A LETTER FROM MARIANNE MAGJUKA, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF CAMPUS LIFE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OCCE
As the spring semester comes to a close and the campus settles into the rhythm of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the purpose-driven work that defined the past few months. In the spirit of Pro Humanitate, our students, faculty, and staff have continued to deepen their impact—on campus, in Winston-Salem, and beyond.
This semester marked the launch of the inaugural Student Impact Awards, a new tradition that celebrates student leadership and the many ways our students create positive change in the community. From innovative programming to sustained service, the honorees embody what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
Our shared commitment to both philanthropic engagement and educational equity was on full display this spring. Events like Wake ’N Shake, Pump Up for Piccolo, and Jam for Janey rallied our campus in support of causes close to our hearts. At the same time, our Education Outreach Initiatives—including DESK, the MLK Day Read-In and Virtual Tutoring, which celebrated 5 years of free tutoring services in our community this March—provided critical academic and enrichment opportunities for local students.
In addition, we celebrated our ACE Fellows as they completed the 2-year fellowship. ACE faculty designed community-based courses, created educational enrichment opportunities for youth, expanded capacity within community organizations, and developed research projects. In January, we welcomed Allison Walker as the Director of Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning, and she hit the ground running to lead this essential work.
This is just a snapshot of what we accomplished together. As we head into summer, I hope the momentum of this semester inspires continued reflection, connection, and action in your own communities.
Virtual Tutoring celebrates five years of community impact
Now in its fifth year, Wake Forest University’s virtual tutoring program continues to serve as a vital academic support for families across Forsyth County. Originally launched in spring 2020 by Camry Wilborn (’16) through the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE), the program was designed as a rapid response to pandemic-era school closures. Today, it has grown into a long-standing, student-led initiative supported by the OCCE, providing free, one-on-one tutoring by over 730 Wake Forest students to 743 K-12 students from more than 100 schools, including nearly every school in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County system.
Each semester, about 100 Wake Forest student volunteers are matched with local K-12 students for weekly, hour-long virtual tutoring sessions. In the 2024–25 academic year, over a third of participating students attended Title I schools, with tutors offering help in core subjects like reading and math, as well as writing, social studies, and more. The flexibility of the online format makes the program especially accessible for both families and volunteers—no transportation is needed, just a computer and a quiet space for an hour each week.
The program’s impact goes beyond academics. Long-term tutor-student pairings and biannual in-person meetups have helped foster strong, lasting relationships. Many families have participated for multiple years, with parents reporting improved test scores, stronger grades, and increased confidence in their children. Wake Forest students also cite the experience as a meaningful way to connect with the greater Winston-Salem community.
By removing logistical barriers and meeting families where they are, the virtual tutoring program has become a model for sustainable, equity-centered community engagement. As it marks five years of success, the program continues to reflect Wake Forest’s commitment to meaningful service, student development, and educational opportunity for all.
Virtual Tutoring Impact: Spring 2025
This spring, 129 Wake Forest students tutored 155 local K-12 school children from 60 different schools, 24 of which were classified as Title I schools. In all, nearly 1,400 hours of tutoring services were provided at no cost to families.
Students were represented across all grades and subjects throughout the school system. 79% (122) of all tutees requested assistance in two or more subjects, with 50% needing assistance with math and 30% needing assistance with reading and/or writing.
Wake Forest Hosts 63 local children for annual MLK Read-In
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Wake Forest University partnered with Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and HandsOn NWNC to host the annual MLK Read-In, a literacy-focused event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Held on Wake Forest’s Reynolda campus, the Read-In welcomed 63 local elementary school students for a day of reading, hands-on activities, and interactive learning inspired by Dr. King’s values of equality, education, and service.
Each child was paired with a Reading Buddy—a volunteer who guided them through stations like the Honda Jet “dream plane” activity and civil rights leader coloring pages. New this year was a migration-themed station hosted by WSSU’s Hispanic Organization and Latin Association (HOLA), which helped children draw connections between the resilience of monarch butterflies and their own journeys.
