Old Gold&Black
Second annual Jam for Janey funds scholarship in Janey Thompson’s honor
Over 400 students and more than 30 faculty members competed in the second annual 3v3 memorial basketball tournament, Jam for Janey, on April 10. The tournament honors Wake Forest student and avid club basketball player Janey Thompson, who unexpectedly passed away last April.
The first tournament, put on just weeks after Janey’s death, raised $30,294 for a physics scholarship in Janey’s name. This year’s goal was to raise $100,000 to officially enact the scholarship. The $136,368.15 raised this year solidified the scholarship for an incoming Wake Forest freshman this fall.
For the presidents of Jam for Janey, this event goes far beyond basketball. “This is our passion project on cam-
pus.…It’s our baby, is what we always say, it’s what our lasting memory of Wake Forest will be,” junior and CoPresident Maddie Shannon said.
Shannon works as co-president alongside fellow juniors Sadie Gorley, Wilson Todd, Caroline Rice and Kyleigh Panther. The group has been planning this year's tournament for the entire year, creating a spreadsheet of improvements they could make just hours after last year’s tournament concluded.
The five made time to gather for biweekly FaceTimes to begin planning while abroad this past fall, despite the time differences they faced between the U.S., Europe and Australia.
Janey’s love for basketball and true friendship defined her days at Wake Forest, and being able to combine all of her loves was the main intent of this tournament. The tournament is guided by Janey’s motto, “find your best
ever,” which is being the best version of yourself every day.
Now, Janey’s closest friends and copresidents of the tournament use this motto as their motivation.
“By us remembering to live our best ever is kind of a momentum to remember to live like Janey, live intentionally, live honestly, live passionately and give it your 100% always,” Shannon said.
Jam for Janey helps people do just that. The tournament, filled with laughter, competitiveness and love for one another, brings light to Janey’s memory and will allow it to live on for generations. In addition to the physics scholarship that will be awarded in Janey’s name, the ultimate vision for Jam for Janey is to be a part of the large-scale campus-wide traditions, even years after everyone who personally knew Janey has graduated.
‘Sesame Street’ writer featured in week of events on gun safety education
A seven-time Emmy Award-winning writer from the television show Sesame Street visited two WinstonSalem Forsyth County elementary schools to promote gun safety.
Renowned TV writer William Electric Black was joined by Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr in visits to Forsyth County elementary schools. The pair read Blacks’ book, “A Gun is Not Fun.”
These visits were part of an initiative led by Wake Forest University’s Center for Literacy Education. The center addresses issues surrounding various aspects of literacy and aims to make a positive change in the community.
Black was recently the keynote speaker for the center’s Visiting Scholars Speaker Series and Community Networking Conference held on campus. The theme was “A Gun is Not Fun: Strategies to Keep Children Safe from Gun Violence.” Speakers engaged in three panels about gun violence prevention strategies geared toward adolescents. Alan Brown, director of the center and associate professor of English education, reflected on the event's success.
“This is the first big event for the center,” Brown said. “The conversations were outstanding. We had a great crowd and people seemed really engaged.”
Black is not only an award-winning writer but also an advocate for gun safety awareness. In an interview with NPR, Black explained his beliefs surrounding educating the youth on such a timely topic.
“You need to start when they're 3 and 4 because by the time they're in middle school, they're thinking about a gun or 'I gotta get a gun to protect myself from the other kids that have guns,” Black said. “This is the time to get them to see there's another way.”
Arnold Palmer remembered Page Four
NAMI opens mental health conversations
The value of outdoor learning spaces
Fifteen
SHANI SCHWARTZ Contributing Writer
MARIA SILVEIRA News Editor
Christopher Wallace/Old Gold & Black
This column represents the views of the editor-in-chief of the Old Gold & Black, Ella Klein.
Letter from the editor: I urge you to write Old Gold & Black
We all need to write more.
From something as silly as a diary with a fuzzy teddy bear on it when I was 8, to my moody teenage scratchings of poetry in the margins of my notebooks, to my endless writing at the newspaper, writing has been my lifeline.
And I urge it to be yours.
Whether you are on the pre-med track and need to practice your patented, illegible scribbles, an English major writing a 90-page paper on the comparisons between Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and your first grade math teacher, or even a business school student writing a plan to make a small town a real life game of Monopoly —
we all write.
So, more accurately, I’m encouraging you to write for fun. I’m urging you to write creatively. I’m urging you to not write for a grade, but to sit down, fingers to keyboard or pen to paper.
Sure — this is slight newspaper propaganda. I would love for you to
“
Don't
write singularly for a publication, or a grade. Write for yourself.
write a tact album review or write an investigative piece about the person under the Demon Deacon mask. We need more writers to cover our community in truthful, objective and accurate reporting, and building our staff is a goal we work on every day. But in all honesty, don’t write just because you want someone to see it. Don’t write singularly for publication, or a grade. Write for yourself. Do not worry about grammar, or how well you string your words together. In the words of the ever-wise, ever-poignant Mary Oliver, “you do not have to be good.”
Writing has a sneaky way of helping us figure out our inner selves. You
Old Gold&Black
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can unscramble your inner dialogue, figure out your inner turmoils, or less dramatically, just let your creativity pour out onto the page. But don’t tone down the waterworks — I encourage you to write all of your emotions, without inhibitions.
Is this sentiment cheesy? Maybe. But as my first semester as the editorin-chief comes to a close, I find myself growing more and more nostalgic, already missing something that hasn’t even ended yet. So yes, my diary will stay chock-full of sentimental scribblings, and I hope yours will too.
Maya Angelou said it best — “I make writing as much a part of my life as I do eating or listening to music.”
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Jam for Janey: Organizers seek to continue event
Continued from Page 1
Looking towards the future, the exec team wants this event to last forever.
“We hope 20 years down the line we can come back to Wake Forest for the anniversary of our event,” Shannon said.
For freshman Hank Thompson, Jam for Janey was the first time he could truly grasp the impact his sister had on so much of the campus community. Faculty from the music, physics and health and exercise science departments, all departments Janey was involved with, came out to play and support the tournament, as did hundreds of Janey’s friends and family members from Wake Forest and other schools.
“I didn’t truly understand how many people knew and loved her at this school until [Jam for Janey] really,” Thompson said. “It was really special and I got to meet so many people who knew her.”
Thompson worked as a part of the marketing committee and helped out everywhere he could with the planning of the tournament, as well as compet-
fund
ing in the tournament himself.
“[The tournament is] something that represents everything Janey cared about in her life, all her friends, her family, her hobbies, everything, and we get to showcase that,” Thompson said.
He hopes the tournament will “help everyone who didn’t quite know Janey to see the person she was.”
Contact Hope Zhu at zhuq21@wfu.edu
This event goes far beyond basketball for many of
participants.
Panel: Renowned ‘Sesame Street’ writer, William Electric Black, was keynote speaker
Continued from Page 1
The first panel featured a conversation between Adam Goldstein of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Family Medicine and Rebecca Palmer, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. The panelists covered gun injury prevention strategies and the need to approach gun safety as a public health crisis.
“It’s really not a controversial topic,” Palmer said. She emphasized the importance of talking to families about gun ownership and safe storage of firearms, which keeps them out of the hands of curious children.
The second panel was a conversation regarding public safety. It included Apryl Alexander with the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center and Jared Pone, external affairs manager with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and NC S.A.F.E.— a group providing free gun locks and gun safety tips. The third panel highlighted a Wake
Forest Sociology professor and gun culture expert David Yamane discussing his book “Gun Curious: A Liberal Professor’s Surprising Journey Inside Gun Culture.”
Following the panels, Black gave the keynote address of the conference. He explained that shows such as Sesame Street teach children important lessons in a way that is comprehensible and relatable.
In addition to visiting Forsyth County elementary schools and being a keynote speaker, Black also visited several Wake Forest classes in the Theater in Education program and an animation studies class.
“The Center for Literacy Education’s mission is to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and professional learning and to bring literacy to life through community engagement,” Brown said. “The events of this week are just a glimpse of what’s to come as we continue to grow and develop.”
Contact Hope Zhu at zhuq21@wfu.edu
POLICE BEAT
• An individual was caught on camera taking someone’s Door Dash order near Efird Hall. This report was filed at 8:26 p.m. on April 15.
• An unknown individual removed a tool box from an unsecured truck near Bridger Field House. This report was filed at 8:50 a.m. on April 16.
• An unknown individual removed three TV’s from the Deacon Deck near Couch Field. This report was filed at 1:28 p.m. on April 18.
• An unknown individual wrote messages and drew symbols referencing hate near ZSR Library. This report was filed at 6:47 p.m. on April 18.
• An underage individual consumed alcohol at an unknown location and refused transport near Babcock Residence Hall. This report was filed at 7:05 p.m. on April 19.
• The Winston Salem Police Department conducted a traffic stop and arrested the individual for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) near Marshall Street. This report was filed at 4:37 a.m. on April 20.
The Jam for Janey 3v3 basketball tournament raised over $130,000 to
the Janey Thompson Physics Scholarship.
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University
Renowned TV writer William Electric Black visited WinstonSalem Forsyth County elementary schools to promote gun safety.
Christopher Wallace/Old Gold & Black
the
Christopher Wallace/Old Gold & Black
Traditions Council Remembers Arnold Palmer
“The King” of golf was honored at Arnold Palmer Day event
SYDNEY GLENN Contributing Writer
On Thursday, April 10, Wake Forest students across campus gathered on Manchester Plaza to celebrate the life and legacy of Arnold Palmer during the annual Arnold Palmer Day. Students, faculty and staff enjoyed cake, t-shirts on sale and ice-cold AriZona Arnold Palmers.
This year marked the 14th annual Arnold Palmer Day, which began in 2011 to honor the distinguished alumni. Organized by the Traditions Council, the event is hosted each year on the first day of one of the most prestigious golf tournaments, The Masters. The council aims to foster old traditions and create new ones through informing students about the university’s past and future as a way to connect with generations of Demon Deacons who came before.
“I love being able to celebrate such a legend in golf and hand out tallboys to students on their way to classes,” Traditions Council member and senior Ashleigh Hampson said. “It’s a great reminder of the amazing alumni that once walked our campus.”
Known as “The King,” Arnold Palmer was one of the greatest players in the history of men’s professional golf. He attended Wake Forest College from 1947 to 1951, winning the NCAA’s individual championship in the spring of 1949.
He participated in The Masters 50 consecutive times from 1955 to 2004, totalling 19 Top-25 finishes and taking home the championship trophy four times, adding to his total of seven major championship titles.
“Being able to celebrate such an incredible person and notable alum is one of my favorite parts about being on the Traditions Council,” Co-Chair Charlie Kost said. “He was a Wake Forest legend.”
Palmer brought the school motto Pro Humanitate, everywhere he went, embodying the qualities of a Demon Deacon and living with character and honor in every phase of life. He was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in 1960 and won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, exhibiting
his profound impact on and off the golf course.
“Palmer was not only an incredible golf player, but he truly embodied what it means to be a Demon Deacon, both in his fondness for his time here and in how he carried his Wake Forest experience out into the world,” Kost said.
Palmer had a significant impact on Wake Forest as well, serving as a University trustee for 14 years and becoming a life trustee after his term concluded. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1962 and established the first golf scholarship in honor of his friend Buddy Worsham. Other than the iconic Demon Deacon statue, the Arnold Palmer statue is the only other one standing on campus, unveiled in 2013 to remember and celebrate Palmer’s long-standing commitment to his alma mater.
“It is very evident what Palmer meant to the Wake Forest community, and his legacy is still felt on campus,” senior Grace Vanoort said.
For many seniors, this day has been a hallmark event every spring to commemorate the final weeks of the school year and Palmer’s continued support throughout his years. Palmer passed on September 25, 2016, and since then, Wake Forest students and faculty have strived to honor and pay tribute to the legend through events like these.
“Attending my last Arnold Palmer Day was sentimental, but I can’t wait to see all they do with the event in the coming years, celebrating such an amazing person and alumni of our school,” Vanoort said.
Contact Sydney Glenn at
glensd24@wfu.edu
This year marked the 14th annual Arnold Palmer Day, which began in 2011 to honor the distinguished alumni and is organized by the Traditions Council on the first day of The Masters tournament.
Courtesy of @wfuniversity on Instagram
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University
Known as “The King,” Arnold Palmer (left) was one of the greatest players in the history of men’s professional golf and attended Wake Forest College from 1947 to 1951, winning the NCAA individual championship.
Courtesy of @wfuniversity on Instagram Students, faculty and staff enjoyed cake, t-shirts on sale and ice-cold AriZona Arnold Palmers.
CITY & STATE
Nick Costantino, costnp24@wfu.edu
Environmental advocates sue to prevent increased logging in Western N.C. National Forests
Organizations claim that updated management plans will endanger Nantahala and Pisgah
MIRIAM FABRYCKY Features Editor
On March 27, five environmental conservation advocacy groups sued the U.S. Forest Service to challenge its updated management plans for Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in Western North Carolina.
The federal lawsuit, filed in the Western District of North Carolina by the Southern Environmental Law Center, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, MountainTrue and Sierra Club, argued that the Forest Service’s goal of increasing logging fivefold and tree thinning levels tenfold in Nantahala and Pisgah will endanger these forests’ old-growth tree stands, rare species habitats and overall character.
Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are the two largest national forests in North Carolina. According to the most recent U.S. Forest Service estimates, the forests host upwards of seven million visitors each year. They cover one million acres, including significant amounts of untouched wilderness in addition to extensive recreational areas and zones opened for commercial activities like logging. In 2022, 4,940 North Carolinians worked in the logging industry, adding $302 million to the Gross State Product.
The U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, published its re-
vised management plans for Nantahala and Pisgah in February 2023. In a concurrently published press release, the Forest Service said that it consulted with stakeholder groups, including local governments, tribal nations and individual community members, to develop its strategies. They specifically noted the new “co-steward[ing]” role of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose national territory, the Qualla Boundary Land Trust, is adjacent to Nantahala.
The Forest Service defended its plans in the same press release, describing the revisions as a “science-based approach” that will improve “forest resilience” by strategically thinning forest areas to diversify tree ages.
The conservation coalition has vehemently rejected these claims, arguing that the suggested logging strategy is too aggressive when considering the environmental devastation that Hurricane Helene wreaked on Nantahala and Pisgah in September 2024. According to the advocacy groups, the Forest Service did not appropriately update its management plan to account for the 117,000 acres damaged by Helene’s floods and fires. They also contend that the Forest Service ignored the input of advocacy organizations and did not adequately inform the public of the plan’s environmental drawbacks.
“The most popular and biodiverse national forest in the country should not be targeted for
massive increases in clear cuts, especially after Helene,” Will Harlan, the Southeast director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a press release from the Southern Environmental Law Center. “The hurricane did plenty of logging. We don’t need five times more.”
Several of the environmental groups noted in their press statements that they felt increased urgency to protest the U.S. Forest Service plan, as the federal government has recently rolled back protections for National Forests.
In a March 1 executive order titled “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production,” President Donald Trump opened up substantial portions of National Forests, including Nantahala and Pisgah, for accelerated logging operations. These timber campaigns will bypass typical procedures intended to bring environmental concerns to the forefront.
“Our inability to fully exploit our domestic timber supply has impeded the creation of jobs and prosperity, contributed to wildfire disasters, degraded fish and wildlife habitats, increased the cost of construction and energy and threatened our economic security,” the executive order says. “It is vital that we reverse these policies and increase domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security.”
“Trump’s order will unleash the chainsaws and bulldozers on our beautiful, irreplaceable federal forests,” Randi Spivak, pub-
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are the two largest national forests in North Carolina and host seven million visitors per year.
lic lands policy director at the Center for Biological Diversity, countered in a press release. “Clear cutting these amazing national treasures will increase fire risk, drive imperiled wildlife to extinction, pollute our rivers and streams and destroy world-class recreation sites.”
Contact Miriam Fabrycky at fabrml24@wfu.edu
Trump’s tariffs raise economic questions for N.C.
North Carolina experts and residents weigh Trump’s tariff plan as key industries brace for impact
MALCOLM BROWN Staff Writer
Shortly after the markets closed on April 4, President Donald Trump announced what he called “reciprocal tariffs” on countries he believed were “ripping [the US] off’ in terms of trade. The highlight of the announcement was when Trump held up a sign with the supposed tariff that other countries charged the United States, and the subsequent tariff that Trump imposed on those countries.
The sign listed tariffs of 34% for China, 20% for the European Union and 46% for Vietnam, among many others.
Trump’s tariff announcement was not unexpected after his continual, staunch advocacy for increased tariffs. Trump pledged during the 2024 campaign trail to enact a 60% tariff on China and a 10% tariff on imported goods from all other countries.
Many, including analysts on Wall Street, dismissed his remarks as political talking points—until recent declines in the stock market suggested otherwise.
On April 9, however, Trump announced a 90-day pause on all tariffs, excluding China, on which he imposed a 125% tariff. His goal was to inspire countries to begin negotiations on new trade deals. According to Trump, over 75 countries have reached out to the United States for trade talks.
No deals have been made with any countries as of now. And if they are not reached before the 90-day deadline, it will have con-
sequences for the entire country, and North Carolina specifically.
According to Axios, North Carolina imports nearly $5 billion worth of goods per year from Canada. Agriculture is among the sectors most vulnerable to these tariffs. Gaphel Kongtsa, the director of international policy with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said, “The United States sources nearly 80% of its fertilizers from Canada, which includes farmers in North Carolina.”
According to a 2024 report by Mike Walden, economist at North Carolina State University, the agriculture industry had an $111.1 billion economic impact in the Tarheel State.
“These measures will ultimately have an inflationary effect that will be felt very broadly,” Kongtsa said.
Trump's tariffs are also expected to impact Western North Carolina (WNC). This region is still recovering from a devastating hurricane that resulted in many deaths and displacements. The primary industries in Western North Carolina are services and tourism.
“People always hold back a little bit when they’re uncertain about what the future’s holding. That’s the last thing we need right now,” University of North Carolina Asheville Department of Economics chair Leah Greden Mathew said.
Since WNC relies heavily on consumer spending, a negative outlook on the economy could push people to cut back, especially on travel to the region’s popular tourist attrac-
tions.
By and large, many Republican politicians in North Carolina have been supportive of Trump’s new tariffs. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, who represents North Carolina’s 11th District, wrote on social media,
“Many countries are taking advantage of the United States by imposing tariffs against us while we don’t have reciprocal tariffs against them [...] I support (Trump’s) plan to use them again to create a more level playing field and secure fairer trade deals for America.”
However, some Republicans in North Carolina have been skeptical about Trump’s tariffs, including U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis.
During a Tuesday hearing featuring Jamieson Greer, the top White House trade negotiator, Tillis said, “Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?” Tillis was particularly concerned about the tariff's impact on the agricultural sector in North Carolina.
North Carolina residents have been both receptive and concerned about these new tariffs. Mark Miller, the general sales manager at BMW of Asheville, said they are "hopefully optimistic" about Trump’s tariffs. “Well over half of what we sell is coming from an hour down the road, which I have to think offsets some of the import costs,” he said.
Ray Templeton, a resident of North Carolina who has lost money in the stock market due to these tariffs, remains calm. “This too will pass,” Templeton said. “We’ll be good. Don’t ever bet against the United States. You’ll
announce new tariffs on April 4.
lose every time. It’s a bad bet.”
Among those expressing concern is North Carolina beekeeper Jim Hartman, who voted for Trump three times, believing that a second term would benefit farmers. “I never thought I would lose this much money,” he said.
With the 90-day pause in place, it is difficult to gauge how Trump’s tariffs will turn out. Some believe they will lead to fairer trade, while others worry about rising prices and economic trouble. For now, we will have to wait and see what the full impact will be.
Contact Malcolm Brown at browmd24@wfu.edu
Courtesy of the USDA Forest Service
Courtesy of the Associated Press President Donald Trump speaks at the Rose Garden to
FEMA stops matching 100% of Helene recovery funds in N.C.
Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in late September
NICK COSTANTINO City & State Editor
Acting FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton announced on April 11 that the federal government will stop matching 100% of Hurricane Helene recovery funds, reducing the amount to 90%. This move could cost upwards of $200 million, according to the Governor’s office.
Gov. Josh Stein released the following statement on FEMA’s decision to deny North Carolina an extension of the 100% match on recovery funds.
“Today, I learned that FEMA refused our request to extend its 100% reimbursement period for another 180 days,” Stein wrote. “I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm. The need in western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored. I am extremely disappointed and urge the President to reconsider FEMA’s bad decision, even for 90 days. Six months later, the people of western North Carolina are working hard to get back on their feet; they need FEMA to help them get the job done.”
President Donald Trump’s tariff increases could also affect the rising costs of rebuilding
in the state, as materials will likely rise in price in the coming months, according to Stein. Rising costs, coupled with a decrease in funding from FEMA, could increase the time it takes to rebuild dramatically.
In the past few months, Local and state officials have requested that funding be extended for another six months to speed up the recovery process for the deadliest and costliest hurricane in the state’s history. The agency has come under fire from Trump and other conservatives in the federal government for wasteful spending.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, who represents Western North Carolina in Congress, supports the government’s decision to cancel the 100 percent matching of funds.
“A 100% cost share extension for 180 days is unprecedented,” Edwards told the Carolina Journal. “Instead, I’m focusing on other ways I can make a tangible difference in helping the citizens of Western North Carolina recover more quickly. This includes continuing to assist survivors with FEMA casework and working with the administration to find additional avenues to alleviate the financial stress our communities and the state of North Carolina are facing.”
North Carolina will appeal FEMA’s end to
the 100% matching funds, Stein said.
“We were granted 30 days to appeal, which we will surely do,” Stein said during a Monday meeting of his advisory committee on western North Carolina. This funding problem may cause conflict between the state of North Carolina and the federal government, even as the General Assembly tries to curb the power of the executive to fight the Trump administration.
This cut to matching funding will certainly not pull FEMA out of North Carolina entirely, but it will make an impact on a state already struggling to rebuild, as fires also rage in the state.
North Carolina House Democratic Whip Amos Quick said there is still much work to be done and this funding cut will hurt the state.
“We were counting on the federal government, and we were promised by the incoming administration,” Quick said.
“Even before the election we were promised candidate Trump that we will continue these things and now that President Trump and FEMA has decided not to do that, that’s really devastating for us.”
Local and state officials will have to reassess funding levels to Western North Carolina,
and Stein and the General Assembly will have to adjust recovery funds in the upcoming state budget.
Contact Nick Costantino at costnp24@wfu.edu
Audit reveals $16M overspend in WS/FCS, prompting CFO resignation and district-wide cuts
Audit reveals multi-million dollar overspend, prompting leadership shakeup and sweeping cost-cutting measures across the district
MALCOM BROWN Staff Writer
On April 8, Thomas Kranz, the chief financial officer of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools, announced his resignation during a school board meeting. The superintendent of the school district, Tricia McManus, released a statement in response:
“Mr. Kranz came to the district three years ago with more than 40 years of credible and reputable service as a CPA in the corporate world and chief operations officer, finance officer, and interim superintendent in public schools [...] Finding a replacement will be a difficult task. I wish him well in his retirement after so many years of dedicated service.”
Kranz will remain in his role until June 30.
This news comes as a result of a recent district audit, which revealed the district overspent its budget by $16 million during the 20232024 school year. During the board’s meeting a week prior, members of the team responsible for allocating funds presented findings that the district spent $10 million more on payroll, increasing from an $83 million budget to $93 million during that school year. Additional overspending occurred in employee benefits and charter school payments.
In November 2023, the school board voted to use around $2.4 million from savings for teacher raises and bonuses. Board member Robert Barr, during the April 1 meeting, questioned this decision.
“Do we not have something in place to say, ‘the board may want this, but based on our budget, we can’t afford it’?” Barr said.
This comes at a time when the district has
would be terminated.
In addition to reducing central office positions, the superintendent plans to make the following near-term changes: freeze hiring and discretionary spending (exceptions for essential purchases), restrict summer school funding to state resources only, discontinue long-term substitute positions, eliminate take-home vehicles and out-of-state travel expenses and limit travel between districts.
McManus is projecting these near-term changes to save around $8 million for the school district.
For deeper cuts expected to save the district $16 million, McManus proposed the following for the 2025-2026 school year: provide furloughs for the executive leadership team, overhaul and restructure the Virtual Academy, merge Kingswood School and Main Street Academy and terminate the district’s contract with ESS, the provider of substitute teachers and teaching assistants.
“This is not the place we wanted to be in,” McManus said. “And I apologize that we’re even having this conversation today and that we didn’t predict this two years ago and make these changes then.”
been performing relatively well, making significant improvements to its students’ learning outcomes.
According to a 2022-2023 accountability report on the school district, WS/FCS went from having 35 failing schools in 2022 to 29 in 2023. Moreover, F-rated schools dropped from 22 to 16, and D-rated schools dropped from 23 to 22. The district’s cohort
graduation rate also reached its peak at 87%, according to the report.
Kranz’sresignationhasseriousimplications for the school district moving forward. To account for the budgeting error, school officials proposed reducing 81 central office positions. Under this plan, 33 employees’ salaries would be reduced, 9 would be laid off, 8 would be transferred and 31 positions
As the district confronts tough decisions and changing leadership, the road ahead will be challenging. Kranz’s resignation marks the end of a period during which the district achieved significant academic progress, despite facing financial difficulties. Now, school officials must find a way to restore financial stability while maintaining the momentum in student performance.
Contact Malcom Brown at browmd24@wfu.edu
Hurricane Helene caused at least $53 billion in damages to N.C.
Courtesy of the Associated Press
Courtesy of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Tommy Kranz, the Chief Financial Officer of WS/FCS, recently resigned following the results of an audit that uncovered the significant overspending of school funds.
FEATURES
Alexandra Meier, meieam22@wfu.edu
Miriam Fabrycky, fabrml24@wfu.edu
PAGE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
Breaking the stigma, one conversation at a time
NAMI Wake Forest raises support for mental health
BIANCA REZNIC Staff Writer
On a typical Wednesday evening, while most students are buried in textbooks or frantically refreshing Canvas, a particular group of Wake Forest students gather for something different. Rather than tests, pressure or expectations, there are open conversations, laughter and sometimes therapy dogs.
This is NAMI Wake Forest, the university’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Over the past five years, the club has transformed from an idea into an impactful student organization that creates a space for education, advocacy, and community around mental health.
