New Deac Week 2022

Welcome to Wake Forest Class of 2026!

By Wake Forest University

August 23^rd, 2022

Welcome New Deacs!

Wake Forest welcomed the Class of 2026 on Move-in Day (Aug. 17, 2022). Staff from across the university, along with representatives from across athletics, helped unload cars and move everything into the residence halls. President Susan R. Wente and Vice President for Campus Life Shea Kidd Brown were on hand, as was the Demon Deacon mascot, to welcome the new students.

Getting Here Early

Some students arrived before Move-In Day in order to participate in pre-orientation programs like SPARC, doing volunteer work in the Winston-Salem community, or to practice as marching band members for the fall season.

Making of a Demon Deacon

The New Deacs come together on Hearn Plaza for a picnic breakfast and the Making of a Demon Deacon Ceremony.

"How to College"

Provost Michele Gillespie and Vice President for Campus Life Shea Kidd Brown welcome the Class of 2026 with a presentation on what it means to be a Demon Deacon and how to get the most out of their college experience. Later in the afternoon, the students gather to hear about resources in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office and the Office of Personal and Career Development. Finally, they attend the "Spirit of Wake Forest" event on Sunday evening to hear from a panel of upperclass students.

Parents are Deacons, too

While the students were learning how to be Demon Deacons, their parents and families were learning what it all means. They gathered in Wait Chapel for the Flourish in the Forest presentation and met President Susan R. Wente at a reception in Farrell Hall.

New Student Convocation

New Deacs gathered in Wait Chapel for the formal academic ceremony welcoming them to campus, New Student Convocation. Amid welcoming remarks from Provost Michele Gillespie and President Susan R. Wente, the students signed the honor code, put on their Wake Forest pins, and attempted to sing the Alma Mater for the first time.

Fun and Games

In addition to the formal presentations, the New Deacs went to the RecFest event with Campus Recreation on Friday night, the Saturday Night Live event with food trucks and a block party atmosphere, turned out in force for the men's soccer game on Saturday, enjoyed an ice cream social at Scales, and played nighttime versions of popular games on Manchester Plaza.