From the Quad

From the Quad

7/15/2025 9:51:00 AM | General

Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
 
Good Morning Demon Deacon Nation,
 
We're just 45 days away from Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium as the Demon Deacons kick off the Coach Jake Dickert era on Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. against Kennesaw State, live on ACC Network! While ticket sales for all seven home football games continue at a torrid pace, our partners at Carter and Front Street Capital are making incredible progress on The Grounds — Winston-Salem's new mixed-use entertainment zone. Check out this video captured just yesterday to see the latest progress. Whether you're visiting Joel Coliseum or Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium this month for big summer events like national phenomena Dude Perfect, the fast-paced action of Bulls, Bands and Barrels, or NightBEAT, remember to allow yourself a little extra time to adjust to new traffic patterns in the area.
 
There's no question that Coach Jake Dickert is fired up, and several of our student-athletes have been all over town building connections — including recent visits to Wake Forest Sports Properties partners like Cook Out, Bojangles, Little Richard's BBQ, and Miller's on Robinhood. The Deacs have also stopped by the homes and businesses of some of our longtime season ticket holders to thank them face-to-face for their loyal support. Rain or shine, their presence helps make Allegacy Stadium one of the most electric and welcoming venues in the ACC!
 
These outreach efforts are more than photo ops — they're a cornerstone of the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. They reflect a deeper commitment to creating real value for our neighbors, fans, and University by building a shared experience that welcomes everyone — because Wake Forest Football belongs to Winston-Salem and the entire Triad community.
 
And, there's never been a better time to get in on the excitement.
 
We still have a limited number of $49 Opening Night Four Packs available — a perfect chance to invite a friend, new neighbor, colleague, or even your child's teacher to experience the Deacs in person. Each four-pack includes four tickets, a parking pass, and a $20 Bojangles gift card, making it an easy and affordable way to enjoy gameday together. This fan-friendly offer is available through Aug. 14 at midnight — or while supplies last — so lock in your seats today!
 
And remember, season tickets start at just $149 — at only about $21 per game there is no better big-time entertainment value in North Carolina - and you can get benefits like priority parking and early access to premium experiences. With the Lowes Foods DEACTOWN Fan Zone open pregame, upgraded food and drink options inside the stadium (including local food trucks), you don't have to worry about cooking or cleanup — just show up and enjoy an unforgettable day cheering on the Deacs!
 
To explore all your options, visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets, call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1, or email us at tix@wfu.edu. Our team is happy to walk you through the best choices for you, your family, or your group.
 
And, I'd love to hear from you — send me a note at wfuad@wfu.edu and let me know who you're inviting to Allegacy Stadium this fall. Let's keep showing the Carolinas what the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina looks like — together! 
 
Before we move on, next week starts "talking season" for Coach Dickert and our players at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte. Stay tuned to GoDeacs.com and our @WakeFB social media platforms for more details on how to follow our Demon Deacons in the Queen City on July 23. Additionally, mark your calendars for Monday, July 21, as Wake Forest takes over ACC Network with a full day of replays featuring some of the most unforgettable moments from the 2024-25 season across Wake Athletics.
 
President Susan R. Wente Named Chair of ACC Board of Directors
President Susan R. Wente has been named Chair of the Atlantic Coast Conference Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025. She has served as Vice-Chair since February 2024 and has been a member of the ACC Executive Committee since 2021. Her selection reflects Wake Forest's leadership role within the ACC and higher education, and it underscores the University's commitment to one of our longest standing partnerships. 
 
THANK YOU! Wake Forest Athletics Donors Produce Another Historic Giving Year in FY25
Thanks to the incredible support and passion of the Wake Forest community, we're proud to share that Wake Forest Athletics has once again surpassed $33 million in total cash gifts — marking our fifth-consecutive year exceeding the $30 million milestone and further solidifying our momentum as the fastest-growing brand in the Power 4.
 
I'm incredibly grateful to share that our International Leadership Circle has grown to 359 dedicated members this year—a 20% increase from last year of donors from across America and abroad who give at least $15,000 annually in operating and current use scholarship support, directly fueling our ability to provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
 
One of the signature successes of FY25 was the continued growth of the "In Her Wake" initiative. In partnership with Truist and our Her Victory campaign, more than $39 million has now been raised in support of women's athletics — including direct investments in facilities, scholarships, and coaching.
 
This transformational generosity fueled major moments in FY25: Wake Forest Athletics has now generated $165 million in total cash gifts over the past five years—a 32% increase compared to the previous five-year period. This extraordinary momentum reflects the unwavering belief of our alumni, parents, and fans in our student-athletes, our shared values, and our continued pursuit to make Wake Forest A Model Intercollegiate Athletics Program.
 