Senior Brooke Smith, one of the club’s former co-presidents, has participated in NAMI since its founding. For her, NAMI’s mission is personal.
“I was very into mental health in high school. I had a friend who really struggled with their mental health and I didn’t know how to help,” Smith said. “I was able to help her go to guidance counselors and get help, but from there I realized this is definitely a problem.”
This realization turned into action as Smith became involved with mental health awareness in high school. When she arrived at Wake Forest, she was surprised to find an absence of formal mental health clubs.
However, with luck – and a few posters in Bostwick – she became connected with Patrick Heon, an upperclassman who was starting a NAMI chapter. When Heon graduated, he passed the reins to Smith and other first-year students, including Brystol Habermatcher, her eventual co-president.
NAMI’s early days were slow as the club lacked funding or an official charter, but their activity grew as Smith and her peers learned more about event planning. Now, NAMI Wake Forest meets weekly for student-led discussions on topics such as climate anxiety or the impacts of studying abroad on mental health.
Some weeks, NAMI members also play games, host panels of mental health professionals and listen to educational presentations. Through events ranging from puppy yoga to Valentine’s Day celebrations, the club’s goal is to keep conversation about mental health meaningful, accessible and low-pressure.
“In meetings, I think people really like just taking a break,” Smith said. “Everyone’s super busy and stressed out. It’s just 45 minutes where you can not think about school for a minute, and we don’t even have to be talking about really difficult issues all the time. We all care about this together.”
The club’s new President, junior Alyssa Totoro echoes that sentiment. She said NAMI plays a major role in both providing helpful resources to students who are struggling as well as removing the stigma surrounding mental illness at Wake Forest.
“Half of it is about advocating and fundraising and getting resources to provide those support systems,” Totoro
said. “But the other half is about just breaking down the stigma and [recognizing that] it’s not necessarily something you need to shove under the rug. You can be in Greek life, or be an athlete, or be one of the most successful people in your class and still struggle with mental health.”
According to Totoro, NAMI reminds people that they’re not alone in their struggles and helps to break down barriers to seeking help.
“We like to say that we’re all really cool people who are all in the club,” Totoro said. “And seeing that you can be successful and have all of these amazing things that we all do individually and still be out there saying that ‘I’ve struggled with mental health and I’m here’ is a great way to start breaking down those boundaries and reducing the stigma.”
In addition to their weekly meetings and events, NAMI extends its mission to the local community.
Over the past year, NAMI students developed a mental health education presentation for middle schoolers. Their first event took place at Hanes Magnet School, where over 350 sixth graders learned about the basics of brain chemistry and its relation to anxiety and depression.
NAMI partnered with Alpha Phi Omega and the Organization of Latin American Studies to organize the gathering. Smith viewed the collaboration as an opportunity to foster discussion about mental health with cultural responsiveness, as Hanes has a large Spanish-speaking student population. She also saw the groups’ contributions in bridging a gap in mental health education for middle school students.
“I think just having the ‘cool college students’ come in and talk about it [helps],” Smith said. “Maybe they won’t remember everything, but it’s just the basics of, ‘they care about it…maybe I should too.”
Looking forward, Smith reflects on her hopes for the future of NAMI at Wake Forest, including expanding outreach to middle schools and connecting with more Wake Forest students.
“I want to be able to come back someday and see a ton of people at NAMI meetings, see it still flourishing and thriving,” Smith said.
For now, NAMI continues to meet weekly with open arms, new ideas, and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing one can do is just show up.
Contact Bianca Reznic at reznba24@wfu.edu
OLD GOLD & BLACK
Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Totoro
NAMI executive board members left to right, Nate Icke (‘25), Alex Randall (‘27) and Matt Miller (‘25) at Divine Llama Vineyards & Farm for a retreat.
NAMI members table in Reynolds Gymnasium in the Wellbeing Center for an event, sponsored by the sleep wellness company Bearaby.
Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Totoro
Leaving Wake Forest greener
Isabella Gerace reflects on four years of leadership and service
ARIA HEYNEMAN Contributing Writer
Senior Isabella Gerace’s packed Google Calendar represents a whirlwind life on campus. Her connections and obligations range widely and run deeply: apart from academics, she balances two jobs as a Dining Engagement Intern and a Wellbeing Ambassador, serves as president of the Momentum Dance Crew, participates in several other student organizations and enjoys a robust social life. It is difficult to imagine Gerace as a student who once struggled socially and academically.
Throughout the past four years, Gerace has deeply immersed herself within the Wake Forest community. With graduation quickly approaching, she will leave with the peace of knowing she gave Wake Forest her all.
Asking for help
Originally from Reading, P.A., Gerace came to Winston-Salem in Fall 2021. She received early admission to Wake Forest and started preparing for a new chapter early in her senior year of high school.
The transition to college was hard. In a dark, moldy single in the basement of Bostwick Residence Hall, Gerace quietly struggled to adjust to a new place, a challenging course load and an entirely novel social scene in the absence of her home support system.
When asked what advice she would give to a struggling freshman, Gerace lingered on the importance of curiosity.
“Ask questions,” Gerace said. “A college campus is such a unique place — having so many people from 18 to 22 with the same general goal. It’s important to see what other people have to say, hear about other experiences and get to know your community.”
Gerace reached out to her freshman resident advisor for guidance, who pointed her to CLASS — the Center for Learning, Access and Student Success. This resulted in one of her most important campus connections — a close relationship with an academic coach whom she has worked with since her first semester.
Mental health and self-advocacy are fundamental values for Gerace. She was one of the first active members of Wake Forest’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
As a Wellbeing Ambassador, she teaches topics including bystander intervention, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual health and relationship spectrums. The Wellbeing Center nominated her to be part of the first
CARE team, an initiative that invites students, faculty and staff members to submit referrals for themselves or another individual who is experiencing distress. The CARE team connects these community members with supportive resources.
“I don’t see myself doing that work beyond college, but it’s just something I was always passionate about,” Gerace said. “Because I suffered, I didn’t want other people to suffer the same way. In my opinion, reaching out is the hardest part. If I can ease that process at all, I want to do so.”
Basement bonding
Senior Molly Pluta has lived with Gerace for three of their four years at Wake Forest. The two met in their first hours on campus. Gerace knocked on the door of Pluta’s Bostwick dorm room and asked if she needed any help unpacking. Pluta, exhausted and overwhelmed, was initially taken aback by Gerace’s outgoing nature, but quickly saw that Gerace’s willingness to extend herself to others is central to her bubbly personality.
“[Gerace] is always the person to connect people in her life,” Pluta said. “She is really intentional and thoughtful about keeping up relationships with people.”
Together, Pluta and Gerace have navigated the challenges of academia, friendships and relationships. Their shared major, environmental studies, helps both students prioritize their passion for sustainability despite external pressures.
“Especially at a place like Wake Forest, where people are so career-focused and there’s a lot of tunnel vision toward certain career paths, it’s been really validating to have people close to me who feel the same way about how they want to use their career,” Pluta said. “There’s a lot of pressure to go down those more traditional, ‘stable,’ career paths where there’s more of an obvious route, but it’s nice to explore different options together and have the validation that what we are doing is important.”
Filling the gap
In the summer before her freshman year, Gerace applied to join the Sustainability Leadership Group (SLG). This program provides a small cohort with unique opportunities for leadership and campus engagement through the Office of Sustainability.
Through SLG conversations, Gerace realized many of her pre-existing habits — such as turning off lights when leaving a room, conserving water and using reusable utensils and water bottles — were sustainable practices. She was inspired to learn more about the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies.
Not every 18-year-old is enraptured by logistics, but exposure to facility operations through work with SLG on energy use in residence halls ignited a passion in Gerace.
“Getting involved with operations so early helped me understand how the campus works and why things are the way they are,” Gerace said. “I really like that administrative side of school.”
Gerace next realized that out of 200 student organizations at Wake Forest, there was not a single studentled initiative focused on sustainability. The university’s environmental opportunities seemed to start and end with the Office of Sustainability.
Gerace decided to fill this gap herself by founding a sustainability club called dEaCOfriendly. In just one year, Gerace devised a name and logo, recruited members and an advisor, wrote a constitution and completed the chartering process, so the club was eligible for school funding.
During Earth Month in April, dEaCOfriendly is especially active, hosting events like climate trivia and clothing swaps. They also pick up litter and do a trash cleanup on Long Drive every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
The Office of Student Engagement recognized dEaCOfriendly in 2023 with the New Student Organization of the Year award.
“DEaCO has been a consistent collaborator with a variety of university programs, academic departments and other student organizations, which speaks to how well received they’ve been,” said Brian Choen, dEAcOfriendly’s advisor and assistant director of sustainability engagement.
Cohen saw how Gerace’s drive and passion spearheaded a mission many students gave up on.
“I was really proud of how much work she put in and how successful her efforts were,” Cohen said. “The only thing that surprised me was how quickly it all happened. She was consistently optimistic, determined and committed to the cause. She was also completely self-sufficient. Other than a few check-ins from time to time, I really didn’t contribute anything ... it was all her.”
Senior Sophie Eldridge, dEaCO’s former vice president, saw Gerace’s commitment from the beginning. Before dEaCO was eligible for university funds, Gerace would pay for events out of her own pocket, Eldridge said.
Eldridge and Gerace are now regular members of dEaCOfriendly, having stepped away from leadership roles so younger members can evolve the group. The foundation Gerace and her first executive team built launched the energy and ideas of current underclassmen looking to engage with sustainability at Wake Forest. dEaCOfriendly’s legacy will undoubtedly continue long after Gerace and Eldridge leave Winston-Salem.
Looking forward
Environment classes sparked Gerace’s interest in food systems, leading her to become Wake Forest’s Dining engagement intern. In this role, she dually reports to Harvest Table Culinary Group and the Office of Sustainability. The internship allows her to educate the Wake Forest community on new and existing sustainability initiatives in campus dining.
Whether standing outside La Sabrosa and encouraging students to order their GrubHub burritos in a reusable green box rather than a plastic one, or running a bike-powered smoothie maker in The Pit while educating on waste reduction, Gerace promotes her programming with an infectious smile.
“I’ve grown super passionate about dining sustainability through Wake Forest, and I have always wanted the best for people, but I didn’t really process how much of a role food plays in that — socially, environmentally and economically,” Gerace said.
She enthusiastically engages with other students in important discussions about the environment and simple steps to reduce human impact.
According to Harvest Table Culinary Group’s sustainability coordinator Quin Wolters, Gerace’s impact is “sprawling and efficacious.”
“Her willingness to work with numerous stakeholders — both internal to Deacon Dining and the Office of Sustainability as well as across campus — to drive sustainability into areas not otherwise recognized is admirable,” Wolters said.
Gerace will continue her commitment to sustainability by pursuing a career in this field. For the specifics of her future plans, however, Gerace said that she “needs a minute.”
She plans to spend some time with her family in New York City to recharge from a demanding semester and continue her job search for roles within sustainable development, food justice and corporate sustainability. When she collects her diploma in less than a month, Gerace’s absence will be felt across campus, especially in the offices she brightens throughout the week.
“Isabella graduating will leave a huge hole in our office,” Cohen said. “She’ll be leaving behind a legacy of Pro Humanitate and a number of emerging student leaders that she helped develop.
Contact Aria Heyneman at heynaj21@wfu.edu
Isabella Gerace, Wake Forest’s dining engagement intern, pictured promoting a sustainable food event at The Pit.
Photo Courtesy of Isabel Loggins
One year later: Remembering Ed Wilson
Remembering the friendly and honorable legacy of “Mr. Wake Forest”
SKYLER VILLAMAR-JONES Deputy Editor
As you ascend the steps of the ZSR atrium, you are greeted by a portrait of the smiling Edwin G. Wilson, who proudly overlooks each passerby. His image is placed exactly where it belongs, surrounded by the students and faculty he cared so deeply for. While the “Wilson Wing” was created in his honor in 1992, Wilson’s memory extends far beyond the gold frame that borders his painting.
Wilson is remembered for knowing the names of students he met 50 years ago. He is remembered for his sweet, melodic voice that captivated everyone who listened to his recitations of “The Song of Wandering Aengus.” Perhaps most importantly, Wilson is remembered for his lifelong dedication to Wake Forest University.
Rogan Kersh, politics & international affairs professor and former provost, recalls Wilson’s larger-than-life presence that transcended his physical stature. He remembers his walks with Wilson when he first began as provost and had endless questions. No matter what crisis he was facing, Wilson remained calm and assured him everything would be okay.
“He lived a very upright, honorable life, and it made you want to be like that as well,” Kersh said. “I was very conscious, even though I’m taller than Ed Wilson, that I was always in his shadow when we walked around campus. When you have the kind of integrity he did, you seem larger.”
Wilson passed away March 13, 2024, at 101 years old, but his legacy at Wake Forest as a teacher, mentor and admirable leader will long outlive him.
Mr. Wake Forest
Wilson was nicknamed “Mr. Wake Forest”, in part because of the nearly 80 years he spent at the university. He graduated in 1943 with degrees in English and History from the original campus.
Emily Herring Wilson said that Wake Forest was home for her husband from day one. Having moved from Leakesville, N.C., Wilson would later spend the majority of his life at Wake Forest.
“When he went to what is now ‘the old campus,’ he fell in love with it, as you do when you’re 16,” Herring Wilson said. “That was the campus of his heart. Wake [Forest] was just built for him. It was a perfect match from day one.”
