Remarks: 100 Years of Student Government at Wake Forest
Remarks given Monday, November 13, 2023 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wake Forest University’s Student Government Association
I am delighted to be here with you today commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Wake Forest University Student Government. As we have heard already tonight, we are not only celebrating a centennial of leadership but also reflecting on a legacy of impressive achievements and envisioning a future of continued leadership that reflects character, integrity and impact.
When Jackson asked me to make a few remarks about this anniversary, I could not help myself. I am a historian after all. So I dug into the OGB and the Howler and found some good stuff.
A century ago, your predecessors envisioned a new democratic process that would ensure that the voices of all students would be heard and valued. They framed and adopted a constitution to serve as a foundation upon which student conduct and governance at Wake Forest could be built. This constitution symbolized their commitment to self-governance, responsibility, and the power of collective action.
Over the decades, the Student Government has been at the forefront of significant changes and developments. Its influence can be seen in its policy-making and legislation as well as its shaping of campus culture and infrastructure. From its early days, Student Government showed a strong commitment to ethical conduct, as seen in its efforts to abolish hazing and uphold a culture of respect and dignity.
Student Government played a pivotal role in one of the most significant moments in our university’s history—the movement to integrate the school. This monumental effort, culminating in an affirmative vote of the Senate, led the faculty and the Board of Trustees to act, marking a turning point in our commitment down the long road to greater diversity and inclusion.
From establishing visitation and dancing policies on the original campus to addressing alcohol issues, from initiating a campus cable system to creating a student-operated television station, from successfully campaigning for expanded on-campus housing to playing an integral role in the creation of our first programs in Washington, DC, our student leaders have been at the forefront of ethics-based change and have continuously demonstrated a deep understanding of student needs and a commitment to enhancing the campus living experience.
Student Government’s influence has even been felt beyond the confines of our own campus. During the 1996-1997 school year, in response to the tragic loss of two Wake Forest students, the SGA helped establish SAFE RIDES. This initiative, in collaboration with then University President Hearn, then Governor Hunt, and then Lt. Governor Wicker, led to the implementation of some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country—a monumental achievement in promoting student safety and responsibility.
During my time at Wake Forest, I have witnessed the transformative impact of student leadership on our campus. The Student Government has not only helped develop policy but also nurtured a sense of community, belonging, and pride among students. I am especially appreciative of your leadership and collaboration throughout the strategic framework process last year, and through the challenging navigation of academic freedom and community well being on issues surrounding international conflicts.
As we look to the future, the next century beckons with new challenges and opportunities. The landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly, and the role of student leadership is more crucial than ever. In the coming years, I envision a Student Government that continues to advocate for inclusivity, sustainability, technological innovation, and global engagement. A student government that not only responds to the needs of its constituents but also anticipates and shapes the future of our university.
Let us remember that each member of the student government, past and present, has taken an oath to uphold these values and standards. This oath is not merely a formality but a solemn promise to serve, lead, and inspire. It is a promise to uphold the traditions of Wake Forest while forging ethical new paths and possibilities.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Wake Forest University Student Government, past and present. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Wake Forest we know today, and your dedication, passion, and leadership have not only enriched our campus but also prepared you to be the leaders of tomorrow. May the next century be as fruitful and inspiring as the last.
– Michele Gillespie, Provost