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From The Quad
7/23/2025 9:26:00 AM | General
Presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Good Morning from Charlotte Demon Deacon Nation!
It's time to grab your remote and click on the ACC Network as 'Talkin' Season' is in full swing with Head Coach Jake Dickert and the Demon Deacons taking the live stage today at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown for the 2025 ACC Kickoff — and Wake Forest Football is ready for the spotlight. Yesterday we unveiled 'Built in the Dark,' the bold new identity for Wake Forest Football under the leadership of Coach Dickert. More than a slogan, Built in the Dark reflects a powerful mindset: that the effort no one sees — the early mornings, the late nights, the reps, the film study, the discipline — is what creates the unforgettable moments we all celebrate on fall gamedays.
Coach Dickert has quickly established a strong foundation in Winston-Salem, rooted in character, connection, and competition. This identity, forged through his leadership and embraced by our team, reflects not only the grit and discipline required to succeed at the highest level, but also the purpose-driven spirit that defines Wake Forest. I can't wait for our fans and community to experience this new chapter — and the values behind it — in person at Allegacy Stadium this fall.
Today, Coach Dickert is joined at the ACC Kickoff by four outstanding student-athletes: All-American running back Demond Claiborne, All-ACC defensive back Nick Andersen, new starting center Devin Kylany, and rising secondary star Davaughn Patterson. These young men have all distinguished themselves on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Their stories — and the way they carry themselves — embody what it means to be a Demon Deacon.
I had the chance to join this group for dinner last night and I was reminded once again of how fortunate we are to be alongside such exceptional students. Whether it was Nick discussing his meticulous daily routine, Demond talking about his growth over the last four years and taking on a leadership role with this team, Devin discussing his transfer experience, or Davaughn reflecting on growth and accountability, each one of them bring a humility, purpose, and focus that make us all proud to be part of the Wake Forest family.
Fittingly, this week's ACC festivities are taking place in the shadow of the state-of-the-art Pearl symbolizing Wake Forest University's ACC leading academic presence in Charlotte. Officially opened in June 2025, The Pearl houses Charlotte's first four-year medical education program, offered by the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Next year, Wake Forest plans to relocate the School of Professional Studies and School of Business Charlotte programs from their existing uptown location into The Pearl—aggregating all our cutting-edge professional education programs into one dynamic Queen City location. Beyond the premier academic offerings, the Queen City is home to a passionate Demon Deacon fan base and I love seeing that Wake Forest University logo as I drive up Providence Road or along I-277!
Just 80 minutes north and a little over a month away, Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium is set for Friday, August 29, when Coach Dickert's Deacs take the field under the lights to kick off the 2025 season. Both single-game tickets and the fan-favorite Bojangles Four-Pack ticket packages are on sale now for all seven home games. The four-pack includes reserved east side seating, complimentary parking in the Diet Pepsi Lot at LJVM Coliseum for select games, and a $20 Bojangles gift card! These flexible, family-friendly options are a great way to experience the electric atmosphere of Demon Deacon football — but availability is limited, and several games are already trending toward sellouts. Don't forget the 'One More Rule' — this fall is the perfect time to bring a group, your neighbors, or a friend to a game for fellowship and fun!
With many other updates to get to, let's jump right into the updates:
Meet the Deacs: Fútbol Fan Fest Hits Spry on Sunday
Coming off an epic 2024 which featured a national runner-up finish for the women's side and another ACC title for the men's squad, Wake Forest Soccer is hosting its annual Fan Fest on Sunday, July 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Spry Stadium. This free event is open to the public and includes inflatables, lawn games, food trucks, and autographs with student-athletes from both programs. Jr. Deacs members will receive early access starting at 4:30 p.m., and families can register or renew memberships starting July 1. Fan Fest is the perfect opportunity to meet the players, connect with coaches, and gear up for another thrilling season on the pitch. Season tickets for both programs are on sale now, with combo packages starting at just $100. For details, visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets.