Wilson joined the Navy after he graduated, where he served until he was discharged in 1946. Afterwards, he attended Harvard University for a master’s degree and a doctorate. Wilson then returned to Wake Forest to teach “Poets of the English Romantic Period” in 1951, just five years before Wake Forest moved to WinstonSalem.
By 1960, Wilson was named dean of the college. Then, in 1967, he was named the university’s first provost by President James Ralph Scales. Even as provost, Wilson taught classes. Marybeth Sutton Wallace (‘86), now a special assistant in the office of the vice president, was a student in Wilson’s class. She recalls how captivating his lectures were.
“As a student, we never would have dreamed of missing his class, even on a Friday afternoon between two and three o’clock,” Wallace said. “You would not miss his class because you couldn’t bear to disappoint him. But you also couldn’t bear to disappoint yourself.”
This, Wallace said, was because listening to Wilson reciting poetry was magical.
“I can’t even explain how uplifting it was to hear him read poetry and talk about the poets—we sat in his class mesmerized. It’s to be transported to Yeats’ Ireland or Byron’s Mediterranean. His voice was so eloquent and so enchanting. No one read poetry like Ed Wilson.”
Wilson never truly retired from Wake Forest. Though
he officially retired as provost in 1990, he worked as vice president for special projects until 1993, and handled academic provost duties as senior vice president from 1998 until 2002 when a provost was appointed.
Friendliness and Honor
In a film titled “The Essence of Wake Forest,” Wilson describes the two words he most associates with Wake Forest: friendliness and honor. He explained that when he first began his undergraduate years, each student was given a badge that contained those two words. Kersh said that everyone knew Wilson, and even if Wilson didn’t know them, he showed them equal friendliness regardless.
“If you walked across campus with Ed Wilson, he seemed to know everyone, and years after he retired from [administration], by this dozen students still knew who he was,” Kersh said. “There was a kind of friendliness that wasn’t on the surface. He knew they were sharing something, in this case, [Wake Forest], which he loved.”
When Wilson interacted with people on campus, he found ways to connect with anyone, even if there was a 70-year age gap between them. Thomas E. Mullen, former dean of the college and history professor, said this was because he was so intentional about listening to people’s experiences.
“It was so obvious that it almost goes without saying that he was good company,” Mullen said. He liked to hear people talk about their experiences. So he asked people a lot of questions. And I think people found out less about him than he found out about them most of the time.”
Honor was the most fundamental value of Wake Forest to Wilson, and is a trait he brought with him from the original campus. His integrity set an example for others and encouraged them to act honorably, in and out of the classroom. Kersh said others acted with integrity because they wanted to honor Wilson.
“He held himself to very high standards of honor and he held his students in classes to the same standards,” Kersh said. “It was a kind of honor that was not lectured out of his mouth.”
Memorial service
On Friday, May 3, 2024, Wake Forest held a memorial service for Wilson. Wait Chapel was nearly full
with friends, family and other Wake Forest community members paying their respects.
J. Reid Morgan, former senior vice president and general counsel member, gave a speech honoring Wilson’s love for life, saying how his legacy and words made Wake Forest the institution it is today.
“I have often thought about the power of his words,” Morgan said, “but especially in recent weeks, my mind has also turned to the abundance of joy at the center of his life, whether it was in class, where for three days a week time stood still as he exhibited the joys of literature to an overflowing class; or at a university event, where every person with whom he spoke felt his keen interest in them and in their lives; or with Emily and the family, where he could relax and enjoy his most cherished role as husband, father and grandfather.”
He continued: “It was his joy that illuminated his face and enlivened his resonant voice. His joy captured our hearts.”
In an interview with the Old Gold & Black, Morgan recounted memories of when he and Wilson attended Wake Forest baseball games, and when they both traveled Europe while Wilson gave lectures about the author’s houses they would visit. He said while they worked together, he admired Wilson’s care for everything he was involved in.
“He was just an inspirational man,” Morgan said. “He cared so much about what needed to be done, and he lifted every sort of activity we had. He also didn’t shy away from difficult things, but the way he handled things with his kindness and clarity, he was just somebody that everybody loved.”
Creating a Legacy
Wilson’s dedication to Wake Forest is seen through his work on campus. The ‘Wilson Wing’ is just one example of a reminder of his impact. But Wilson is remembered far beyond the borders of the Reynolda campus.
“I do hope that if he has a legacy, it’s timeless, and it’s that he loved Wake Forest,” Herring Wilson said. “He was exactly the person at home that he was on campus: honorable and kind. He nodded off when he got sleepy, and ate when he got hungry just like other people. But you could count on him. And you knew that he would never betray you or do anything wrong.”
Ed Wilson, “Mr. Wake Forest“, in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library Rare Books Room in 2010 at Wake Forest University.
Photo Courtesy of Wake Forest University
ENVIRONMENT
PAGE 10
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
Beza Zelalem, zelam22@wfu.edu
Asst. Reese Lile, lilerl24@wfu.edu
Sustainability through students: Earth Talks 2025
The Office of Sustainability hosted its fifth annual Earth Talks, allowing students to present on environmental topics they are passionate about
CAYDEN HART Staff Writer
As part of the Office of Sustainability’s Earth Month programming, this year’s Earth Talks returned to Pugh Auditorium on April 9. Ten students entered the spotlight to share ideas, research and stories about sustainability. Earth Talks, which began five years ago, has become one of Wake Forest’s most distinct platforms for student voices and allows climate concerns to be expressed through community storytelling.
The Earth Talks event last Wednesday offered short, TED-style presentations on topics ranging from indoor air pollution in mosques to rethinking consumer trust in sustainable businesses. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, but all shared the same goal: to contribute meaningfully to the evolving conversation on environmental responsibility.
This year’s event included presentations from Sydney Smith, Sophie Keeley, Thais Perez, Ella Klein, Mateo Aguirre, Mai Soliman, Maya Rhodes-Kropf, and Eric Rosenblum.
For some, speaking at Earth Talks was a way to connect academic interests with real-world issues. Junior Thais Perez explored the conservation role of herbaria in a changing climate, saying she saw the event as “an opportunity to connect my academic work on botanical collections with urgent issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.”
She also noted how “energizing” it was to be “part of a community of students all thinking deeply about sustainability from such different angles.”
First-year student Mateo Aguirre, who used his talk to challenge the often misunderstood notion of
climate havens, said the experience allowed him to “face [his] fears and develop [his] public speaking.” Mateo went on to describe Earth Talks as a space not just for pushing past the challenges of public speaking, but as a space for learning and expression, stating that he “wanted to learn more about something that interested [him] and share that passion with others.”
The balance between knowledge sharing and personal development is a big part of what makes Earth Talks so special for both the audience and the presenters. According to Brian Cohen, assistant director for sustainability engagement, one of the most powerful elements of the event is how it puts students in control. And while it is no easy task to stand on a stage and deliver a speech, Cohen believes that this is an integral part of the value of Earth Talks.
“I’ve heard from a lot of students that they really want to develop presentation skills,” Cohen said. “This provides them with an opportunity in a semisafe environment where, yes, it’s still nerve-wracking, but it’s in front of largely people they know.”
The audience, in turn, gains more than just an hour of learning from Wake Forest students.
“I’m hoping it’s not just knowledge, but inspiration,” Cohen said. “We have a lot of student leaders who are speaking about research they’ve done, experiences they’ve had... it can hopefully open up [the audience’s] eyes to what they may be able to do, whether it’s in a future class, a job or even in their free time.”
From confronting greenwashing in corporate sustainability to examining the environmental risks of synthetic clothing, these students did not simply highlight problems—they proposed paths forward.
Their talks demonstrated that sustainability is not a siloed issue; rather, they showed that it touches culture, commerce, personal values, public policy and a host of other subject areas all at once.
Contact Cayden Hart at hartco24@wfu.edu
OLD GOLD & BLACK
Will Kunisaki/Old Gold & Black
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University
The Office of Sustainability’s Earth Month progamming included various student talks.
Go outside and touch grass: the value of outdoor learning spaces
What kind of outdoor learning spaces does Wake Forest University have, and why are they important?
REESE LILE
Asst. Environment Editor
As children, many of us grew up on orders to “go play outside,” and spent dusky evenings catching lightning bugs and rolling around in the grass. There were so many worlds to explore and lessons to be learned: how to make whistles from grass, which berries are edible and whether a rock is sedimentary or metamorphic. Now, most children spend their days confined to classrooms, typing away their time on laptops.
When did that change?
As students grow older, priorities shift. Less time is spent outside in the fresh air, while more time is spent working or playing indoors on screens.
Several studies, including one from the Journal of Environment and Behavior, have suggested an inverse relationship between screen time and time spent outdoors: as students spend more time indoors on screens, their motivation and time available to go outside decline.
Technology has allowed for incredible advancements in learning, but nature remains just as valuable. Even as college students, there is still much to learn.
Outdoor learning spaces are areas dedicated to integrating education and the environment. These spaces take various forms, as seen on Wake Forest’s campus, but they all share the same goal: engaging students in a nontraditional classroom setting to enrich their learning. Outdoor learning provides a welcome break from harshly lit classrooms and stuffy academic buildings.
Wake Forest is home to several of these spaces, including the Tohi Garden, the outdoor classroom behind the Z. Smith Reynolds library, the campus gardens and the Reynolda Gardens, which features a new greenhouse. These spaces allow students and faculty to go outside and engage with their surroundings, whether for a class or simply a moment of peace.
The Tohi Garden is one of Wake Forest’s quintessential spots, although many students don’t even know it exists. Located behind Angelou Residence Hall on south campus, the garden began as a stormwater management system that has since been transformed into a garden for native plants. In 2010, it was recognized as a sacred space in Cherokee culture and received an official blessing, naming the garden “Tohi,” which means “unstressed” or “peaceful.”
The garden features a short, winding path and stream, shielded from the surrounding neighborhoods by a blanket of trees. Tree stumps are scattered around, providing seating for small classes or anyone who wishes to stop and take a quick rest.
Not too far away, a semicircle of stones surrounds a small white bench, forming an outdoor classroom behind the library. These stones are repurposed meditation stones that previously lined the Reynolda Village trails.
The Campus Garden and Reynolda Gardens are farther from the clamor of central campus, but the hike is worth it. While these spaces are not intended to accommodate traditional learning, they facilitate experiential learning. For instance, classes in the environment department sometimes take field trips to visit the campus gardens, allowing students to explore the crops, chickens, beehives and more.
Campus garden interns Sophie King, Jaylyn WaltersHoward and Sidney White from the Office of Sustainability work directly with classes and individual students who visit the garden for educational and personal enrichment.
“The garden is a great opportunity to plan something, watch it grow, share it and have tangible results that everyone can benefit from. It brings everyone down to the same level of knowledge, so it’s really nice to work together as a team with a bunch of different
people in one space,” White said.
These places are important because outdoor learning spaces provide students with a break from the norm: hours spent indoors, eyes blazing from extended screen use. Beyond that, outdoor learning has been shown to improve learning and provide numerous health benefits.
Research suggests that outdoor learning promotes an emotional connection to classroom content, making it easier for students to absorb and retain what they are learning. Furthermore, studies like “Emotive outdoor learning experiences in Higher Education: Personal reflections and evidence” find that outdoor education is associated with higher test scores and improved literacy in general.
In terms of its impact on mental well-being, studies suggest that students experience a consistently positive response to outdoor learning. According to “Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship,” exposure to nature has been linked to lower levels of stress.
White is a psychology major and reflected on the mental health benefits of visiting the garden. “Dirt has bacteria in it that release serotonin in your brain, so getting your hands in the dirt and touching grass can actually make you feel better,” she said.
Walters-Howard agrees. “One of the biggest things I’ve noticed being out here is how you can see it light up people’s day.”
Sebastián Terneus, a writing professor at Wake Forest with an environmental focus, actively incorporates outdoor learning into his teaching. He believes that experiential learning is key.
“That’s when new knowledge is created,” Terneus said. “Bringing students out of the classroom is super important because if they don’t have that experience, then they don’t have the empathy to reach out and actually take care of environmental issues.”
He continued: “Rather than talk about an issue inside a classroom where it’s hermetically sealed from that issue and we feel distant, we go outside and study it.”
Furthermore, outdoor learning is associated with an increase in intrinsic motivation to engage in both classmandated activities and student-chosen activities. This is important because intrinsic motivation, compared to extrinsic motivation, improves engagement and lasting interest in learning.
“I want students to be more mindful of what they are doing to this campus,” Terneus said. “What are they doing to the nature around here, the communities around and outside of campus? I want us to be more mindful of our emotions and our sensations, but also about our impact beyond our own needs.”
Outdoor learning spaces provide a myriad of experiential learning opportunities and health benefits, which is why it is so important that college students have access to them. Even if classes don’t capitalize on their presence on campus, students can use these places for personal well-being and stress relief.
An example of this is Shinrin-yoku: the Japanese practice of “forest bathing.” Simply put, this is an experience in which you immerse yourself in a place of nature, focusing on the balance of your breathing and the sounds, smells and movements around you.
The outdoor learning spaces on campus are vibrant yet peaceful places where practicing Shinrin-yoku or other relaxation techniques is possible. Although practices such as “forest bathing” are not class-led, visiting these places and working through stress is another equally essential form of learning.
