A LETTER FROM MARIANNE MAGJUKA, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF CAMPUS LIFE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-OCCE
As Wake Foresters, we are called to consider the ways in which we can contribute our unique talents, strengths, and skills in service to humanity. The Office of Civic & Community Engagement works to connect students, faculty, and staff to opportunities for engagement in the Winston-Salem community. We do this through community-based experiential learning, internships, direct service, large campus traditions, and civic engagement.
As I reflect on the fall semester, I have immense gratitude for the student leaders who rescued and delivered thousands of pounds of food through the Campus Kitchen; the teams who raised a record-breaking $304,518 for cancer research; the faculty who developed new service-learning courses and community-based projects as ACE Fellows; and the extraordinary campus leaders who registered and mobilized our community during the Presidential Election. This is just a small snapshot of the amazing work that we accomplished this semester.
As we embark on the winter break, let’s continue to invest in each other and our community. Happy holidays!
Deacs Decide: preparing for the 2024 Election
Many students were eligible to vote for the first time in 2024. Deacs Decide - Wake Forest’s non-partisan, Get Out The Vote initiative - works to ensure faculty, staff, and students have the information necessary to cast their ballots.
Throughout the fall semester Deacs Decide:
- Registered 915 students to vote in North Carolina, up 136% from 2020
- Engaged 15 classes, 100 student organizations, and every fraternity and sorority chapter on campus to share voter information and education resources
- Facilitated six dialogue spaces, including pre-election discussions focused on key issues for young voters and post-election processing sessions
- Supported the Department of Economics, History, and Politics and International Affairs to present different views and perspectives on the 2024 election
Get Out The Vote with Deacs Decide
Before students even arrived on campus, Deacs Decide and its student directors were hard at work eliminating barriers to voting for Wake Forest students, ensuring that every Deac’s voice is heard at the ballot box.
Key initiatives included:
Establishing an Early Voting Site: Working alongside the Forsyth County Board of Elections, Deacs Decide helped to secure a One-Stop Early Voting location at the Polo Park Community Center, just 1.5 miles from Reynolda Campus, allowing students to register, update their registration, and vote in one convenient location before Election Day.
Providing Transportation to the Polls: Deacs Decide partnered with Parking and Transportation Services to offer free rides to the Polo Park Community Center voting site throughout the Early Voting period, utilized by over 300 students.
- On National Vote Early Day alone, 175 students utilized the shuttle to cast their ballot.
- In conjunction with Student Government and the Black Student Alliance, complimentary rides were provided to students on the weekends throughout the Early Voting Period.
- On Election Day, shuttles provided free rides to students to their designated polling place.
Advocating for Voter ID Access: Long before the Fall 2024 semester, Deacs Decide worked with the North Carolina State Board of Elections to successfully establish the Deacon OneCard as an acceptable form of photo ID for students voting in North Carolina, addressing new state legislation requiring voter ID. Deacs Decide communicated with the campus community about this new requirement.
Streamlining Voter Engagement with TurboVote: Implementing TurboVote - a digital tool that powers greater voter access - enabled the WFU community to easily check their voter registration, register to vote, receive election reminders, access vote-by-mail resources, and preview their ballots. Through TurboVote, 622 community members confirmed their voter registration status, with 68% signing up for election reminders and 45% receiving registration assistance beyond Deacs Decide.
WFU EARNS HIGHLY ESTABLISHED ACTION PLAN SEAL FOR 2024
Through the work of Deacs Decide, Wake Forest University has been recognized with the 2024 Highly Established Action Plan Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The distinction is awarded to higher education institutions that develop robust, nonpartisan action plans to enhance civic learning, political involvement and student voter participation.
The University was one of 228 campuses nationwide to earn the seal in 2024, having previously received it in 2022. The recognition highlights the strength of WFU's action plan, which is evaluated using the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Rubric. This comprehensive framework ensures that the university’s initiatives are well-designed and impactful in empowering students to participate in the democratic process. Wake Forest’s ongoing efforts demonstrate its dedication to creating a more engaged and informed campus community.
Former members of Congress bring civic education to CAMPUS
On October 22, Wake Forest University welcomed former U.S. Representatives Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) as part of the Congress to Campus program, which fosters civic engagement and bipartisan collaboration among students. Edwards and Comstock shared their career journeys, the challenges of serving in Congress, and the importance of bridging divides through effective communication.
