"Covers the campus like the magnolias"

Old Gold & Black
"Covers the campus like the magnolias"

Old Gold & Black
"Covers the campus like the magnolias"

Old Gold & Black
Maddie Stopyra

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief

Maddie is a junior from Rural Hall, N.C. majoring in English and minoring in journalism and psychology. Outside of the OGB, she is also a member of the campus a cappella group Minor Variation. In her free time, you can find her reading novels and going to coffee shops with friends.

All content by Maddie Stopyra
University President Susan Wente gave her third annual address in Scales Fine Arts Center last week. She highlighted several University accomplishments and emphasized the importance of academic freedom and community care.

[Photo] University President Susan Wente delivers third annual address

Skyler Villamar-Jones and Ella Klein
December 5, 2024
In her last letter from the editor, Maddie Stopyra reflects on her time at the Old Gold & Black.

Letter from the Editor: Community matters

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2024
Deacs Decide, Wake Forest's nonpartisan civic engagement project hosted a watch party in the Zick's basement.

Election night as it happened in Winston-Salem

James Watson, Maddie Stopyra, Skyler Villamar-Jones, Maria Silveira, Ella Klein, Andrew Braun, Miriam Fabrycky, Nick Costantino, and Isabella Romine
November 6, 2024
The Old Gold & Black will provide live updates on Election Day, both online and on our social media platforms X and Instagram.

LIVE UPDATES: Election Day in Winston-Salem

Maddie Stopyra, James Watson, Ella Klein, Andrew Braun, Isabella Romine, Skyler Villamar-Jones, Maria Silveira, Miriam Fabrycky, and Nick Costantino
November 5, 2024
The Old Gold & Black presents the 2024 Election Edition

The Old Gold & Black presents the 2024 Election Edition

James Watson and Maddie Stopyra
October 23, 2024
The Old Gold & Black recaps the events of the past year concerning the Israel-Hamas War on campus.

One year later: how Wake Forest has responded to the Israel-Hamas war

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2024
Wake Forest announced on Sept. 26 that the speaker event featuring Rabab Abdulhadi will not be held on Oct. 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel.

BREAKING: Wake Forest cancels Oct. 7 speaker event after facing backlash

Maddie Stopyra and Maria Silveira
September 26, 2024
Wake Forest welcomed four new staff members to the Office of the Chaplain this year. (Courtesy of Wake Forest University)

Wake Forest appoints several staff members in the Office of the Chaplain

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2024
Administrative offices currently housed in Alumni Hall will soon move to office space built as a part of the Deacon Boulevard project titled “The Grounds.”

Major renovation project begins on Reynolda Campus

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2024
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Gary Anthony Ward (Sergio) may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or any animal rescue. (Courtesy of Wake Forest University)

Wake Forest security officer dies from “short illness” at 53 years old

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2024
Theatre: Evan Souza

Theatre: Evan Souza

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2024
English: Anna Gramling

English: Anna Gramling

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2024
Engineering: Sydney Joseph

Engineering: Sydney Joseph

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2024
This afternoon's protest evolved into an encampment.

Live updates: Pro-Palestinian protest on Hearn Plaza evolves into encampment

Maddie Stopyra, Ella Klein, and Shaila Prasad
April 30, 2024
(Courtesy of Wake Forest Student Government)

Student Government announces 2024 election results

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-In-Chief
April 10, 2024
Wake Forest sophomore dies after suffering complications from a blood clot

Wake Forest sophomore dies after suffering complications from a blood clot

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-In-Chief
April 9, 2024
Voting for Student Government will open on The Link at 12 p.m. on April 9 and students can cast their votes until 11:59 a.m. on April 10. (Courtesy of Student Government)

Campaigning begins for 2024 Student Government elections

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2024
A sign posted outside Salem Chapel voting site reads "Polling Place" on Tuesday, March 5 — the day of the North Carolina primary elections. Wake Forest students registered with a South Campus address voted here.

2024 N.C. Primary results: Stein and Robinson set to face-off in November for high-profile Governor’s race, major upset in Winston-Salem city council

Maddie Stopyra and James Watson
March 7, 2024
North Carolina's primaries will be held on March 5, with early voting extending through March 2. (Courtesy of Sora Shimazaki, Creative Commons)

A student’s guide to voting in the North Carolina primary election

Maddie Stopyra and Eve Darke
February 29, 2024
"While we’re no Schoolhouse Rock, hopefully you have all the tools you need to head triumphantly to the ballot box this coming Tuesday, March 5." (Courtesy of MoCo360)

Candidate Roundup: A voter’s guide to the 2024 North Carolina state-wide primaries

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-In-Chief
February 22, 2024
The Old Gold & Black sat down with Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina to discuss his goals as his term comes to a close. (Courtesy of the official website of the State of North Carolina)

Q&A: Gov. Cooper discusses his priorities for 2024 and political participation on college campuses

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2024
White flags were arranged on Hearn Plaza on Monday, Feb. 5 to represent the 10,000 children killed in Gaza.