At the end of the day, each child took home one age-appropriate book and one themed around civil rights, curated in partnership with Bookmarks, a local independent bookstore.
The event was powered by 109 volunteers, including students, staff, and community members, who contributed more than 300 service hours.
DESK Builds Big in 2025
DESK made a big impact in 2025, growing both in numbers and in community spirit. With a 24% increase in desk production, volunteers built and painted 68 desks—up from 55 the previous year—giving even more local students a personalized space to learn, dream, and grow.
And that was just the beginning. Thanks to a $500 Diverse Books Grant from the Center for Literacy Education, this year’s event also featured a new community library stocked with 68 inclusive and engaging books—43 of which were purchased through the grant. Participating children took home 35 books, while 25 were donated to the Freedom School library to keep the love of learning going all summer long.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of student volunteers. In 2025, 484 students from 70 campus organizations came together to bring DESK to life. A core team of 25 student leaders went above and beyond—contributing nearly 100 hours of service in the lead-up to the event by conducting community outreach, recruiting volunteers, leading fundraising efforts, and preparing the desks for their final artistic touches.
To cap off the impact, the program raised $3,157 in support of the Wake Forest Freedom School, furthering DESK’s ongoing commitment to educational equity and community connection.
WAKE 'N SHAKE: 20 years strong
This year marked a major milestone for Wake Forest’s largest student-led philanthropy event—20 years of Wake ‘N Shake. What first began as an idea, has grown into a campus-wide tradition rooted in purpose, passion, and movement. With more than 20,000 dancers having participated since its founding, the event has now surpassed $4 million in lifetime giving to the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
In 2024, Wake ’N Shake drew an incredible 1,567 student participants—that’s 1 in 4 undergraduates joining together in the fight against cancer. A record-breaking 54 students served on this year’s Executive Team, the largest in program history, working behind the scenes to make every hour count.
The Wake Forest community showed up in force, raising $322,975.40—the highest total since 2020. On event day alone, students brought in a staggering $130,000, nearly half of last year’s total in just 12 hours. As they prepare to graduate, this year’s senior class leaves behind an incredible legacy, having collectively raised over $1.1 million during their four years on campus.
Two decades in, Wake ‘N Shake continues to prove the power of students united in purpose—dancing for a cure, honoring a legacy, and making every step matter.
Pump Up For Piccolo Rounds Out Year of Fundraising Efforts
On the final day of classes, 151 students—led by Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the Wake Forest football team—came together for Pump Up for Piccolo, an annual strength and agility competition held in honor of Wake Forest alumnus and former football standout Brian Piccolo.
Piccolo, who went on to play for the Chicago Bears, is remembered not only for his talent on the field but for his courage and character in the face of cancer. This signature event celebrates his enduring legacy while fundraising for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
This year, participants raised over $6,000 through the event, contributing to a remarkable $633,493.40 raised by Wake Forest students throughout the 2024–25 academic year in support of cancer research.
Jam for Janey Honors Legacy Through Sport and Scholarship
On Thursday, April 10, the Wake Forest community gathered in the Sutton Center for the second annual Jam for Janey: 3v3 Basketball Tournament. With 144 teams made up of 408 students and 24 faculty and staff, the event honored the life and legacy of Janey Thompson, a beloved student who passed away unexpectedly in 2024.
This year’s tournament raised $106,074, bringing the calendar year total to an extraordinary $136,368.15—enough to establish an endowed scholarship in Janey’s name. The remarkable student leadership and campus-wide participation are a testament to Janey’s enduring impact on the Wake Forest community.
A biophysics major, Janey was a recipient of the Wake Forest Ledford Physics Scholarship and a proud member of the Physics Honors Society. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom—she was a dedicated member of the Women’s Club Basketball Team, a voice on Wake Radio, a sister in Delta Delta Delta, and a passionate supporter of Wake Forest Athletics. Jam for Janey celebrates two of her greatest passions—basketball and physics—while advancing efforts to increase scholarship funding and permanently honor her legacy with the Janey Thompson Physics Scholarship.
