro humanitate,” Student Body President Hannah Elluru said. “We are looking forward

to collaborating with university offices and departments to expand the resources available to students to engage in conversations about the elections and exercise their right to vote.”

The resolution was introduced by former Student Body President Jackson Buttler, and was supported by Elluru. Student government resolutions are non-binding: when passed, administrators must follow the recommendations if resolutions are to have their intended effect.

Acording to committee co-chairs Gray Lowder and Ava Jochim, the main goals of the committee are to promote nonpartisanship, support voter registration efforts on campus and collaborate with other organizations on campus to share information about the election.

In addition to Lowder and Jochim, there will be 17 members of the committee, including Molly Linker, Ethan Rummage,

Victoria Burnette, Yan Luo, Zali Lawrence, Lucy Loflin, Caroline Moritz, Piper Genkin, Jaden Morrison, Jessica Barry, Maddox Braue, Quincie Loy, Malcolm Brown, Lauren Schmidt, Grace Clark, Abby Kee and Kaitlyn Bernas. Applications for the committee were open to the entire student body, and members were selected in and outside of student government.

Lowder said he hopes the committee will help unify campus during an overwhelming electionseason.

“A big part of our platform is inclusion and making sure every student has their voice heard, and that includes elections,” Lowder said.

Jochim explained that her experience growing up in London gave her perspective on the importance of having discussions to be better informed about candidates. Having lived through a divisive election while in the United Kingdom showed her the im-

portance of unity during times of change.

“We want to focus on having respectful conversations and looking at facts instead of hiding behind party lines,” Jochim said.

“It’s important to be informed on who we’re voting for and why we’re not voting for other candidates, and to have discussions about those things.”

Jochim said that the committee wants to support students, many of whom are firsttime voters in such a major election.

“We want to instill the habit of voting, and want to ensure active and interested voters for the future,” Jochim said, “because it is our future in which we are shaping, and those habits do start now. We want to reinforce the importance of voing and the importance of voting what you want versus what everyone else [wants].”

Contact Skyler Villamar-Jones at villsc22@wfu.edu

Wake Forest appoints several staff members in ϐ Chris Donald was hired as university chaplain alongside three assistant chaplains MADDIE STOPYRA Editor-In-Chief Wake Forest made several changes in the Office of the Chaplain last month.

The university filled the university chaplain position as well as assistant chaplain roles for Hindu life and religious engagement, Jewish life and Muslim life.

Chris Donald began his role as university chaplain on Aug. 12 following a national search. Prior to Donald, Tim Auman served as the university chaplain for 25 years. Before beginning at Wake Forest, Donald served in the same position at Vanderbilt for five years. According to a press release, Donald prioritizes promoting “diverse communities of faith and pluralistic avenues for individuals to access meaning, purpose and formation, both through and outside religious life.”

“Wake Forest takes seriously the obligation of higher education to form the character and integrity of students,” Donald said. “Spiritual life programs thrive with an institutional commitment like that. I look forward to joining the vibrant, diverse community at Wake Forest.”

Alongside Donald, Dr. Akshay Gupta was hired as Wake Forest’s first assistant chaplain for Hindu life and religious

engagement in August. Focusing on a “head and heart” approach to spirituality, Gupta received a Ph.D in religious studies at the University of Cambridge and trained in chaplaincy with the Vaishnava chaplaincy initiative Karuna Care.

Gupta was unavailable for interview by publication, but his biography page on the Office of the Chaplain’s website states that he is excited to provide care to both Hindu and non-Hindu students on campus, focusing on wisdom and grief care.

“He also believes that we often have the insight and wisdom needed to tackle our problems already within us, and he strives to empower others to realize this potential within them,” the website reads.

Jewish Life also saw a change in leadership after Gail Bretan retired last semester. Stephanie Marshall began her position last month. Before coming to Wake Forest, Marshall served as the Jewish education manager for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. According to Marshall, she hopes to build community for those in and out of Jewish life.

“I hope to offer something for everyone by creating a variety of opportunities,” Marshall said. “I want to make sure that Jewish faculty and staff know they have my support, and I am invested in continuing to build a strong community. I

also want to partner with many departments on campus. With the other Chaplains, I want to help build bridges and create interfaith dialogues and offerings.”

Finally, Wake Forest hired Imran Haq to fill the assistant chaplain for Muslim life position. Naijla Faizi previously served in this role. Haq most recently worked as an academic researcher at the Bhaktivedanta Institute and as a priest and youth minister at New Goloka Temple in Hillsborough, N.C. Haq was unavailable for an interview by publication. However, their biography page on the Office of the Chaplain’s website states they care about helping students through intense emotions and connecting Muslim students to their traditions.

“Imran is concerned with how to provide resources for Muslims to reflect on their traditions, to go into the world as informed members of the Ummah, and live their lives embodying justice, equity, and compassion,” the website reads.

In a Sept. 9 message, Donald shared that the University hired these individuals in the Office of the Chaplain to “meet the multifaith and spiritual needs of [Wake Forest’s] diverse community of students, faculty and staff.”

“The Office of the Chaplain supports

the work of student organizations campus-wide that reflect a variety of Christian, Jewish and other religious, spiritual and secular perspectives, as well as nonsectarian spiritual practices,” Donald said.

Contact Maddie Stopyra at stopmf21wfu.edu

ϔ

Chris Donald began his role as university chaplain after national search.

POLICE BEAT • • • • • •

An individual stole a bicycle from Deacon Place Apartments at 10:57 p.m. on Sept. 1. The report was filed at 4:18 p.m. on Sept. 2.

An individual took a scooter from Machester Athletic Center which was later recovered. The report was filed at 11 a.m. on Sept. 3.

An individual took a scooter from Machester Athletic Center which was later recovered. The report was filed at 2 p.m. on Sept. 3.

An underage individual having difficulty walking was found to be intoxicated on Gulley Drive. Student ERT’s and Forsyth County EMS unit 40 responded and evaluated them. The report was filed at 1:36 p.m. on Sept. 5.

An underage individual was found passed out in the road near the sidewalk in front of North Campus Apartments 1. They were later transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The report was filed at 2:27 p.m. on Sept. 6.

An individual was looking through a bedroom window of Crown Oaks Apartments. Winston Salem Police Department tried to make contact with the individual. The report was filed at 10:37 p.m. on Sept. 7.

CITY & STATE OLD GOLD & BLACK

James Watson, watsjc22@wfu.edu

PAGE 5 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

City & State: A promise Editor James Watson explains what to expect from the Old Gold & Black's newest section JAMES WATSON City & State Editor Here we are. 53 days until the election.

And — not to scare you — just shy of a month until early voting begins in North Carolina on Oct. 17.

A few months ago, when I started thinking about what to write for this introduction, I was thinking about all the ways that no one was excited for 2024.

Somehow I had to pitch what we were doing here at a time when folks were — frankly — bored.

But things are different. Following a harrowing brush with an armed gunman, former President Trump and the Republican party are chomping at the bit to put him back in office. Meanwhile, the Democratic party, having jettisoned President Biden from the ticket in exchange for drupes and boiler room sets, are barnstorming battleground states. The section is launching just as the 2024 presidential election has been entirely flipped on its head.

So what are we going to do about all

this?

The City & State section fills a longstanding gap in the Old Gold & Black’s reporting by engaging in meaningful, local coverage of city and state politics.

Wake may be a school of students from all 50 states, but they deserve to know what’s happening in this one. And they deserve to know how it affects them through uncomplicated and uncompromising reporting.

Things have and will continue to move fast. We will be ready. On that note, North Carolina is an exciting place to be in 2024. We will have one of the most closely watched gubernatorial elections this cycle amid an increasingly competitive environment for Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Their teams will be blitzing this state in the coming weeks.

This election will be all-hands-on-deck for this newsroom in more ways than ever before. The reporting infrastructure that city & state provides will make us that much more ready.

Over the long term, we hope the desk will become a hub for investigative-style

reporting into the complicated, often overlooked relationships between Winston-Salem and Wake Forest University.

But I want to set some ground rules.

I want you to know what you’re getting out of this.

First, no bullshit. Frankly, we don’t have the time. Everything that comes from this desk will always be well-informed, well-sourced and thorough. We owe it to ourselves and you.

Second, uncomplicated. You’re going to hear me say this word a lot. If we can’t explain big, hairy issues in a neatly packaged and accessible way, we have failed you.

Third, we’re not going to follow the horse race. The stories we do in this section both before and after the election are going to be more tailored for the Wake Forest community. You can go anywhere else for stories on minute-to-minute election updates. That’s not our job. The goal here is to frame the election and local politics in a way that matters to students, faculty and the greater community.

Finally, please talk to us. This is just a

section, sure. But it’s also a small exercise in democracy. Something doesn't make sense in Raleigh? Wondering why congressional districts are shaped like that?

Email me (or any future custodians of this desk). Your questions and your curiosity are part of what will keep this project afloat.

I suppose you also deserve to know who I am. I’m James. I’ve lived in North Carolina for most of my life. I love elections. I love this state. I’m honored to be the first editor of this section and I hope I and the rest of this paper can do right by the community.

If you read any part of this and it makes you anxious, excited or a secret third emotion, then come write for us.

Turn that emotion into reporting. We got work to do.

P.S. Please register to vote.

Talk soon, James Watson Contact James Watson at watsjc22@wfu.edu

Wake Forest voters face new barrier ahead of November election On-campus early voting site not renewed for 2024 general election ISABELLA ROMINE Staff Writer Unlike the previous two election cycles, Wake Forest will have no on-campus early voting site this year. The closest early voting site for Wake Forest students will be Polo Park Community Center, located at 1850 Polo Road, about a mile and a half from Reynolda Campus.

In 2020 and 2022, students could cast a ballot at the former location of Winston-Salem First Assembly of God, situated across from Deacon Place in the Z5 parking lot. Wake Forest University has owned the property since 2019 when it was purchased under the agreement that the Winston-Salem First congregation could continue gathering at the church for at least three years. The congregation moved location this year.

Plans to use the site as a polling place fell through after Wake Forest University told the Forsyth County Board of Elections that the space would be unavailable, according to a county election official.

“Our board, both Democrats and Republicans, voted to have a voting location for early voting on two campuses: one at Wake Forest and one at Winston-Salem State,” said Forsyth County Board of Elections Vice Chairperson Catherine Jourdan. “[Wake Forest officials] said we could not use [the site at Winston-Salem First] because they were doing renovations.”

James Watson/Old Gold & Black

The First Assembly of God church in the Z5 lot was used as an early voting site for students in 2020 & 2022, but not this year.

“Unfortunately, the previous on-campus property is not a viable option this election cycle…” Vice President for Campus Life Shea Kidd Brown confirmed.

It’s not immediately clear what “not viable” means, especially as a little over a month out from early voting, no active construction or demolition is happening in the Z5 lot.

The absence of an on-campus early voting site creates an obstacle for students trying to access polls, raising questions about how the change could deflate turnout.

“Political scientists have found that individuals' decisions about whether to vote are affected by many factors, including

the ease of casting a ballot, and proximity to a voting site can make it easier to cast a ballot,” politics and international affairs department chair John Dinan said.

Sophomore Bella Coughlin echoed this sentiment, saying, “It is one more thing to do in a busy academic schedule, and many students might forget or not prioritize voting if it is not quick and easy to find on campus.”

To increase accessibility to early voting for students, the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE) will work with campus organizations and partners to shuttle students to the Polo Park Community Center during the early voting period, which begins Oct. 17. Stu-

dents who choose this option will have access to same-day voter registration until 3 p.m. on Nov. 2. Same-day voter registration is available at all Forsyth County early voting sites.

Jourdan encouraged students who may have difficulties reaching Polo Park Community Center for early voting to look into voting on Election Day on Nov. 5 or requesting a mail-in absentee ballot before 5 p.m. Oct. 29, which can be sent to P.O. mailing boxes on campus.

