Dear class of 2026,
Queue “Pomp and Circumstance” because your graduation day is here. Congratulations! Each and every one of you should feel incredibly proud of this great achievement. Earning a degree from Wake Forest University is not easy. Your motivation and hard work have earned you this moment, so soak it all in. Graduates, the Old Gold & Black wishes you the best of luck as you prepare for the next stage of life.
In your hands is a beloved Old Gold & Black tradition, the Graduation Tabloid. This edition showcases the Class of 2026’s many accomplishments. You will find 45 features of graduating seniors nominated by their department chairs for their many contributions to their field of study. You will read stories about passionate individuals who exemplify what it means to be a Demon Deacon. Their creativity and drive are inspiring and have led to their success in their respective departments.
Yes, each of these individuals has a long list of academic accomplishments, but their time in the classroom is not the only thing that will define their legacy at Wake Forest. Their time in college was also made up of moments and memories that will last a lifetime. These seniors told our reporters about some of the biggest triumphs and obstacles they have overcome over the past four years.
As I edited each of these features, I, of course, was in awe of their accomplishments. I also noticed a common theme connecting each piece—the mention of the people they found here. College is not an individual journey; it takes a village of support and collaboration. Friends, professors, mentors, classmates and family members lending the guiding tools for success. It is beautiful and heartwarming to be part of such an encouraging and caring community that fosters the growth of future leaders.
For whoever is reading this collection of stories, whether it be graduating seniors, family members beaming with pride, underclassmen or other members of the Demon Deacon community, I hope you find something that resonates with you. Something that makes you smile, reflect, or just feel more connected to this community.
I would also like to congratulate all the amazing seniors at the Old Gold & Black who have made our newsroom the bright and wonderful environment it is. To Ella Klein, Skyler Villamar-Jones, James Watson, Scottie Kimmelman, Evan Harris, Evan Lipetz, Alexandra Meier, Towne Moores, Isabella Parolini, Jack Perez, Jordan Rill, Molly Steur and Beza Zelalem, we are so proud of you. Every editorial board and late-night page layout would not have been possible without each of you. On the back of this edition, you will find some of the most amazing student journalists I have ever worked with, each contributing to our 116-year legacy of “Covering the campus like the magnolias.” All of these kind folks are amazing friends who the office will miss dearly.
On May 18, you will walk across that stage and into the next phase of life as a postgraduate. I know it will be bittersweet, but I hope your graduation day fills you with pride as you sit next to your fellow graduating classmates. I hope you can reminisce with joy as you pass your freshman dorm, your favorite study spot in the library and our beautiful Wait Chapel. Hug your friends, hug your professors, hug your family. You did it. I urge you to continue to be the amazing human you are, using your experience at Wake Forest to build new networks and make the world a better place. One last time, I would like to say congratulations. You have made your Wake Forest community proud.
All the best and Go Deacs,
Mattie
