The Art of Community

On September 18th, Dr. David Lubin, Charlotte C. Weber Professor of Art, gave a riveting speech on the Arts and their importance in our lives. Lubin explained how the arts spark our curiosity and engage our imagination in his speech titled “Disturbing the Peace: Wake Forest and the Arts.” Amidst our athletic games, academics, and extracurricular activities, the arts can be discarded and forgotten. The true Wake Forest experience encompasses all aspects of the university and helps develop the well-rounded citizen we all aspire to become.

"Yes, art disturbs the peace. Gently in some instances, violently in others, it draws us out of ourselves, out of our small-minded self-absorption, and makes us see, hear, feel — and understand — the world anew. As a nation, we can hardly do without the arts. As a university, we can only grow stronger because of them."-Dr. David Lubin.

What better way to reflect on Lubin's thoughtful speech and engage in community interaction than a picnic following Convocation? In a response to a need for more events that engaged the Wake Forest community, the Provost's office sponsored a campus-wide outdoor picnic to feed both the desire for student/faculty interaction and the belly. Indeed, sharing that picnic square with your History or Calloway professor can be uneasy at first but with events as these, we hope to remove that barrier and provide an environment in which administrators/faculty and students can interact and communicate. So engage the arts, enjoy the interaction, and develop the relationships that build you as a person.

If there are any suggestions on improving Convocation and/or the picnic, please send them to Tristan Salvanera (salvantp@wfu.edu)

Mastering the Campus

So what exactly is a Campus Master Plan? How does this affect me? What is going on?

As a campus evolves and the progressive initiatives of the student-body materialize, the administration, along with student input, formulates plans to create a better environment for both academia and community. With the help of architects Ayers-Saint-Gross, Matt Cullinan (VP of Administration), and student committees, the Campus Master Plan looks at ways to enhance Wake Forest University. Looking to the original plans when Wake first moved to Winston-Salem, the new plans try to embody those first ideas.

While there were buildings tied to the strategic plan (to be approved by the trustees) such as a new freshman residence hall, upper-classmen residence hall, recreation center and original pathway through Davis field, many of the plans are just ideas and can be changed at any time by administration, but most importantly, by students’ needs. Additionally, increased quads, bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly paths, and LEED-certified buildings hope to create a better learning and social atmosphere for current and future deacons. Looking ahead at the 5-year, 10-year, and 50-year plans, Wake Forest University has many exciting renovations and additions coming its way and we can all look forward to, as part of the Wake Forest family, a new, progressive campus.

If you’d like to know more in-depth, please visit http://groups.wfu.edu/masterplan/

Student Forum: Student Life

Student Life Forum? What did I miss? Where's Brendle again?

While many students stayed indoors due to the ever-changing weather of Hurricane Ike, other students decided to brave the storm and attend a Student Forum concerning student life. Hosted by Student Government and the President's Office, the forum hoped to create a casual and open discussion between students and administration concerning the intricacies of social and academic life for Wake students.

Some Questions:

1) I hear that Greek Life is being downplayed by the administration

2) What are the thoughts on tuition-freezing?

3) Parking?

4) Juicy Campus?

5) What is the University doing to ease the transition for international students?

6) Financial aid?

In attendance were President Nathan O. Hatch and VP Ken Zick. Between these two administrators and Jermyn Davis, students were able to ask upfront and bluntly of issues and concerns of the student community. By facilitating these interactions, students won't feel "left in the dark" or "fend for yourself." These forums and discussions are meant for you, the student, to have your voice heard and get a real, truthful answer from the administration. At times, administration may not have the answers right away but can find the people who do. So stand up, speak out, and be heard. You can be the agent of change.

Coming SEPTEMBER 30TH (6:30-7:30pm) in Benson 401 will be the third forum on Strategic Planning and Admissions. Questions of SAT, Admissions policy, and academic life can be addressed during this forum. In attendance: SG President Jermyn Davis, Provost Jill Tiefenthaler, President Hatch, and Admissions Director Martha Allman. Bring your friends and bring your questions.

President's Weekend

What exactly is President's Weekend and why can't I get parking on campus?

President's weekend serves to honor financial contributors to Wake Forest University. As students, we all believe that our parents hard-earned tuition pays for the exorbitant rates Wake Forest asks of us. However, many scholarships, financial aid, and funding for athletics come from these generous alum and supporters of Wake Forest University. This past weekend, we listened to a presentation by Dr. Hatch and Provost Thiefenthaler of our rankings in giving and funding. The funding from these donors help us students enjoy our athletics, roll in our grass, and receive the best education. So when you're rolling in that dough and just can't think of what to do with it, think about what your contribution can do.

Hearing Aides

I always wonder what those students wearing gold badges at Convocation, Football games, and other events really do? What exactly do they do? Why do they seem so important? Can I look as fly as them? How do I become one? Wait...what was it I was applying to again?

Amongst the hordes of students filling in the seats of Wait Chapel during Convocation and the tailgating festivities during football games, gold badges, suits, and confidence hustle and bustle to numerous events. These peers are President's Aides, student leaders who have taken an extra step towards becoming more acquainted, more involved, and more concerned about the interaction between students and university administration. In addition, President's Aides meet regularly with President Nathan O. Hatch, providing an additional communication link between students and the administration.

The group was established in 1989, shortly after Thomas K. Hearn, Jr. became president. Dr. Hearn was interested in ways to stay in touch with students: to listen to their concerns, to learn from their perspectives, and to give him a sounding board for ideas and initiatives. Over time, President's Aides also took on a "student ambassador" role, serving the President and the University as student representatives for a variety of university events.

Today, President's Aides represent students who have demonstrated leadership in academic life, student life and community service. The application process for President's Aides begins in the spring, when rising juniors and seniors can apply for open positions. A committee reviews all applications, conducts interviews, and makes the final selection. For additional information about President's Aides, contact Wake Forest Fellow Tristan Salvanera (salvantp@wfu.edu).