WFU in the news: June 19-25, 2023

FEATURED NEWS

The critical need for intentional rest
By Allison McWilliams | Psychology Today
“The reality is as work expectations have steadily ramped up over time, opportunities to truly rest have diminished,” writes Assistant Vice President of Mentoring and Alumni Personal and Career Development Allison McWilliams. “And while there have always been roles – farmer, medical professional, service industry, just to name a few—that by necessity have maintained an always-on status, increasingly, there is little to distinguish those who have to be from those who choose to be. When everything takes on urgent status, when everything is a hustle, then nothing is.” – 6/09/2023

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

A year after the fall of Roe v. Wade, August election makes Ohio ‘ground zero’ in abortion fight
Cleveland.com
Politics professor and state constitutional issues expert John Dinan said the fight over ballot access rules pre-dates last year’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned national legal protections for abortion. “There is no doubt that the Dobbs decision is generating additional interest in state constitutional amendment rules and efforts to change the rules for qualifying and approving initiated amendments in particular. The referendum this August in Ohio on a measure to tighten amendment rules is just one of several similar votes that will be held in coming years.” – 6/25/2023

North Carolina transgender athlete ban affects private schools and universities. But is it legal?
Daily Republic
There’s been a “massive uptick” in transgender-related legislation across the country, said law professor Marie-Amélie George. It’s now become a wedge issue that can be exploited by politicians, she said. “As trans individuals have become more visible and public and have demanded their rights, we’re seeing a backlash.” – 6/26/2023

Birth rates: Underpopulation, not overpopulation, is the bigger problem
By Robert M. Whaples | National Review
Why aren’t people in their 20s and 30s having more children? Surveys suggest a wide range of factors at play; some of them are economic, others are cultural. On the economic side, young adults worry about the costs of raising children, problems paying off current student loans, and the high price of a home. On the cultural side, they explain that having children just isn’t a priority. – 6/18/2023

REGIONAL & TRADE

Andrew Klein is next Dean of Wake Forest Law
American Law Institute
“I could not be more excited about becoming part of a place with such a long and distinguished record of training excellent lawyers and outstanding leaders,” said Andrew Klein in the announcement. “I look forward to honoring the school’s best traditions, building on its successes and ensuring a future as bright as its past.” Klein will begin his role as dean on July 1. – 6/23/2023

LOCAL

Wake Forest’s football stadium is now named Allegacy Stadium
By John Dell | Winston-Salem Journal
Wake Forest’s football stadium has a new name – Allegacy Stadium. “Allegacy CEO Cathy Pace and I share a strong commitment to the wellbeing and future of the Winston-Salem community and our region,” said Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente. “I want to thank her and Allegacy’s board of directors and executive leadership team for their deep collaboration and engagement throughout this process.” – 6/21/2023

The Triad Business Journal and other local, regional and national news covered this announcement. 

NBA star Chris Paul speaks at Wake Forest University about his new book
By Carrie Hodgin | WXII-TV (Winston Salem, NC)
Wake Forest University got to see one of the Triad’s most recognizable pro athletes. NBA star Chris Paul is promoting his memoir titled, “Sixty-one: Life Lessons from papa on and off the court.” Paul, who grew up in Lewisville, was in his senior year at West Forsyth High School when his grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, was murdered by five teens on Nov. 15, 2002. The day before, he signed his national letter of intent to play at Wake Forest. – 6/23/2023

The Winston-Salem Journal also covered this story.

Young musicians to take stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City
By Lindsay Clein | WXII-TV (Winston Salem, NC)
The trip to New York wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a nonprofit led by Wake Forest sophomore Chase Clark from Colfax, N.C. “Being able to support an organization like this, doing so many great things for the community, is a priceless opportunity for me,” Clark said. Her organization, Chase’s Chance” donated $2,300 to help make this trip possible and special for students.  – 6/21/2023

‘We love Black people’: African diasporic celebration 1Love Festival returns to W-S this weekend
By Michaela Ratliff | Triad City Beat
“There were Black folks here, Black folks there, Black folks everywhere.” That’s how Melva Sampson, assistant professor of preaching and practical theology in the School of Divinity. After the Black Theatre Festival, she and her husband created the 1Love Festival, a “celebration of African diasporic culture through music, art, innovation and entrepreneurship.” The event was held June 22-24 at the Enterprise Center and Reynolds Place Theatre in Winston-Salem. –6/22/2023