Wake Forest Athletics Raises $33 Million, Extending Record-Breaking Giving Streak to Five Years
7/22/2025 9:30:00 AM | General
Continued philanthropic support by loyal Deacon Club Members enables Wake Forest Athletics to deliver on its goal of providing World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest Athletics has once again surpassed $33 million in cash gifts during Fiscal Year 2025, marking the fifth-straight year over the $30 million milestone and extending a remarkable five-year giving total to $165 million — a 32% increase from the previous period.
Fueled by a 20% growth in International Leadership Circle members and transformational commitments to women's athletics through the "In Her Wake" initiative, donor support continues to propel Wake Forest's pursuit of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and its emergence as one of the fastest-growing brands in the Power 4.
This support highlights Wake Forest University's blend of world-class academics, an unrivaled campus experience, a close-knit learning environment, and Power 4 athletics within a rapidly growing Winston-Salem and Triad community. When the Demon Deacons triumph on the field or court, the entire community revels in the shared pride and excitement of their success—especially those who have championed the achievements of students at Wake Forest's beautiful Reynolda campus.
"The continued belief our alumni, parents, and fans show in our mission is both humbling and energizing," said Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "Surpassing $30 million in cash - not pledges - for a fifth-consecutive year is a direct reflection of the passion and purpose shared by the Wake Forest community. These gifts allow us to invest strategically in our student-athletes' development — academically, athletically, and personally — as we navigate unprecedented change in college athletics. I'm especially grateful for the tireless work of our Deacon Club staff, International Leadership Circle members and Volunteer Army members whose relationship-driven approach continues to deliver remarkable results for Wake Forest."
Here's a summary of the remarkable giving that helped Wake Forest collectively achieve outstanding successes from the past year:
Wake Forest Athletics remains focused on building upon this success and ensuring a world-class experience for all Demon Deacon student-athletes. For those interested in supporting Wake Forest Athletics, please visit the Deacon Club website to contribute and help us achieve our goals.
In the 2024-25 academic year, Wake Forest Athletics provided its 400-plus student-athletes with an opportunity to compete in front of record crowds full of Demon Deacon faithful. A total of 493,175 fans and 60,160 students attended 179 Demon Deacons home contests in Winston-Salem. Throughout the year, seven teams were ranked in the top-25 and seven teams earned postseason berths as men's tennis won the 2025 NCAA National Championship, women's golf and men's golf both advanced to the NCAA National Championship, and women's soccer advanced to their first national championship game in program history. The Deacs will also be ushering in a new era in 2025, as Jake Dickert was announced as the 13th head football coach in program history.
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.
Fueled by a 20% growth in International Leadership Circle members and transformational commitments to women's athletics through the "In Her Wake" initiative, donor support continues to propel Wake Forest's pursuit of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and its emergence as one of the fastest-growing brands in the Power 4.
This support highlights Wake Forest University's blend of world-class academics, an unrivaled campus experience, a close-knit learning environment, and Power 4 athletics within a rapidly growing Winston-Salem and Triad community. When the Demon Deacons triumph on the field or court, the entire community revels in the shared pride and excitement of their success—especially those who have championed the achievements of students at Wake Forest's beautiful Reynolda campus.
"The continued belief our alumni, parents, and fans show in our mission is both humbling and energizing," said Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "Surpassing $30 million in cash - not pledges - for a fifth-consecutive year is a direct reflection of the passion and purpose shared by the Wake Forest community. These gifts allow us to invest strategically in our student-athletes' development — academically, athletically, and personally — as we navigate unprecedented change in college athletics. I'm especially grateful for the tireless work of our Deacon Club staff, International Leadership Circle members and Volunteer Army members whose relationship-driven approach continues to deliver remarkable results for Wake Forest."
Here's a summary of the remarkable giving that helped Wake Forest collectively achieve outstanding successes from the past year:
- Overall Cash Contributions:
- With over $33 million in total cash gifts this past fiscal year, Wake Forest Athletics has achieved a five-year total of $165 million, reflecting a 32% increase over the previous five years. This extraordinary level of support highlights the unwavering dedication of the Wake Forest community.
- International Leadership Circle:
- The International Leadership Circle (ILC) — donors who support the current-use needs of Wake Forest Athletics with an annual investment of $15,000 or more — has grown significantly, now totaling 359 members, a 20% increase from the previous fiscal year. ILC families contributed over 77% of Wake Forest's total annual fund giving, further strengthening our capacity to deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
- Innovative "In Her Wake" Initiative Exceeds $39 Million in Year 2 of 5 Year Drive to $100M Goal in Support of Demon Deacons Women's Athletics:
- In February 2024, on National Girls & Women's in Sports Day, Wake Forest Athletics announced a $100 million initiative to further transform opportunities for female student-athletes. Specifically, this effort enhances scholarships, personal development, and investments for women's sports programs.
- As part of the growing momentum behind the "In Her Wake" initiative, Wake Forest Athletics is proud to recognize a transformational gift from Tony and Vi Golding, who have named the Tony and Vi Golding Women's Golf Head Coach position, currently held by 2023 NCAA Champion Kim Lewellen. The Goldings' generosity honors a decades-long connection to Wake Forest Golf and will provide enduring support for one of the University's most successful programs. From summer camp memories to national titles, their impact exemplifies the personal relationships and long-term commitment that continue to elevate Demon Deacon student-athletes.