Wake Forest Football to Host Second Annual Gold Rush Childhood Cancer Game Sept. 6, Benefiting Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital
The Winston-Salem & Triad community will come together on Saturday, Sept. 6 inside Allegacy Stadium as the Demon Deacons host Western Carolina at 2 p.m. for the second annual Gold Rush Childhood Cancer Game. In partnership with Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital, this special event supports pediatric cancer patients and their families while raising vital funds and awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Fans can purchase one of 1,500 limited-edition Gold Rush Ticket Packages—each including a game ticket, a special-edition gold Wake Forest t-shirt, and a $20 Strickland Brothers Oil Change gift card—with $15 from every sale directly benefiting Brenner Children's. The day will also feature gold ribbon helmet decals, pom-poms distributed at stadium entrances, and pregame and on-field recognition for patients, families, healthcare heroes, and donors.
All of us at Wake Forest are proud to serve as the academic core of Advocate-Atrium - the nation's second-largest nonprofit healthcare system. Supporting the incredible efforts of Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer, while filling the stands with gold-clad Demon Deacon fans, is a powerful reflection of our community spirit. Fans can donate during the game by texting GOLDRUSH25 to 44834 or visiting this link.
Make It a Deacs Day! Group Ticket Options Now Available for 2025
On that note regarding community engagement and bringing groups together, there's no better way to experience Wake Forest Football than alongside your crew at Allegacy Stadium! Whether it's your Sunday school class, neighborhood association, youth team, office staff, or college friends, group outings are a perfect way to enjoy the action and take advantage of discounted tickets starting as low as $8 per person. With exciting theme days like Community Night, Junior Spirit Day, Scout Day, First Responders Day, Faith & Family Day, and Military Appreciation Day, there's something for everyone this fall. Contact our team at (336) 758-3322 or email us (tix@wfu.edu) to learn more how we can help you create a fun, easy and affordable outing.
Welcome Back, Professor Newton
President Susan Wente has named Professor Nell Jessup Newton as interim Provost, effective August 1, filling the position created by Provost Michele Gillespie's decision earlier this month to return to the faculty. I believe President Wente has made an excellent choice as I really enjoyed working with Professor Newton when she was interim dean of our School of Law during the 2022-23 academic year. With decades of experience as a legal scholar, educator, and academic leader—including a 10-year tenure as dean at Notre Dame Law—Professor Newton has a sharp eye and steady hand and will continue the student-centered mindset of the Provost's Office.
Please join me in welcoming Interim Provost Newton!
Truist Champions Wake Forest Women's Athletics with $30,000 Gift
Speaking of outstanding partners, Truist—Presenting Partner of Wake Forest Women's Athletics—has made a $30,000 contribution to support Wake Forest women's student-athletes through the In Her Wake initiative. The campaign tracked and rewarded individual performances across all women's sports this academic year, reinforcing our mission to deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. Truist has now joined more than $37 million in commitments to In Her Wake, our bold vision to reach $100 million by 2029. The partnership will continue into the 2025-26 season and those interested in investing can learn more about the In Her Wake initiative here.
Stefan Dostanic Earns Spot in 2025 US Open
Wake Forest men's tennis alum Stefan Dostanic won the inaugural American Collegiate Wild Card Playoff, securing an automatic berth into the 2025 US Open main draw. The 23-year-old, fresh off leading Wake Forest to the NCAA team championship, defeated Columbia's Michael Zheng 6-1, 6-4 in the final. Dostanic's breakthrough marks the first major tournament appearance of his professional career and continues Wake Forest's strong presence in tennis's biggest stages.
LJVM Coliseum Continues to Attract Big-Time Events to Winston-Salem
ASM Wake Forest staff hosted a sold-out Dude Perfect show last weekend, underscoring the continued resurgence of LJVM Coliseum as a premier entertainment venue in Northwest North Carolina. These types of high-profile events not only serve the Winston-Salem community, but also attract visitors from across the southeast and beyond—bringing energy, excitement, and economic activity to Forsyth County. Saturday night Bulls, Bands and Barrells is back and this fall, the momentum continues with a strong lineup of events at LJVM Coliseum. These events, and countless others, will only be enhanced in the years to come as The Grounds mixed-use development continues its progress!
Your New Word for the Day: "Aerotropolis"
According to Wikipedia, an aerotropolis is "a metropolitan subregion whose infrastructure, land use, and economy are centered on an airport." And, did you know we have a thriving aerotropolis of our own just a few dozen miles from Allegacy Stadium at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI)?
