Founders Day

Por Wake Forest University

20 de February de 2026

In 2021, Wake Forest’s Dr. J. Wayne Meredith (MD ’78) and Julie Ann Freischlag made history by becoming the first two physicians from the same institution to serve back-to-back as presidents of the American College of Surgeons.

On Thursday, February 19, 2026 Wake Forest University bestowed them each with the Medallion of Merit, the University’s highest honor, at the annual Founders Day celebration in Wait Chapel.

The celebration started with a pre-reception in Davis Chapel and concluded with a reception in the Green Room at Reynolda Hall.

Please click this link to learn more about the recepients and this years program.

Three people stand talking at Wake Forest University's Founders Day event. A woman in a bright pink suit gestures while speaking with two other people. The woman on the right wears a brown blazer and smiles. The man on the left wears a blue suit.

Pre-reception

Attendees at Wake Forest University's Founders Day gather and converse. A woman in a pink jacket gestures while speaking to a man in a green suit. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests mingle at the reception before the ceremony in Davis Chaple. Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag talks and greets her guests and colleagues.

Man in suit smiles at a woman during Wake Forest University's Founders Day celebration. Stained glass window in background. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests mingle at the reception before the ceremony in Davis Chaple.

Two men converse at Wake Forest Founders Day. One man in a plaid suit and paisley tie speaks to another in a navy blazer and white shirt. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests mingle at the reception before the ceremony in Davis Chaple.

Three men converse at Wake Forest University's Founders Day celebration. The man in the center smiles, wearing glasses and a brown plaid blazer. Wood paneled walls and artwork are visible. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests mingle at the reception before the ceremony in Davis Chaple.

Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests mingle at the reception before the ceremony in Davis Chaple.

Founders Day

Woman speaks at Founders Day event from a wooden podium with a microphone. She wears a black suit, pearl necklace, and glasses. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Senior Oration winner Chase Clark Gives here speech â Iâve seen why the Caged Bird Singsâ

Wake Forest University choir sings at Founders Day. Students hold black folders, wear gold stoles, and stand on risers in a wood-paneled hall.

Two smiling people stand before an ornate wooden backdrop. A man in a blue suit holds a small, red box on top of a black folder. A woman in a brown suit stands next to him. The setting is Wake Forest University's Founders Day. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Dr Creig M. Green (â83) Accepts the award on behalf of Dr Jay Wayne Meredith (â78) from Dr Susan R Wente.

At Wake Forest's Founders Day, a woman in a gray suit places a medal around the neck of a woman in a pink suit on stage. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag accepts her award from. Dr Susan R Wente.

Two women smile, holding an award during Wake Forest's Founders Day. The woman on the left wears a pink suit; the woman on the right wears a brown plaid suit. Behind them is an ornate wooden structure. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag accepts her award from. Dr Susan R Wente.

A woman speaks at a podium during Wake Forest University's Founders Day. She wears a bright pink jacket and gestures with her right hand. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag Gives her acceptance speech.

Group portrait of Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests on stage at Founders Day. The group stands before a wooden backdrop. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. A group photo of Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag with all of her Friend, Colleagues, Family and Dr. Susan R Wente.

A speaker addresses the audience at Wake Forest University's Founders Day celebration. A choir sits behind the podium. Rows of attendees fill the auditorium.

Reception

Wake Forest Founders Day: Attendees converse indoors, holding wine glasses. A woman gestures while speaking to another in a pink jacket. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests enjoy eachothers company at the reception in the green room of Reynolda hall.

Wake Forest faculty/staff/alumni celebrate Founders Day, holding wine glasses, smiling, and talking. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests enjoy eachothers company at the reception in the green room of Reynolda hall.

At Wake Forest's Founders Day, a woman in a pink suit and medallion speaks with two attendees holding wine glasses. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests enjoy eachothers company at the reception in the green room of Reynolda hall.

Wake Forest Founders Day: Group of smiling people in business attire converse at an indoor reception with food on a table. — Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests enjoy eachothers company at the reception in the green room of Reynolda hall.

Wake Forest University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests celebrate Founders Day at Wait Chapel on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. Guests enjoy eachothers company at the reception in the green room of Reynolda hall. Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag has here photo taken with friends. Dr. Jay Wayne Meredith poses with Dr. Julie Ann Freishlag.