- Following the tremendous leadership and generosity of Wake Forest Athletics' International Leadership Circle members and the benevolent support of countless other Demon Deacon fans, the "In Her Wake" initiative these extraordinary efforts include 25 new scholarships and three named coaching positions.
- Ignited by the 50th Anniversary of Wake Forest Women's Athletics Celebration in the 2021-22 academic year, Wake Forest philanthropic efforts for women's programs have soared. During the celebration, Wake Athletics raised $4.1 million, allowing for a launching pad to raise another $25 million+ in the following two years —a staggering increase of nearly 520%. This remarkable growth underscores the incredible support and commitment from the Wake Forest community towards empowering Demon Deacon female student-athletes.
- Those interested in learning more or in supporting the In Her Wake initiative can visit this website. Truist and other lead investors have already committed over $25 million to the In Her Wake initiative this past year, as Wake Forest Athletics aims to surpass $100 million by 2029.
- MAKE A GIFT: https://deaconclub.com/pages/in-her-wake
- SPREAD THE MESSAGE: https://app.godeacs.com/InHerWake
- Specific Announced Investments:
- Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes and his wife Johnetta have made a leadership gift of $500,000 to the Men's Basketball Excellence Fund, furthering their deep personal investment in the lives of Demon Deacon student-athletes. The Forbes family's commitment will enhance support for scholarships, program resources, and the continued pursuit of a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. As passionate ambassadors for Wake Forest's mission, their generosity reflects both gratitude for the program's momentum and a belief in its future.
- Longtime Deacon Club members George and Roberta Pappayliou have made a $2 million commitment to endow a scholarship for Wake Forest Football, deepening their family's connection to the University and providing future student-athletes with life-changing opportunities. Inspired by their daughter's experience at Wake Forest and a belief in the power of education, the Pappaylious' gift reflects their enduring support for Wake's mission — both on the field and in the classroom. As active members of the Moricle Society and International Leadership Circle, the Pappaylious exemplify what it means to invest in a World Class Student-Athlete Experience and a brighter future for Demon Deacons.
- In a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Michele Acosta McCreary, longtime Wake Forest supporter Bob McCreary ('61) has committed $1 million to establish the Michele Acosta McCreary Baseball Scholarship. The gift will fund two scholarships annually over the next five years, honoring Michele's lifelong love of baseball and her enduring spirit of generosity. A beloved presence at David F. Couch Ballpark, Michele's legacy now lives on through every Wake Forest student-athlete who benefits from this support — a reflection of the values she championed: kindness, service, and the power of making things possible for others.
- In a powerful tribute to the leader who made his journey possible, Erik Hanson ('86) and his wife Laura have established the Hooks-Hanson Baseball Scholarship with a $2 million gift to support Demon Deacon pitchers. Named in honor of former Wake Forest Director of Athletics Dr. Gene Hooks, who found a way to fund Hanson's original scholarship more than 40 years ago, the endowment will ensure future student-athletes have the same opportunity to thrive. "This is about paying it forward — and paying it back," said Hanson. "I want Dr. Hooks' legacy at Wake Forest to last forever."
- Facility Investments:
- Wake Forest University officially dedicated the Tucker Family Student-Athlete Excellence Center, a transformative 14,000-square-foot renovation in the Miller Center that now serves as the hub for academic support, leadership programming and personal development for Demon Deacon student-athletes. Fueled by a $4 million fundraising effort and anchored by a lead gift from Carl and Linda Tucker and family, the new space reinforces Wake Forest's commitment to the World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
- Wake Forest Volleyball will enter the 2025 season with a major upgrade to its homecourt atmosphere, as Wake Forest Athletics has installed a state-of-the-art videoboard inside Varsity Arena — one of the largest volleyball-specific displays in the country. The board, funded in part through the In Her Wake campaign, is joined by a new ribbon board and digital scorer's tables, helping deliver the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina and supporting the World Class Student-Athlete Experience.
- Support from Far & Near:
- This year, Wake Forest Athletics witnessed an extraordinary level of engagement from our community, with nearly 5,000 individual donors stepping up to support Wake Forest Athletics. These families continue to demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to the mission of being A Model Intercollegiate Athletics Program.
- Sport-Specific Excellence Funds:
- The Wake Forest Athletics Excellence Funds program was launched in 2018 as an avenue for alumni, family, and friends to directly impact a specific program of their choice through a budget-enhancing gift specifically to that program. Total giving to sport-specific excellence funds surpassed $11 million in FY25 — a more than 65 percent increase from FY24.
Wake Forest Athletics remains focused on building upon this success and ensuring a world-class experience for all Demon Deacon student-athletes. For those interested in supporting Wake Forest Athletics, please visit the Deacon Club website to contribute and help us achieve our goals.
In the 2024-25 academic year, Wake Forest Athletics provided its 400-plus student-athletes with an opportunity to compete in front of record crowds full of Demon Deacon faithful. A total of 493,175 fans and 60,160 students attended 179 Demon Deacons home contests in Winston-Salem. Throughout the year, seven teams were ranked in the top-25 and seven teams earned postseason berths as men's tennis won the 2025 NCAA National Championship, women's golf and men's golf both advanced to the NCAA National Championship, and women's soccer advanced to their first national championship game in program history. The Deacs will also be ushering in a new era in 2025, as Jake Dickert was announced as the 13th head football coach in program history.
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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