Roper Osborne Halverson & Dr. Herman Eure Honored as 2025-26 Trailblazer Award Recipients
12/16/2025 9:57:00 AM | General, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Volleyball
The two pioneers in Wake Forest University faculty and athletics will be celebrated on Feb. 7 in an enshrinement ceremony.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest University is proud to announce alumni Roper Osborne Halverson and Dr. Herman Eure as recipients of the 2025-26 Trailblazer Award. The two Demon Deacons will be enshrined in a morning ceremony on Feb. 7.
A 2013 Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Osborne Halverson competed as a three-sport standout for the Deacs during the mid-1970s. Dr. Eure became the first African-American to join the Wake Forest faculty in 1974, leading to a career that saw him play an instrumental role in the university's integration efforts. The Wake Forest Trailblazer award was created in 2021 named in honor of the first Black football student-athletes to enroll at a Division I institution in the South – Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry.
The Trailblazer Award ceremony is set to be held in the Snead Room inside Bridger Field House on Feb. 7. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Fans and members of the Winston-Salem community who are interested in attending the event can contact Assistant Director, Donor Engagement Jacquelyn Gile (gilej@wfu.edu) for more information.
Fans are encouraged to read these feature stories featuring this year's Trailblazer Award recipients:
Previous Trailblazer Award Honorees:
What They're Saying:
Roper Osborne Halverson - Women's Basketball, Women's Golf and Volleyball
Roper Osborne Halverson had a heavy influence as a pioneer in women's athletics at Wake Forest. A native of Winston-Salem, she came to the University in 1972 after graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School. The multi-sport athlete quickly emerged as a standout in women's basketball, women's golf and volleyball.
Serving as a captain in basketball, Osborne Halverson earned AIAW all-state honors while averaging 15.8 points and 12.3 rebounds as a junior and 18.8 points and 7.9 rebounds as a senior. She was named to the North Carolina Small College all-conference team and the Division II All Division basketball team in 1976.
Osborne Halverson also showed her leadership as a captain in volleyball, playing a significant role on one of the most successful rosters in program history during the 1975 season. That team posted a 31-9 overall record – still holding program records for single-season wins and win percentage (.775). Osborne Halverson helped pace the Deacs through the memorable year, as the group was named champions of the 1975 State Tournament and Memphis State University Regional Tournament en route to earning a bid to the first Small College National Volleyball Tournament.
Following her graduation, Osborne Halverson served as an assistant volleyball and basketball coach for the Deacs while also becoming Wake Forest's first female athletic trainer in 1977 – the start of a career in the medical field that lasted over four decades.
A former analyst on the Wake Forest IMG women's basketball network, Osborne Halverson was inducted into the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, the R.J. Reynolds High School Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Mount Tabor Hall of Fame in 2014. She was also recognized as an ACC Women's Basketball Legend in 2012.
In 2013, Osborne Halverson was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
Dr. Herman Eure - Wake Forest University Distinguished Faculty Member
In 1969, Dr. Herman Eure chose to pursue his Ph.D. in biology at Wake Forest, becoming the first African-American graduate student on the Reynolda Campus and the first black doctoral recipient in 1974.
When he was offered a faculty position at Wake Forest in 1974, Dr. Eure was already recognized as a campus leader, serving as a role model and mentor to minority undergraduate students. He helped establish the then-Office of Minority Affairs, now known as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which created the foundation Wake Forest continues to build upon.
Known for his innovative and enthusiastic approach, Dr. Eure earned high respect both in and out of the classroom from his students and faculty counterparts. He was awarded the inaugural Trident Professor Award from Delta Delta Delta in 1990 and the John Reinhardt Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2001. He also received the Donald O. Schoonmaker Faculty Award for Community Service in 2012. Dr. Eure served as chair of the biology department for several years and as Associate Dean of Faculty Development from 2006 to 2010.
In 2008, Dr. Eure was selected as the first faculty member to deliver the Founders' Day Convocation address. His career represents and honors two of Wake Forest's notable traditions in the teacher-scholar ideal and the Pro Humanitate mission to serve. Wake Forest bestowed its highest honor, the Medallion of Merit, on him in 2017, recognizing his decades of service as a gifted and inspiring teacher-scholar while maintaining a clear dedication and commitment to the university's spirit.
A native of Corapeake, N.C., Dr. Eure attended Maryland State College on academic and athletic scholarships. As an undergraduate, he thrived academically and became active in student government as well as the civil rights movement. After graduating in 1969, he was awarded the prestigious Ford Fellowship to fund five years of graduate studies.