School can be stressful, and having access to open, green spaces provides students with safe places to reduce anxiety and take a moment away from the pressures of college life.
Contact Reese Lile at lilerl24@wfu.edu
The Tohi Garden, which originated as a stormwater management system, is one of Wake Forest’s quintessential spots, although many students don’t even know it exists.
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University
OPINION
OLD GOLD & BLACK
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
Mattie Stillerman, stilmk23@wfu.edu
Towne Moores, moortv22@wfu.edu
The views expressed in all opinion columns represent those of the article’s author, not the opinions of the Old Gold & Black Editorial Board
Money can’t buy me love
Reframing
our approach to the college experience
ARIA HEYNEMAN Copy Editor
Before this semester, I did not realize how much of my senior spring would be spent quantifying my life, distilling my value as a future employee or graduate student into a single page of 11-point font.
College is so much more than a necessary prequel to corporate adulthood. The pressure within a school of high-achievers, like those at Wake Forest — to network, to purposefully choose a path and to excel — suggests the opposite. This shifts the focus of young adulthood from self-discovery to striving for success, no matter the price.
Gallup and Lumina Foundation released a report in 2024 on the state of higher education that found adults today have more of a desire to pursue a form of higher education than ever before. Career outcomes are the largest motivating factor.
It makes sense.
A study by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity found that individuals holding bachelor’s degrees earn $32,112 more annually than high school graduates.
This gap in earnings widens in areas of study like engineering, computer science and economics, which boast higher returns on investment than the declining numbers of humanities majors.
The study’s findings suggest that it’s not enough to just go to college — students must strategically choose a major that ensures job security and a high entry-level salary to find financial bliss.
Money doesn’t just represent luxury and opulence.
It is important to remember that the things that make life worth living love, joy and friendship — cannot be bought.
It can bring a sense of security and peace, ensuring the ability to weather unforeseen challenges of life that bring about a financial burden such as healthcare costs, home repairs and the rising cost of living.
A 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine by Harvard Business School found that individuals with higher incomes had reduced intense stress, felt greater control over their lives and experienced high life satisfaction.
Students at Wake Forest, like the rest of the country, are in large part motivated by a lucrative career in their choices of what to study, how to spend their time and where to place priority during their four years in Winston-Salem.
At over $91,000 a year, the price tag of an education at Wake Forest sparks an additional pressure to capitalize on its prestige after graduating. Many students utilize the robust and engaged Office of Personnel and Career Development (OPCD) for career coaching and interviewing prep. The OPCD and admissions websites proudly state that 97% of Wake Forest graduates find a job or enter graduate school within six months after receiving their diploma.
Nothing is inherently wrong with rigorous academia or a competitive, high-performing student body. I’ve benefited greatly from the myriad of resources available to me through the OPCD and am regularly inspired by the achievements of my friends and peers.
However, the focus of these precious four years should encompass more than measurable achievement and professional development.
Education beyond the classroom
College is a precious blip in life to explore curiosities, engage intellectually, build relationships and develop a sense of self beyond high school.
The post-grad benefits of a college education go far beyond the maximization of future earning potential. A Gallup-Lumina study, “Education for What?”, identified connections between participants with postsecondary education and their civic participation, social capital and health and wellbeing.
College provides the opportunity to identify issues that matter to you, develop healthy habits and practice socializing with all kinds of people. The unique advantages of a small liberal arts university like Wake
Forest shape the opportunities for personal growth. Intimate classes, incredible speakers and over 200 student organizations provide the chance for a fulfilling and diverse educational experience.
A culture of hypercompetition overshadows these avenues for joy. It isolates us. Extracurriculars and hobbies that do not shine on a resume or create an internship opportunity take the back burner — along with sleep, nutrition and other vital aspects of well-being.
National data from the Healthy Minds Study shows an alarming increase in college students’ mental health concerns over the last ten years. The prevalence of substance abuse is veiled by the “work hard, play hard” mentality. Though we are constantly in contact with one another through social media, global health company Cigna found that people today are lonelier than ever before. Members of Gen Z were the highest on the list.
In our hyper-connected yet increasingly isolated world, a college campus can be a respite from the rat race where unexpected bridges are built, perspectives are widened and curiosity is sparked.
But this requires intention — perhaps a deliberate resistance to the prescribed path that LinkedIn, social media and other outside pressures suggest is required to find the good life.
Following my graduation in May, I do not have an immediate return on investment waiting. I have not lined up a high-paying job or graduate school.
Though staring complete uncertainty in the face is terrifying, I will leave the Reynolda campus rich. Rich in friendship, in life experience and a sense of self-confidence I never imagined I would have. My time at Wake Forest brought me relationships that buoyed me through my darkest moments. Studying abroad took me all around the world. Incredible classes changed my worldview, professors inspired me and my campus job gave me a sense of purpose. College can be both beautiful and incredibly challenging. I hope in the frantic quest for success, we can remember the things that truly make life worth living — love, joy and friendship — cannot be bought.
Contact Aria Heyneman at heynaj21@wfu.edu
Piper Saunders/Old Gold & Black
Mattie Stillerman/Old Gold & Black
A beautiful Wake Forest sunset demonstrates what college is all about.
Are we too locked in?
The stress of finding summer plans as an overachiever in a highly competitive world
EVA KATE PROBUS Staff Writer
If I see one more LinkedIn post beginning with the words “I’m excited to announce that this summer […],” I’m going to start sending my therapy bill to their headquarters.
Generation Z is the “most stressed” generation, reporting higher stress levels and poorer mental health than their elders. Many experts attribute increased anxiety and depression to financial uncertainty and isolation, but I think LinkedIn is to blame.
I know exactly what is causing my stress: an app where I endlessly compare myself to others’ professional successes. However, that doesn’t stop the reality that I need an app to meet professionals in a career field, and, in the process, reach the elusive 500+ connections mark. I’m sure my fellow LinkedIn warriors can relate. You might as well follow my LinkedIn while you’re at it.
My love/hate relationship with LinkedIn and internship culture is humorous, yet paradoxical. The discouragement I feel in my internship search comes from the fact that there’s always a more competitive applicant. So, I have to keep being competitive to succeed in this dog-eats-dog world.
Or do I?
I started this internship cycle firmly believing that if everybody else is so accomplished, then I needed to become the most competitive applicant to follow suit. Short of curing cancer or becoming the first female president, I tried everything to succeed in the internship hunt. I applied to around 40 internships, set up networking calls, wrote catered resumes and cover letters and made a color-coded Google Sheet to organize dates and documents.
I even ran my resume to an office’s doorstep. Who knew paper resumes still exist?
I did everything right by the books, yet I was rejected from most internships I applied for.
At the end of the day, passion and work ethic only got me so far. As rejection email after rejection email piled in my inbox, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t measure up in the real world. Then, I realized I was measuring my summers with the wrong ruler.
Instead of counting down the days of summer vacation like Phineas and Ferb, I saw summer plans as a means to an end. I measured my summers not by possibility, but by marketability.
You’re not alone in your stress
Other Wake Forest students have felt the same tension while navigating a culture that uplifts perceived prestige and sidelines true passion.
Sophomore Ben Hobson, a double major in Chinese language and politics & international affairs, shared similar stress over solidifying summer plans. While Hobson accepted a Critical Language Scholarship to study abroad in Taiwan, he said he “felt anxious through the entire process” about finding a study abroad program that best fit his career goals and financial obligations. To navigate these stressors, Hobson relied on his ability to “find peace in the chaos” of the internship cycle.
Sophomore Chris Langley, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, faced less difficulty in securing his internship with Public Health AmeriCorps. When reflecting on his experiences, Langley thought it was “relatively easy to find things to do over the summer,” in part because of his outgoing nature. While Langley’s clear passion for public health solidified his goals for the internship cycle, he still “didn’t know what would happen in the future” and faced uncertainty
A page full of LinkedIn posts can be incredibly overwhelming in a competitive job world.
throughout the process.
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the internship search, alongside most of the student body, the Office of Personal and Career Development is available to lend its expertise.
One career coach, Patrick Sullivan, boasts over 20 years of experience with the OPCD and has assisted many students who “are uncertain about how to find a summer opportunity,” reminding students that it is normal to feel anxious about summer plans.
“With a bit of perspective, it's easy to see that one summer is just part of a bigger story.
When asked about what distinguishes Gen Z’s career-related stress from past generations, Sullivan agreed that current students, while similar to past generations, have one difference — they are “more aware of what their peers are doing because of posts on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.”
Sullivan encourages students to take heart in the internship search and advises them to focus on “gaining transferable skills” no matter what summer experience they land.
Striking a healthy balance
If the internship search is so stressful, then why can’t students just throw caution to the wind and abandon any career moves entirely? While forgo -
ing any real-world responsibilities would be ideal, it’s not realistic. However, there’s nothing wrong with striking a healthy balance between work and self-worth.
Achieving greater personal balance starts with a mindset shift – recognizing that success is not solely dependent upon whether I network with that important person this summer or whether I get a return offer. With a bit of perspective, it’s easy to see that one summer is just part of a bigger story.
Maybe I did everything right.
There’s so much pressure to do something “important” each summer. It’s repulsive — and simultaneously elusive. While one voice in my head shouts that I must constantly reinvent myself, the other questions what success even looks like in the first place.
Sure, I faced countless rejections this spring, but I refuse to believe that one internship cycle determines my value. A summer well spent isn’t defined by prestigious summer plans – it is defined by moments where I can be passionate and present.
I will not listen to famous keynote speakers, but I will listen to every piece of advice my 81-yearold grandfather shares with me. I may not spend time with top consulting firms in Washington, but I will spend time with my best friend before we go our separate ways next summer. This summer, I’m going to live in the moment, define my worth apart from my work and delete my LinkedIn. And that is a summer well spent.
Contact Eva Kate Probus at probek23@wfu.edu
Sophie Chan/Old Gold & Black
When an “Oops Wrong Number!” goes wrong
Texting the wrong person happens. And that’s ok! Except for when it’s about military strike plans
CAROLINE GOTTSMAN Staff Writer
One night in the basement of Luter during my freshman year, I added an ex-friend from high school to a group chat for a Buzzfeed quiz party. It was an accident, of course. My suitemates and I had the grand idea of spending our Tuesday night taking silly quizzes instead of tackling our mountains of homework, and I had been tasked with creating a group chat to send the link.
As I was adding one of my suitemates, I only read the first name before adding her. It just so happened that this ex-friend of mine had the same name.
While we were answering questions to find out which “Gilmore Girls” character we were, my ex-friend was probably staring at her phone in confusion. Right as my suitemate confessed to us that she hadn't gotten the link yet, my ex-friend texted in the group chat, “You didn’t mean to add me to this, right?”
My mouth hung open in horror. I quickly apologized, removed her from the group chat, and moved on with my life. Yes, it was embarrassing and a bit awkward— but at the end of the day, it was totally harmless.
It’s not like we were sharing state secrets.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the White House can say the same.
On March 15, The Atlantic’s Jeffery Goldberg was mistakenly added to the White House Signal group chat by Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Unfortunately for everyone involved, this group chat wasn’t a casual group chat. Instead, it included extremely confidential information regarding U.S. strikes in Yemen. If these details had gotten into the wrong hands, the results could have been disastrous. This chat didn’t just reference the plans in the abstract but gave precise information about the timing, targets and weapons.
So, how did this happen?
According to people close to Waltz, this scandal was all caused by a simple mistake. Goldberg’s number had somehow been saved under the wrong contact name. While a small part of my ego is strangely boosted by the fact that I’m making similar mistakes to high-ranking officials, as a citizen of the United States, I’m mostly horrified. The idea that our government is handling sensitive military plans with the same level of attention that a sleep-deprived college freshman dedicates to a Buzzfeed quiz party invite is unbelievably terrifying.
What makes this leak different?
It might seem like I’m making a big deal over nothing. After all, we live in a digital era, and information is inevitably going to be leaked and databases will be hacked. However, I would argue that this dilemma is something different and something more alarming than we’ve faced before.
This didn’t happen because some experienced hacker broke through a firewall. It didn’t happen because of a betrayal of a trusted source. This happened because a
high-ranking official made a careless, easily avoidable mistake. This highly classified information wasn’t stolen; it was shared. All because Waltz couldn’t doublecheck that the number under the contact name was really who he thought.
Crickets from the White House
What’s even worse than the mistake itself? The silence from the White House. Since the incident, there has been no disciplinary action and no formal apology, only a very disappointing press conference that attempted to minimize the issue instead of addressing it. They refuse to even acknowledge that this data breach is extremely alarming and do not even accomplish the bare minimum of apologizing or promising that it will not happen again.
Even when I accidentally texted my ex-friend the group chat invite, I knew that the least I could do was apologize. But these people who are supposed to lead and protect our nation refuse to even take an ounce of accountability.
In fact, Waltz is now claiming that he never added Goldberg’s number to his phone in the first place! Instead, he says that it was somehow mysteriously added to his phone.
Additionally, President Donald Trump refuses to take any action. He doesn’t want to punish Waltz because he says it will satisfy Democrats and open a door for criticisms of his other employees and himself. So instead of addressing a large blunder, he is trying to sweep it under the rug because he is more focused on his image than the safety of state secrets.