I'm especially proud of the leadership of Executive Associate AD Barry Faircloth, Senior Associate AD Mike Piscetelli, and our outstanding Deacon Club staff, whose relationship-first approach continues to drive transformational results. Special thanks as well to Deacon Club Board President Bill Robinson, our dedicated Volunteer Army, and the ever-growing International Leadership Circle for their tireless commitment to our mission.
 
If you haven't yet joined the movement, there's still time to be a part of what's ahead. Visit the Deacon Club website, email us at deacclub@wfu.edu, or call 336-758-5626.
 
Old Town Club Soars in National & Global Golf Rankings
Speaking of records, Old Town Club continues to earn prestigious recognition across the golf world. Most recently, Golf Digest ranked Old Town No. 39 on its list of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses for 2025-26. Golf Magazine also ranked Old Town No. 4 in the Southeast and No. 84 in the world on its global Top 100 list. Meanwhile, Top100GolfCourses.com slotted Old Town No. 2 in the South, No. 20 in the U.S., and No. 38 in the world. Golfweek Magazine's 2025 rankings placed Old Town as the No. 15 "Classic" course in America and No. 1 among all private courses in North Carolina.
 
We are proud and grateful to the membership and OTC board of directors to be able to call Old Town the home of Wake Forest golf! 
 
Dave Clawson Appointed Executive Affiliate with Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character
Wake Forest recently shared that Coach Dave Clawson has been appointed an Executive Affiliate with the Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character at the Wake Forest School of Business. Coach Clawson's commitment to developing young people—on and off the field—has always been at the core of his leadership. His continued engagement in the life of the University reflects the lasting impact he's had on generations of Wake Forest students. During his 11 seasons as our head coach, Coach Clawson guided the football program to record-setting success, including seven-straight bowl games, an ACC Atlantic Division title, and the school's first-ever top-10 national rankings. In this new role, he will work directly with students across academic programs, serve as a mentor and co-teacher, and contribute to leadership initiatives that align closely with Wake Forest's mission to develop leaders of character.
 
Coach Clawson's influence on Wake Forest continues—and we're better for it.
 
Women's Soccer Alum Erin Regan to Receive Prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service
Speaking of making a positive impact, we are proud to share that Wake Forest women's soccer alum Erin Regan ('02) has been named the recipient of the 2025 Pat Tillman Award for Service and will be honored at The ESPYS on Wednesday. A former All-ACC goalkeeper and career saves leader for the Deacs, Erin now serves as a firefighter and co-founder of Girls' Fire Camp, which introduces young women to emergency services. Her commitment to service is a shining example of Pro Humanitate. Congratulations, Erin!
 
Thanks to Provost Michele Gillespie for Her Longtime Service to Wake Forest
Earlier this month, Provost Michele Gillespie announced that she will step down from her administrative role on July 31 and return to the faculty as the Presidential Endowed Professor of Southern History. Since becoming Provost in 2022—and previously as Dean of the College—she has played a vital role in advancing Wake Forest's academic excellence, strengthening our selectivity, and expanding access for transfer students. Through the challenges of COVID-19 and the ongoing pressures facing higher education, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to faculty and student success. Michele is also an accomplished historian, and I highly recommend her award-winning book Katharine and R.J. Reynolds: Partners of Fortune in the Making of the New South (2012).
 
Lilly Foundation's $30 Million to Boost Wake's National Leadership in Character Education
Wake Forest's Educating Character Initiative (ECI) will significantly expand its national impact thanks to $30 million in new funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant supports a growing network of more than 400 institutions and will fund a new round of Institutional Impact Grants in 2026. Since launching in 2023, ECI has already invested $35 million to help campuses nationwide integrate character education rooted in their unique identities. Since his arrival in Winston-Salem in 2016, Executive Director Michael Lamb has leveraged Wake Forest's strengths to establish a preeminent national position for our Leadership and Character Program. Congratulations to Dr. Lamb, ECI director Jennifer Rothschild, and President Wente for this incredible validation of Wake Forest excellence!
 
Wake Forest Honors Top Student-Athletes with 2025 Arnold Palmer, Marge Crisp & Newcomer Awards
Wake Forest Athletics recently announced the recipients of its highest annual honors, recognizing four student-athletes whose performances elevated their programs and left a lasting mark on the 2024–25 academic year. These honors reflect more than statistics or wins — they recognize student-athletes whose excellence, leadership, and championship mindset defined a remarkable year for Wake Forest. From DK's title-clinching victory and being named the ACC Men's Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year to Caiya's record-breaking run and national recognition, and from Stefan's MVP performance in the NCAA Tournament to Emily's spark during the program's first-ever national championship appearance, each honoree helped write a new chapter in Demon Deacon history.
 