Deacs Decide, a student-led nonpartisan election engagement project supported by the OCCE, will hold pop-up events and table outside the Pit from 12-2 p.m. every weekday through Election Day on Nov. 5 to help students engage with the democratic process. Representatives with the group have been trained to help students register and share information on where and how to vote.

Students can also register and find voting resources in the OCCE’s office in Benson 503 or through their Voting in the 2024 Election webpage. “[Facilitating civic engagement among students] is important,” Kidd Brown said.

“The college experience provides a unique backdrop to engage students in the democratic process. We want to create experiences for students to ask questions and engage in dialogue.”

Contact Isabella Romine at romiie21@wfu.edu

FEATURES

PAGE 6 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

OLD GOLD & BLACK

Ella Klein, kleiek22@wfu.edu

Remembering Gary “Sergio” Ward :DUG ZDV D YDOXHG PHPEHU RI WKH :DNH )RUHVW IDPLO\ DQG D NH\ ¿JXUH LQ WKH :LQVWRQ 6DOHP 7ULDG FRPPXQLW\ ANITA DONGIEUX Staff Writer On Aug. 21, 2024, Gary “Sergio” Anthony Ward passed away at the age of 53 from a short illness. Ward was a valued member of the Wake Forest family and a key figure in the Winston-Salem Triad community.

Wake Forest knew Ward as a beloved, light-hearted security officer, but Ward filled his time in many ways outside his duties on campus. Ward was a DJ for Jet Set Jazz Radio, a personal trainer and life coach, an ordained minister and, most importantly, a deeply adored friend.

“Everyone saw Sergio, but not everyone knows Sergio,” said Carlos Bocanegra, Ward’s close friend and owner of Monstercade Music Venue.

Bocanegra spoke of the endless stories he had over his decades-long friendship with Ward — from mindlessly meeting at the opening of the Hanes Mall Best Buy in his teens to reuniting years later at a local cigar bar.

“While Sergio didn’t remember who I was at first all those years later, he was so kind and radiated the most positive energy,” Bocanegra reminisced. “We became best friends almost right away.”

Bocanegra continued: “Sergio had this strange optimism and unmistakable confidence. Everyone wanted to know what this guy’s deal was. He had a special way of finding a connection point with anyone around him.”

Bocanegra spoke of the undoubted mark Ward left on any crowd he walked into: in meeting Ward, you always wanted to know more and to know Ward was to love him.

“I don’t have what he had. No one does.

He was simply that guy,” Bocanegra said.

Ward never did anything half-heartedly. His sociability and infectious character were the pillars of his being, but he was also incredibly committed to his work.

Derri Stromer, Wake Forest Patrol Major and Ward’s supervisor, remembers Ward’s passion for serving the school.

Stromer wrote that “Sergio embodied the true spirit of service. His dedication to his job was unmatched.”

Ward set the standard for loyalty in his

workplace. A beacon of true honor, Ward has an unquestionable love for Wake Forest University.

“He took great pride in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus,” Stormer said. “He approached each task with enthusiasm, and his commitment to doing the job right was unwavering.”

Aside from work, Stormer reflected that “Sergio was a man of varied passions.”

These included his love for jazz music, wrestling and fitness.

“He made working out a priority, inspiring others to take care of their health and well-being,” Stormer said.

Ward even had a few cats of his own that he loved dearly.

“He didn’t seem like someone who would own a cat,” Bocanegra laughed.

“But one day one cat came along, and that one turned into two, maybe even three.”

In 2016, Bocanegra jokingly created what he calls a “Sergio shirt.” The name says it all –– the shirt is simply a picture of Ward with “Sergio” written underneath.

“Sergio was tickled pink by the shirts I made. Whenever our friends wore them, we knew that it would immediately start a conversation,” Bocanegra shared.

Bocanegra recalled that wearing the shirts and having others in the community recognize the well-known face on the front made for a new kindred experience in the community. Once the shirt was on, there was an instant possibility of making a new friend.

“That’s how powerful a personality he was,” Bocanegra said.

Since Ward’s passing, Bocanegra shared

that there has been a new influx of shirt requests: “People want to bring the shirt back, in order to keep his legacy alive.”

Within the next week, a purchase link will be available for anyone wanting to purchase a “Sergio Shirt.” All proceeds will go to the local animal shelter, signifying Ward’s fondness for the animals in his life.

Bocanegra remarked that Ward had a personality that made this city different from other places. Those within the community, as well as in the surrounding areas, will not be the same without his impactful presence.

“There’s no one quite like you, Serge,” Bocanegra said. &RQWDFW $QLWD 'RQJLHX[ DW GRQJDS #ZIX HGX

Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University

ϐ ǡ ȋ Ȍ ǯ ǯ Ǥ

An introduction to the Features section ELLA KLEIN Features Editor

This year, the features section is expanding.

The features section has been a hard one to write for — what is a feature? Why is this section needed? Is it just to poach stories from News or Arts and Culture?

Admittedly, before coming on as the Features Editor after leaving my beloved role as Environment Editor, I had never writ-

ten for features, as I had no idea what to do or say.

Now, I am here to revitalize the section — revamp her, movie-montage-makeover scene style.

It’s not as serious as it sounds. I have big dreams for the Features section — in my opinion, Features could be one of the cornerstones of the newspaper. While the institutions of Deacon Profiles and study-abroad stories are here to stay, we are also adding some new content to our

repertoire.

While the news focuses on what’s happening and where, Features are honed in on the why. Deep dives, investigative stories and delvings into the hallowed halls of Wake Forest University are all on the table. The long, nitty-gritty pieces are really what we are striving for.

Last year, we got to cover some amazing stories: we got to know one of our librarians, heard a personal story from our former Editor-in-chief and even got

to travel to Kyrgyzstan. This year, I hope we get to travel farther, learn more about the University and the people surrounding us and hear stories from our peers we would have never gotten otherwise.

I look forward to spearheading this section and editing some truly wonderful stories. Learning from my peers is the best part of my job, and I’m excited to see what stories you have to share. &RQWDFW (OOD .OHLQ DW NOHLHN #ZIX HGX

Features | Old Gold & Black

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | Page 7

A Salamancan summer

-XQLRU 0ROO\ 6WHXU UHÀHFWV RQ KHU VXPPHU VWXG\ DEURDG H[SHULHQFH MOLLY STEUR Contributing Writer

The first week in Salamanca, I was overwhelmed.

Eating with my host mom every meal was immersive, but I couldn’t shake a nagging feeling of inadequacy. This feeling only grew when I stumbled over the words or had to ask her to repeat her Spanish, slower and slower until I pieced together the gist of her basic questions. Sometimes, I would skip meal times at home and explore the city by myself, taking a little break.

At least once a week, I went to a restaurant called Panka, which was right off the Plaza Mayor. It’s small: one room with four high-top tables and an L-shaped glass counter filled with empanadas. The first week, I was able to stumble over my order, and then I went to sit and read my book. When the server brought me my food, we would chat for a while. Neither of us entirely spoke the other’s language, but I still feel like I made a friend in him. He let me read at that table for several hours while he brought me a few onthe-house empanadas, sometimes continuing to chat, other times just smiling warmly.

Being abroad was challenging. Although I did a solid two weeks of Duolingo before getting on the plane, I was, surprisingly, not fluent in Spanish when it landed in Madrid. I was forced to be present, forced to be wrong, forced to not know. But, because I was so worried about basic communication, I was less worried about looking stupid, and less worried about fumbling social interactions because it was essentially guaranteed. Somehow, I felt much more comfortable being wrong than I ever thought I would. I attributed some of that comfort to the culture of Salamanca, which is the oldest college town in Europe (so old that the class of ‘17 could mean either 2017 or 1217).

People are just used to foreign students there.

Aside from the language barrier, simply being in Salamanca was also isolating at first. We were seven hours ahead of my home, which meant there was very little time when I could talk my support system. I couldn’t fall back on calling my parents or hometown friends every time I felt a little lonely. So, I began to lean heavily on the group of students there. Like kids at summer camp who decide their bunk mate is their new best friend, we got very close, very quickly.

We traveled together every weekend, and on the last weekend of the program, we went to Gijón, on the northern coast of Spain.

The first night we got there, almost everything was closed, but we managed to get to a grocery store 15 minutes before it shut down. We quickly ran through the store, shouting about various pasta-cooking needs.

After grabbing the ingredients, we met our Airbnb host –– who I’m pretty sure was convinced I was fluent in Spanish based on our WhatsApp conversation –– outside his building. He led us up some obviously haunted stairs to the apartment. It had broad windows that you could almost see the ocean out of, a beautiful kitchen with stools on the other side of the countertop and a dining room table big enough for all of us.

We all cooked together that night, creating one of the most lovely memories of my life. I doubt that this group of people would have ever come together organically, and I would have never gone to Gijón. I am thankful we shared the experience of not knowing, together.

On our last day in Salamanca, my friend and I were walking through the streets near the Plaza, and the owner of Panka greeted us, recognizing us as regulars.

It was a final reminder of the second home we had made for ourselves in a place I’d been so afraid to go.

My experience abroad gave me genuine friends, let me eat more tapas than you could even believe and allowed me to fail safely. I learned that people don’t care if you make a mistake, as long as you’re kind.

Contact Molly Steur at stueml22@wfu.edu

Photo courtesy of Molly Steur

"Salamanca is the oldest college town in Europe. People are just used to foreign students there.

I learned that people don't care if you make a mistake, as long as you're kind."

Photo courtesy of Molly Steur

"We quickly ran through the store, shouting about various pasta-cooking needs.

We all cooked together that night, creating one of the most lovely memories of my life."

Page 8 | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Old Gold & Black | Features

The University Policy on Demonstrations, Chalking and Posting, explained Last month, Wake Forest released a policy for guidelines for protesting on campus. Here are the takeaways.

ELLA KLEIN Features Editor Wake Forest released a policy detailing the guidelines and regulations for protesting and chalking on Aug. 1, following the end-of-semester pro-Palestine protest that evolved into an encampment.

The policy, titled University Policy on Demonstrations, Chalking and Posting, was approved by President Susan Wente and created with guidance from the Staff Advisory Council, Student Government and Faculty Senate, alongside other administrative officials. The policy can be read in full here.

During the student protests at the end of the spring semester, a draft policy was released — created mainly by the university administration. According to Julia Jackson-Newsom, associate vice president for policy and government affairs, via an email to the Old Gold & Black, President Wente requested that a comprehensive protest and chalking policy be developed in February.

With the aid of the aforementioned groups, the University released the protest policy in time for the Fall 2024 semester.

In an email to Old Gold & Black, Matthew Clifford, the vice president of campus life and dean of students, explained the administrative reasoning behind the policies’ creation.

“As the new policy states, we want to maintain an environment that provides a fulsome opportunity for expression while taking into account the realities that come with being a residential research university where many Wake Foresters live, learn and work in a variety of settings,” Clifford said.

Here are the key takeaways of the policy.

University preface Reason for the policy The policy statement is simple: the University believes in the tenets of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. However, it also believes in the right of students, faculty and staff to live, work and study in a place free of disruption. Demonstrations, chalking and signage are unsupported by the University if they cause physical damage to Wake Forest properties, are defamatory or infringe on other’s self-expression. It is also unsupported when it “violates the University’s anti-harassment and discrimination standards,” according to the document.

According to the subhead “Reason for the Policy,” the University will handle the application of this policy “by specifying when, where and how acts of free expression can take place.”

to follow the event planning process outlined by the Office of Student Engagement or the Office of University Marketing and Communications.

Time, length and noise Demonstrations are only permitted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no overnight demonstration activity allowed.

According to Jackson-Newsome, this decision “was based on the availability of staff whose roles equip them to facilitate peaceful demonstrations.”

Locations

ture. This policy does not apply to university-sponsored programs.

