Wake Forest Founders Day

Each year the University marks its founding in February 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, musical performances, and a commemorative reading of excerpts from a speech made by Provost Emeritus Ed Wilson on Founders Day, 1992. President Susan R. Wente and Provost Michele Gillespie also provided remarks.

During this year’s ceremony, the Medallion of Merit – the highest honor bestowed by Wake Forest for service to the University – was awarded to senior vice president and general counsel Reid Morgan (’75, JD ’79). Morgan has worked at Wake Forest for more than four decades. He has served in the administrations of four University presidents, including as General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Trustees since 2002. He will continue to serve as secretary of the Board for the 2023-24 academic year following his planned retirement as General Counsel later this year. 

Founders Day 2023