Chairman and CEO of Flow Automotive Companies, community leader and Wake Forest University Trustee Don Flow (MBA ‘83) was awarded Wake Forest’s Medallion of Merit at the University’s Founders Day celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
The Medallion of Merit is the highest honor awarded by Wake Forest and is presented annually for outstanding achievement and distinguished contribution to the University. Previous recipients include presidents of the University, trustees, benefactors and retired faculty and administrators.
Flow has been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest honor for outstanding service to the state. He is also a recipient of the Winston-Salem Foundation’s Outstanding Citizen of Winston-Salem Award, United Way of Forsyth County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society Leadership Award and Northwest North Carolina Boy Scout’s Outstanding Citizen Award.
“Don is an invaluable member of our Wake Forest community,” said President Susan R. Wente. For decades, his service and leadership have been remarkably impactful – here at Wake Forest, in Winston Salem, and beyond. Our University continues to benefit from his love for Wake Forest and his dedication to its future, and he is truly emblematic of the spirit of the Founders.”
Flow received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.
More about the Medallion of Merit and a list of past recipients can be found on the Founders Day website
Also during the program, Dean of the Law School Andy Klein spoke about the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom, both at our university and across society. “It’s important that we commit to upholding these ideals,” Klein said, “and to do so within the context of Wake Forest University’s shared values.”
During the ceremony, President Wente announced that a residence hall would be named in honor of Larry and Beth Hopkins, two trailblazing alumni with deep ties to the University and Winston-Salem. In recognition of their extraordinary contributions – as former students, faculty members and leaders, South Hall will be renamed Dr. Larry D. Hopkins and Professor Beth N. Hopkins Hall.
Senior Orations
Each year, faculty nominate graduating seniors who they believe have exceptional promise to write a speech that addresses how they have changed during their four years at Wake Forest.
This year’s Senior Colloquium winner, Zac Anderson, is studying communication, entrepreneurship and theatre. Anderson presented his oration, “Ephemeral Moments, Eternal Impact,” during the Founders Day event. “Wake Forest has taught me the beauty of impermanence. The fleeting nature of these four years has pushed me to embrace every opportunity, to savor every moment, and to leave this place better than I found it,” he shared.
Oration winners and honorable mentions can be found on the Senior Orations and the Senior Colloquium website here.
The program in Wait Chapel also included musical performances by students from the University’s Chamber Choir, a celebration of Wake Forest milestones and a video remembrance of Wake Forest community members who passed away over the past year.
A livestream of Founders Day is available on the Wake Forest website here.
Categories: Awards & Recognition, Pro Humanitate, University Announcements
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Wake Forest names residence hall in honor of Larry and Beth Hopkins
Wake Forest names residence hall in honor of Larry and Beth Hopkins