So while my Buzzfeed quiz fiasco ended with a quick laugh and a bit of embarrassment, this group chat mistake isn’t something to laugh about. When a nation’s leaders start to treat military plans and national security in such a careless way, the consequences may not just be awkward. They could be dangerous.
White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added The Atlantic’s Jeffery Goldberg to a group chat regarding U.S. strikes in Yemen.
Courtesy of Buzzfeed
Courtesy of the Associated Press
White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added The Atlantic’s Jeffery Goldberg to a group chat regarding U.S. strikes in Yemen.
Blake Robison, robiba24@wfu.edu
Kennedy, kennsm21@wfu.edu
OLD GOLD & BLACK
Football provides new look in Showcase
SEAN KENNEDY Sports Editor
Fans got their first taste of the new era of Wake Forest Football in the 2025 Spring Showcase, showcasing the likes of familiar faces, new transfer portal additions, and arguably the most important new piece of all new Head Football Coach Jake Dickert.
“I’m just excited to see a lot of success out there, and you can see the hard work our men have put in over the last five weeks,” Dickert said of spring practice. “I'm thankful for [my players]. I'm thankful for them accepting the change and understanding what the new Wake Forest is going to look like. I think you got a small taste of that today.”
In a new twist on the traditional “spring game” format, the teams were not made of “black uniforms” and “white uniforms,” but instead by offense and defense. While the offense could earn points in their traditional format (touchdowns, field goals, extra points, and twopoint plays), the defense could earn points in non-conventional ways: three-and-outs (one point each), safeties (two), force a punt (three), a missed field goal (six), and turnovers (seven).
Throughout the scrimmage, a new-look playbook was introduced, created by Dickert and new offensive coordinator Rob Ezell. The scheme included plays expanding the field both horizontally and vertically, changing the look that many Wake Forest fans were used to. In addition, certain plays from the last regime — including those termed as the “slow mesh” by many — were left unseen.
Throughout spring practice, a quarterback battle arose, with incoming transfers Robby Ashford and Deshawn Purdie battling for the QB1 position. Both players have starting experience, as Ashford started nine games for Auburn (2022), while Purdie started six games for Charlotte last season.
“I think with both [Purdie] and [Ashford], you can see very distinct and different skill sets,” Dickert said. “I'm really formulating the offense into what fits their strengths. With [Purdie], he has a big arm. I thought he made some great throws today… and when [Ashford] takes off, who's catching him? Don't be surprised, even going into the season, if we start with two guys.”
For the Wake Forest defense, the mobility of both Ashford and Purdie allows versatility in the construction of the offense.
“They've kept us on our toes,” safety Nick Andersen
said of his quarterbacks. “It's been great because we've been seeing different stuff and new stuff each and every single day. From a defensive perspective, it's been unbelievable to go against this offense.”
One of the largest featured players in the Wake Forest offense next season will be Demond Claiborne, who is returning off a season in which he earned All-ACC Third Team honors. Despite a single carry on the day, Claiborne expects to be a focal point for the team next season.
“Today, I was talking with my coach about how many series I should take, and if it was up to me, I would have played the whole game live,” Claiborne said postgame.
“Don't worry, [Claiborne] took the day off,” Dickert added. “He's gonna carry the ball plenty as we get going.”
The rest of the offense is revamped after a bevy of portal entries and additions following the change in coaching regime. A new-look wide receiver room features one key returner (Micah Mays Jr.), surrounded by new enrollees such as Washington State transfers Carlos Hernandez and Chris Barnes. Purdie had a pair of touchdown throws to different receivers, including a touchdown catch by Cincinnati transfer Sterling Berkhalter.
While the fresh faces did impress, some rust needed to be shaken off in the first competitive outing under Dickert.
“It was a little sloppy at times,” Dickert said. “Getting a field goal blocked in a two-step scenario, taking a sack late in the game at the 30-yard line—those are teachable moments. That's why I love the spring showcase. Getting in pads, going in front of fans, running out of the tunnel– you learn a lot about your football team in these moments.”
While the offense showcased its skills, it turned out to be the defense that would win the day through the revamped point system. After a blocked field goal and some key takeaways, the defense, dressed in white, would win the Spring Showcase. That win came in part due to the Wake Forest secondary, a position group that suffered many injuries last season.
“I think our defense can be really successful when the
spine of the defense is really good and they're communicating—and that starts with [safety] Nick Andersen,” Dickert said. “For a guy who's been here this long to be that focused and aggressive in the daily process—it's awesome to see.”
Andersen also won one of Dickert’s B.E.S.T. awards given out at the end of the first quarter. Voted on by teammates, Andersen won the “Believe” award, followed by Aiden Hall (“Energy”), Claiborne and Davaughn Patterson (“Strain”) and Will Cobb (“Togetherness”).
The Demon Deacons look to start the Jake Dickert era off well on August 19th against Kennesaw State. Wake Forest’s first ACC matchup will be against in-state rival N.C. State at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, September 11th.
Contact Sean Kennedy at kennsm21@wfu.edu
Montana transfer Sawyer Racanelli (9) receives a ball and carries for more yardage against the Wake Forest defense. In a new scoring format, the Demon Deacon defense prevailed in the showcase.
Jake Dickert ushered in his new tenure at Wake Forest Football with the Spring Showcase.
Gabriel Herrera/Old Gold & Black
Gabriel Herrera/Old Gold & Black
Robby Ashford (2) is in a "quarterback battle" against Deshawn Purdie (5, not pictured).
Gabriel Herrera/Old Gold & Black
McIlroy completes Grand Slam at Masters
McIlroy prevails against Rose in a playoff at the Masters to achieve greatness
TEE JOHNSON Staff Writer
A truly thrilling Sunday at Augusta National saw Northern Ireland native Rory McIlroy win his first Masters and the coveted green jacket. McIlroy’s victory was a historic and emotional culmination of a decade-long pursuit of the career grand slam.
This triumph places McIlroy among an elite group of golfers, including Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, who have won all four major championships (Masters, PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship [British Open]).
McIlroy won the Open Championship in 2014, marking his third major championship and putting him just a Masters victory away from legendary status in the game of golf. The last decade has been marked by near-misses and heartbreaking Sundays at Augusta. Each year, the pressure intensified, and many, including McIlroy, wondered if he would ever get it done.
While at times it looked like he had squandered his opportunity yet again, McIlroy prevailed dramatically, defeating Englishman Justin Rose in a playoff. His victory tells a tale of persistence, resilience and redemption – and now nobody can deny his place amongst golf’s legendary figures.
Entering the final round, McIlroy held a two-shot lead over his final pair-
Opinion:
ing partner and American Bryson DeChambeau. A rocky start saw McIlroy finish the first hole with a double bogey, his lead gone in a flash.
He was able to right the ship with birdies on holes three and four, then extended his advantage with two more on the ninth and tenth, building a comfortable lead heading into the final eight holes. It finally seemed like his moment had arrived.
That was until he made a colossal error on the par-5 13th hole. After a slightly wayward teeshot, McIlroy had played his second shot as a layup, staying short of the creek that threatened anyone who failed to reach the green. From no more than 85 yards out, McIlroy took a lazy swing and watched as his ball landed on a slight down slope and carried into the water hazard.
Photo
It was an unthinkable error from McIlroy, who was cruising to a comfortable victory. He ended up making double bogey and would bogey the 14th hole shortly after, falling back to a tie for the lead at -10.
His next birdie opportunity was the par-5 15th hole, where he eagled the previous round. His tee shot was slightly left, and presented a tough angle to the green. Nonetheless, McIlroy squared up to the ball with his 7-iron, and flushed a beautiful high draw that cleared the water hazard short of the green and rolled up near the pin. Jim Nantz captured the moment perfectly, calling it “the shot of a lifetime.”
MBB
McIlroy would go on to hit an incredible shot on the 18th hole in the playoff, landing his ball just beyond the pin on the down slope, which allowed it to feed back and set up a four-foot putt to win. When he rolled in his tournament-winning putt, he collapsed to the ground and was overcome with emotion. The tears were flowing, and he was as animated as any Masters champion has ever been on the 18th green. It was an incredible moment for an incredible golfer, and a great day for the sport as a whole. In his victory speech, McIlroy gave a heartfelt reminder to his daughter Poppy and the rest of the world to “never give up on your dreams.”
While McIlroy stole the headlines, there were three former Demon Deacons that played in the Masters this year: Will Zalatoris, Cameron Young and 31-year-old amateur Evan Beck. Unfortunately, none of these Demon Deacons were able to make the cut. Zalatoris finished at +8, Young finished at +7 , and Beck finished at +9, all well short of the +2 cutline.
It was a disappointing outing for these Demon Deacons, particularly Zalatoris, who finished inside the top 10 just last year. As for Beck, it was his first-ever major championship start, and while he did not make the cut, he called the experience the “coolest thing [he’s] ever done.”
Contact Tee Johnson at johntg23@wfu.edu
transfer grades (so far)
What to look for in Wake Forest Men’s Basketball’s new additions
NAT WIEGMANN Staff Columnist
This article represents the view of Nat Wiegmann, not the Old Gold & Black.
Steve Forbes is once again tasked with rebuilding through the transfer portal — after the loss of Efton Reid, Hunter Sallis and Cam Hildreth.
While the work isn’t finished yet, Wake Forest has already added a promising group of newcomers who could help keep the Deacs competitive in the ACC. From proven scorers to high-upside wings, this class brings versatility, shooting, and a few big question marks.
Myles Colvin - A-
At 6’5 and 200 pounds, Colvin brings the kind of athleticism and shooting that translates well to the ACC. The former four-star recruit comes from Purdue, where he averaged 5.4 points in a limited role on a Sweet Sixteen team. The numbers don’t tell the full story — Colvin had 10 scoreless outings but also five double-digit games, including a 20-point outburst against Ole Miss.
In many ways, his trajectory mirrors that of Hunter Sallis, who posted similar numbers in his second year at Gonzaga before breaking out at Wake. That said, Colvin doesn’t yet have Sallis’s polish as a shot-creator off the bounce.
Still, the opportunity at Wake should give Colvin more freedom to explore his game. With a larger offensive role and fewer stars
around him, he’ll have the chance to develop as a scorer, particularly in transition and spotup situations. Even if he doesn’t make a massive leap, his floor as a capable defender and reliable shooter makes this a strong addition. And if he does take that leap? Steve Forbes may have landed another high-upside transfer gem.
Mekhi Mason - A
If there was one glaring weakness for Wake Forest last season, it was perimeter shooting. Enter Mekhi Mason, a 6’1 guard from Washington who should be an instant remedy for the Deacs’ three-point woes.
Mason is a proven elite shooter, a career 37.2% marksman from beyond the arc, and his role steadily expanded throughout Big 10 play. He delivered several big-time performances against top competition, showcasing not only his shooting touch but also his feel for the game. He’s more than just a spotup threat: Mason is a clever cutter, a crafty secondary ball handler, and someone who thrives within the flow of the offense.
Mason isn’t a pure point guard, but he’s more than capable of handling the ball in spurts and making smart decisions. He’ll be a valuable floor spacer and connector, someone who can slide into different lineups and give Wake the spacing and off-ball movement it sorely missed last season.
Nate Calmese - B+
His offensive game is smooth, confident,
Women’s
Golf falls short in ACC Championship
No. 9 Demon Deacons lose to champion Seminoles
BLAKE ROBISON Asst. Sports Editor
The seventh-ranked and No. 4-seeded Wake Forest Women’s Golf team took on the No. 2-seeded Florida State Seminoles in the ACC Championship final, falling short in match play, 3-2, at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. Junior Anne-Sterre den Dunnen showcased her experience against the No. 1 globally-ranked amateur, Lottie Woad, who clinched Wake Forest’s first point with a 2&1 victory. Sophomore Macy Pate then delivered a 4&3 win to give the Demon Deacons their second point of the afternoon.
and creative. But this isn’t just about scoring. Wake Forest desperately needs stability at point guard after an up-and-down year at the position, and Calmese will be asked to take on a true lead role in Steve Forbes’ backcourt.
That’s where the questions come in. Can he defend ACC guards at a high level? Can he run an offense and lead a team? Can he stay locked in throughout a long season? The talent is there, but the role will be bigger and the leash shorter. If it clicks, Calmese could be one of the most important pieces on the roster. If not, Wake may find itself searching for answers at the point guard position once again.
Cooper Schwieger - B+
The only low-major transfer in Wake’s class, Cooper Schwieger, is a bit of a wild card. He impressed at Valparaiso with his shooting and versatility, drawing interest from heavyweights like Kansas, Michigan, and Virginia. At 6’10”, he stretches the floor well and could complement Trevon Spillers in a modern front-court pairing.
But can his game translate against ACC size and athleticism? There are real questions about whether he’s physically ready to anchor the five. He was pushed around at times in the Missouri Valley. Still, the skill is legit, and if he adjusts to the physicality, this could be a sneaky-good pickup.
Contact Nat Wiegmann at wiegnh23@wfu.edu
With the match tied 2-2 and the championship on the line, it all came down to the final hole. Freshman Sarah Lydic and senior Carolina Chacarra were both tied heading into 18, but Florida State managed to edge out both matches by narrow margins (both 1UP) to take the conference crown.
“Of course, we would rather have a different outcome, but we played some incredible golf and incredible matches today,” Head Coach Kim Lewellen said via post-match statement. “This squad is gritty, tough, and talented, so I look forward to what’s ahead.”
