Wake Forest Athletics, Deacon Club Launches International Leadership Circle

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." By that definition, every member of the Deacon Club is, indeed, a leader. From capital giving to Annual Fund donations to Excellence Funds and more, Deacon Club donors provide support that allows Wake Forest's 400-plus student-athletes to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.

The new International Leadership Circle (ILC) is a comprehensive program for Wake Forest's top annual athletic donors. Each member of the International Leadership Circle has combined annual giving of at least $15,000 with donations going to the Deacon Club Annual Fund, program-specific Excellence Funds and/or priority seating gifts.

Over the past several years, the Deacon Club has put significant effort towards capital project fundraising. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and support of countless donors, Wake Forest Athletics has undergone a complete facility transformation — contributing greatly to the world class student-athlete experience it strives to provide. But fostering a World Class Student-Athlete Experience requires an ongoing focus on all areas within athletics — from academic support and sports medicine, to nutrition, training equipment, and much more, which all require sustained, annual support.

Driven by our goals, including winning championships, the Deacon Club is launching a campaign to invest an additional $14.5 million into the annual operating budget by 2026. These funds will maximize opportunities for student-athlete success.

The ILC will promote awareness of this campaign and also provide recognition to those that are leading the way in ensuring Wake Forest is the model intercollegiate athletics program to follow.

As lead investors in Wake's pursuit of athletic and academic excellence, ILC members are provided unmatched access to Wake Forest Athletics. They receive special periodic communications and updates, not only providing an increased level of accountability and transparency about how their gifts are being invested, but also creating a more intimate connection with Wake Forest Athletics.

For more information about the International Leadership Council, please contact the Deacon Club at (336) 758-5626.

What They Are Saying:

Assistant Athletic Director, Annual Fund and Fan Communications, Gerard McMahon:

"The ILC was created to recognize our top Athletics donors for all of their combined annual support, to identify a new generation of leaders that will shape the future of the next generation of student-athletes, and ultimately, to elevate the opportunity to create a world-class student-athlete experience through direct investment into student-athlete everyday resources."

Deacon Club Board President, Robin Team:

"I am extremely excited about the launch of the International Leadership Circle by the Deacon Club. The programming for this organization will allow members incredible access to a behind-the-scenes look into our athletics programs, coaches and staff as well as unique gatherings exclusive to ILC members. It rewards our loyal donors in a very interesting and tangible way and will encourage others to step up and join the Circle as well. It is an exciting time to be a Demon Deacon, with our football team coming off of a great 2019 season, the beginning of the Steve Forbes era for our basketball program and incredible success in our Olympic sports."

Deacon Club Supporters & International Leadership Club Members, Keith ('72) and Lydia (MA '71) Vaughan:

"Having met at Wake Forest 50 years ago and actively supporting all Deacon athletes since that time, we welcomed the opportunity to increase our contribution to Wake Forest Athletics and become members of the International Leadership Circle. We certainly look forward to the increased engagement in programs for our student-athletes and enhanced camaraderie with committed Deacon fans that ILC membership affords. We are equally excited, however, that our additional contribution could be directed to the Student-Athlete Academic Services/Career Development Excellence Fund. This fund — combined with outstanding coaches, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to compete at a national level — provides support necessary to earn a prestigious degree and ensures that our student-athletes will not only enjoy a truly wonderful experience at Wake Forest but move easily into a career path they so richly deserve. A world class student-athlete experience indeed!"

Deacon Club Supporter & International Leadership Club Member, Rick Brock ('83):

"We all love Wake and it is very easy to support projects and initiatives on a campus-wide basis. For me, having the ability to direct my giving to the women's soccer program and the Athletic Nutrition Excellence Fund personalized the process and put a face on it. My daughter had a wonderful experience on the soccer team, so it was great to learn I could make an impact on that program for future student-athletes and help them have the same great experience and win championships! This was the most compelling way for me to be a part of the International Leadership Circle."

Deacon Club Supporter & International Leadership Club Member, Jason Kon ('10):

"Growing up in Winston-Salem, I fell in love with Wake Forest Athletics at an early age, rooting for Rodney Rogers, Tim Duncan and Randolph Childress from Section 217 of the LJVM Coliseum. Most of my fondest childhood memories are associated with Wake Forest Athletics, and my passion for Wake Forest has only grown over the years. I am so thankful for all Wake Forest has provided me with (including a world-class education), and I feel honored to be able to give back and support this special University that has given me so much joy. Our family is honored to be part of the ILC as it gives us the opportunity to directly impact and build relationships with the coaches and student-athletes that give us so much happiness each season."

Longtime Wake Forest Supporters, Wayne Kathy Myers:

"We feel fortunate that our monetary contributions help finance the advancement of our future pacesetters. As non-graduates of Wake Forest University but long-standing Deacon Club members, we certainly enjoy supporting two sports we care about and cherish our involvement in the International Leadership Circle."

Wake Forest Athletics

Wake Forest Athletics, Deacon Club Launches International Leadership Circle

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