Campus Kitchen provides over 3,000 meals to wsnc community this year
In 2024–25, the Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest University engaged 304 volunteers, who contributed 3,717 hours of direct service toward recovering food, preparing meals, and distributing nourishment to food-insecure residents across Winston-Salem. Through their efforts, 32,099 pounds of food were rescued from going to waste, resulting in the preparation and delivery of 3,284 meals to food-insecure members of the local community.
These outcomes were made possible through strong campus and community partnerships, which supported the following food recovery efforts:
- 10,251 (6.8 tons) pounds from Wake Forest Dining & Harvest Table Catering
- 20,005 pounds (10.0 tons) from local grocery partners
- 1,843 pounds of fresh produce from the Campus Garden and Cobblestone Farmers Market
*Outcomes represent data from August 1, 2025-April 30, 2025
Stirring Up Confidence: The First Year of Kids Cooking Coalition at Crossnore
This year, the Kids Cooking Coalition launched a new partnership with Crossnore Communities for Children, bringing weekly cooking lessons to six children in the residential program. Designed to introduce healthy habits and essential life skills through food, the program offered a unique blend of fun, learning, and hands-on engagement in the kitchen.
Led by two Wake Forest student directors and supported by a team of six Table Leaders, each session paired a child with a student mentor for one-on-one instruction. Together, they practiced fundamental culinary skills like chopping, measuring, stirring, and safely operating kitchen appliances. Each week built on the last, allowing participants to grow more confident and comfortable with new techniques and ingredients.
Through this partnership, the Kids Cooking Coalition has created a meaningful learning environment where children at Crossnore not only gain practical cooking knowledge but also begin to associate food with independence, creativity, and well-being, setting the table for healthier habits and lifelong skills.
Students Celebrated at first-ever Student Impact Awards
On Tuesday, April 15, Wake Forest University hosted the inaugural Student Impact Awards in Benson University Center. This newly unified celebration brought together the Office of Civic & Community Engagement Service Awards and the Office of Student Engagement SOAR Awards to recognize exemplary leadership, service, and engagement across campus and in the greater Winston-Salem community.
Presented in collaboration with the Offices of Civic & Community Engagement, Fraternity & Sorority Engagement, and Student Engagement, the event honored individual students, student organizations, and staff who embody the spirit of Pro Humanitate.
With over 250 guests in attendance, the evening was a meaningful celebration of the students who make a lasting impact as members of the Wake Forest community.
Individual Student Award Winners:
- Change Maker Award: Amelia Suhocki
- Christman Award: Kevin Dunn
- Outstanding Student Leader of the Year: Michaela Re
- Outstanding Emerging Leader of the Year: Darcelle Lee & James Watson
- First-Year Service Excellence Award: Beau Rice*
- Sophomore Service Excellence Award: Allison Richards*
- Junior Service Excellence Award: Chase Clark*
- Graduate Student Service Excellence Award: Mary Catherine Baker*
Student Organization of the Year Awards:
- Student Organization of the Year: Black Student Alliance
- New Student Organization of the Year: Can't Stop the Beat!
- Student Organization Service Excellence Award: Wake Women Lead
- Event of the Year: Holiday Fest
Fraternity & Sorority Life Award Winners:
- Interfraternity Council Chapter of the Year: Chi Psi
- Interfraternity Council Leader of the Year: Thomas ‘Tip’ Hogerty
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapter of the Year: Delta Sigma Theta
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternity Leader of the Year: Gah'Ques Ligons
- National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority Leader of the Year: Sabrina Jean-Charles
- National Panhellenic Conference Chapter of the Year: Chi Omega
- National Panhellenic Conference Leader of the Year: Nissa Sultan
- United Greek Council Chapter of the Year: Chi Upsilon Sigma
- United Greek Council Leader of the Year: Katherine Claybrook
Faculty, Staff, and Community Partner Award Winners:
- Advisor of the Year: Amy Mohan
- Community Partner Service Award: Community Care Center*
- Faculty Service Excellence Award: Megan Bennett Irby, PhD.*
- Michael G. Ford Servant Leadership Award: Deb Marke
*Select OCCE Service Excellence Awards were presented at a separate ceremony on Wednesday, April 9.