Banners and flags in support of Palestine arranged around campus by students

Breanna Laws and Maddie Stopyra
February 5, 2024

Breaking: Charter bus carrying Wake Forest students hit by a vehicle on University Parkway

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2024
Signs around campus have been promoting the survey, with the motto "Your Wake. Your truth. Many trees. One forest."

Belonging and Inclusion Campus Evaluation Survey announced

Maddie Stopyra and Shaila Prasad
January 26, 2024
From the Editor: Year 108

From the Editor: Year 108

Maddie Stopyra, Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2024
(Courtesy of Wake Forest Student Government)

SG legislation establishes diversity and inclusion requirement for senators

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
November 15, 2023
Kiwus is currently vice president for campus planning, infrastructure and facilities at Virginia Tech (Courtesy of Wake Forest University).

University names Christopher Kiwus the next vice president for facilities, real estate and planning

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
October 25, 2023
Last weekend, the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israeli towns bordering the Gaza Strip — a Palestinian territory. Thousands of miles away, American college campuses have become flashpoints for protests and advocacy.

‘Our student body is hurting’

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
October 18, 2023
Students hold candles at Tuesday night's unity vigil.

WFU Jewish community hosts unity vigil

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
October 11, 2023
Moderated by Daniel Wilkes, Professor Mark Rabil, Kelvin Alexander and Carson Smith discussed resilience at a panel hosted by the Society for Criminal Justice Reform.

Parolee Kelvin Alexander speaks out at International Wrongful Conviction Day panel

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
October 9, 2023
Wake Safe is a free-to-download app that allows users quick access to safety features such as Social Escape, Friend Walk, Virtual Walkhome and Mobile BlueLight.

University unveils new campus safety measures

Willow Dixon and Maddie Stopyra
October 4, 2023
(Courtesy of Wake Forest)

Wake Forest falls out of the top 30 in latest US News rankings

Maddie Stopyra and Aine Pierre
September 18, 2023
From left to right: Tyler Thompson, Nico Machado, Manny Guevara, Tyler Fausnaught, Ethan Humphrey, pose on Spry Practice Field after working and wrapping an evening practice. With three seasons of experience, Guevara leads the group as head manager.

Behind the posts: Men’s soccer’s unsung heroes

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
September 8, 2023
Just over half of the students who have visited Student Health for an upper respiratory infection have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Campus Health Chair Dr. Warrenetta Mann (Courtesy of Wake Forest).

Student Health reports a spike in COVID-19 cases

Maddie Stopyra and Christa Dutton
September 7, 2023
President Dr. Susan Wente addresses the Class of 2027 at Convocation (Courtesy of Wake Forest).

Incoming freshmen join university community at convocation

Sophie Fionda and Maddie Stopyra
September 1, 2023
Winston-Salem is a big city with plenty of places to explore and things to do (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

What to do in Winston-Salem, from a local

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
August 28, 2023
The 2022-2023 academic year was full of new faces and new challenges.

The news of the past academic year, explained

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
August 26, 2023
Wake Forest leaders, following the Supreme Court's decision, reaffirmed the university's commitment to creating a diverse community.

As affirmative action falls, Wake Forest looks forward

Maddie Stopyra, Breanna Laws, and Aine Pierre
July 12, 2023
Andrew R. Klein will begin work as dean of the law school on July 1.

Andrew R. Klein named dean of the law school

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
May 25, 2023

Police presence in Reynolda Village Trails area: Live updates

Maddie Stopyra, Christa Dutton, and Breanna Laws
May 17, 2023
Brian White currently serves as the general counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs at the University of Kentucky.

University names Brian White its next vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
May 6, 2023
It is unclear whether English professor Dr. Omaar Hena will be returning to Wake Forest to teach next semester or at any point in the future.

English professor’s future unclear after students uncover explicit images of him on social media

Christa Dutton and Maddie Stopyra
April 27, 2023
Classical Languages: Gray Rucker

Classical Languages: Gray Rucker

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
April 27, 2023
Russian: Madison Stafford

Russian: Madison Stafford

Maddie Stopyra, Stopyra
April 27, 2023
In Fall 2022, News covered protest posters put up by Chinese international students to protest the election of Xi Jinping and China’s COVID-19 policies.

News

Maddie Stopyra and Daniel Parolini
April 27, 2023
The Student Government Senate and Student Government's Executive Board pose for a photograph.

Three bills pass unanimously in busy final Senate meeting

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
April 21, 2023
The executive board of Student Government poses for a photograph.

Student Government leaders reflect on their terms

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
April 13, 2023
Terms for officers and senators elected today will begin on April 26.

Student Government announces election winners

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
April 5, 2023
Tim Erday, who is running for re-election as treasurer, speaks at the Student Government Executive Debate.

