Wake Downtown receives Downtown Excellence Award

Wake Downtown exterior

The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership has honored Wake Downtown, Wake Forest University’s undergraduate presence in the Innovation Quarter, with a 2017 Downtown Excellence Award.

Mayor Allen Joines presented the award at the DTWSP annual meeting this morning.

Wake Downtown opened in the rehabilitated former R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company 60 series building, adjacent to the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, in January 2017.

Bruce King, professor of chemistry and Rebecca Alexander, director of academic planning, Wake Downtown & professor of chemistry
Bruce King, professor of chemistry and Rebecca Alexander, director of academic planning, Wake Downtown & professor of chemistry

New academic programs in engineering and biomedical sciences anchor the curriculum at Wake Downtown. This semester, there are more than 750 students enrolled in more than 50 classes – a mix of science courses, labs and liberal arts courses such as historic preservation, community engagement and entrepreneurship.

“The convergence of learning, research and community engagement have never been more vibrant in downtown Winston-Salem.” Nathan O. Hatch, Wake Forest University President

“Wake Downtown gives Wake Forest a physical space in the heart of the city and complements the community benefits of other nearby colleges and universities,” said Hatch. “We are pleased to be among the company of Forsyth Tech, Salem, UNC School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State in and around the Innovation Quarter, and we are grateful for this recognition.”

Other 2017 Downtown Excellence Award recipients include AFAS Center for the Arts, Benton Convention Center, Bookmarks, Forsyth County Central Library, Sweet Potatoes, Inc. and Wise Man Brewing.

Categories: Recognition, Top Stories