About the Trailblazer Award
The Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award was created to recognize the significance of the first Black football players at Wake Forest University and the historical role Wake Forest Athletics played in integrating Division I sports in the South. Being the first Black football players took Courage to take to the field on behalf of their teammates and the Wake Forest community, despite the risks. It took deep Faith to believe that their teammates, the coaching staff, and the Wake Forest community would offer steady support during critical times. As Transformational leaders, it took Trusting in their abilities, talents and tremendous fortitude to persevere, that would set trails, often not traveled, ablaze, lighting the way and leaving paths of success for all of the athletes yet to come in the south. Hence, this award celebrates Wake Forest student-athletes, alumni, staff and community members who have blazed trails in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and other important social issues that better the lives of others in the Pro Humanitate tradition that is the central spirit of Wake Forest University.
There is no minimum or maximum number of honorees per year, and nominees (which can be sent to wfsports@wfu.edu) will be reviewed by the Trailblazer Award Committee.
Trailblazer Award Committee
About Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is known for its distinctive combination of world-class academics, unrivaled campus experience, intimate learning environment and Power 4 athletics in a top-growing metro market. A Charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Demon Deacons have won 59 conference titles and are one of nine ACC schools to win 11 or more national championships. Additionally, with 1.7 million people within 30 miles of campus, Wake Forest anchors the Winston-Salem and Triad market, which ranks as ESPN's seventh-best nationally from a viewership perspective.
Wake Forest's comprehensive excellence includes its highly regarded school of medicine, business school, law school and an innovative department of engineering. Additionally, Wake Forest has campuses across Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Washington, DC – providing many academic offerings to students from across the nation and around the world.
Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu and at GoDeacs.com.
A 2013 Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Osborne Halverson competed as a three-sport standout for the Deacs during the mid-1970s. Dr. Eure became the first African-American to join the Wake Forest faculty in 1974, leading to a career that saw him play an instrumental role in the university's integration efforts. The Wake Forest Trailblazer award was created in 2021 named in honor of the first Black football student-athletes to enroll at a Division I institution in the South – Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry.
The Trailblazer Award ceremony is set to be held in the Snead Room inside Bridger Field House on Feb. 7. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Fans and members of the Winston-Salem community who are interested in attending the event can contact Assistant Director, Donor Engagement Jacquelyn Gile (gilej@wfu.edu) for more information.
Fans are encouraged to read these feature stories featuring this year's Trailblazer Award recipients:
Previous Trailblazer Award Honorees:
- 2024-25:
- 2023-24:
- 2021-22:
What They're Saying:
- Roper Osborne Halverson:
- "To receive the Trailblazer Award from Wake Forest University is an incredible honor. I'm mindful of the trailblazers who paved the way before me and grateful to God for the chance to continue their legacy. This recognition isn't just about what I've done — it's about what God has done through me. I'm grateful for His direction and strength. Every step I take is a testament to His grace."
- Dr. Herman Eure:
- "When I think of all of the people who led the way for diversity and inclusion, in all aspects of this University community, I am awed, honored and proud to be included in that group. In addition, being a recipient of the Trailblazer Award, alongside of my dear friend and fellow Deacon, Roper Osborne Halverson, is especially pleasing because Roper is the epitome of everything good about Women's Athletics at Wake Forest. Without Roper's contributions, there would have been no women's athletic program at Wake Forest! My work with athletes in the classroom and on their respective playing fields and arenas has been both a rewarding and deeply satisfying experience. These young men and women have entertained me, studied with me, taught me, and made me proud to be a part of their time at this University. I am deeply honored to be a recipient of this award."
- President Susan R. Wente:
- "Roper Osborne Halverson and Dr. Herman Eure exemplify the best of Wake Forest's values and the enduring spirit of Pro Humanitate. Each, in their own way, transformed what was possible at our University: Roper, by breaking barriers in women's athletics and demonstrating leadership, courage, and excellence during a pivotal time for women as student-athletes; and Dr. Eure by devoting so much of his life to advancing opportunity, inclusion, and understanding across our campus. Their stories reaffirm that progress is not inevitable — it is built by people of vision and conviction who care deeply about others and who put that care to work in the service of humanity. We are proud to celebrate two such people whose impact continues to strengthen Wake Forest."
- Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie:
- "Few individuals better reflect the enduring strength of Wake Forest Athletics and our University community than Roper Osborne Halverson and Dr. Herman Eure. Roper's competitive spirit, leadership, and courage during the formative years of women's sports on our campus helped pave the way for the championship-caliber programs we celebrate today. Dr. Eure's vision, mentorship, and tireless commitment to inclusion have made Wake Forest a stronger, more unified community for all. Their stories remind us that the power of sports and education lies not just in achievement, but in the impact we have on others. It is an honor to celebrate two true trailblazers whose contributions continue to inspire our student-athletes, coaches, and fans."
Roper Osborne Halverson - Women's Basketball, Women's Golf and Volleyball
Roper Osborne Halverson had a heavy influence as a pioneer in women's athletics at Wake Forest. A native of Winston-Salem, she came to the University in 1972 after graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School. The multi-sport athlete quickly emerged as a standout in women's basketball, women's golf and volleyball.
