Founders Day

February 20, 2025

By Wake Forest University

February 21^st, 2025

Founders Day

Each year the University marks its founding in February of 1834 by coming together to celebrate and reflect on our traditions, our history and our people. Founders Day is also a moment to affirm the University’s motto — Pro Humanitate. This year’s program featured the annual senior oration by Zac Anderson, musical selections from the University’s Chamber Choir, and reflections from School of Law Dean Andy Klein. President Susan R. Wente also provided remarks.

This year’s Senior Colloquium winner, Zac Anderson, is studying communication, entrepreneurship and theatre. Anderson presented his oration, “Ephemeral Moments, Eternal Impact,” during the Founders Day event. “Wake Forest has taught me the beauty of impermanence. The fleeting nature of these four years has pushed me to embrace every opportunity, to savor every moment, and to leave this place better than I found it,” he shared.

Dean of the Law School Andy Klein spoke about the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom, both at our university and across society. “It’s important that we commit to upholding these ideals,” Klein said, “and to do so within the context of Wake Forest University’s shared values.”

Don Flow

Chairman and CEO of Flow Automotive Companies, community leader and Wake Forest University Trustee Don Flow (MBA ‘83) was awarded Wake Forest’s Medallion of Merit.

The Medallion of Merit is the highest honor awarded by Wake Forest and is presented annually for outstanding achievement and distinguished contribution to the University. Previous recipients include presidents of the University, trustees, benefactors and retired faculty and administrators.

Flow has been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest honor for outstanding service to the state. He is also a recipient of the Winston-Salem Foundation’s Outstanding Citizen of Winston-Salem Award, United Way of Forsyth County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society Leadership Award and Northwest North Carolina Boy Scout’s Outstanding Citizen Award.

“Don is an invaluable member of our Wake Forest community,” said President Susan R. Wente. For decades, his service and leadership have been remarkably impactful – here at Wake Forest, in Winston Salem, and beyond. Our University continues to benefit from his love for Wake Forest and his dedication to its future, and he is truly emblematic of the spirit of the Founders.”

Flow received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.

More about the Medallion of Merit and a list of past recipients can be found on the Founders Day website

Beth and Larry Hopkins

Professor Beth Hopkins ('73) and the late Dr. Larry Hopkins ('72, MD '77) were honored during the program with the announcement of the renaming of South Residence Hall to Dr. Larry D. Hopkins and Professor Beth N. Hopkins Hall.

Beth Hopkins has had a decades-long career in law, education, and community outreach and was one of the first two Black female residential students at the University. Her late husband, Dr. Larry Hopkins, a football star at Wake Forest, was a well-known physician who improved access and outcomes for women’s and neonatal health. Both have served on Wake Forest’s Board of Trustees.

“Beth and Larry Hopkins changed Wake Forest and Winston-Salem for the better,” said Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente. “We are forever grateful to them both and look forward to seeing Hopkins Hall honor their legacy. Both Larry and Beth have selflessly shared their intellect, heart and talents with Wake Forest University in order to make it a better place for all who live, learn and work on the Reynolda Campus.”

Beth Hopkins graduated from Wake Forest in 1973. After earning a law degree from William & Mary, she served as a federal prosecutor and a civil rights attorney. She served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Virginia and Louisiana and as an Assistant Attorney General in Virginia.

Beth Hopkins returned to Wake Forest in the 1980s to work in the legal department and teach an undergraduate course on race and the courts. In 2010, she joined the law school to lead the pro bono and public interest programs as the inaugural director of the Smith Anderson Center for Community Outreach. She has done extensive work for the United States Tennis Association (UTSA) and received the Billie Jean King Champion of Equality award in 2023. Beth also received Wake Forest’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award. She is well-known throughout the Wake Forest community as an exceptional teacher, mentor and advocate.

Dr. Larry Hopkins was a physician and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He served thousands of patients in the community and was a valued role model and teacher for hundreds of medical school students. In 2020, he received Wake Forest’s highest honor, the Medallion of Merit, in recognition of decades of service to the University and the community. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987.

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Hopkins enrolled at Wake Forest, where he emerged as a standout student and athlete. In 1972, he graduated with a degree in chemistry. After declining a contract from the New England Patriots, Hopkins enrolled in the Wake Forest School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree in 1977 and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of major before returning to Winston-Salem to practice medicine. He co-directed the Women’s Health Center, serving on Today’s Women’s Wellness Center’s Health Advisory Council and the Women’s Health Center Advisory Board, among other roles. Inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, Larry Hopkins played a key role in Wake Forest’s first ACC football championship.

President Susan R. Wente presented Beth with a specially commissioned art piece created by our University's Creative Director, Hayes Henderson. The representation of Beth and Larry Hopkins aims to capture their love, vibrancy, and energy for one another, as well as their shared commitment to Wake Forest.