Thanks to the foresight and leadership of CEO Kevin Baker and the Airport Authority, PTI has become a booming hub for aviation manufacturing and innovation. Major players include Boom Supersonic, FedEx, Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO Americas, and Cessna.
Most recently, JetZero announced plans for a groundbreaking aerospace manufacturing campus at PTI, with the potential to bring more than 14,000 jobs to our region. This continues the momentum seen with Boom Supersonic, whose XB-1 prototype became the first civilian jet made in America to break the sound barrier—hitting Mach 1.12 (750 mph) at 35,290 feet—and did so three times. Boom's Overture aircraft, set to revolutionize commercial travel, already has orders from American, United, and Japan Airlines, with service expected by 2029.
When new students, families—and football fans—arrive at PTI from one of its 15 non-stop destinations, they can now see Boom's $500 million "superfactory," completed in June. According to Richard Craver's report in the Winston-Salem Journal, the state-of-the-art facility will produce up to 66 aircraft annually and create nearly 1,800 jobs by 2030.
And next time you fly through PTI—don't forget to ask the gift shop clerk about Demon Deacon gear! Our footprint at the airport is growing every season.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
I look forward to seeing Deacon Nation in August, and as always, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Good Morning from Charlotte Demon Deacon Nation!
It's time to grab your remote and click on the ACC Network as 'Talkin' Season' is in full swing with Head Coach Jake Dickert and the Demon Deacons taking the live stage today at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown for the 2025 ACC Kickoff — and Wake Forest Football is ready for the spotlight. Yesterday we unveiled 'Built in the Dark,' the bold new identity for Wake Forest Football under the leadership of Coach Dickert. More than a slogan, Built in the Dark reflects a powerful mindset: that the effort no one sees — the early mornings, the late nights, the reps, the film study, the discipline — is what creates the unforgettable moments we all celebrate on fall gamedays.
Coach Dickert has quickly established a strong foundation in Winston-Salem, rooted in character, connection, and competition. This identity, forged through his leadership and embraced by our team, reflects not only the grit and discipline required to succeed at the highest level, but also the purpose-driven spirit that defines Wake Forest. I can't wait for our fans and community to experience this new chapter — and the values behind it — in person at Allegacy Stadium this fall.
Today, Coach Dickert is joined at the ACC Kickoff by four outstanding student-athletes: All-American running back Demond Claiborne, All-ACC defensive back Nick Andersen, new starting center Devin Kylany, and rising secondary star Davaughn Patterson. These young men have all distinguished themselves on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Their stories — and the way they carry themselves — embody what it means to be a Demon Deacon.
I had the chance to join this group for dinner last night and I was reminded once again of how fortunate we are to be alongside such exceptional students. Whether it was Nick discussing his meticulous daily routine, Demond talking about his growth over the last four years and taking on a leadership role with this team, Devin discussing his transfer experience, or Davaughn reflecting on growth and accountability, each one of them bring a humility, purpose, and focus that make us all proud to be part of the Wake Forest family.
Fittingly, this week's ACC festivities are taking place in the shadow of the state-of-the-art Pearl symbolizing Wake Forest University's ACC leading academic presence in Charlotte. Officially opened in June 2025, The Pearl houses Charlotte's first four-year medical education program, offered by the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Next year, Wake Forest plans to relocate the School of Professional Studies and School of Business Charlotte programs from their existing uptown location into The Pearl—aggregating all our cutting-edge professional education programs into one dynamic Queen City location. Beyond the premier academic offerings, the Queen City is home to a passionate Demon Deacon fan base and I love seeing that Wake Forest University logo as I drive up Providence Road or along I-277!
Just 80 minutes north and a little over a month away, Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium is set for Friday, August 29, when Coach Dickert's Deacs take the field under the lights to kick off the 2025 season. Both single-game tickets and the fan-favorite Bojangles Four-Pack ticket packages are on sale now for all seven home games. The four-pack includes reserved east side seating, complimentary parking in the Diet Pepsi Lot at LJVM Coliseum for select games, and a $20 Bojangles gift card! These flexible, family-friendly options are a great way to experience the electric atmosphere of Demon Deacon football — but availability is limited, and several games are already trending toward sellouts. Don't forget the 'One More Rule' — this fall is the perfect time to bring a group, your neighbors, or a friend to a game for fellowship and fun!