Clifford stated two reasons for the restrictions around stick-held signage: “Signs cannot be posted on sticks, rods or similar primarily because they can, by their function, obstruct others from viewing a message. Additionally, they are prohibited for safety reasons,” Any content physically posted on campus, such as posters, also has guidelines. The only places signage expressing individual viewpoints is allowed are in individual offices, residence hall rooms or community-use bulletin boards — such as the one in Smith’s Cafe.

Time bounds

Only five areas allow students to practice peaceful protest. Manchester Plaza, Tribble Courtyard, Lower Davis Field and the green space by Farrell Hall are all available, but a reservation through the school is recommended.

The green space bound by Olin Hall, Salem Hall and Z. Smith Reynolds (ZSR) Library is available without reservation. Chalking is permitted on the sidewalks near all spaces mentioned above, excluding the pavement surrounding the fire pits on Manchester Plaza.

All of these are subject to change upon University decree.

Sound, structures and signs Amplified sound is only allowed with prior approval from the Office of Student Engagement, from 5 to 8 p.m.

According to Jackson-Newsome, this constraint is because the University has to have the staff available to facilitate and handle any events that may take place during the acts of expression. Getting prior approval allows the University to properly staff the event.

No physical structures are allowed, such as “tents, stages, or other like objects,” with the caveat that the University could make exceptions to this rule, on a caseby-case basis.

Signage is allowed, with three major rules. The signage must be only for message communication, meaning it does not block or barricade anything. Said signage must not be attached to any buildings or structures. Signage is also not allowed on sticks, rods or any similar struc-

The University states “There should be no expectation of permanence related to expression through demonstrations and chalking,” This means that routine maintenance of pavement and weather events are all subject to erase all chalked demonstrations.

Any space utilized is only available through DeaconSpace. According to the policy, “no space can be held from one day to the next for demonstration activity, other than what is possible through the DeaconSpace system and consistent with its policies,” In DeaconSpace, one can reserve a space for a reoccurring time frame for multiple days.

Policy violation consequences Violation of any of these policies, disruption of campus life or any threat or action of violence or danger will all result in either action from school administration or law enforcement. This is on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on severity. All violations will be addressed by the University’s established conduct process.

This policy does not apply to any university-sponsored activities or events.

In looking at the policy, Clifford notes, “Finally, we are working hard to help students understand this policy and express ideas and opinions important to them in a manner consistent with these guidelines. We are developing a website that helps explain elements of the policy and offers resources.”

Contact Ella Klein at kleiek22@wfu.edu

Who should know The University simply defined the subjects of this policy as “all individuals to whom this policy applies.” This means University faculty, staff and students, as well as participants in activities from the external community.

Policy Participants Students, faculty and staff members, as well as participating community members, are all subject to being asked for ID at any given point, as well as being asked to temporarily remove any face covering for identification purposes.

Planning Any type of protest should be vetted by the Office of Student Engagement to gain insight into what practices the University supports. Any invited speaker is expected

Evan Harris/Old Gold & Black

The University end-of-semester

Policy on Demonstrations, Chalking and Posting pro-Palestine protest that evolved into an

follows the encampment.

ENVIRONMENT OLD GOLD & BLACK

Mia Springer, spriml21@wfu.edu Addison Schmidt, schmac21@wfu.edu

PAGE 9 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Meet the section!

ADDISON SCHMIDT & MIA SPRINGER Environment Editors

Welcome to the Environment section! Our names are Addison Schmidt and Mia Springer, and we’re the Environment section coeditors this semester. The Old Gold and Black’s motto is “Covers the campus like the Magnolias,” but the Environment section is here to cover the magnolias themselves. We write about everything related to the environment and sustainability at Wake Forest and in the Winston-Salem

area, including science, sustainable fashion, environmental events, investigative deep dives, features and occasionally national environmental news.

Our goal is to make environmental issues and news accessible to the average Wake Forest student. Climate change and environmental destruction are two of the foremost challenges of our time, and we believe that, as journalists, we have a responsibility to convey both the issues and solutions surrounding them.

Meet the Editors Addison’s Favorites Outdoor Place: Blue Ridge Parkway Animal: Highland cow Plant: Lupine Nature Documentary: “Blue Planet” Fruit: Peach

Mia’s Favorites Farmer’s Market: Cobblestone Marine Mammal: Minke Whale Bird: Hummingbird Nature Documentary: “My Octopus Teacher” Flower: Peony Contact Addison Schmidt at schmac21@wfu.edu and Mia Springer at spriml21@wfu.edu

Forests beyond the forest A guide to greenspaces in Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas ADDISON SCHMIDT Environment Editor As one might expect at a school with “forest” in its name, Wake Forest students have an abundance of choices when it comes to outdoor spaces on the Reynolda Campus.

Opportunities for outdoor recreation can be found effortlessly amongst the magnolias. The Campus Garden, Hearn Plaza (the quad) and the cross-country trails are just a few places where Demon Deacons can be found lounging, exercising and working on sunny days.

Outside the gates of campus, WinstonSalem and the surrounding area offer an abundance of natural wonders. As a native of the Winston-Salem area, I’m here to offer some insights on greenspaces nearby, ranging from right off campus to a little over an hour away by car.

Reynolda Gardens and Trails

tennis courts and a public pool.

Golfing, swimming, horseback riding and tennis all require an entrance payment at the gatehouse, as well as individual activity-specific fees, but access to the greenway and trails is free. Upon arrival, take the first turn on your left to access the trails and dog park, or go straight to pay at the gatehouse for everything else.

My favorite place within the park is the network of wooded, unpaved trails that serve double duty for mountain biking and trail running. The trail that runs along the Yadkin River is also lovely; it’s on the park’s edge and can be accessed by driving past the main entrance on Clemmons Road and taking a left just before the bridge.

Pilot Mountain State Park Pilot Mountain State Park is a short 25-minute drive away from Wake Forest and offers the perfect opportunity for a

secluded getaway without driving far. The park is known for the trail that encircles its rocky, knob-like mountain top and offers views of the flatter surrounding area.

Visitors can take a quick hike around the mountain along the 0.9-mile Pilot Knob route or, for a more challenging option, opt for the 2.7-mile route that combines the Grindstone, Ledge Spring and Pilot Knob trails.

Hanging Rock State Park Hanging Rock State Park offers space for a variety of activities 45 minutes north of Winston-Salem in Stokes County. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, swimming (open seasonally), fishing, picnicking and rock climbing spaces are all available in the park.

The most popular route in the park is Hanging Rock Trail, which is a moderately technical, aerobically strenuous 2.6-mile

round trip hike up to the main viewpoint.

Expect lots of stairs and steep hills on this route. If you’re up for a few more steps after descending from the mountaintop, be sure to walk down to Hidden Falls from the visitor center.

Stone Mountain State Park The farthest of the parks listed here, Stone Mountain State Park is a worthwhile one hour and 15-minute drive off-campus.

Climb to the top of the mountain along the Stone Mountain Loop Trail on a clear day, and you’ll find true Blue Ridge vistas to the west and miles of rolling hills to the east.

Stone Mountain is my favorite place to venture for a weekend day trip without having to wake up early, and the geology of the main attraction offers a particularly unique sight.

Contact Addison Schmidt at schmac21@wfu.edu

By far the closest of my “off-campus” recommendations, Reynolda is just a short five to 10-minute walk across the waterfall bridge from the southwestern corner of campus just behind Winston Hall.

Stay left after crossing the bridge and follow the paved trail left up the hill before making a right at the gate to reach the entrance to Reynolda Gardens. There, you’ll find hundreds of plant species, including a particularly impressive variety of roses. The greenhouse at the front of the garden is currently undergoing restoration but is scheduled to reopen on Oct. 8.

Back down the hill is the entrance to the main Perimeter Trail, which takes walkers and runners around a 1.5-mile loop into the woods, past the filled-in pool and around the meadow.

Tanglewood Park Located a 20-minute drive west along I-40, Tanglewood Park in Clemmons offers space for many forms of outdoor recreation, including trails for running, golf courses, mountain bike trails, horse stables,

Addison Schmidt/ Old Gold & Black

The view from the top of Stone Mountain State Park westward in the winter. The 5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail takes hikers to the top of the mountain, into the valley and to the top of the waterfall.

Page 10 | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Old Gold & Black | Environment

From seed to produce The story of sustainable agriculture at Cobblestone Farmer’s Market MIA SPRINGER Environment Editor I was introduced to Cobblestone Farmers Market last spring, and I have made an effort to go every Saturday that I’ve been in town since. Cobblestone is where I stock up on my oyster mushrooms, treat myself to a fresh bouquet and chat with friendly vendors and customers alike.

Cobblestone Farmers Market, located ten minutes from Wake Forest’s campus, is about more than just fresh empanadas and vegan muffins, though — it’s about supporting local agriculture and reflecting on where our food comes from.

Eric Rosenblum, a senior at Wake Forest, came to the market with me last Saturday.

“Most commerce I’ve ever engaged in has always been as transactional as can be … and I feel disconnected from the people and products they are selling to me,” Rosenblum said. “This is the first time in my life where I felt like I was a part of the process.”

According to Cobblestone’s website, Cobblestone strives to “increase equitable access to local, sustainably-grown food in Winston-Salem, N.C. and grow our regional food economy by creating and nurturing diverse, thriving marketplaces.”

The USDA defines ‘sustainable agriculture’ as agriculture that enhances the quality of the surrounding environment, sustains the local economy and enhances the quality of life for both the farmers and society.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, unsustainable agriculture greatly contributes to climate change and environmental degradation. Water consumption for agriculture uses a total of 69% of the available freshwater on Earth each year. On top of this, clearing land for large agricultural

fields releases carbon into our atmosphere and disrupts wildlife.

However, the World Wildlife Fund says that if more agriculture is done sustainably, our watersheds, water quality and soil will remain intact. This is why it is so important to support small farmers, rather than bigger ones whose practices tear apart our land.

“We’ve been with the market for 14 years; I love being here. I love the atmosphere, and I love the customers and introducing people to sustainable clothing,” said vendor Laura Frazier, the owner of Farm Girl Arts.

Frazier’s brother-in-law raises sheep, and Frazier turns their wool into her creations. By using natural dye and bamboo instead of nylon, her socks are a prime example of sustainable production and are a best seller at the market.

At the end of my shopping, I met Harvey Moser and his wife Susan Moser, the owners of Moser Manor Farm. They have been married since 1974 and have been growing produce in their backyard for 50 years together. During a phone interview later that week, Harvey Moser opened up to me about just how special it is to be able to call Cobblestone home.

“Farming is something that you have to love to do. It’s a lifestyle,” Harvey Moser explained.

Before picking up the phone, the Mosers had been out in their backyard garden planting new seasonal crops: beets, radishes, cabbage and collard greens. Selling various vegetables at Cobblestone is their main source of income.

“One thing we like about farmers markets is that, if people see something they haven’t seen before, you can educate them on how to store and prepare it,” Harvey Moser said.

After purchasing black pearl mushrooms from Heritage Harvest Farms,

Mia Springer/Old Gold & Black

Laura Frazier, front of her

the owner of Farm Girl Arts, poses in stand at the Cobblestone Farmer’s Market.

Rosenblum went home and cooked them in an omelet.

“The best way to articulate how important farmers markets can be for society… is by sharing the conversation I had with one farmer: he told me that because of how well he had been doing at the farmers market, his family who has been renting land was just able to buy land for the

first time. His smile when he told me this … was truly incredible,” Rosenblum recounted.

Cobblestone Farmers Market is open year-round, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. The address is 1007 Marshall Street SW. &RQWDFW 0LD 6SULQJHU DW VSULJPO #ZIX HGX

Let’s Taco-Bout Sustainability :DNH )RUHVW 2I¿FH RI 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ DQQXDO HYHQW KDV ODUJH WXUQRXW REESE LILE Contributing Writer On Thursday, Sept. 5, the Wake Forest University Office of Sustainability held its ninth annual “Let’s Taco-Bout Sustainability” event — inviting students to the third floor of Benson University Center for cuisine and conversation.

