Student Union Fall Semester Recap
by Student Union
It’s hard to believe that finals are here already! If you’re like us, you need a study break. What better way to do that then by reliving all the fun Student Union brought to campus this semester!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Student Union helped welcome the newest Demon Deacons to Wake Forest as part of Orientation week. A hypnotist exposed freshmen’s biggest dreams, the annual Pit Stop kept them energized during a busy week, and Aloha WFU introduced them to several of the great performing groups on campus. (And they got to take home some souvenirs, including the always-popular customized street signs!)
On September 24, we took Wake Forest back to the 1990’s with the first aWake All Night of the year. Benson stayed open until 1:00am as students took a break to socialize, dance to their favorite old school hits, and play some classic casino games to win some spectacular prize baskets donated by campus partners. If you missed it this semester, don’t fret; a sports-themed aWake All Night returns next semester on February 18!
OCTOBER
With the turning of the seasons, we celebrated Fall Fest on October 14. Goats intermingled with students on Manchester Plaza, local food vendors, UpDog Kombucha and Once Upon a Meadow, offered free samples of their tea and goat cheese, and a petting zoo allowed students to destress. If Fallfest is any indication, Springfest is sure to be a big hit in March!
The end of the month brought back some of Wake Forest’s favorite alumni for Homecoming, and we celebrated the entire week! Students painted banners, performed in Collision of the Arts, and showed off their school spirit with the bonfire on Thursday. The game may not have gone the Deacs way, but it was great to see everyone showing off their Deacon Pride throughout the week!
NOVEMBER
Tuesday Trivia was hosted biweekly all semester, culminating in a special edition of Disney Trivia in the Magnolia Room on November 15. Students flexed their knowledge of The Mouse while enjoying Disney decorations like enchanted rose centerpieces and special menu items like Finding Nemo cupcakes. While the winners may have taken home a $100 gift card to Village Tavern, everyone in attendance got to experience a little Disney Magic!
After a tumultuous election season, we unveiled a new event on November 16. Share the Love Day allowed students to take some time to reflect and reconnect with each other by sharing Free Hugs and self-affirmations in Benson. Due to its success, don’t be surprised if this event returns to campus again soon!
DECEMBER
December got off to a great start with the beginning of our “Last Lectures” series. Dr. Tom Phillips shared how classic literary works (including children’s books) teach us lessons about life. Ranging from Faulkner to Dostoevsky, his lecture reminded students and faculty to focus on what’s really important just in time for the holidays.
One of Wake Forest’s most cherished traditions returned on December 6, and as always, Lighting of the Quad was a huge success! Students from all different backgrounds came together to celebrate the holiday season and the Wake Forest community. Student performances and a message from Dr. Hatch provided an extra boost of energy for all of us to make it through exams!
In addition to all these events, we’ve hosted our weekly film series (which included a special private-screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them at The Grand), a murder-mystery dinner, and two Late Night Open Mics that showcased the diversity of talent on Wake’s campus. It was certainly a busy semester for us, and the Spring promises to be just as- if not more so- exciting!
We wish everyone the best of luck as they make it through exams and hope you all have a healthy and happy holiday break with your loved ones!
~Student Union