The Demon Deacons had battled throughout the weekend, including victories over defending national champions and No. 1-ranked Stanford Cardinal, and the No. 13-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels.
The ACC Championship appearance marked the fourth for Wake Forest under Coach Lewellen’s leadership. The Demon Deacons will now turn their focus to NCAA Regionals, with their tournament site being revealed on April 23 during the NCAA Selection Show, airing at 1pm on the Golf Channel.
Contact Blake Robison at robiba24@wfu.edu
Courtesy of Wake Forst Athletics
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics
A home away from home
Club sports represent familiar settings in a new place for Wake Forest students
MATT POSTMAN & JAMES LOMBARDO
Contributing Writers
Since 2017, Wake Forest club sports have seen a nearly 70% increase in student participation, totaling an astounding 1,187 students for the 2023-2024 school year.
That’s more than 20% of all undergraduate students at Wake Forest, and these students might be at an advantage compared to everyone else.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that among nearly 1,800 recent freshmen at MSU, students who participated in a sports group averaged a 3.25 GPA at the end of their first year compared to a 3.07 GPA for those who didn’t, per the Journal of College Student Retention, Research, Theory and Practice. Those statistics could mean that students who play club sports at Wake Forest enjoy extra benefits for being active and engaged with sports.
“We want to be able to provide an outlet for students outside the classroom,” said Andrew Butler, the Coordinator for Sport Programs at Campus Recreation. “We want students to just get out there and play.”
Community
One of the contributing factors to these rising numbers of student participation is the sense of community that club sports bring to students.
“I had no idea what I was doing when I got to Wake Forest,” said Junior Club Volleyball player Jules Kratzenberg. “Being from a really small town in Pennsylvania, I had nobody coming here from my high school.”
After making the team, Kratzenberg said she grew more comfortable as a result of her new community.
“The older members of the team were mentors when I joined freshman year,” said Kratzenberg. “It just gave me a great group of friends to start off with.”
Kratzenberg also mentioned that she was the only member of her sorority on her club volleyball team, which is something she values, as she enjoys volleyball’s separation from Greek life.
Members of these organizations draw similarities between their club teams and Greek life organizations on campus, where students can come together with a shared interest.
“I view Club Hockey as a second fraternity,” said junior club hockey player Jesper Snow. “It's a very, very tight-knit group of people that all make sacrifices in other aspects of our lives to keep playing.”
Snow mentioned how the team has members across six different Greek life organizations and those who decided not to join fraternities.
“Despite the fact that a lot of us are split up in Greek life, all of us still remain great friends,” said Snow.
Club Ice Hockey is not the sole club team that has this dynamic. Some club players felt that they became closer to teammates in different classes.
“There are a lot of freshmen that I never would have met, and a lot of seniors who graduated that were very supportive,” said club soccer co-president Anna Anstey.
“The team is together for practices, games, bus rides and even team meals,” sophomore club lacrosse player Alex Jacoby said. “There’s no boundaries between any of us.”
Wake Forest Club Ice Hockey is one of many club sports on campus that provide a sense of community for students. The Ice Hockey team won the ACCHL Championship this
Leadership
Along with this strong sense of community, club sports provide great leadership opportunities for students to help prepare them for the professional world.
“We want to be able to provide students with leadership opportunities on campus,” said Butler. “Club executive boards provide leadership roles which give opportunities for students to grow professionally and have something to put on their resume once they leave Wake Forest.”
Snow, who is the upcoming co-president of Wake Forest Club Ice Hockey, is excited about the leadership experience he will receive in the following year.
“There's a lot of budgeting and planning that we're going to be doing,” said Snow. “That experience could be really valuable for me to build my resume, my skill set, and learn how to lead a team.”
Snow also mentioned the idea of creating internship opportunities for other students to get involved with the team so they can gain valuable experience in the sports world.
Steven James, who is the current vice president of the Club Men’s Lacrosse Team and upcoming co-president, also finds valuable experience from mentoring younger athletes.
James is a pre-med student working towards becoming a resident in the near future, a position where mentorship is a necessary skill for teaching medical students.
“I could really use this leadership experience, and I think it’ll translate really well for me post-grad,” said James.
Lack of Campus Space
Even with the success and benefits that come from club sports, these teams have been struggling to find space to
The Charlotte transfer launched a pair of highlight-worthy touchdown passes in the Wake Forest Football Spring Showcase, including a threaded pass towards Cincinnati transfer Sterling Berkhalter. He continues to battle for the starting spot against Robby Ashford. "Offensively, I thought this was [Purdie's] best day in a long time," Head Coach Jake Dickert said of Purdie's Spring Showcase performance.
come together and practice on campus.
Butler talked about the challenges his department continues to face with equitably allocating field space and resources to clubs.
“On campus, we just have three main large fields, and only one of them has lights,” said Butler. “Especially with the rate we've seen our club sport program growing, it makes it difficult to accommodate our teams.”
Butler is not the only one who sees this concern, as this is something that is impacting the students directly.
“We used to practice three times a week for two hours,” said Kratzenberg, “But now on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we're only allowed to do an hour and a half because we share with the [men’s team].”
This issue is not just limited to club volleyball, as Anstey has also seen similar issues with her women’s soccer team. She mentioned how the team wants to hold a senior night, but cannot find a time to do so, in part because of other intramural and club teams renting out Water Tower Field.
“There’s a lot of moving parts in sharing with other sports,” said Anstey, “If lacrosse is on [Water Tower Field], then we have to play on Poteat Field, which is harder because the ball moves on the grass a lot slower, and there's a lot of random holes on the field.”
James, who shares these issues with Anstey, said that fixing this issue will be difficult without creating more space on campus for club teams.
“Is it fixable? Yes,” said James. “Is it currently feasible? No.”
Contact Matthew Postman & James Lombardo at
Coach [Dickert] has come in and changed this program, and it's made me a better man in the three months that he's been here."
Photo Courtesy of Campus Recreation
past winter.
Running Back Demond Claiborne, on new Head Football Coach Jake Dickert
Evan Harris/Old Gold & Black
Gabriel Herrera/Old Gold & Black
ARTS & CULTURE
Lydia Derris, derrlf23@wfu.edu
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
schugh24@wfu.edu PAGE 18
Grace
Love Letters: An evening with Brooke Shields
GRACE
SCHURINGA
Arts & Culture Editor
Brooke Shields takes to the stage for a Wake Forest Scales fundraiser
No theater, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of the performance. These were the parameters within which A.R. Gurney intended his play to exist.
Gurney’s Love Letters explores the unfamiliar notion of a male-female friendship that spanned more than 50 years. Brooke Shields, who has performed in the play four times in her life, did so once more in Wake Forest’s Scales Theater.
At $285 a ticket, Wake Forest faculty and students gathered to fundraise for Wake Forest University’s theater program.
The first performance was on April 16, with Rowan Henchy, senior Shields’ daughter, in the role of Melissa, and senior Patrick Fenlon costarring as Andie.
The entire play is performed between the two friends seated side-by-side at a table. With two stacks of letters in front of them, the rules are simple: listen and react, but do not look at one another.
“The writing is very specific,” Shields said. “The punctuation is designed for a reason. You don’t embellish anything. You don’t act it — you just elevate what you’re reading. It's a lesson in really letting go of being perfect.”
After her recent performance of Love Letters at the Irish Repertory Theatre in NYC, Shields had the idea to bring the show to Wake Forest’s campus.
“I thought it would be good for them to see how something like this has endured the test of time. And how you can do it at different ages, and it remains the same,” Shields said.
The comparison was clear, with Rowan and Patrick’s performance back-to-back with her own.
“I was nervous because it was my daughter, and I didn’t want to be bossy,” Shields said. “Actors need to be trusted — they need to feel like they deserve to be there because it's such an insecure vocation. To have someone just sit there and watch, it's very naked.”
Henchy adds that the experience was “weird because [Shields] has been telling me what to do, which has been my whole life, but this was different because I was watching her in her element.”
Shields took to the stage the following evening, on April 17, accompanied by Theater Professor Michael Huie. With three acts, the play spans an hour and a half.
The play opens with Andie and Melissa’s initial meeting in 2nd grade, and closes with their parting words more than 50 years later.
“The tendency is to really want to perform it,” Shields said. “You’re out there in front of a large crowd, and you have to hold off on being an actor.”
The letters, read back and forth, demonstrate the candor and intimacy that Andie and Melissa have with one another. The play is, as Shields describes it, “about companionship — loves lost, and love found.”
It shows that love, despite common perception, does not always end up on top.
In his final lines, Andie writes: “I don't think there are many men in this world who have had the benefit of such a friendship with a woman. But it was more than a friendship, too. I know that I loved her. I loved her even from the day I met her, when she walked into second grade, looking like the lost princess of Oz.”
The play was a memorable experience for mother and daughter, both of whom performed with heart-wrenching execution.
Henchy reflects on the experience, noting that “getting into character for Melissa was interesting because I am a 21-year-old who has not experienced the things she has, but I was able to relate to the loss and the pain of not being able to reach and connect with someone. Knowing I was doing something that was exciting and something
I call shotgun A ride-along with the Winston-Salem Police Department
that my mom wanted to also do was really great.”
Freshman Grier Henchy, who sat in the audience both evenings, describes watching her mother and sister embody Melissa.
“It's amazing to see them on and off camera and how they can transform into these emotional characters; but I still see parts of themselves within their characters, showing how they connect to the play and to acting, and demonstrating their love of theatre.” Henchy said.
Contact Grace Schuringa at schugh24@wfu.edu
GRACE SCHURINGA
Arts & Culture Editor
“You ready?” Officer Austin Snider asked as he climbed into the driver’s side of the vehicle.
My response was immediate: “Yes.” What was it exactly that I was ready for? A shoot-out, car chase or gang fight? From the passenger seat of a Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) cop car, all of these were feasible.
“What are we in for tonight?” I asked.
“You never know until you get there,” he responded.
After six years on the force, Snider knew his way around the west side of the city. We began by staking out a known “open drug market,” which exists within the confines of two government-funded houses.
Immediately, a gray van with duct tape sealing the windows caught his eye.
“That’s not supposed to be there,” Snider said definitively before parking on the street and going dark.
On his 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift, Snider frequently visits this same complex with the hope of preventing inebriated drivers from getting behind the wheel. With the familiarity that comes with patrolling the same area, Snider was proficient in identifying all the resident vehicles in this area.
After six years in the Marines, Snider continues to serve our country to “deal with things that people don’t think happen. I want to help people without them knowing that I’m helping them directly.”
Even with our lights off — an attempt to
veil the white police vehicle in the darkness — a man in a yellow jumpsuit stumbles up the block. He spots us and waves before he continues his trek. Snider, to my surprise, waves back.
“That’s Ted, he’s good people,” he said offhandedly. I nod to myself, struck by the extent to which he has immersed himself within this community.
After a few minutes, it was decided that the vehicle must have slipped out of the driveway within the time that we set up our hiding spot. We continued our ride-along as voices came through the intercom and Snider hurriedly entered plates into the system.
“There was a whole COVID-19 class that was taught to just hang around,” Snider said as we exited the highway. “The people didn’t want us out and we stayed out of their way. But that’s not good police work — that’s not what I do.”
One plate, hanging crookedly off an old Volkswagen, caught our attention. After running it through the network, it revealed the car was registered to a Ford semi-truck. The blue and red lights illuminated the back of the Ducati, and we followed as it turned into a driveway.
Snider jumped out and shut the door. A second later, he opened it once again. “You can hop out,” he said nonchalantly.
I excitedly followed his instructions and approached the passenger side window. After excuses and tickets were exchanged between the two men, we re-embarked on our drive.
“I think I ruined our intimidation tactic,” I teased.
“There is no intimidation tactic,” he corrected.
“Take a foot-chase, for example,” Snider said. “Their job is to run and mine is to catch them. And if I catch them, I’m not angry. I’m
just better at my job.”
I had never applied such simplicity to these circumstances.
While we waited for our light at an intersection, a familiar vehicle once again caught our eye: the duct-taped van. After confirmation that it was the same car, Snider re-engaged the siren and we pulled off to the side of the road.
Four passengers sat in the vehicle. In the back seat was Dave, a repeat offender with a pre-established relationship with Snider.
A narcotics dog in training arrived and completed an open sniff of the vehicle. Within a minute, he positively alerted his handler to the presence of contraband.
With a backpack in hand, Snider rounded the vehicle and stood before the group.
“Dave, why do you have a bag of needles and a portable scale?” He questioned.
“I’m diabetic, man,” he responded.
While the evening was equally amusing and memorable, Officer Snider revealed a side of police work that was principled and fair.
“I try to humanize the badge,” Snider said. “Most people in their everyday life never call the police; When they do, I try to understand that although this is my everyday, it's probably their worst day.”
He continued: “Whether they’re the suspect or victim, I try to treat everyone with dignity and respect because, at the end of the day, we’re all humans and we all make mistakes.”
Contact Grace Schuringa at schugh24@wfu.edu
OLD GOLD & BLACK
Schuringa,
Courtesy of Wake Forest University
Grace Schuringa/Old Gold & BlackA
Brooke Shields directs scenes from "Love Letters," performed in Scales.
"To Protect and To Serve," plasters the WSPD cruiser parked outside of the downtown Winston-Salem precinct right before the ride along.
