Founders Day Program 2026
ORGAN PRELUDE
Sonata III, Opus 65
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Susan Bates, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Music
INVOCATION
The Reverend Dr. Chris Donald
University Chaplain
WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
Susan R. Wente
President
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE:
“Can We Sing the Darkness to Light”
Kyle Pederson (b. 1971)
Wake Forest University Chamber Choir
Chris Gilliam, Director of Choral Activities
INTRODUCTION OF SENIOR ORATION
Eric Stottlemyer
Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Curricula
Senior Advisor: Alessandra Von Burg
Associate Professor, Department of Communication
SENIOR ORATION:
“I’ve Seen Why the Caged Bird Sings”
Chase Clark (’26)
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE:
“Through Love to Light”
Elaine Hagenberg (b. 1979)
Wake Forest University Chamber Choir
Chris Gilliam, Director of Choral Activities
INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO
President Wente
PRESENTATION OF MEDALLION OF MERIT
President Wente
2026 Recipients:
Dr. Jay Wayne Meredith (MD ’78)
Accepted by Dr. Craig M. Greven (’83)
Dr. Julie Ann Freischlag
The Medallion of Merit is the highest honor given by Wake Forest and is presented annually for outstanding achievement and distinguished contribution to the University. For a list of past recipients, visit go.wfu.edu/medallionofmerit.
CLOSING REMARKS
Reverend Donald
SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER
POSTLUDE:
Carillon de Westminster, Opus 54
Louis Vierne (1870-1937)