Serving as a captain in basketball, Osborne Halverson earned AIAW all-state honors while averaging 15.8 points and 12.3 rebounds as a junior and 18.8 points and 7.9 rebounds as a senior. She was named to the North Carolina Small College all-conference team and the Division II All Division basketball team in 1976.
Osborne Halverson also showed her leadership as a captain in volleyball, playing a significant role on one of the most successful rosters in program history during the 1975 season. That team posted a 31-9 overall record – still holding program records for single-season wins and win percentage (.775). Osborne Halverson helped pace the Deacs through the memorable year, as the group was named champions of the 1975 State Tournament and Memphis State University Regional Tournament en route to earning a bid to the first Small College National Volleyball Tournament.
Following her graduation, Osborne Halverson served as an assistant volleyball and basketball coach for the Deacs while also becoming Wake Forest's first female athletic trainer in 1977 – the start of a career in the medical field that lasted over four decades.
A former analyst on the Wake Forest IMG women's basketball network, Osborne Halverson was inducted into the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, the R.J. Reynolds High School Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Mount Tabor Hall of Fame in 2014. She was also recognized as an ACC Women's Basketball Legend in 2012.
In 2013, Osborne Halverson was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
Dr. Herman Eure - Wake Forest University Distinguished Faculty Member
In 1969, Dr. Herman Eure chose to pursue his Ph.D. in biology at Wake Forest, becoming the first African-American graduate student on the Reynolda Campus and the first black doctoral recipient in 1974.
When he was offered a faculty position at Wake Forest in 1974, Dr. Eure was already recognized as a campus leader, serving as a role model and mentor to minority undergraduate students. He helped establish the then-Office of Minority Affairs, now known as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which created the foundation Wake Forest continues to build upon.
Known for his innovative and enthusiastic approach, Dr. Eure earned high respect both in and out of the classroom from his students and faculty counterparts. He was awarded the inaugural Trident Professor Award from Delta Delta Delta in 1990 and the John Reinhardt Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2001. He also received the Donald O. Schoonmaker Faculty Award for Community Service in 2012. Dr. Eure served as chair of the biology department for several years and as Associate Dean of Faculty Development from 2006 to 2010.
In 2008, Dr. Eure was selected as the first faculty member to deliver the Founders' Day Convocation address. His career represents and honors two of Wake Forest's notable traditions in the teacher-scholar ideal and the Pro Humanitate mission to serve. Wake Forest bestowed its highest honor, the Medallion of Merit, on him in 2017, recognizing his decades of service as a gifted and inspiring teacher-scholar while maintaining a clear dedication and commitment to the university's spirit.
A native of Corapeake, N.C., Dr. Eure attended Maryland State College on academic and athletic scholarships. As an undergraduate, he thrived academically and became active in student government as well as the civil rights movement. After graduating in 1969, he was awarded the prestigious Ford Fellowship to fund five years of graduate studies.
About the Trailblazer Award
The Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award was created to recognize the significance of the first Black football players at Wake Forest University and the historical role Wake Forest Athletics played in integrating Division I sports in the South. Being the first Black football players took Courage to take to the field on behalf of their teammates and the Wake Forest community, despite the risks. It took deep Faith to believe that their teammates, the coaching staff, and the Wake Forest community would offer steady support during critical times. As Transformational leaders, it took Trusting in their abilities, talents and tremendous fortitude to persevere, that would set trails, often not traveled, ablaze, lighting the way and leaving paths of success for all of the athletes yet to come in the south. Hence, this award celebrates Wake Forest student-athletes, alumni, staff and community members who have blazed trails in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and other important social issues that better the lives of others in the Pro Humanitate tradition that is the central spirit of Wake Forest University.
There is no minimum or maximum number of honorees per year, and nominees (which can be sent to wfsports@wfu.edu) will be reviewed by the Trailblazer Award Committee.
Trailblazer Award Committee
- Phil Barnhill '91
- Steve Bowden '72
- Dr. Janice Collins '86
- Tracy Connor - Riddick '96, PA '99
- Dr. Herman Eure PhD '74, P '23
- Barry Faircloth '93, P '22, P '23
- Cynthia Kelley '99
- Dwight Lewis P '24, P '26
- Gil McGregor '81
- Roxann Moody '82
- Bill Overton '68
- Jody Puckett '70, P '00
- Barbara Walker
About Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is known for its distinctive combination of world-class academics, unrivaled campus experience, intimate learning environment and Power 4 athletics in a top-growing metro market. A Charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Demon Deacons have won 59 conference titles and are one of nine ACC schools to win 11 or more national championships. Additionally, with 1.7 million people within 30 miles of campus, Wake Forest anchors the Winston-Salem and Triad market, which ranks as ESPN's seventh-best nationally from a viewership perspective.
Wake Forest's comprehensive excellence includes its highly regarded school of medicine, business school, law school and an innovative department of engineering. Additionally, Wake Forest has campuses across Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Washington, DC – providing many academic offerings to students from across the nation and around the world.
Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu and at GoDeacs.com.
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