Candidates make their cases at Student Government debate

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
April 3, 2023
Hasan Pyarali's campaign is suspended until 5:24 p.m. tonight.

Elections Commission temporarily suspends Hasan Pyarali’s campaign

Maddie Stopyra and Daniel Parolini
April 3, 2023
Notes from attendees to survivors of sexual violence express support.

‘I am stronger:’ Speak Out event features survivor testimonies

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
April 2, 2023
A flier from the Women's Center advertises Women's History Month.

“Elevate and Celebrate”: Women’s History Month events highlight intersectionality

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
March 31, 2023
This is the third editorial the Old Gold & Black has written this year about gun violence on college campuses.

Gunfire reported at Forsyth Tech: Live updates

Christa Dutton, Maddie Stopyra, Daniel Parolini, and Isabella Romine
March 30, 2023
Jacqueline Travisano will officially begin work at Wake Forest in July.

Wente appoints new executive vice president

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
March 29, 2023
Collins Residence Hall is generally less well regarded than some of its freshmen dorm counterparts, like Maya Angelou Hall.

On-campus housing costs, explained

Maddie Stopyra and Claire O'Brien
March 2, 2023
Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan join three Wake Forest students in a panel to discuss the importance of sexual citizenship.

University hosts first annual ‘ConsentCon’

Maddie Stopyra and Isabella Romine
February 22, 2023
The Judiciary Committee of Student Government poses for a picture. Connor Dier (leftmost) will not serve as a justice, Aman Khemlani (front left) will serve as chief justice pro tempore, Alondra Janicek (front right) will serve as chief justice. Associate justices will be Joey Crane (back center) and Jeffrey Ayako (back right).

Student Government establishes Student Organization Judicial Assembly

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
February 1, 2023
The initiative will be led by Interim Dean of Divinity Dr. Corey D. B. Walker.

Mellon Foundation awards Wake Forest $1 million grant for environmental justice project

Daniel Parolini and Maddie Stopyra
January 19, 2023
A garden on Manchester Plaza honors organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Wake Forest’s NPHC begins expansion process

Maddie Stopyra, News Editor
January 17, 2023
The Old Gold & Black spoke to students struggling to pay for basic necessities in the wake of inflation.

The Cost of Living: Students share experiences with inflation

Christa Dutton, Maddie Stopyra, and Aine Pierre
October 20, 2022
Wake Forest leaders, following the Supreme Court's decision, reaffirmed the university's commitment to creating a diverse community.

Faculty group calls for contract workers to be paid a living wage

Christa Dutton and Maddie Stopyra
September 18, 2022
A photograph of a man standing next to a piece of art

‘Exponents’ exhibit highlights faculty art

Maddie Stopyra, Assistant News Editor
September 9, 2022
A photo of President Biden

The Biden Administration executes a student loan forgiveness plan

Maddie Stopyra, Assistant News Editor
September 8, 2022
A photograph of a gathering on West Forsyth High School's basketball court

Chris Paul returns to Winston-Salem for court dedication

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
September 4, 2022
The logo of the lilting banshees: a silhouette of "The Thinker" in a jester's cap against a yellow background.

The Lilting Banshees give freshmen a humorous welcome

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
August 29, 2022
A photograph of the Wake Forest faculty processing down the center aisle of Wait Chapel while members of the Class of 2026 look on.

At convocation, Wente challenges the Class of 2026 to be “catalysts for good”

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
August 22, 2022
A photograph of an unfinished roadway.

Construction changes campus landscape

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
August 18, 2022
The FYS on misinformation presented posters about conspiracy theories, algorithms and news literacy.

WFU classes travel to D.C. for ‘ACCelerate’ festival

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
April 13, 2022
After two years of wearing masks in classrooms, Wake Forest University students had the choice to attend their classes without a mask, starting March 21.

Campus reacts to end of classroom masking

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
March 23, 2022
From left to right: Charlotte Calder, Grace Aronofsky and Jack Bradley enjoy their spring break in Miami.

Students exult in first spring break since 2020

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
March 15, 2022
The Winston-Salem Symphony, along with the Winston-Salem Youth Symphony, founded in 1973, held their 10th annual Concert for Community in Wait Chapel.

Winston-Salem Symphony performs annual concert

Maddie Stopyra, Staff Writer
March 3, 2022
Yo-Yo Ma is a UN Messenger for Peace and award-winning cellist.

Face to Face Speaker Forum welcomes Yo-Yo Ma

Maddie Stopyra, Contributing Writer
February 24, 2022
Lam museum displays student-curated exhibit

Lam museum displays student-curated exhibit

Maddie Stopyra, Contributing Writer
February 17, 2022
The Banshees provocative humor shines through in their performances.

Lilting Banshees perform “Best Of” comedy show

Maddie Stopyra, Contributing Writer
February 3, 2022
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Maddie Stopyra