Week 13 Open the Gate Honoree: Costi H. Kutteh
11/18/2025 8:09:00 AM | Football
The Wake Forest graduate and longest serving Deacon Club Board member will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the Demon Deacons’ regular season finale against Delaware.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Costi Kutteh, a member of the Deacon Club Board of Directors and the longest serving Deacon Club Board member, will serve as the Open the Gate honoree for the Demon Deacons' final home game of the season against Delaware on Saturday, Nov. 22 inside Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Kutteh has had a long history with Wake Forest University, having graduated magna cum laude in 1973 with a degree in psychology. Wake Forest is also where he met his wife of 50 years, Teresa Currin Kutteh ('73, MAED '74).
Following his time at Wake Forest, Kutteh earned his law degree from Duke in 1976, leading to a distinguished and rewarding law career in Statesville, N.C. Currently, Kutteh serves as the managing member at Pope McMillan P.A.
In addition, Kutteh has a long career in government, having served five terms as the Mayor of Statesville over a 20-year period, leaving the office as the city's longest serving mayor.
Outside of local government and practicing law, Kutteh has remained a major contributor to both the University and Wake Forest Athletics over the last several decades. Kutteh has served on the Deacon Club Board of Directors since 1995, making him the longest serving Deacon Club Board member. In addition, Kutteh has been a member of the International Leadership Circle, the Deacon Club Board of Directors president from 1998-2000, and a member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Costi and Teresa have also provided scholarships for student-athletes on both the women's golf and field hockey programs, have donated to every major athletic campaign at Wake Forest since they graduated, and have been season ticket holders for both basketball and football. As a result of his dedication to Wake Forest University and Wake Forest Athletics, Costi was named a recipient of the Loyal Deacon Award.
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)
Week 12 - Nick Kurtz
Week 13 - Costi Kutteh ('73)
Kutteh has had a long history with Wake Forest University, having graduated magna cum laude in 1973 with a degree in psychology. Wake Forest is also where he met his wife of 50 years, Teresa Currin Kutteh ('73, MAED '74).
Following his time at Wake Forest, Kutteh earned his law degree from Duke in 1976, leading to a distinguished and rewarding law career in Statesville, N.C. Currently, Kutteh serves as the managing member at Pope McMillan P.A.
In addition, Kutteh has a long career in government, having served five terms as the Mayor of Statesville over a 20-year period, leaving the office as the city's longest serving mayor.
Outside of local government and practicing law, Kutteh has remained a major contributor to both the University and Wake Forest Athletics over the last several decades. Kutteh has served on the Deacon Club Board of Directors since 1995, making him the longest serving Deacon Club Board member. In addition, Kutteh has been a member of the International Leadership Circle, the Deacon Club Board of Directors president from 1998-2000, and a member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Costi and Teresa have also provided scholarships for student-athletes on both the women's golf and field hockey programs, have donated to every major athletic campaign at Wake Forest since they graduated, and have been season ticket holders for both basketball and football. As a result of his dedication to Wake Forest University and Wake Forest Athletics, Costi was named a recipient of the Loyal Deacon Award.
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)
Week 12 - Nick Kurtz
Week 13 - Costi Kutteh ('73)
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