Throughout the day, the former representatives engaged with students in meaningful ways, including classroom visits, a “Conversation & Coffee” event, and a luncheon where discussions centered on legislative work, public service careers, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities. During a town hall at Pugh Auditorium, the Congresswomen encouraged students to take active roles in government and community service, emphasizing that civic participation transcends political affiliations.
WFU receives national funding to advance public health
In October, senior leaders from AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention visited Wake Forest University to observe the impact of its Public Health AmeriCorps program, which supports uninsured and underserved populations in Winston-Salem.
Now in its third year, the program received more than $200,000 in federal funding to continue addressing critical public health needs while equipping participants with career-ready skills in the field.
Public Health AmeriCorps members serve at local nonprofit sites such as the Community Care Center, where they assist with patient triage, lab work, and translation services for Spanish-speaking patients. Since the program launched in 2021, more than 40 members have contributed to improving health equity in the community, gaining hands-on experience in tackling public health challenges.
OUR MOTTO MEANS MORE
Since the start of pre-orientation on August 16, 1,098 Wake Forest volunteers—including students, faculty, and staff—have recorded 6,022 hours of direct service, collectively volunteering 3,042 times. All volunteer efforts are tracked and verified through GivePulse, WFU’s volunteer management platform.
To make volunteering more accessible for those new to our community or those looking to get involved, the Office of Civic & Community Engagement hosted and supported several service days for the Wake Forest community this fall.
On September 21, the OCCE organized a Day of Service open to the entire WFU community. Fifty-two Deacs spent their morning assisting various local partners, contributing 149.25 hours of direct service. Their efforts included baking cookies for the SECU Family House, setting up for food distribution at Una Bendición’s client-choice pantry, and decorating and packing goodie bags for teachers at Old Town Elementary.
Earlier in the semester, on August 22, the OCCE partnered with the Wake Forest School of Law for a Day of Service during Law School Foundations Week. Two hundred first-year law students volunteered with 11 community partners, including Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Latino Community Services, LEAD Girls NC, and Second Harvest Food Bank. Collectively, they contributed an impressive 500 hours of service, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement from the start of their legal education.
On November 16, the campus united for the Community Day of Action for Western North Carolina, a powerful demonstration of support for regional communities. Volunteers from across campus—including students, faculty, and staff—gathered at the Sutton Center to sort and pack essential supplies for a large donation drive. Their efforts directly supported the impactful work of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, Forsyth Humane Society, and the NC Diaper Drive, ensuring vital resources reached those in need.
CHRIS DIETRICH, WFU JUNIOR, RECOGNIZED BY NC CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT FOR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
In November, Wake Forest junior Christopher Dietrich was recognized for his commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement with the Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus Engagement.
Dietrich was nominated by the Office of Civic & Community Engagement following his completion of the Public Health AmeriCorps program in August of 2024 where he served more than 900 hours supporting public health efforts at the Community Care Center. Upon completion of the program, Dietrich continues to volunteer his time at the Community Care Center, as well as the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he helps patients by connecting them to food, gas, transportation and other non-medical needs.
VIRTUAL TUTORING CONTINUES TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FOR LOCAL CHILDREN & FAMILIES
This fall, 109 Wake Forest students tutored 138 local K-12 school-children from 53 different schools, 25 of which were classified as Title I schools. In all, 828 hours of tutoring services were provided at no cost to families.
Students were represented across all grades and subjects throughout the school system. 65% of all tutees requested assistance in two or more subjects, with 71% needing assistance with math and 61% needing assistance with reading and writing.
TurkeyPalooza Provides 700 Holiday Meals to Winston-Salem Community
Each November, the Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest University hosts TurkeyPalooza, an annual tradition now in its 18th year, dedicated to preparing scratch-made turkey dinners for community partners ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
This year, 152 volunteers contributed a remarkable 406 hours of direct service, working tirelessly throughout the week to prepare and deliver 700 Thanksgiving meals to 11 community partners. These partners included organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Samaritan Ministries, the Shalom Project, Hope to Thrive, and Anthony’s Plot, helping ensure community members had access to nourishing meals for the holiday season.
TurkeyPalooza also aligns with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, extending its impact beyond the kitchen. Students made fleece blankets for Samaritan Ministries to distribute during the colder months and packed 550 period packs - distributing 3,850 tampons and pads each - for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to provide to students in need.