With many other updates to get to, let's jump right into the updates:
Meet the Deacs: Fútbol Fan Fest Hits Spry on Sunday
Coming off an epic 2024 which featured a national runner-up finish for the women's side and another ACC title for the men's squad, Wake Forest Soccer is hosting its annual Fan Fest on Sunday, July 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Spry Stadium. This free event is open to the public and includes inflatables, lawn games, food trucks, and autographs with student-athletes from both programs. Jr. Deacs members will receive early access starting at 4:30 p.m., and families can register or renew memberships starting July 1. Fan Fest is the perfect opportunity to meet the players, connect with coaches, and gear up for another thrilling season on the pitch. Season tickets for both programs are on sale now, with combo packages starting at just $100. For details, visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets.
Wake Forest Football to Host Second Annual Gold Rush Childhood Cancer Game Sept. 6, Benefiting Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital
The Winston-Salem & Triad community will come together on Saturday, Sept. 6 inside Allegacy Stadium as the Demon Deacons host Western Carolina at 2 p.m. for the second annual Gold Rush Childhood Cancer Game. In partnership with Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital, this special event supports pediatric cancer patients and their families while raising vital funds and awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Fans can purchase one of 1,500 limited-edition Gold Rush Ticket Packages—each including a game ticket, a special-edition gold Wake Forest t-shirt, and a $20 Strickland Brothers Oil Change gift card—with $15 from every sale directly benefiting Brenner Children's. The day will also feature gold ribbon helmet decals, pom-poms distributed at stadium entrances, and pregame and on-field recognition for patients, families, healthcare heroes, and donors.
All of us at Wake Forest are proud to serve as the academic core of Advocate-Atrium - the nation's second-largest nonprofit healthcare system. Supporting the incredible efforts of Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer, while filling the stands with gold-clad Demon Deacon fans, is a powerful reflection of our community spirit. Fans can donate during the game by texting GOLDRUSH25 to 44834 or visiting this link.
Make It a Deacs Day! Group Ticket Options Now Available for 2025
On that note regarding community engagement and bringing groups together, there's no better way to experience Wake Forest Football than alongside your crew at Allegacy Stadium! Whether it's your Sunday school class, neighborhood association, youth team, office staff, or college friends, group outings are a perfect way to enjoy the action and take advantage of discounted tickets starting as low as $8 per person. With exciting theme days like Community Night, Junior Spirit Day, Scout Day, First Responders Day, Faith & Family Day, and Military Appreciation Day, there's something for everyone this fall. Contact our team at (336) 758-3322 or email us (tix@wfu.edu) to learn more how we can help you create a fun, easy and affordable outing.
Welcome Back, Professor Newton
President Susan Wente has named Professor Nell Jessup Newton as interim Provost, effective August 1, filling the position created by Provost Michele Gillespie's decision earlier this month to return to the faculty. I believe President Wente has made an excellent choice as I really enjoyed working with Professor Newton when she was interim dean of our School of Law during the 2022-23 academic year. With decades of experience as a legal scholar, educator, and academic leader—including a 10-year tenure as dean at Notre Dame Law—Professor Newton has a sharp eye and steady hand and will continue the student-centered mindset of the Provost's Office.
Please join me in welcoming Interim Provost Newton!
Truist Champions Wake Forest Women's Athletics with $30,000 Gift
Speaking of outstanding partners, Truist—Presenting Partner of Wake Forest Women's Athletics—has made a $30,000 contribution to support Wake Forest women's student-athletes through the In Her Wake initiative. The campaign tracked and rewarded individual performances across all women's sports this academic year, reinforcing our mission to deliver a World Class Student-Athlete Experience. Truist has now joined more than $37 million in commitments to In Her Wake, our bold vision to reach $100 million by 2029. The partnership will continue into the 2025-26 season and those interested in investing can learn more about the In Her Wake initiative here.