The open rotunda was the perfect space for students to move between nine stations and discuss different facets of sustainability

with student representatives. Not only did the stations cover a wide range of sustainability-related topics, they also provided students with information and opportunities to get involved.

The “Independent Organization” station encouraged students to get involved with dEaCOfriendly, the only student-led sustainability organization on campus. At the “Composting and Waste Minimization” station, representatives like Olivia Delgado, a Wake Forest junior and the office’s composting intern, explained how and

Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Sustainability on Facebook

where composting happens on campus. She explained how the on-campus dining halls, namely North Pit, do an excellent job composting throughout the cooking process, and that most buildings on campus have at least one compost bin.

Delgado expressed appreciation for the event and explained that the Office of Sustainability and participating environmental organizations hope to get students involved on campus.

“We want to be friends!” Delgado said.

Alongside its primary focus of increasing involvement in sustainability initiatives, the event featured a bountiful plant-based taco and burrito bar.

The fire alarms went off about halfway through the event’s scheduled time, but once the building was confirmed safe, attendees and staff returned for food and conversation.

The event ran longer than expected due to the interruption, which gave staff and students more time to meet and connect.

“I was just super impressed by the turnout and how there are different aspects of sustainability that students can get involved with,” said Kryschelle Fakir, a Wake Forest graduate student who attended the event.

“It’s really good to have access to peer educa-

tion and peer leadership opportunities, and the food was delicious.”

In addition to the composting and independent organizations stations mentioned earlier, Let’s Taco-Bout Sustainability also hosted representatives from Wakerspace, who talked about upcycling and the Wake Forest Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE). Other stations included peer leadership, sustainability in business, outdoor recreation, dining and the Campus Garden.

The event highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, especially at Wake Forest, and demonstrated that students of all ages and experience levels can get involved.

Office of Sustainability staff member and Campus Garden intern Jaylyn Walters expressed her hope that the event would reach anyone interested in sustainability at Wake Forest.

Walters offered advice to students interested in on-campus environmental groups: “It’s not as scary as it might seem to get involved in all the different niche interests [within sustainability].”

&RQWDFW 5HHVH /LOH DW OLOHUO #ZIX HGX

OPINION OLD GOLD & BLACK

Virginia Noone, noonvc21@wfu.edu

PAGE 11 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

The views expressed in all opinion columns represent those of the article’s author, not the opinions of the Old Gold & Black Editorial Board

All our parents are going to die.

We need to plan better than previous generations.

VIRGINIA NOONE Opinion Editor All our parents are going to die.

It’s a truth that’s uncomfortable and heart-wrenching, but it’s ultimately an inevitability in which the generations above us have been largely unprepared and unequipped to handle.

In their defense, the average life expectancy in the U.S. has steadily increased from roughly 40 years old in 1860 to 67 years old in 1950 to now 77 years old.

This increase is a result of advancements in medicine and technology that have in general improved Americans’ quality of life, yet it’s also created a larger need for elderly care.

The Department of Health and Human Services projected in 2023 that more than 56% of those turning 65 will need some sort of long-term care such as physical therapy amongst other services.

They also noted that most elderly adults are cared for in their own homes by family members or friends. With Medicare only covering short-term and Medicaid only covering certain qualified people— the responsibility to take care of elderly parents weighs heavily over millions of people.

Whether you view taking care of your parents as a responsibility or a burden, there’s a high likelihood that you’re not financially or physically capable of sustainably providing the care they need.

Furthermore, it can be emotionally taxing to see the steady cognitive and physical decline of someone who raised you and loves you. There’s often feelings of “caregiver guilt” that comes from being forced from the child role into the nurse role — feelings that can severely affect mental health.

Everyone deserves a dignified end of life and death. Waiting to broach the sub-

ject of aging and death with your parents until the very last minute is not an effective strategy. Everyone should be planning and discussing options together otherwise it becomes unfair to both parties and can sometimes taint the positive relationship that prevailed throughout the majority of their lives.

Another uncomfortable conversation that should be taking place is what the family plan is after death. According to a study released by LegalShield, 90% of Americans say having a will is important, yet less than half actually possess one. The study also states that 58% of respondents have experienced family disputes and have assets fall under court control.

We don’t live in medieval times anymore and should not be having dramatic movie-theater-worthy readings of wills where everyone is surprised by the beneficiaries. Simply put, that’s beyond ridiculous and unnecessary. Families should

be having open dialogue about assets, wishes and the best process for dealing with life after loss. By waiting, you put yourself in a poor position where you are dealing with intricate legal jargon while simultaneously coping with the loss of a loved one and beginning the grieving process.

As obvious as it seems, our parents have been aging at the same rate as we have. No matter our age, we’ll always be their children — but we’re no longer children in a general sense.

Part of adulthood is being capable of having honest and transparent conversations about the future with your family.

All our parents are going to die.

Ignoring this fact of life is merely doing a disservice to your future self.

Contact Virginia Noone at noonvc21@wfu.edu

The case for voting The lesser of two evils is still better than the greater evil ALEX KEATING Copy Editor We have the choice between a former president, who is a convicted felon that tried to undermine America’s democratic processes and a vice president that had a 36% approval rating in July and was thrust into the spotlight only 107 days before Election Day. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not thrilled with our options for the person who is supposed to represent and lead America on the world stage.

Former President Donald Trump encouraged both Jan. 6 rioters and his right hand, Mike Pence, to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power when he lost the 2020 presidential election, calling into question Trump’s willingness to adhere to America’s democratic principles. These concerns are underscored by JD Vance’s ties to Project 2025: a plan to consolidate power in the federal government under a Trump administration by removing those not loyal to him and dissolving the FBI and Department of Justice.

Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, has demonstrated questionable leadership skills and charisma throughout her run as vice president. To that end, the Biden administration’s failure to remedy the record number of border crossings was largely blamed on Harris. Her approach to immigration policy, a major issue for many Americans, has been called outdated by experts — and was made worse by clumsy comments and her failure to actually visit the U.S.-Mexico border.

For these reasons, many Americans have expressed hesitance to vote altogether, feel-

ing like they can’t in good conscience vote for either candidate. Surprisingly, one particular group rallying to boycott both Harris and Trump is a flank of young, leftist, pro-Palestinian Americans who feel that Harris isn’t doing enough to support Gazans whose lives are at risk. However valid their concerns may be, forgoing voting is not the righteous choice many think it is.

The rhetoric I’ve heard from non-voters ever since Harris took over as the Democratic candidate is that they refuse to vote for the “lesser of two evils.” The reality, though, is that either Harris or Trump will win, and if you choose not to vote for whoever you think is less “evil,” you are giving the greater evil the opportunity to take office as the most powerful individual in the country. While non-voters claim the moral high ground, they are in actuality becoming bystanders in an election that will likely be in our childrens’ history textbooks— a position that is nothing to be proud of.

Some have called for a third party candidate; however, voting third party is about as pointless as refusing to vote at all given that there are currently no other viable candidates a mere 53 days away from Election Day. Advocates against the violence against Palestinians in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian war claim that, morally, they cannot vote for a candidate that does not outright denounce Israel for the genocide on Palestinians. However, assuming you are entirely pro-Palestinian, electing not to vote will not help the Palestinians in any way; it will achieve nothing but making said nonvoters feel good about themselves, which

I find selfish and insulting to Palestinians.

These advocates argue that their boycott will pressure Harris to take a stronger stance against Israel, but this exercise is futile because Harris must also appease the larger faction of pro-Israeli Americans. On the contrary, making a strong showing at the polls and demonstrating your influence will make leaders much more likely to listen to your voices on the issues that are important to you.

Even still, renouncing a candidate over a single issue — especially one that is happening across the Atlantic Ocean — reflects a gross short-sightedness when there are so many other pressing domestic issues. The lives of women, people who rely on medicare and the middle class, among others, are all at stake in this particular election.

Underlying all of these reasons for not voting is a disturbing lack of faith in America’s democratic principles. Having the ability to vote is a privilege that I believe people are taking for

granted. The alternative would be an authoritarian government in which none of us get a say in how our country functions.

The two candidates are far from perfect, but we shouldn’t expect any president to be. To ask for a hero or a god that you agree with on every issue is not only fantastical but dangerous.

I encourage all readers to do their research and vote for the presidential candidate and other local politicians that they most align with— or at least the one who they dislike the least. If you don’t, others will make the decision for you. I won’t hesitate to show up to the polls on Nov. 5, and I sincerely hope you all do as well.

For more information on voter registration in your state, visit vote.gov.

Contact Alex Keating at keatam23@wfu.edu

Page 12 | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Old Gold & Black | Opinion

ϐ The Department of Education’s attempts to repair FAFSA have damaged its ability to help students CARTER MCDONALD Staff Columnist As the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Unfortunately, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system, which has enabled many to access higher education, has been broken for far too long — and the most recent attempts to fix it have failed more spectacularly than Wake Forest’s attempts to make the NCAA tournament.

The Department of Education sought to revamp the program before applications for the 2024-2025 school year began, but the new application didn’t come out as initially scheduled. FAFSA 2.0 was released later than expected in December, leaving thousands of students questioning if they would get the aid they needed. Unfortunately, the answer to those questions wouldn’t be answered anytime soon, as once the form went live on the website, users struggled to input vital information such as income history from the IRS. The rollout was so disastrous that a Government Accountability Office investigation of the rollout was initiated by members of the House and Senate to unearth the problems with FAFSA. It’s no wonder why when the Department of Education admitted it made an error in its formula for calculating aid totals, which would have shortchanged students by $1.8 billion.

But most of the damage has already been done as the delayed rollout of the new FAFSA forms makes it harder for college financial aid administrators to figure out how they will determine financial aid. Specifically, these administrators usually get their data from the Department of Education with ample time to review each application, but the Biden Administration announced on March 11 that it just started sending out FAFSA data. This will force university administrations to rush through reviewing applications in time to send financial aid.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators came out with a statement noting how significant delays in aid package delivery will hurt students who need aid the most when deciding where to attend college, as they will likely be missing critical information on the true cost of their degree. This also puts students on the clock much earlier than normal, as NPR estimates that financial aid packages will likely be sent out in mid-April leaving students under a month to decide before the traditional May 1 deadline.

For the estimated 17 million college students who applied for some sort of federal aid, this sort of time crunch is neither helpful nor welcomed since this overhaul was designed to make FAFSA easier to access. A report from

Oliver Hale/Old Gold & Black

ϐ cial aid process. FAFSA 2.0 was released later than anticipated in December of 2023.

Education Northwest found that one-third of students who didn’t fill out FAFSA were eligible for Pell Grants, and many cited the process’s complexity as a primary reason why they didn’t fill out the forms.

The revamp did attempt to fix this by condensing the number of questions from 100 to 40, but without a fully functioning website at first and consistent technical glitches throughout the process, this effort largely backfired. Looking at the number of applicants so far shows just how difficult this process has been for many, as the New York Times notes that as of March 13, the Department of Education has only received 5.7 million

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

applications out of the 16-17 million estimated applications that will be coming in.

While FAFSA wasn’t perfect before this attempted amelioration by the Department of Education, the flawed attempts to fix it have jeopardized millions of students’ access to financial aid to pay for college. The catastrophe that the Department of Education has unleashed will likely have the worst impact on those who need this funding the most. Research from Brookings notes that, even before this change, students in the lowest-income quintile were 10% less likely to fill out FAFSA in the first place, without the added difficulty of buggy websites that barely work.

It’s easy to say all that’s wrong with the system, but what are the next steps? For one, colleges should extend deadlines for decisions to make up for the lost time in decision-making. 190 colleges have already done this, and others should follow suit to maximize equity postFAFSA meltdown. It wasn’t their mistake that plunged millions of students into a world of financial uncertainty, but unfortunately, they are the only ones in power to ameliorate the damage caused by the FAFSA’s failures.