Project Pumpkin Welcomes Over 300 Children to Reynolda Campus
For 36 years, Project Pumpkin has brought the community together by partnering with local schools and afterschool organizations to host a fall festival on the Reynolda Campus. On October 29th, this beloved tradition continued, welcoming 300 registered children from 12 community agencies, along with many others, including children of WFU faculty and staff.
The event’s success was made possible by 138 student volunteers, who collectively contributed 222 hours of direct service, guiding children through 68 activity booths set up around Hearn Plaza. The booths, hosted by an additional 250 volunteers from student organizations, academic units, and university departments, created a lively and engaging experience for all attendees set to this year's theme - Wild Adventures .
Beyond campus, 24 student leaders extended the spirit of Project Pumpkin by supporting the City of Winston-Salem’s Recreation and Parks Department Fall Festivals. Together, they brought themed festivities to three local community centers, ensuring even more children could participate.
In an effort to further support literacy in Forsyth County, the event raised $3,857.19 for the Wake Forest Freedom School, a free summer enrichment program hosted by the WFU Department of Education. Designed for local K-8 students, the Freedom School focuses on literacy and offers an engaging, educational experience for children in Winston-Salem.
Hit the Bricks breaks Fundraising Record for the 6th Straight Year
On Thursday, September 27, Wake Forest students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered on Hearn Plaza for the 21st annual Hit the Bricks. Each fall, this cherished tradition unites the campus community in an eight-hour relay event to support the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
Despite a shortened schedule due to inclement weather, a record-breaking 2,123 participants joined forces to raise more than $304,518.00 for cancer research. Together, 135 teams completed 14,457 laps around the quad, covering an impressive 3,614.25 miles in their collective effort to make an impact.
This year’s event marked the sixth consecutive year the Wake Forest community surpassed its own fundraising record for Hit the Bricks and the second year in a row raising over $300,000 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
Leadership Kickoff prepares student groups for the year ahead
Just before classes began, 105 student leaders from 76 chartered student organizations and 5 WFU offices, gathered for Wake Forest University’s inaugural Student Leadership Kickoff. Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and the Office of Civic & Community Engagement, the day-long retreat equipped students with essential leadership skills to set their organizations up for success.
The event featured interactive sessions on event planning, risk management, well-being, policies and procedures, collaboration, and inclusive excellence. Students shared ideas, learned best practices, and explored ways to create inclusive and thriving organizations. The energy was high as they exchanged tips, tackled challenges, and built connections with fellow leaders.
By the end of the day, students left with practical strategies, renewed confidence, and a supportive network of peers. The Student Leadership Kickoff laid the groundwork for a year of growth and collaboration, empowering student leaders to build a more engaged and inclusive Wake Forest community.
129 FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS JOIN OCCE FOR PRE-ORIENTATION
Each August, the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE) hosts two dynamic pre-orientation programs—SPARC and Deacon Camp—designed to give incoming students a head start on their Wake Forest journey. These programs offer an early opportunity to form lasting connections with peers, discover ways to get involved on campus, and engage meaningfully with both the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities.
This year, 129 first-year students were warmly welcomed to campus by a dedicated team of 55 upperclass student leaders.
Over the course of four days, participants embraced the spirit of Pro Humanitate, exploring their new community through service projects with local nonprofits, diving into campus life and traditions, and even enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Demon Deacon Athletics. Together, they set the foundation for a purposeful and engaging college experience.
Anna Donze ('13) joins OCCE Team
Anna Donze (‘13) joined the OCCE team as the Assistant Director of Community Engagement in September. In her role, she oversees the Campus Kitchen, the Kids Cooking Coalition, and the Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program.
A Wake Forest graduate, Donze previously worked alongside the OCCE throughout the 2013-14 service year as a member of its AmeriCorps*VISTA project, where she worked on capacity-building projects for after-school tutoring and family support services.
Before returning to WFU, Donze served as the Executive Director at Moji Coffee + More, a nonprofit organization and coffee shop that provided meaningful employment and job training to individuals with differing abilities. No stranger to our local community, Donze has worked alongside several of our nonprofit partners, including SHARE Cooperative, The Empowerment Project, and Samaritan Ministries, and serves on various boards, including Keep Winston Salem Beautiful, Triad Buying Co-Op and the Greater Winston-Salem - Winston Under 40.
Credits:
Wake Forest University - University Marketing and Communications, Wake Forest University - Campus Life Marketing and Communications, Adobe Express Stock Images