Annie Russell
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
Many Wake Forest students are fortunate enough to study abroad during their junior year. For some, it’s a life-changing experience — an opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain a global perspective. My semester abroad was transformative in a different way. Stepping away from Reynolda Campus and our tightly knit community allowed me to truly appreciate how special and meaningful it is to be a student at Wake Forest.
Being away made me see, more clearly than ever, the power of a strong community — how people from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn and grow. This realization gave me a newfound appreciation for my time here and revitalized my commitment to engaging as much as possible. I returned to campus feeling inspired to contribute in meaningful ways, making a difference in the spaces that have shaped me. Now, as a senior, I see the same shift happening in the class below me. This sense of appreciation isn’t just my own — it’s something woven into the very fabric of our community.
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
When I applied to Wake Forest, the application included a question: “Describe a community that is important to you. How has that community prepared you to engage with, change, or even build the Wake Forest community?” I wrote about my volunteer work with local migrant assistance programs and shared my belief that “working toward a common goal builds bridges, allowing people with different backgrounds to connect and form relationships.”
This belief has guided my experience at Wake. Two of the events I’ve been most dedicated to — Project Pumpkin and DESK — reflect this philosophy. Both events invite young students from the Winston-Salem community to engage with Wake Forest students in meaningful ways, while also raising funds for a local program, The Freedom School. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand that “Pro Humanitate” is more than a motto — it’s a call to action. It reminds me that my community isn’t limited to campus but extends to the entire city of Winston-Salem. My time at Wake has been shaped by a commitment to building bridges between different communities, and this is something I will carry forward into my future.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
Even as a senior, my answer to the question “What has been your favorite class at Wake?” remains the same as it was four years ago—Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.
Through my volunteer work and advocacy, I’ve always had a passion for bringing communities together. However, before coming to Wake, I often approached service in the way I thought was best. Dr. Karin Friederic’s class fundamentally shifted my perspective. She taught me that communities are shaped by unique histories, experiences, and needs — and that helping others isn’t about imposing my own solutions but about listening and responding to what is truly needed.
This class reshaped the way I think about service. Instead of asking, “What can I do to help?” I began asking, “What do they need from me?” Sometimes, this requires stepping back, letting go of assumptions, and understanding that the best way to make an impact is not always the way I initially envisioned. This shift in perspective has informed not only my work at Wake but also the way I approach leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in every aspect of my life.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
Since my first year, my favorite Wake Forest tradition has been Lovefeast. It has always held personal significance to me—not only because my mother, a Wake alumna, was inspired by it to incorporate Moravian traditions into our own family’s Christmas celebrations, but also because it embodies the power of bringing people together.
Throughout my time at Wake, I have participated in Lovefeast in many ways. I attended as a first-year, later served as an usher, and even had the opportunity to be a candle lighter. The most meaningful moment for me was walking through the chapel, lighting the candles of those around me, and seeing both familiar and unfamiliar faces. This experience reminded me that Lovefeast isn’t just for students—it’s for the entire Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. What was once something I watched on a livestream during the Christmas season has become an event that I have been a part of, creating lasting memories that I will cherish long after my time at Wake.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Rather than a single person, the greatest impact on my Wake Forest experience has come from an entire organization: the Office of Civic and Community Engagement. From my first year onward, I have been deeply involved with their programs, whether through pre-orientation experiences, leadership retreats, or on-campus initiatives.
The individuals within this office — Brad Shugoll, Deb Marke, Cazandra Rebollar, and many others — have inspired me in ways I could not have imagined. They have dedicated their careers to serving others, and through their work, they have demonstrated what it means to live by “Pro Humanitate.” Their leadership and mentorship have not only shaped my time at Wake but have also influenced how I think about my own future. They have shown me that impact can be measured in everyday efforts to break down barriers and uplift communities. Their work is a testament to the spirit of Wake Forest, and I am grateful for the role they have played in my journey.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
Year after year, the most rewarding experience for me has been Project Pumpkin, an event that brings local elementary students to campus for a day of trick-or-treating at booths run by student organizations.
After COVID, revitalizing this event was a challenge, but with each passing year, I have seen it grow stronger. This past fall, we had the highest participation in five years, welcoming more students and involving more campus organizations than ever before. Despite serving as a director, I made it a priority to walk around with a group of four students, taking them to Halloween-themed booths and even a student-run haunted house. At the end of the day, when they were reluctant to leave, I knew that we had made a real impact. Seeing the joy and excitement on their faces reminded me why this event is so important — it’s more than just a fun day on campus; it’s a meaningful way to connect with and uplift the community around us.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
With major projects like The Grounds and the construction of a new student center underway, I often think about how Wake Forest will look when I return in 10 years. While I expect the buildings and landscaping to change, I hope that the heart of campus, the spirit of its students, remains the same.
Wake Forest is defined by its community. Throughout my time here, I have seen how students come together to make a difference, whether through volunteer work, fundraising efforts, or simply supporting one another in times of need. I hope this culture remains as strong as ever. At the same time, I welcome growth, both physically and otherwise. In 10 years, I hope that Wake Forest has expanded its reach, allowing Pro Humanitate to stretch even further and make an even greater impact on the world.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
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Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
My career plans changed because I fully embraced the curriculum at Wake Forest. It wasn’t until I took Organizational Behavior in the business school that I discovered career paths I hadn’t previously considered. That class led me to participate in a case competition which, although my team didn’t win, ultimately opened doors for me. It led to an internship with the sponsoring company—and eventually, a full-time offer.
Wake Forest fosters an environment where students are not just taught but encouraged to take action. That mindset has shaped my journey in ways I never expected. My path may not have been what I envisioned as a first-year student, but Wake Forest gave me the tools to navigate uncertainty and discover a career that excites and challenges me. I know that this foundation will continue to influence my professional journey for years to come.