Wake Forest especially needs to take note of this as the university hasn’t postponed its commitment deadline across the board, only offering delays on a case-by-case basis according to the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (Page 22).

Second, the Department of Education must ensure that its attempts to increase access to vital financial aid don’t come crashing down yet again. FAFSA is a crucial factor in increasing college enrollment, as the National College Attainment Network finds that students who filled out FAFSA were 41% more likely to enroll in college than peers who did not. Despite the pivotal role FAFSA plays, if its attainment is over-complicated, the benefits it provides will deteriorate, depriving tens of thousands of the educational opportunities they deserve. When both of these steps are taken, maybe the college financial aid system will be less broken than Wake Forest’s tournament hopes.

Ǥ Ǥ ϐ ϐ ϐ Ǥ Contact Carter McDonald at mcdocd23@wfu.edu

Opinion | Old Gold & Black

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | Page 13

It’s a ‘Femininomenon’ Phenomenon Gen Z’s gender polarization is becoming apparent in pop music trends this summer the remix.”

Gracie Abram’s new album, “The Secret of Us,” celebrates her independence and her relief to be removed Young female artists have been dominating, and from her former partner who she sarcastically refers in many ways reviving, the pop scene this summer to as “one of the boys” and reminisces on their “shitty with an onslaught of fun, danceable music specifically friends and nights of their binge drinking.” She writes written for young female fan bases. This “femininom- in “Tough Love,” “No chance I waste my twenties on enom” is emblematic of a larger phenomenon slowly random men / Not one of them is cooler than all my dividing Gen Z — gender polarization. friends.”

Chappell Roan’s abrupt surge to These artists, as well as other notable fame was supported by hits such as female artists this summer, have “HOT TO GO!” and “Femiproduced distinct albums that ninomenon” which promote reflect their growth as mufemale autonomy and selfsicians while culminatconfidence with lyrics ing their experiences as that remind her once women. Yet, they all primarily LGBTQ+ share sentiments of fanbase how disapdismissing men in pointing and unfavor of themselves fulfilling men can and their relationbe romantically ships with other in comparison women. to other women.

Their music is TikTok is now fun, and feminine, bombarded with but also reflective fans of all sexuof a significant alities doing her cultural shift takY MC A-inspired ing place in Gen Z dance and singing, — the genders are “Call me hot, not becoming more popretty.” larized from each other Her 80’s style music and it’s materializing pohas drawn significant pinklitically and socially. cowboy-hat-wearing crowds Gallup data shows that in to music festivals across the the U.S., after decades of the sexU.S., but she’s not the only fees being spread somewhat equally male artist having a successful @charli_xcx/Instagram across liberal and conservative world summer. views, women aged 18 to 30 are now Sabrina Carpenter has been touring across the 30 percentage points more liberal than their male concountry and making waves on the internet with her temporaries. This gap took only six years to develop creatively tailored outros on her hit “Nonsense,” her within Gen Z. glittery hyper-feminine minidresses and her new music video where she warns her actor boyfriend, Barry Keoghan, not to “embarrass” her.

Taking a similar tone to Roan and Carpenter, Charli XCX recently released her long-awaited album “Brat” where she processes her experiences as a woman in playful but sincere ways. On her album, she includes a song about the pressure of the biological clock that all women are on when determining whether to have children and even teamed up with Lorde on a track to sort out the complexities of being pitted as rivals in the industry by “working it out on VIRGINIA NOONE Opinion Editor

The timeline of this gap not only aligns with the #MeToo movement but also with the evolution of TikTok. The app was the most downloaded app in the country, and the world, in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, 60% of app users are Gen Z. Our usage of TikTok has large implications on our perceptions of the world and pop culture.

The app has continuously proven its power over determining fashion trends, its ability to launch artists into stardom and its heavy sway over social rhetoric.

It’s designed to track how long you interact with videos and expertly creates a personalized algorithm that guides users deeper into whatever “side” of TikTok appeals most to them. In this way, the app has been astonishingly successful in keeping users invested with users averaging 95 minutes per day on the app according to the Omnicore Agency.

Although I understand there is a massive spectrum of the “sides” of TikTok, it never occurred to me how different the sides can really be. I was so deep into my curated news-silo-esque TikTok timeline that it would shock me when I referenced what I believed to be mainstream pop culture (such as the infamous Paul Mescal Met Gala photo) to men only for them to not even vaguely know what I was referring to.

This led me to conduct my very own, and admittedly very unscientific, study where I would ask a guy also in their twenties to open their TikTok timeline next to mine and we would continuously swipe and compare the media on our respective timelines. From humor, music and social “hot takes,” we had almost nothing in common other than a rare video of cute dogs.

Furthermore, most of the audio used in the videos in my timeline were bridges to pop songs by the female artists I mentioned earlier, leading me to question if this influx of female-centered music could be correlated with the polarization of Gen Z’s gendered media intake.

Before apps like TikTok existed, musicians wrote songs for the radio and wanted to appeal to a wide audience to maximize popularity. Now, it’s almost more strategic for musicians to market their songs to go viral on TikTok rather than the radio. The most popular pop music this summer has been written by young women for young women, and it’s working within the algorithms of social media.

Girl pop summer is not coincidental nor is it exclusively pertinent to the music scene, but rather it is a symptom of a widening political and social shift taking place in Gen Z — a shift that has the potential to determine much larger aspects of society beyond what’s #1 on Spotify as our generation enters the workforce and joins older generations in adulthood.

Contact Virginia Noone at noonvc21@wfu.edu

Photos courtesy of Island Records; AP

SPORTS

PAGE 14 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Follow us on X @wfuogbsports OLD GOLD & BLACK

Andrew Braun brauar23@wfu.edu Sean Kennedy kennsm21@wfu.edu

Virginia’s fourth-quarter comeback doomed Wake Forest About OGB Sports Colandrea, Cavaliers’ passing attack defeats Demon Deacons, 31-30 SEAN KENNEDY Sports Editor “They made more plays than us — we just needed to make plays.”

Although Head Coach Dave Clawson and Wake Forest football (1-1, 0-1 ACC) won their first matchup of the year last week against North Carolina A&T, the Demon Deacons were truly tested by an opponent for the first time this Saturday night — and they failed, losing to the Virginia Cavaliers, 31-30.

After winning the coin toss and electing to defer, the Demon Deacon defense hit the field, notably without two key starters — star defensive end Jasheen Davis and cornerback Demarcus Rankin. Despite their absences, Wake Forest still found quality snaps out of their defense, including a wrap-up tackle from linebacker Branson Combs and a third-down stop at the hands of defensive lineman Kevin Pointer.

Wake Forest’s offense came out hot, continuing its momentum from last week under quarterback Hank Bachmeier. A long 31-yard find to tight end Harry Lodge set the Demon Deacons on the Cavaliers’ side of the field. Two plays later, running back Demond Claiborne used his trademark agility and quickness to burst through a hole in the offensive line, break a tackle and dash into the endzone to get the first score on the board.

The Virginia offense would get their chances on the next drive, including a long bomb from Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea toward receiver Trell Harris that looked set for six points.

Despite the broken coverage, the ball fell through Harris’ hands at the Wake Forest six yard line, and the Hoos’ drive turned unsuccessful — though they wouldn’t remain empty-handed for long.

After going three and out, the Demon Deacons found themselves reeling from a pair of Colandrea throws to star receiver Malachi Fields. The receiver got the offense going with 21 and

45-yard gains, setting up the Cavaliers within three yards of the goal line. After a trio of goal-line stops by the Demon Deacon defense, Cavaliers’ kicker Will Bettridge knocked in a field goal for their first points.

Colandrea had a bit of trouble on his next drive, however. On a third-and-seven from his own 41 yard line, the quarterback attempted a short throw toward one of his receivers — only to have his pass tipped and caught by Pointer, who returned the ball into the Demon Deacon red zone. It took a pair of carries for Claiborne to find the end zone again — taking it two yards for his second touchdown score of the night.

After the Cavaliers’ offensive issues, they looked to flip their momentum.

After a flurry of Colandrea throws and scrambles, Virginia found the endzone for their first touchdown of the night on an 18-yard pass to tight end Tyler Neville.

After halftime, the Demon Deacon offense executed their game script seemingly to a T — nailing a 14-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a three-yard touchdown by wideout Donovan Greene.

Greene slipped out from the line of scrimmage as Bachmeier rolled right of the pocket, and the former raced to the pylon for six points.

“Hank [Bachmeier] played really well,” Clawson said postgame. “He moved the offense well and made good decisions.

The Demon Deacons had several unsuccessful drives offensively in the last half. Despite a few quality plays, the Deacons were stopped just past midfield.

A sack on fourth-and-nine allowed the Cavaliers to retake possession in plus territory.

Colandrea and his offense continued their short gains and converted on fourth-and-two in their own red zone to force a goal line drive. After an initially unsuccessful play, the Cavaliers substituted in backup quarterback Grady

Isabella Parolini/Old Gold & Black ̵ ȋͳͲȌ ϐ ȋʹͳȌǤ ͳ͵ ʹ͵ Ǥ

Evan Harris/Old Gold & Black Hank Bachmeier (9) completes a throw amid his 403-yard, one touchdown performance against the Virginia Cavaliers.

Brosterhaus to sneak the ball in for the one-point lead.

“We blew two coverages,” Clawson said of the secondary postgame. “You know, that’s 14 points right there. We guessed on a route, and blew a coverage.”

The Demon Deacons had a twominute drill to respond. After starting within their own 25-yard line, Bachmeier found Taylor Morin for a 19yard gain. The two connected again afterward, as Morin was found open treaking across the field — that’s when chaos struck.

Morin, after receiving the ball, was in the process of being tackled by the Virginia secondary when the ball popped out of his hands, fumbling the ball on the Virginia 33 yard line. Greene was able to seemingly beat the defenders to the ball, but attempted to scoop the ball up with his hands — allowing Cavaliers’ defensive back Antonio Clary to fall on the ball and regain possession for the Hoos.

“There’s no reason to try to pick that up, just get on [the football],” said Clawson of the fumble. “If we do, it might be a different game.”

After the Cavaliers’ offense drained Wake Forest of their timeouts, they punted to Wake Forest’s five yard line, setting up a daunting task ahead. The Demon Deacons ran out of time and suffered their first loss of the season, 31-30.

“It’s something where you have to move on, because there’s another great team [Ole Miss] coming up,” Bachmeier said. “It’s only week two, so you have a lot of games ahead of you.”

Contact Sean Kennedy at kennsm21@wfu.edu

ANDREW BRAUN & SEAN KENNEDY Sports Editors The Old Gold & Black's Sports section provides readers with comprehensive coverage of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons — the athletics programs and people representing Wake Forest University in collegiate sports and beyond. From evaluating Wake Forest’s competition, to following alumni at the professional level, the Old Gold & Black strives not only to tell the stories of sports, but also of the athletes that make them possible.

Competing at the highest level of collegiate sports in the NCAA’s Division I, Wake Forest has gained national notoriety for its recent achievements in women’s golf, baseEDOO ¿HOG KRFNH\ DQG PHQ¶V WHQQLV With each team’s success, the Old Gold & Black have followed their journeys from preseason matchups to national title games. With professional-level access to players, coaches, and staff, the Old Gold & Black is now at the forefront of national coverage for these acclaimed programs.

The Old Gold & Black also highlights individual athletes as leaders and classmates among the Wake Forest University student body.

While these individuals are elite competitors with incredible skills, their stories are oftentimes just as captivating, and deserve recognition.

The ever-expanding coverage from the Old Gold & Black has been critical towards the effort of delivering quality and timely sports news and stories across multiple platforms. Creating multimedia content for social media and digital distribution, the Old Gold & Black’s sports section works closely with audio, video, and photo creators to enhance viewer’s consumption experience.

