The Cannon Family Charitable Trust gave WSSU $500K to launch a new grad prep program. The state is also investing nearly $45M toward the new auditorium, employee pay raises, and nursing student loan forgiveness.

Dr. Peter Rodriguez became Wake Forest's 15th president on July 1, succeeding Dr. Susan R. Wente. He was previously dean of Rice University's School of Business. See what the Search Committee said about him.

Named a top-10 finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize, the most prestigious award in community college education. The honor comes after major improvements in student outcomes since 2020.

Dr. Jill Fleuriet is officially Salem's 23rd president. A cultural and medical anthropologist, she previously served as vice provost for honors education at the University of Texas.

Ranked the No. 3 drama school in the world by the Hollywood Reporter, the highest of any public school. It also landed No. 8 for filmmaking nationally, its 5th straight year in the top 10.

What to expect: Cozy family cabins, campfire nights, activities for everyone, and plenty of room to roam and explore.

Where you’ll be: Camp Hanes is a 566-acre retreat with two lakes, miles of hiking trails, an indoor gym, airnasium, climbing wall, outdoor pool, and plenty of space to relax, play, and reconnect. 

Book Launch - Love fantasy? Join local author S. Jae-Jones at Bookmarks to celebrate the release of the final Guardians of Dawn book! Free to attend, registration required. 6:30 PM

Symphonic Concert - Go on a musical journey through Germany’s wind music at Körner’s Folly, performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony. Performances at 6 PM and 7:15 PM.

Pitch & Present - Connect with entrepreneurs and listen to business pitches at Lot 63. 8:30 AM

Yogammunity - Find your community at Southern Drift Brewing Co.’s weekly yoga class! 7 PM

Evening in the Atrium - Catch a live set from Americana artist Jeffrey Dean Foster and singer-songwriter Beth McKee at 500 W 5th. Plus, enjoy complimentary bites from East of Texas! 5-7 PM*

Floral DIY - Make an arrangement using local flowers at Sophisticated Florals. 6 PM

Line Dancing - Wear your cowboy boots to Breathe Cocktail Lounge’s line dancing lessons, followed by open dancing! 6:45-10 PM

Soften lines around the nose and mouth

Define and sharpen the jawline

Add fullness to lips

Target deep facial lines

🎨 Trending: Color drenching. One saturated color, top to bottom: walls, trim, and ceiling. This can turn an ordinary powder bath or dining room into an immersive space. Worth Painting knows how to make it feel intentional, not overwhelming. Get started with a free quote.*

😢 Closing: Campus Gas closed this past weekend. Three Wake Forest alumni had opened the Bull City Ciderworks outpost in a former gas station back in November 2018. The space can still be booked for private events through September 13.

📽 Film: New movie series! a/perture and Face to Face Speaker Forum have teamed up to create "Face to Face Goes to the Movies," inspired by this year's guest lineup. First up: "Harriet" on August 25, starring Cynthia Erivo, who visits LJVM Coliseum on September 16.

🍽 Social: "What a fun, no-stress way to meet new people in Winston!" That's what Katie D. said about our Dinner Club. Want in? Take a quick personality quiz, get matched with 5 new friends, and join them at a local restaurant in Clemmons on September 17.

🎉 Open: Have you been to Sandbox VR or Shinjuku Station yet? Both new businesses are in their soft opening phases! Team members Christy and Stevie visited Shinkjuku today; their favorite items were the fried donuts and aloha roll. "It's not just eating, it’s an experience." - Stevie

🎡 Fair: Snag discounted tickets for the Carolina Classic Fair! This year's highlights: competitive eater Joey Chestnut joins the hot dog eating contest, and The Band Perry takes the stage. The fair runs October 2-11.

H.O.P.E. | Assist with cooking classes on Tuesdays, sort food on Fridays, and distribute food to the Boston-Thurmond neighborhood on Saturdays.

Samaritan Ministries | Help prepare and serve meals to those in need at the soup kitchen. Daily volunteer opportunities!

Senior Services | Deliver lunch to homebound seniors through Meals-on-Wheels, Monday–Friday mornings.

Crisis Control Ministry | Serve as an intake specialist, stock their in-house grocery store, and fill pharmacy orders on weekdays.

greeNest | Paint and repair furniture, style the showroom, or help load and unload deliveries on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

White - 4%

Milk - 31%

Semi-sweet - 5%

Dark - 60%

🥳 Team member Jacob competed in field day games at his friend’s birthday party this weekend! He enjoyed having a slice of lemonade cake from Dewey's Bakery for dessert.

➡️ Know a student coming to WS for the first time? Forward them this newsletter!