400 years ago, a Chinese artist painted his search for family
Huang Xiangjian from the Ming Dynasty built his fame in filiality through paints of the sublime Southwest
SHERYL ZHANG Staff Writer
Audience members were engrossed in a Chinese “Where’s Waldo” game. They carefully scanned the expansive Chinese ink landscape paintings in this visual search, attempting to locate the diminutive figure of Huang Xiangjian hidden in waterfalls, chasms and sweeping mountain ranges within the very masterpieces he created.
The brushwork of 17th-century Chinese painter Huang Xiangjian was introduced by Elizabeth Kindall, professor of art history at the University of St. Thomas and leading scholar of Chinese painting, during a public lecture on March 20 at Scales Fine Arts Center.
Huang was an “average gentleman” at first glance from Suzhou. He is known for his extraordinary 558-day journey through 2,800 miles of China’s treacherous southwest in search of his exiled parents. Through both his paintings and footnotes, Huang recorded the perilous odyssey as an act of filial piety and artistic identity-building.
“He didn’t have a minivan,” Kindall joked, eliciting warm laughter from the audience. “He was just walking … through bamboo forests, areas with these huge caves and these amazing mountain scapes and waterfalls, dealing with bandits on the road, man-eating tigers, earthquake zones, areas carrying disease and soldier checkpoints […]. Can you imagine? He certainly was a filial son.”
Amid China’s dynastic collapse in the 17th century, Huang decided to leave his settled wife and children in 1652 for his missing
A partial view of Huang Xiangjian's "A Thousand Miles in Search of Relatives" in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
parents, victims of a fractured world caught between the fall of the Ming dynasty and the rise of the Qing. In the chaos, Huang’s parents fled from their home in Suzhou, a cultural hub of late Ming life, to the remote southwestern region of Yunnan. Huang lost contact with his parents for eight years and did not know if they were dead or alive. He set out anyway.
Years later, sunburned, suffering from an eye disease, long-haired and nearly unrecognizable, Huang reached the town of Dayao in Yunnan. He found out that both of his parents had survived.
After their reunion, Huang talked with friends, raised funds and arranged sedan chairs to carry his aging parents back to their home in Suzhou. However, they found out that only the walls of their house were left standing — the Qing troops had taken their home.
Huang was ashamed because he had nothing to provide for his parents. He did what many did during this period — “farming with the brush.” He turned to art. Specifically, he began crafting a public identity: not just as a painter or writer, but as a dutiful son.
Kindall argued that Huang’s paintings were not just landscapes, but a campaign — a deliberate project to promote himself as a paragon
The Pit: what students
don’t
of filial piety.
“Everyone [in China] had to be a filial son,” she explained, and Huang intended to reinforce this persona to “get gifts of rice and money,” governmental appointments and many other social advantages. People even sent their children to study under someone known for deep filial piety. This identity could sustain a family.
Huang and his supporters combined diary entries, commemorative essays and paintings. The diaries, rich with detail, possibly written on the journey or compiled soon after, document Huang’s journey. His friends wrote essays about his journey, printing them alongside the diary to broadcast his devotion. Through this story, Huang created not just an identity but a livelihood for his family.
“I would hope that all who read this will become more caring towards their rulers and fathers and not just let this admirable example go unimitated,” Kindall said. “May it be a lesson to us all.”
In a more intimate dialogue, Kindall met with three Wake Forest art history students for an informal chat at Campus Grounds. Hosted in a small conference room in Greene Hall, the gathering offered a space for students to ask
The Pit tends to
have
& GRACE SCHURINGA Staff Writer & Arts & Culture Editor
The Table at Reynolda, commonly known as “the Pit,” is a popular dining spot among Wake Forest students, offering a wide variety of options, convenience and tasty meals. What do students not know about their frequented dining hall?
The Pit is Wake Forest’s main dining cafeteria. With a buffet-style setup, students can explore various stations, such as Southern Kitchen, which serves comfort food, the Vegan station, a Sandwich Station, a Pasta Bar and more. However, the Pit offers more than just convenience and variety — Harvest Table, the culinary group behind Wake Forest’s dining services, is committed to making the food not only delicious, but also nutritious and sustainable.
Jonathan Burns, director of culinary development, has been with Harvest Table for over six years. The company operates under five key culinary commitments: scratch-made, additivefree, responsibly sourced, locally procured and nutritionally balanced.
Brian Cohen, assistant director of sustainability engagement at Wake Forest’s Office of Sustainability, explains that Harvest Table prioritizes its plant-forward initiative. One example of this is the Pit’s “Signature Burger,” which is a mix of Brasstown beef and roasted mushroom.
The money saved from reducing meat consumption allows for investing in higher-quality, sustainability sourced meat from smallholders rather than large corporations.
“They’re able to do what we call ‘less meat,
candid questions about Chinese art, graduate school and the role of material culture in telling stories across time.
Sophomore Kate Smith explored the relationship between landscape and flower paintings and their connection to garden design. She studies how gardens functioned as threedimensional versions of landscape paintings, and how the two art forms influenced each other. She thought this topic was a little broad and still needed to be narrowed down.
For Kindall, whose own journey into Chinese painting began with a transformative class and a year spent in Taiwan, that winding path is the heart of what makes art history meaningful.
“You should never decide. Make your best choices — and then see what happens,” said Kindall.
Michelle Ye, a senior and art history minor, spoke about being a Chinese international student studying Chinese art through a Western lens. That hybridity was part of the appeal.
“This subject kind of selected me,” Ye said. She started out interested in medieval European wall paintings, but later found her way back to her own culture through material analysis. She is still looking at how things move between places, like ceramics between China, Korea and Japan.
Kindall acknowledged that “transregional study is really on the rise.” She emphasized the value of not locking into a single path too early. “That’s good that you don’t have a plan,” she told them. “If you had a full plan, I’d be worried.”
Contact Sheryl Zhang at zhans21@wfu.edu
know about the dining hall
healthier food than other dining options on campus
better meat,’ Cohen said. “It’s healthier, better for you, better for the environment, and better for the animals.”
Additionally, the ingredients used by Harvest Table are third-party certified — whether USDA Organic, Fairtrade, or Certified Humane — ensuring the food meets high ethical and environmental standards. Harvest Table aims to spend at least 30% of its budget on third-party certified products, making Wake Forest a leader in sustainable dining in higher education.
Variety is key
How does the Pit craft its extensive daily menu?
“If you had your favorite restaurant and you had to go there seven days a week for 16 weeks in a row, what would keep you going there?” Burns said. “Probably not the same chicken alfredo.”
The menu is not set on a rigid cycle but instead evolves based on student feedback and consumption patterns. One of the standout features of the Pit is its tapas station, where students can sample high-end dishes that might otherwise be out of reach.
Student satisfaction is a top priority for Harvest Table, and they strive to accommodate dietary restrictions and health needs.
For example, parents sometimes reach out about students with eating disorders, prompting personal consultations to ensure that the dining program is supportive.
For gluten-free students, the Pit introduced the Stressless Pantry: a safe space where students can access pre-prepared, celiac-friendly meals.
The layout of the cafeteria is also designed
with sustainability in mind. For instance, in the Southern Kitchen station, proteins are placed at the end of the line, encouraging students to load up on grains and vegetables before choosing a small portion of meat.
Quin Wolters, sustainability coordinator for Deacon Dining, said that health, wellness and sustainability often overlap.
“Students who are eating in our dining hall regularly are getting exposed to a sustainable and nutritionally balanced diet, and are being empowered to continue that beyond Wake,” Wolters said.
Wolters says the only complaint that comes to mind has been “the Pit’s” recent switch from Chobani to Stonyfield Yogurt. Though Chobani was a favorite among students, Stonyfield’s USDA Organic certification aligns more closely with Harvest Table’s sustainability efforts.
Freshman Siena Smith appreciates the variety the Pit offers, especially for those seeking health options.
“I think the Pit’s healthier than Benson, and I also feel more full throughout the day,” Smith said.
For Patrick Fenlon, a senior and vegan, the Pit is an ideal place to find plenty of plant-based choices.
“I don't do it for the health benefits, but I think the Pit does a good job of providing a lot of healthy options,” Fenlon said.
Still, Fenlon wasn’t aware of the sustainability initiatives, which he found encouraging.
Despite its broad appeal, the Pit isn’t every student’s first choice. Senior Lilli Ward prefers dining elsewhere for variety but admits she’ll find herself at The Pit out of convenience. As a gluten-free student, she sometimes struggles to find full meals.
“I might have a salad or something that's safe for me to eat and then I'll go and grab like a granola bar or just kind of like another side from the Stressless Pantry,” Ward said.
Ward, an environmental studies minor, recognizes the sustainability efforts, such as eliminating trays to mitigate food waste. Still, she’s skeptical that students aren’t fully aware of the impact.
“It's kind of like, if you go to any buffet or open food, you don't really think about or care what is going to waste. You just want to eat what tastes good at the moment,” Ward said.
Future of Wake Forest Dining
A successful future for Wake Forest dining is a hope for Harvest Table and students alike. Burns hopes to provide more outdoor dining opportunities for students. One opportunity is tents with meals outside on April 22, “Earth Day”, and a “Lunch and Learn” on April 23 on the patio of the green room.
Students like Ward and Fenlon hope for The Pit’s sustainability and dietary efforts to come to fruition.
“I think they do a decent amount of effort, like the Vegan station, All Good station, like that's where I eat the most because it's also allergen free,” Ward said, “but I still think there is a decent amount of food waste.”
“Are they a sustainable icon? I don't know. But is that something that I appreciate and would love to see more of? Yeah.” Fenlon said.
Whether you love it or loathe it, The Pit is more than just a convenient dining hall.
Contact Anita Dongieux & Grace Schuringa at dongap2121@wfu.edu & schugh24@wfu.edu
Courtesy of the Associated Press
ANITA DONGIEUX
The Crossword
OLIVER HALE Design Chief
Home of Chick-Fil-A, OGB office at Wake
Short haircut
WW2 turning point
Not outdoors
Chest protector
Capital of Italia, or type of tomato
Rots
Sick
19. Part of BYOB 20. "ASAP!", in a hospital
22. "Back in Black" band 23. "Yuck!"
26. Depression meds, abbr. 27. ___ paneer (Indian dish made with spinach) 28. Nephew's sister
30. Like some hooks, or Vietnam? 32. Impressive display 33. Very, in slang 34. "Haha" to a texter
35. Charli ___
36. Realtor assn., or how a Kiwi might say "no"
39. Duo with the 2011 hit "Party Rock Anthem"
42. Joltless joe
44. Feminine
46. Sandwich cookies
47. Vergara of "Modern Family"
48. Soviet Union, abbr.
50. Federal agency for retirees, abbr.
51. Cheap grocery chain
52. The year 1052, to Romans
53. West African doughlike food
54. Key ___
56. "Baja Blast" brand (2 words)
61. Tech news site
62. The holy grail for OpenAI, Anthropic, e.g., abbr.
63. 4-time title role for Matt Damon
64. Suffragist Elizabeth ___ Stanton
Office Haikus
“Gives you wings”
By Reese Lile
five redbulls so far dancing monsters in my room one more can’t hurt right?
“War is over” By Sophie Chan
We are near the end I still cannot write haikus Have a good summer. bye.
“Editors lament p.2” by Skyler Villamar-Jones
Midnight print deadline Lots of stories are not done I am so tired.
“Editors lament p.3” By Ella Klein
National Champions Notre Dame? Ohio State Not surprising, Will
“Pit luxuries” By Miriam Fabrycky
I am impressed that The Pit has avocados Even with tariffs
“Untitled” By Lydia Derris
Down
1. Auction action
2. Suffix with ethyl
3. White House advisory group, abbr.
4. "Chandelier" singer
5. Epic journey
6. Egg holders
7. Vancouver's province (2 words)
8. Black gold
9. ___ Drizzy?
10. Pressing business? (2 words)
11. Thingamajig
12. One way to run
13. Pirate's cry
21. AK-47s and M16s, for example
22. iPhone company's ticker symbol on NYSE
23. Spanish article
24. ___ Scout Cookies
25. Protagonist, or hoagie
27. Bud
29. Black Ops franchise (3 words)
31. Curse
35. Popular anxiety drug, informally
37. High cards
38. High-quality tomato sauce brand
40. My birth year, to Romans
41. Air safety org.
42. Triangular chips
43. Where a Demon Deacon might get info on their loans
44. Devoured, with "down"
45. Young Thug gang, or fashion monogram
47. Steamy room
49. "The Lion King" hero
53. TV and internet watchdog
54. The 2% in 2% milk
55. This newspaper's initials
57. Fraternity letters
58. Rap's Dr. ___
59. Multi-talented sinus doc
Contact Oliver Hale at haleop21@wfu.edu Across
No I do not want A haiku, I’m afraid of How I might come off
“Rotten Apples” By Jordan Rill
a sea of black screens broken keyboards, missing mice thank god for laptops
“A New Life” By Nick Costantino
Life has begun new Sunny, rain, pollen, Spring has sprung Anew, we all are
“We need haiku” By Andrew Braun
We need haikus we need haikus we need haikus We need haikus now
“Too much winning” By Oliver Hale
It's too much winning We can't take it anymore We're tired of winning
65. Not yet on the schedule, abbr. 66. They can be liquid or frozen
60. Director Anderson