As editors of the Old Gold & Black’s Sports section, Sean Kennedy and Andrew Braun bring an abundance of knowledge, perspective, and experience to the realm of sports journalism. A senior majoring in Communications, Kennedy is a veteran sports journalist who has served as a staple of the sports section since 2022. Braun, meanwhile, has written on a half-dozen Wake Forest athletics programs since joining the Old Gold & Black’s sports desk in 2023. Together, they're always looking for new ways to keep Wake Forest's student body engaged with their institution's athletics.

Contact Andrew Braun & Sean Kennedy at brauar23@wfu.edu and kennsm21@wfu.edu

Sports | Old Gold & Black

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | Page 15

Soccer Former Demon Deacons gear Women’s cruises past UNC Asheville up for NFL Season 12 Wake Forest football alumni have earned their place in the spotlight

Demon Deacons win 5-0 in QRQ FRQIHUHQFH ¿QDOH

WILL KUNISAKI Contributing Writer

WILL KUNISAKI Contributing Writer

As the 2024 NFL regular season kicked off on Sept. 5, Wake Forest will have a significant presence across the league, with 12 former athletes featured on opening weekend rosters.

San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha, a fourth-round 2024 NFL Draft pick, is expected to have a major role on what was a top ten overall defense a year ago. He had a stellar threeyear career at Wake Forest, racking up 175 total tackles, 4 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. Mustapha was all over the field in the NFL preseason, with 10 tackles, highlighted by an electric fourth-down goal line stop against the Tennessee Titans in the team’s preseason opener.

Cornerback Caelen Carson, a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys, has high expectations as the newest member of an already star studded secondary. He locked down opposing Piper Saunders/Old Gold & Black receivers in his four-year career at Wake Caelen Carson (1) tackles Florida State’s Keon Coleman during a loss Forest, accumulating 120 tackles, 29 last year. Carson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 Draft. passes defended and 3 interceptions.

Carson had an impressive performance rotational player, he will have the oppor- he posted single-season career highs with tackles, 6 interceptions and 3 forced in training camp and recorded 9 tackles tunity to learn from a group of veterans 132 fumbles. Bates has earned team captain ahead of him. in the preseason. With injuries creating After a monster rookie season with the honors for the second year in a row. a gap in the Cowboys’ secondary, he Los Angeles Rams, defensive tackle Ko- Alongside recent signee Justin Simmons, could secure a starting role to begin the bie Turner has put the rest of the league the pair have the potential to be the best season. ball-hawking safety duo in the league.

Minnesota Vikings center Michael on notice. In 2023, he played in 17 Third-year Green Bay Packers offensive Jurgens, a 2024 seventh-round pick, games, recording 57 tackles and 9 sacks, tackle Zach Tom is likely to continue his finishing in third-place AP Defensive enters the NFL with an impressive re- Rookie of the Year voting. Now a team remarkable consistency after starting all sume. He was a six-year man at Wake captain, Turner is set to take on an even 17 games last season. In 1,068 snaps, he Forest, starting 46 career games and greater role after the retirement of eight- allowed 2 sacks, while committing just was a three-time team captain. Jurgens time All-Pro Aaron Donald at the end of 3 penalties. Tom dealt with a torn pectoral muscle this offseason that required earned Second Team All-ACC honors last season. surgery, keeping him out of Organized in 2023, along with the fourth highest New Orleans Saints receiver A.T. Team Activities (OTAs) and overall grade in the nation among in- Perry, now in his second season, mini-camp. However, he terior linemen. While unlikely to be a had an efficient rookie campaign. was cleared for training camp and should be Despite being inactive early among the NFL’s best on, he stepped up as teamonce again. mates dealt with injury. Perry Other former Detallied 12 receptions for 246 mon Deacons poised yards and 4 touchdowns. In to make an impact the 2024 preseason, he led in the NFL this seathe NFL in receiving son include Carlos yards with 176 “Boogie” Bashyards in just am (New York three games.

Giants), Greg The departure Dortch (Arizoof Michael na Cardinals), Thomas will Ja’Sir Taylor (Los Angedefinitely creles Chargers), ate more tarJustin Strnad gets for Perry (Denver Bronin a somewhat cos) and Luke unproven reMasterson (Las ceiver room.

Vegas Raiders).

Safety Jessie Bates III of the Contact Will Atlanta Falcons, Kunisaki at entering his sevkuniwx23@ wfu.edu enth NFL season, is looking to mainEvan Harris/Old Gold & Black tain momentum A.T. Perry (9) still dons the Gold following the best & Black, now as a wide receiver statistical season of Nick Knobel/ Old Gold & Black for the New Orleans Saints. his career. In 2023,

Wake Forest (5-1-1) left no doubt Sunday afternoon, cruising past University of North Carolina Asheville (1-5-1) in an impressive 5-0 win to finish non-conference play.

The Demon Deacons were aggressive and applied constant pressure early on with several touches inside the box challenging the Bulldog defense. Senior midfielder Emily Colton and junior forward Caiya Hanks each recorded shot attempts within the first three minutes of action.

This attack resulted in the first corner kick of the match in the 16th minute.

Shortly after, senior defender Zara Chavoshi nearly scored a beautiful free kick that just clipped the crossbar, inches away from the goal.

Sophomore forward Sierra Sythe got the Demon Deacons on the board in the 31st minute off a stellar assist from Hanks. The pass was perfectly threaded between two defenders all while Hanks had lost balance, falling out of bounds.

Three minutes later, Colton helped force a turnover, leading to a breakaway. Senior midfielder Anna Swanson capitalized by firing a blistering left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. With that, Wake Forest headed into the break holding a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Colton had two goals in the 69th and 73rd minutes. The first was scored in a scrambled play when a fortunate bounce landed directly in-front of her, before a smooth finish. A few possessions later, Colton made the score 4-0 on a well-placed shot from another assist by Hanks.

In the 82nd minute, Swanson scored her second goal of the day. A powerful shot off the foot of sophomore midfielder Dempsey Brown deflected off the crossbar in front of Swanson, who slid in to score with a defender close on her.

Wake Forest dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for 57 minutes compared to UNCA’s 33. The Demon Deacons also out-shot the Bulldogs 20 to 3 (11-to-2 on goal).

The defense performed very well, recording their fourth shut-out of the season and second- consecutive. Senior goalie Payton Cahill started the first half and sophomore Valentina Amaral took her place after halftime. Amaral recorded two saves. Defenders Zara Chavoshi and Laurel Ansbrow led all Demon Deacons with 75 minutes played.

“We are getting goal contributions from many different players and earned another valuable shutout,” Wake Forest Women’s Soccer Head Coach Tony Da Luz said after the match, pleased with her team’s performance. “We are excited and ready to start ACC play.”

Before the game, Wake Forest honored seniors Olivia DeMarinis, Nadia DeMarinis, Payton Cahill, Anna Swanson and Emily Silva for their dedication to the program.

The win extended the Demon Deacons’ unbeaten run at home to 12 games, improving the home record to 14-2-5 since the start of 2022. They will open up ACC competition on Thursday, traveling to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina at 7:00 p.m.

Contact Will Kunisaki at kuniwx23@wfu.edu

Old Gold & Black | Sports

Page 16 | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Men’s soccer shuts out Radford Demon Deacons secure victory over the Highlanders in bounce-back fashion TEE JOHNSON Contributing Writer

Spry Stadium was the venue for a Monday night clash between the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-2-1) and the Radford Highlanders (0-5-0) in the final non-conference matchup for Wake Forest before conference play begins.

Coming off of a disappointing road trip to Gardner Webb just three days prior, this was a much better effort from Wake Forest. The defense stole the show, allowing just one shot on target and keeping a clean sheet — the first of the season for Wake Forest.

The match began with a bright start from Wake Forest, with senior Babacar Niang being taken down inside the box, drawing a penalty kick after just 12 minutes. Unfortunately, the ensu-

ing shot was saved, and the match remained all square.

“Unfortunately, [after] we missed a penalty we lost a little bit of momentum,” Head Coach Bobby Muuss said.

“But we brought some guys off the bench that I thought did a good job of getting that momentum back.”

The Demon Deacons continued their assault on the Radford goal, hitting the woodwork twice in the first half. The pressure finally paid off minutes before the halftime whistle, as senior Nicolas Mancilla delivered a great pass for freshman Ryan Belal to finish with a header.

The first half finished with Wake Forest leading 1-0, dominating possession 72-28%, and outshooting Radford by 15-2.

The second half was more of the same for Wake Forest, where they would

record another 11 shots and hit the pieces.”

Coach Muuss continued to praise his woodwork for a third time. Wake Forest also ended the game with nine cor- players postgame.

“We needed everybody that we had ner kicks, with Radford winning zero.

The Demon Deacons dominated the with being as banged up as we are right ball and did not allow Radford to build now and I thought that no matter who any good chances to score. A great de- we put in the level stayed high,” Muuss fensive showing, the 1-0 scoreline is said, “That’s all you can ask for as a generous to a Radford team that was coach.”

The Demon Deacons will attempt truly outmatched.

The win for Wake Forest Men’s Soc- to carry this positive momentum into cer now puts them 5-0-0 against Rad- their next match, which is the Atlantic ford in the all-time series. In addition, Coast Conference (ACC) season openno team has more wins at home than er against Virginia. Both teams curWake Forest since 2015, with this win rently sit at 2-2-1, with the Cavaliers coming off of a loss in their first ACC taking the total to 104.

“Overall, it was a good team win. I matchup against Duke. The match is don’t think we were really in any threat scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friof conceding,” Muuss commented af- day, Sept. 13. ter the game. “We did well defending Contact Tee Johnson some big players on some defensive set at johntg23@wfu.edu

Volleyball shines across opening weekend Team found their stride in home invitational, looking to have their most successful season under Head Coach Randi Smart BLAKE ROBISON Contributing Writer

Benson is full of students getting their Chick-fil-A fix, the Quad is filled with spikeball games and the dreaded 8:00 a.m. classes have begun. But, that also means fall sports are in full swing here in Deactown, and the Demon Deacons women’s volleyball team just finished their opening weekend of matches.

The Varsity Arena inside Reynolds Gymnasium hosted the West Virginia Mountaineers, Hofstra Pride and Navy Midshipmen for this past weekend’s Wake Forest Invitational.

Wake Forest’s first match was against Hofstra. With an impressive student showing and the DJ jamming, the Varsity Arena was LOUD. However, the start of this year’s campaign did not end as the Demons Deacons would have hoped. They did strike first with a kill from right-side hitter Olivia Murphy, but things would quickly devolved from there. The Pride would be the first to notch 20 points in all three matches, en route to a 3-0 takedown of the hosting Demon Deacons.

Will Kunisaki/Old Gold & Black

Wake Forest outside hitter and graduate student Jaime Santer (21) prepares for a point against Hofstra in this past weekend’s match.

Will Kunisaki/Old Gold & Black

Outside hitter Sahara Maruska (22) rises up to return a volley during a point with Hofstra.

Murphy was a standout in her first appearance since 2022. The redshirt sophomore not only led the team in attacks, but her attacks looked as if they were shot out of a gun, making them impressively difficult to dig. Additionally, freshmen Dhru Lalaji and Becca Bellows got substantial playing time.

Bellows led the team with 17 assists.

Despite the loss to their New York foe, the Demon Deacons would have a chance to get rolling the following evening against West Virginia. When the Mountaineers made the trek from Morgantown to Winston-Salem, they brought the passion of the Mountain State with them, as well. It was another packed night, but instead of gold and black, it was blue and gold filling the

stands.

Wake Forest came out stumbling to a quick 0-3 start, but would settle in and control the first set, winning 25-15. The Mountaineers took good notes and mirrored the result, taking set two 25-15.

The Deacs took care of business in the third set, setting up an all-important fourth.