Class of 2025: Civic Scholars
The Civic Scholars Program recognizes Wake Forest students who show a strong, ongoing commitment to community engagement. These students are active leaders on campus and in the community, working with a wide range of causes and organizations.
Throughout the program, scholars complete experiences in academics, direct service, and leadership development. Open to students after their first semester, the program supports those who lead with purpose and a passion for positive change. This year, the Office of Civic & Community Engagement was proud to recognize the effort of 21 students.
Meet this year’s Civic Scholars:
- Natalie Borsuk, History & Politics and International Affairs
- Delaney Buck, Health and Exercise Science
- Leah Cabiness, Religious Studies
- Erica Carl, African American Studies
- Mari Dragan, Biology
- Nicole Dragotta, Finance
- Kevin Dunn, Politics and International Affairs & Classical Studies
- Matt Genser, Finance
- Ashley Glover, Economics
- Ashleigh Hampson, Politics and International Affairs & Religious Studies
- Safa Jan, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Politics and International Affairs
- Satvik Kuravi, Health and Exercise Science
- Hallie Martel, Finance
- Morgan Moser, Sociology
- Grace Novak, Communication & Sociology
- Annie Russell, Business and Enterprise Management
- Sam Silverberg, Chemistry
- Gracie Stump, Elementary Education (licensure) & Pyschology
- Amelia Suhocki, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Lillie Thornton, Psychology
- Rachel VonDohlen, Business and Enterprise Management
Deacs Decide Receives National RECOGNITION for VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS
This spring, Deacs Decide—Wake Forest’s nonpartisan political engagement initiative—was recognized nationally for its work during the 2024 General Election. These honors reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to civic learning and student participation in the democratic process.
Key recognitions include:
- Voter-friendly Campus Designation from the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA recognizes institutions implementing practices to encourage student voter registration and participation.
- Highly Established Action Plan recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, awarded to campuses demonstrating a strong commitment to increasing nonpartisan democratic engagement and graduating civically engaged voters.
- The Standout Campus Administrator Award from ALL IN was presented to Deb Marke, associate director of democratic engagement and justice programs. She was one of just six nationwide recipients recognized for her leadership in advancing nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement, and student voter participation ahead of the 2024 election.
- ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, recognizing Natalie Borsuk (’25) for her outstanding leadership in promoting student voter engagement at Wake Forest.
As Deacs Decide celebrates these national honors, the program continues to build momentum around democratic engagement and voter education for future elections, reinforcing Wake Forest’s commitment to civic learning, informed voting, and a more engaged campus community.
ALLISON WALKER, MFA, JOINS OCCE
Allison Walker joined the Office of Civic & Community Engagement in January as the Director of Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning. In this role, she builds and sustains strategic partnerships that support community-based learning at Wake Forest, connecting students, faculty, and community members through place-based initiatives and curricular collaborations. She also leads the ACE Fellows program, consults with faculty on course and research design, and teaches ACE-designated courses in the College.
Before coming to Wake Forest, Allison served as the Director of Service Learning at High Point University, where she led faculty development, program assessment, and student mentorship within the university’s curricular service-learning initiatives.
A poet, photographer, and scholar, her creative and academic work has appeared in the Community Literacy Journal, Journal of Writing Analytics, and the Routledge collection Teaching Writing in the Health Professions. Her research interests focus on narrative medicine and empathy studies.