Stefan Dostanic Earns Spot in 2025 US Open
Wake Forest men's tennis alum Stefan Dostanic won the inaugural American Collegiate Wild Card Playoff, securing an automatic berth into the 2025 US Open main draw. The 23-year-old, fresh off leading Wake Forest to the NCAA team championship, defeated Columbia's Michael Zheng 6-1, 6-4 in the final. Dostanic's breakthrough marks the first major tournament appearance of his professional career and continues Wake Forest's strong presence in tennis's biggest stages.
LJVM Coliseum Continues to Attract Big-Time Events to Winston-Salem
ASM Wake Forest staff hosted a sold-out Dude Perfect show last weekend, underscoring the continued resurgence of LJVM Coliseum as a premier entertainment venue in Northwest North Carolina. These types of high-profile events not only serve the Winston-Salem community, but also attract visitors from across the southeast and beyond—bringing energy, excitement, and economic activity to Forsyth County. Saturday night Bulls, Bands and Barrells is back and this fall, the momentum continues with a strong lineup of events at LJVM Coliseum. These events, and countless others, will only be enhanced in the years to come as The Grounds mixed-use development continues its progress!
Your New Word for the Day: "Aerotropolis"
According to Wikipedia, an aerotropolis is "a metropolitan subregion whose infrastructure, land use, and economy are centered on an airport." And, did you know we have a thriving aerotropolis of our own just a few dozen miles from Allegacy Stadium at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI)?
Thanks to the foresight and leadership of CEO Kevin Baker and the Airport Authority, PTI has become a booming hub for aviation manufacturing and innovation. Major players include Boom Supersonic, FedEx, Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO Americas, and Cessna.
Most recently, JetZero announced plans for a groundbreaking aerospace manufacturing campus at PTI, with the potential to bring more than 14,000 jobs to our region. This continues the momentum seen with Boom Supersonic, whose XB-1 prototype became the first civilian jet made in America to break the sound barrier—hitting Mach 1.12 (750 mph) at 35,290 feet—and did so three times. Boom's Overture aircraft, set to revolutionize commercial travel, already has orders from American, United, and Japan Airlines, with service expected by 2029.
When new students, families—and football fans—arrive at PTI from one of its 15 non-stop destinations, they can now see Boom's $500 million "superfactory," completed in June. According to Richard Craver's report in the Winston-Salem Journal, the state-of-the-art facility will produce up to 66 aircraft annually and create nearly 1,800 jobs by 2030.
And next time you fly through PTI—don't forget to ask the gift shop clerk about Demon Deacon gear! Our footprint at the airport is growing every season.
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- Show your Deacon pride and help spread the word with a FREE 2025 Wake Forest football DEACTOWN yard sign. Stop by Bridger Field House Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to pick up a sign - grab an extra for a friend or your business while you are there! It's about more than just a sign; it's about showing hospitality to newcomers, and building pride and connection throughout Deacon Nation. If you need schedule posters, schedule cards or other collateral for your business or a neighborhood, contact wfsports@wfu.edu with and our hardworking staff will set you up!
- Don't miss out—secure your spot now in the brand-new Old Gold & Black Balconies, premium outdoor suites atop Section One at Allegacy Stadium! Wake Forest Athletics, in partnership with REVELxp, is proud to unveil this exclusive, family-friendly seating option for the 2025 Demon Deacons football season. Each suite accommodates up to 24 guests with high barstool seating, field views, and included food and non-alcoholic beverages. OGB Balconies are available on a single-game basis, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per game, and expected to sell fast. For the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office today at 336-758-3322 ext. 1 or fill out the interest form to reserve your place for Opening Night on August 29 or any home game this season.
- Wake Forest's men's and women's basketball teams have just revealed their non-conference schedules for the upcoming season, featuring a mix of thrilling matchups and must-see opponents. Fans won't want to miss a moment of the action as the Demon Deacons gear up for a competitive and exciting campaign.Secure your seats now by purchasing season tickets — men's tickets information / women's tickets information – it's the best way to guarantee your spot and support both teams throughout the season!
I look forward to seeing Deacon Nation in August, and as always, send your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to me at wfuad@wfu.edu, and …
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
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Players Mentioned
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