The Mountaineers were not ready to admit defeat yet, as they would win a thrilling set that featured 28 lead changes. In the intermission between the fourth and fifth sets, there was an epic showdown…a cheering showdown. The Mountaineers in attendance performed their iconic “Let’s go…Mountaineers!” chant while the Demon Deacons in attendance attempted to rival it with

“Wake…Forest.”

Despite their efforts, the Demon Deacons were no match for West Virginia in this matchup. We then head to the fifth, first to 15, set for all the marbles. The Deacs took control early and did not relent, winning the set 15-7 and the match 3 games to 2. Wake had not beaten West Virginia since 2010. Graduate transfer Laila Ricks made her first start for Wake Forest and finished with a team-high 13 kills. She also tacked on 6 blocks. Rihan Baker led the Demon Deacons with 23 assists and 5 service aces. Her 23 assists put her in illustrious company, joining the 1,500 assist club. Bellows was called upon again and showed up, finishing with 19 assists and 2 service aces.

On Sunday, Wake Forest battled and sank the Navy Midshipmen. It was another good crowd, coupled with an enthusiastic presence from the pep band, which meant yet another lively atmosphere in Varsity Arena. The marching band serenaded those in attendance with Wake Forest’s fight song and rained jeers toward the serving Midshipmen.

It was all Wake Forest early and often, as they cruised through the first two sets. However, Navy attempted to correct the course in set three, but the Demon Deacons finished the 3-0 sweep in a thrilling 25-23 set victory.

The Deacs were headlined by a threeheaded monster of Ricks, Dior Charles and Sahara Maruska, who all each had 8 kills. Emma Ferrell had 13 digs, and Bellows continued her great start with 18 assists.

After a strong opening weekend, Wake Forest will travel to the Iowa State Invitational and take on the Hawkeyes on Friday, Sept. 6. On Saturday, they’ll face Toledo, and to cap off what will be a successful weekend, the Demon Deacons will play Illinois on Sunday.

Contact Blake Robison at robib24@wfu.edu

ARTS & CULTURE OLD GOLD & BLACK

Adam Coil, coilat21@wfu.edu Lydia Derris, derrfl23@wfu.edu

PAGE 17 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Meet the section!

The Arts & Culture section is where you go to join the ongoing discussions about art, literature, social media, and pop culture that fellow students are having every day. It’s where you go to read up on events that are taking place around campus that celebrate the art made both within and beyond the campus environment. It’s where you go to talk about your experience as a student at Wake Forest and learn from others at the same time.

We provide a space where students can write with their own voice, tell their own story and share their own opinions. We appreciate true enthusiasm for the arts, both celebratory and critical.

The Editors Adam Coil is a senior from Ohio who is working on a double major in English and Mathematics. He is also the current president of the arts and culture magazine, The Magnolia. He enjoys eating the goop inherent in blueberry pie, looking at paintings that seem a little blurry and playing FIFA with his friends.

Lydia Derris is a sophomore from North Carolina who is working on a double major in Biology and English. She enjoys walking around campus smiling at people and going apple picking.

Adam's Favorites

Lydia's Favorites

Director: Ingmar Bergman

Floor of Benson: 4th

Author: J.D. Salinger

Citrus: Grapefruit

Social Media: YouTube

Scent: Orange blossom

Food: Peanut Butter and Jelly

Chair: Rocking

Color: lavender Old Gold: Zick's fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw and waffle fries (equal parts ketchup and Comeback sauce) with a Cherry kola to drink.

Leaf: Gingko Flower: Lily Watch: Pocket Candle: Taper

The Fall semester preview ADAM COIL & LYDIA DERRIS Arts & Culture Editors There is a lot to look forward to in the Arts & Culture scene this Fall semester at Wake Forest, and as your A&C editors, we want to give you a sneak peek into some of the biggest events that you should be marking on your calendar. Wake Forest fosters world-class talent and puts on performances and events that are entertaining for both casual attendees and devoted fans.

Not only are these great opportunities to enjoy phenomenal live shows, but they are also perfect for making new friends and getting together with old ones. We hope

you will come out and show support for the incredible work done by our peers and faculty!

Theatre and Dance The Wake Forest Theatre department and the student group, The Anthony Aston Players, always work tirelessly during the school year and over the summer to produce some of the best student-led plays in the entire country. They produce classics like Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” and brand-new works like “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing.” This year, you can ex-

pect another batch of stellar productions.

Here are some of the upcoming, must-see performances at Tedford Stage in Scales Fine Arts Center, as well as a look ahead to the Faculty and Guest Dance concert.

"Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" Directed by Cindy Gendrich Sept. 20-21 & 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 & 29 at 2 p.m.

Tedford Stage, Scales Fine Arts Center “John Bishop’s campy, intricately plotted murder mystery is filled with larger-thanlife characters, the twists and turns you’d

expect from a good Agatha Christie story and a healthy serving of silliness. It’s winter, 1940, and a blizzard can’t keep a group of ambitious theatre folk from assembling at an upstate New York mansion to audition their new musical for a wealthy patron. Bodies begin to drop immediately.

Love, ambition, espionage, dad jokes, recipe tips: The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 has it all."

"Love & Information" Directed by Stephen Wrentmore Nov. 1-2 & 7-9 at 7:30 pm Nov. 3 & 10 at 2 p.m.

Tedford Stage, Scales Fine Arts Center "Through a montage of vignettes and a collage of over 100 characters, Caryl Churchill creates an ingenious and inventive commentary on the information age.

Where the soundbite erodes, complexity and algorithms flood us with the trivial — sex and celebrity, conflict and cats — Churchill prompts us to wonder how we will have the wisdom to discern what is essential from all this noise."

Fall Faculty and Guest Artist Dance Concert Nov. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.

Tedford Stage, Scales Fine Arts Center

Isabella Parolini/Old Gold & Black

Students dance on stage in a production of the musical "Urinetown," by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis.

The Wake Forest University Theatre production was directed by theatre professor Cindy Gendrich.

“The Fall Faculty & Guest Artist Concert will feature modern, jazz, contemporary and classical ballet choreography by our dance faculty and renowned guest choreographers, under the direction of Nina Lucas Rice. This fall, faculty choreographers include Chris Martin, Tina Yarborough-Liggins, Sam Shapiro and Trisch Casey. Past guest artists have included: Heather Malloy artistic director of Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance; Broadway dancers Matthew Loehr and Mark Price to name a few.”

This article continues on page 18

Old Gold & Black | Arts & Culture

Page 18 | Thursday, September 12, 2024 Continued from page 17

Lovefeast

Music Girls of Yellow Diamonds Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

Porter Byrum Welcome Center “This performance features Asian women composers and poets with the intention of raising awareness and uplifting the stories of Asian women.

Performing songs in Mandarin, Korean and English, classical singers Alice Chung and Helen Huang will take us on a poignant musical journey with local pianist and WFU adjunct professor, Dr. Yong Im Lee Federle. The Lam Museum of Anthropology will display a curated exhibit in the lobby of the Porter Byrum Welcome Center featuring Asian art and artifacts.”

December 8 Doors open at 6 p.m.

Wait Chapel The annual Wake Forest Lovefeast is a core tradition on campus that students look forward to every year. “Moravian student Jane Sherrill Stroupe (’67) organized the first Wake Forest Lovefeast in December 1965. Two hundred students gathered to celebrate the traditional meal. Since then, the Wake Forest Lovefeast has grown to be the largest Moravian-style lovefeast in North America, and one of the favorite features of Wake Forest tradition.”

Literature The English department has a rich tradition of bringing world-famous writers

Photo courtesy of Ken Bennett

The annual Wake Forest Lovefeast hosted in Wait Chapel is the single largest Moravian-style Lovefeast in North America.

Photo courtesy of Tarpaulin Sky Press

Steven Dunn, who was shortlisted for Granta's Best of Young American Novelists, is the author of three award-winning novels. and scholars to campus every semester to read some of their work and answer questions. This is a great opportunity to discover new authors, get a book signed and learn about the different ways people make a living as a writer and/or academic.

The guests for the Dean Family Speaker Series and the Dillon Johnston Writers Reading Series are chosen by Wake Forest English Department faculty.

Best-selling author and Wake Forest professor Joanna Ruocco told us about Steven Dunn, who is coming on Oct. 2, to give a collaborative reading and performance with Drew Lipscomb. “Steven Dunn is the author of three small-press books (a coming-of-age novel in flashes; a hybrid fictional ethnography about the Navy; a collaboratively authored specula-

tive novel about environmental racism, art, community, and resistance) and does some remarkable Etch-a-Sketching. I love his work, and I love his readings, so I'm really looking forward to the visit.”

Dr. Judith Madera revealed that “the English Department is proud to host the international performance poet, Sawako Nakayusu, as our Fall 2024 Dean Family Speaker. She will give a poetry reading and will take audience questions on October 8, 2024 @ 5:30 pm at the Hanes Art Gallery in the Scales Fine Arts Center. Students are warmly welcomed.

All events are free and open to the public. Reception to follow.” Nakayusu is a renowned poet and translator, who works in Japan and America.

Contact Adam Coil and Lydia Derris at coilat21@wfu.edu and derrlf23@wfu.edu

“Founders Vision” opens at Reynolda House The private collection celebrates the confusing world of modern American art ADAM COIL Arts & Culture Editor “Founders Vision: The Private Collection of Barbara Babcock Millhouse,” which opened on Aug. 24 and will remain through Christmas Eve at the Reynolda House Museum, begins with some of the biggest names in the history of American art. A portrait of Countess Laura Spinola Nunez del Castillo by John Singer Sargent; a dazzlingly warm New Mexico landscape

by Georgia O’Keefe; a shimmering clapboard house in Cape Cod by Edward Hopper — these are some of the defining works that will immediately jump out to both casual and enthusiastic critics. They also constitute, decidedly, the minority component of the collection.

Overall, the private collection of the granddaughter of Katherine and R.J. Reynolds is less concerned with the reputation of an artist or art- "Fire Picnic" work than the Reynolda House Museum in general. Instead of focusing on public value, “personal inspiration and a marked audacity guided [Millhouse’s] choices.” Still, the collection goes a long way in capturing the avant-garde American art scene following World War II, touting a wide range

of post-modern paintings from Hans Hoffman to Roger Brown. She was initially afforded this great immersion in the post-war American art scene because her schooling placed her right at its epicenter — Millhouse studied art history at Smith College and interior design at Parsons School of Design in New York City. She was still in her student years when she bought “Fire Picnic” from her friend William Scharf in 1956, one of the earliest major pieces on display.

In her twenties, Millhouse was trying to find her artistic vision at a time when American art was unsure of its direction. According to Millhouse, the questions of the future were aimed at abstraction: “The public, myself included, was mystified by Abstract Expressionism. Was it a joke or was it serious?

Were these artists pulling something over on us or did they have something profound to say?” She seemed to lean toward the latter, as her first two major Adam Coil/Old Gold & Black purchases in 1957 and 1958, “Fire Picnic” and “Winter Willows,” were far removed from the realism or traces of realism still evident in the high art of the 1920s or 30s.