Their contributions reflect the highest standards of Wake Forest Athletics — and their legacies will inspire future generations of Deacs.
 
Rocky Hansen Shatters School & Collegiate Records in California
Speaking of high standards, Wake Forest junior Rocky Hansen turned in one of the greatest performances in collegiate distance running history last Saturday night, clocking a school-record 13:07.77 in the 5000m at the Sound Running Sunset Tour in Los Angeles. Competing in a mostly professional field, Rocky placed second overall and became the fastest American collegian ever in the outdoor 5000m, while also posting the fourth-fastest outdoor and seventh-fastest overall time in collegiate history. This milestone continues an incredible season for Rocky and we look forward to him and his teammates battling for another ACC men's cross country crown this fall!
 
NASCAR's Cook Out Clash To Return to Winston-Salem's Bowman Gray Stadium in 2026
NASCAR is coming back to The Madhouse! This past February 1st and 2nd delivered one of the best Winston-Salem winter weekends in recent memory. A highly-contested and fun Demon Deacon ACC basketball win over Pittsburgh on ESPN2 that Saturday was followed by the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray on Sunday — marking the first race of NASCAR's top tier on the historic short track since 1971. Year two of the Cook Out Clash returns to the FOX airwaves at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, just one week before the Daytona 500. It's yet another great reason to Visit Winston-Salem!
 
Winston-Salem Open Returns to Wake Forest August 16–23
And speaking of international attention, for the 14th year Wake Forest Tennis Center is proud to welcome the Winston-Salem Open, one of only three ATP 250 professional tennis events in the United States—and the only one held on a college campus. From August 16–23, some of the world's top players will compete right here in our own backyard at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex. This tournament is a unique opportunity to experience world-class tennis in an intimate setting that offers fans unmatched access to the action.
 
Click here to learn more and purchase tickets — we'll see you courtside!
 
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs: 
  1. Join me in remembering Ross Griffith as a dedicated Wake Forest alumnus and leader who served our University with distinction across multiple roles for nearly five decades. Ross's impact ranged from advancing opportunity and campus accessibility to guiding strategic planning and earning Wake Forest perfect accreditation scores — all while sharing his passion for tennis as a respected official at both state and national levels.
  2. Don't miss a moment of the action this season for our men's and women's basketball seasons! Season tickets are now available with men's tickets starting at just $195 and include high-profile home games vs. NC State, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Clemson and Oklahoma. Meanwhile, women's tickets are $60 for adults and include exclusive perks like courtside seating, team meet-and-greets, and more! Lock in your seats today (visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322) and be part of the excitement at LJVM Coliseum!
  3. As CNBC recently named North Carolina the No. 1 state for business in America in 2025, there's never been a better time to join the growing list of companies partnering with Wake Forest Athletics. If your business is planning its FY26 marketing strategy, contact Wake Forest Sports Properties GM Banks Shepherd (bshepherd@wakeforestsportsproperties.com / 336-896-9719) to learn how an affiliation with the Demon Deacons can help elevate your brand. Want Deacon schedule cards, posters, or swag for your restaurant or staff? Reach out to our staff via email at wfsports@wfu.edu and we'll get you what you need!
Remember, supporting Wake Forest to thrive in this new era doesn't have to mean a big investment as every little action helps grow Deacon Nation and strengthen our presence on the national stage. Here are a few simple ones:
  • Fly the Flag: Raise a Wake Forest flag in your front yard and let your neighbors know that you are a proud Demon Deacon fan!
  • Buy a Ticket: Whether it's football, basketball, baseball, tennis or any sport, attending a game is a great way to support our teams and enhance the electric atmosphere
  • Wear the Gear: Rock your Demon Deacons apparel—especially when you're traveling. You'd be surprised how many fellow fans you might meet! Visit WakeForestShop.com for all the latest gear.
  • Bring a Friend: Share your love for Wake Forest with friends, colleagues, and family. Invite someone to a game, share our content on your social media feeds or tell them about our latest successes.
  • ACC Network Awareness & Growth: Ask your friendly bartender, restauranteur or club owner to tune the television to ESPN, ACC Network and The CW for Wake Forest and ACC action – let's keep growing Deacon Nation!  
Thanks all you do to support Wake Forest student-athletes, please continue to send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, stay cool and…
 
Go Deacs! 

 John Currie Signature for FTQ

John Currie
Vice-President & Director of Athletics
Football Media Availability (9/30/25)
Tuesday, September 30
Wake Forest Football Coach Jake Dickert Weekly Press Conference
Tuesday, September 30
Coach Jake Dickert Press Conference (Sept. 29, 2025)
Monday, September 29
Sept. 27, 2025: Coach Jake Dickert Postgame Press Conference Following Game vs. Georgia Tech
Sunday, September 28