Week Nine Open the Gate Honoree: Janice Story
10/21/2025 9:04:00 AM | Football
The former Wake Forest women’s tennis player and former member of the University’s Board of Trustees will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the Demon Deacons’ game against SMU.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest alumna Janice Story ('75), who played tennis for the Demon Deacons and previously served as a member of the University's Board of Trustees, will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the Demon Deacons' week nine matchup against SMU on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Allegacy Stadium.
Born and raised in nearby Wilkesboro, N.C., Story was a member of the first Wake Forest women's tennis team that was recognized after the passage of Title IX legislation. Story would play three seasons for the Demon Deacons before graduating in 1975 with a degree in Physical Education.
After graduating from Wake Forest, Story and her husband, Ed, moved to Atlanta in 1978, where she earned an MBA in Finance at Emory University in 1982. She would then go on to work in investments for Metropolitan Life before giving up corporate life to become a fulltime mom and follow her three kids all over the United States as a soccer team manager.
Story has continued her connection to Wake Forest University over the years, having previously been a member of the Alumni Council, and most recently served her fifth term as a member of the University's Board of Trustees.
She has also been a major supporter of Wake Forest Athletics from afar. In July of this year, Story fully endowed the Janice Kulynych Story Athletic Scholarship for Women's Tennis, a scholarship that was started by her father as a surprise gift many years ago, with a $2 million donation.
Today, Story resides with her husband in Park City, Utah and currently serves as Chairman and Treasurer of The Syla Foundation, which focuses on helping children thrive and supporting adults in need of economic opportunity and behavioral health services.
Open the Gate Information & 2025 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.
Week 1 - Tony Bresky
Week 2 - Johnny Foster ('78)
Week 3 - Erin Regan ('02)
Week 5 - Brandon Chubb ('16)
Week 9 - Janice Story ('75)
Born and raised in nearby Wilkesboro, N.C., Story was a member of the first Wake Forest women's tennis team that was recognized after the passage of Title IX legislation. Story would play three seasons for the Demon Deacons before graduating in 1975 with a degree in Physical Education.
After graduating from Wake Forest, Story and her husband, Ed, moved to Atlanta in 1978, where she earned an MBA in Finance at Emory University in 1982. She would then go on to work in investments for Metropolitan Life before giving up corporate life to become a fulltime mom and follow her three kids all over the United States as a soccer team manager.
Story has continued her connection to Wake Forest University over the years, having previously been a member of the Alumni Council, and most recently served her fifth term as a member of the University's Board of Trustees.
She has also been a major supporter of Wake Forest Athletics from afar. In July of this year, Story fully endowed the Janice Kulynych Story Athletic Scholarship for Women's Tennis, a scholarship that was started by her father as a surprise gift many years ago, with a $2 million donation.
Today, Story resides with her husband in Park City, Utah and currently serves as Chairman and Treasurer of The Syla Foundation, which focuses on helping children thrive and supporting adults in need of economic opportunity and behavioral health services.
Open the Gate Information & 2025 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.
Week 1 - Tony Bresky
Week 2 - Johnny Foster ('78)
Week 3 - Erin Regan ('02)
Week 5 - Brandon Chubb ('16)
Week 9 - Janice Story ('75)
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