Abstract Expressionism seemed to be an exciting step forward for art, but for potential buyers, it carried the risk of professional and personal consequences, something that Millhouse

was always conscious of. In reference to “Fire subjects. Some paintings, like Hoffman’s “PhyPicnic,” Millhouse said, “Although the projec- logenesis,” gave me the immense pleasure of tion of Communist threat into this painting is looking at an image that deserves (or demands) difficult to understand a new word of its own. today, it was very trouWorks like the untibling for me at age 22, tled project employing but I learned that a “wood, paper collage, work of art can exert watercolor and grapha tremendous power ite on panel” by Louise and arouse intense Nevelson left me out feelings. It was a long in the cold, confused. time before I dared There seemed to be look at contemporary no clear continuation art again.” or through-line from Indeed, the overone piece to the next, whelming majority of but rather a cacophpaintings displayed in ony of voices vying the exhibition were for their own space in purchased in the the world of mod1980s or later, when ern art. Surprisingly, it was much more acwhat emerged from ceptable to champion the exhibition for me art that subverted seemed to be not nectraditional regimes of essarily a reflection of seeing and meaningone individual’s decimaking. In short, the sive taste, but a record surrealists, the cubists "Phylogenesis" Adam Coil/Old Gold & Black of American artists’ and the expressionstruggle to break away ists were already a thing of the past, sterilized. from and supersede the artistic innovations But there still remained the practice, as Mill- they inherited from Europe. house put it, of organizing the paintings in “the The collection, which is free to view for those hierarchy of bad, better, good, possibly great, in the Wake Forest community, is something despite the attempt of the artist to deny us the every student should go see. On the other side satisfaction of old-fashioned discrimination.” of a pleasant stroll along the Reynolda trail is a Looking at the exhibit as a whole, it is diffi- blend of old masterpieces and recent discovercult to tell what Millhouse’s criteria are for such ies, with something for everyone to see. an assessment. The assortment is eclectic in the extreme across forms, textures, moods and Contact Adam Coil at coilat21@wfu.edu

Arts & Culture | Old Gold & Black

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | Page 19

2024 Reese Collection reveal

Eight students unearth a diverse treasure trove of contemporary art for Wake Forest University SHERYL ZHANG Staff writer A panel of eight Wake Forest students brought home eight contemporary artwork as additions to the Reese Collection, from a trip to New York over the last spring break. The art pieces represented a variety of minority and female artists, whose perspectives and creativity were missing from the current, predominantly white and male artworks. They gave a public presentation at Scales Fine Arts Center on April 19 and revealed their 2024 art acquisitions.

“The Western art world and its literature and criticism have by large been exclusionary for a long time,” said Jane Alexander, one of the eight students on the Art Reveal, “but that luckily continues to shift.”

Thanks to the support of Mark H. Reece and his family since their first donation in 1963, many student communities on behalf of the Reece Collection Acquisition Committee have traveled to New York City to purchase artwork for the Mark H. Reece Collection every three to four years. This year is the 60th anniversary of student acquisitions. The composition of the student buyer group is particularly diverse, including eight people of different ethnicities, gender identities, majors and grades — a refreshing diversity and dynamism that is reflected in this year’s art display.

The pieces of art acquired by the committee differ in color, style, school and the media in which they are showcased. One of the pieces acquired with the name of “Untitled 3, Dolly,” by artist Adebunmi Gbadebo, was a multimedia artwork made with real donated black hair, cotton, rice, indigo blue dyes and archival materials embedded in handmade paper. Gbadebo incorporates these materials along with soil, bones, water and archival materials into her art. This unique process of selecting materials and handmade paper production uncovered Black narratives that connected to the land where the artist’s family endured oppression. It aimed to restore black power and resistance. This bold artistic creation shows

intimidated and apprehensive when she first joined the group. But in preparing for and participating in the event, she realized the value of her perspective, and how it helped her make these contemporary arts understood and empathized with more people.

“There is something that might be loaded with symbolism that I just don’t necessarily understand, but most people are going to look at it and not understand and not care, feel ugly and stuff like that,” Edwards said, “so I feel like I was always able to speak up for the average person and be very down to earth about certain pieces when they’re talking about them.”

Edwards talked about how she ended up enjoying the whole process of searching and reaching out for art galleries like other members did. She remembered those days when Sheryl Zhang/Old Gold & Black they always had “50 tabs” open on their The eight Wake Forest students who were selected to participate gave a laptop. They went nonstop once they got Q&A session explaining the thought processes behind their purchases. off the plane to New York, throwing their bags in the hotel when their rooms were not Lavender Wang, a junior among the eight available yet. They immersed themselves in infinite contemplation and originality.

“Summer Bloom” by student Jason Najjar majoring in art history, picked for her pre- galleries and had very minimal time “to rest was also an interesting artwork with unique sentation a painting that depicted a “special and to breathe.” In spite of the exhaustion, material and textile media. Artist Melissa box” from an East Asian artist Xiaoli Zhang. Edwards was still “so filled with adrenaline” “[Zhang’s] cultural identity connects in this process and proud of the outcomes Cody, a fourth-generation Navajo textile artist, combines her unique cultural back- closely with the box for a sense of home and of their hard work. ground with modern technology to create other symbolistic components referring to Jennifer Finkel is the Acquavella curator this knitted work of art. By using modern classical gardens,” Wang said. “This work of Wake Forest art collections and one of tools to plan and execute her designs, Cody serves as a gateway for the Wake [Forest] the supervising professors for this program. created her art with Germantown Revival community to explore the rich lineage of She is responsible for about 2000 objects in Style by embracing new, available technolo- East Asian art and culture in a contempo- the collection, and about 180 works among gies to expand the expressive possibilities of rary playful way.” them are in the Mark H. Reece Collection The avant-garde and abstract art forms of of students-acquired contemporary art.

Navajo textiles, much like her ancestors did with the introduction of industrially dyed contemporary art often require more interFinkel mentioned that these eight new pretation costs to be accepted and under- acquisitions will be exhibited in Hanes Galyarns.

The event revealed many niche and special stood by the general masses, which is highly lery in the fall. She said there have been contemporary artworks. These great pieces recognized by Skyler Edwards, one of the many conversations from the course and slowly approached the audience through eight. art department about “how [these works Edwards is a graduating senior with a would] be perceived when they come back the voice of students’ presentations. The students displayed a deep understanding of computer science major and two minors in on campus.” She really wanted these arts to these abstract works seemingly out of touch math and religious studies. She is the only “stand on their own” and be accessible and with the aesthetics of the broader public. member of the group who is not pursuing appreciated by people from different majors They hope to show how the identities of an art major or has any related background. and backgrounds. artists and the social groups they belong to Even though she identified herself as cre“We really hope that people will come intersect, especially when they themselves ative and passionate about art, she acknowl- and visit them.” are minorities, and the social power struc- edged that her lack of formal training with a professional point of view made her feel Contact Sheryl Zhang at zhans21@wfu.edu tures are stacked against them.

ϐ PRARTHNA BATRA & CAROLYN MALMAN a lot on this campus to laugh about and have a good time with.”

Senior writer & Staff writer The Banshees showcased just that.

On Aug. 28, we attended one of the Walking in, we were met with overwhelmLilting Banshees’ sold-out performances ing hype music and memes broadcasted at the Scales Fine Arts Center. The Ban- on the big screen. These images satirized shees never fail to raise hype around their everything from President Susan Wente performances and continually deliver in to fraternity relations. From the first motheir commentaries about our lives at ments you step into Brendle Recital Hall, Wake Forest University. This year is no the Banshees welcome you into the atmodifferent. sphere of chaos, comedy and fun.

The Lilting Banshees have been a hisThe lights finally dim, and it’s time toric and important part of the Wake For- for the performance. They opened with a est campus since the fall of 1993. We had broadcasted video segment. The Banshees the chance to speak to a few members and often utilize a video to open their show. hear their perspectives on what the iconic This year they focused on a common expecomedy troupe brings to the Wake Forest rience at Wake: the weird freshman roomcommunity. mate. In the Banshees interpretation, the Director Hamza Mian (‘25) believes weird roommate carried around a talking that the troupe brings to campus a lot of puppet. This ventriloquist caused much freedom and self-expression that ordinar- distress for his roommate — keeping him ily people might not be able to express in up at night, being in the room too much their day-to-day lives. and even stealing his love interest.

“I think our goal is just that for one The most regular criticism the Banhour students can remember that life at shees receive from the Wake Forest comWake Forest shouldn’t be so stressful,” munity surrounds the fact that most of Mian said, “and hopefully we can play a their skits are centered around Greek life. little part in showing them that there is In response to these critiques, Dan Mo-

ran, member of the comedy troupe, said, More than anything else, one thing “I think these shows are extremely impor- about the Lilting Banshees that always tant in the sense that they bring lightness stands out is their enthusiasm for their to topics like Greek life, which a lot of craft and their strong bond with one anstudents take very seriously and can feel other.

“I collaborate with my best friends dragged down by from time to time.”

The Banshees delivered many notable daily, and it doesn’t feel like a job,” Moskits about Greek life. In one example, ran said. “The entire collaborative process the sorority Chi Omega earned the spot- from brainstorming, daily writing seslight. Throughout the recruitment pro- sions and then performing is extremely cess, sorority members take on different rewarding.”

Just by talking to the members of the roles. For Chi Omega, one of these roles troupe, you can feel their contagious enis the “water girl” at in-person recruitergy about what they do and understand ment events. Though trivial, the job of the water girl is often considered very im- the responsibility they feel to uphold the legacy of an important part of campus portant in sorority life.

In the skit, a talkative potential new history.

This Spring, The Banshees will celmember speaks with an active member at a recruitment event, and the active mem- ebrate this legacy in their “Classics” show! ber yells for a water girl. The water girl This performance, which takes place evsprints onto the stage looking anxious ery quadrennial, celebrates the best skits from the troupe’s origins. and overwhelmed.

Moran shared that the Banshees want As Moran said, these skits aim to make to show that “we are more than just peolight of some aspects of Wake Forest’s so- ple who annoyingly pester others outside cial life. Instead of harping on these facets the pit; we are a family!” of our lives, we can all laugh together at them and the skits about Greek life deliv- Contact Prarthna Batra and Carolyn Malman ered exactly that. at batrp22@wfu.edu and malmci22@wfu.edu

Page 20 | Thursday, September 12, 2024

Old Gold & Black | Arts & Culture

Meet the Old Gold & Black Staff

MADDIE STOPYRA Editor-in-Chief

SHAILA PRASAD Deputy Editor

Class: Senior Major: English Hometown: Rural Hall, N.C.

Class: Senior Major: Economics Hometown: New Delhi, India

ALEX KEATING Copy Chief

Class: Sophomore Major: Business Hometown: Manhattan Beach, Calif.

SOPHIE CHAN Social Media Director

RYDER SOLBERG Business Manager

Class: Sophomore Major: Accounting Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.

BREANNA LAWS Managing Editor Class: Senior Major: Communication Hometown: Roaring River, N.C.

CHRISTINA TRAN Webmaster

Class: Senior Major: Computer Science Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

EVAN HARRIS Multimedia Director Class: Junior Major: Politics Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.

OLIVER HALE Design Chief

ELLIE OTTESON Ad Director

Class: Senior Major: Politics, Economics Hometown: Richmond, Va.

Class: Sophomore Major: Undeclared Hometown: Excelsior, Minn.

JAMES WATSON City & State Editor

ELLA KLEIN Features Editor

MARIA SILVEIRA News Editor

SKYLER VILLAMAR-JONES News Editor

Class: Sophomore Major: Business Hometown: Highland Beach, Fla.

Class: Junior Major: Politics, Communication Hometown: Finksburg, Md.

ADDISON SCHMIDT Environment Editor

MIA SPRINGER Environment Editor

VIRGINIA NOONE Opinion Editor

SEAN KENNEDY Sports Editor

Class: Senior Major: Environmental Science, History Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.

Class: Senior Major: Biology Hometown: Lake Forest, Ill.

Class: Senior Major: Critical & Creative Media Hometown: Bridgeport, W.Va.

Class: Senior Major: Communication Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.

JACK PEREZ Video Editor

Class: Sophomore Major: Communication Hometown: Macon, Ga.

ADAM COIL Arts & Culture Editor

LYDIA DERRIS Arts & Culture Editor

BELLA PAROLINI Photo Editor

Class: Senior Major: English, Math Hometown: Marietta, Ohio

Class: Sophomore Major: Biology, English Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.

Class: Junior Major: Spanish Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

Class: Junior Major: Politics Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.

Class: Junior Major: Communication Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.

Class: Junior Major: Environmental Studies Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.

ANDREW BRAUN Sports Editor

Class: Sophomore Major: Politics Hometown: Wrightsville Beach, N.C.