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WAKEChicago is a volunteer-led group dedicated to engaging alumni, parents and friends in the area. We plan a variety of programs throughout the year for all ages to participate in social, athletic, networking, and service opportunities. We hope you will join us at our next event. Go Deacs!

Support Your Community

Reach out to learn more about how you can be involved with your Community and Wake Forest.

Upcoming Events

Oct 17

Wake Forest vs. Cal Game Watch

9:30 P.M. - 11:30 P.M.

Join Chicago Wake Foresters at The Pony Inn on Saturday, October 17, to watch the Demon Deacons take on the Cal Golden Bears. Pull out your best Old Gold & Black, bring your family and friends, and help us cheer the Deacs to victory! Wake Forest fans of all ages are welcome. Special thanks to WAKEChicago Board of Directors member Allison Owen ('12) for organizing and hosting this event!

Oct 28

Chicago - Deacs Discuss: Work & Life in Chicago Dinner

6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Are you a Wake Forest alum in Chicago? You’re invited to Deacs Discuss: Work & Life in Chicago, an opportunity to join your fellow Windy City Deacs for a relaxed evening of great food and even better conversation! This dinner will be hosted by WFU alumna Daniella Feijoo ('19), who currently works in Strategic Partnerships at Pickles Group in Chicago. Whether you are brand new to the Chicago area, looking to expand your professional network, or just want to swap Wake Forest stories with an incredible group, there is a seat waiting for you. What You Need to Know:  Cost will be pay-your-own-way, hosted at an affordable, cafe-style restaurant. Limited capacity and the small group setting ensures everyone can connect.  Dinner will be hosted at a restaurant in the Lincoln Park area. After you register, you will receive the address and more specific information about meeting via email. By signing up for this event, you are making a commitment to showing up - this is a small dinner, so your attendance is meaningful. These gatherings work best with the attendance of all registrants. If you are uncertain about your ability to attend, this may not be the right event for you to participate in. Interested in hosting a Deacs Discuss Dinner in your city for fellow WFU alumni in your industry? Reach out to Sabrina Broderick () to learn more.  Need to cancel? You MUST email Sabrina Broderick () at least 24hrs in advance. Please sign up using an email that you check frequently. 

Oct 31

Wake Forest vs. Virginia Game Watch

12:00 A.M. - 12:01 A.M.

Join Chicago Wake Foresters at The Pony Inn on Saturday, October 31, to watch the Demon Deacons take on the Virginia Cavaliers. Pull out your best Old Gold & Black, bring your family and friends, and help us cheer the Deacs to victory! Wake Forest fans of all ages are welcome. Special thanks to WAKEChicago Board of Directors member Allison Owen ('12) for organizing and hosting this event!

Leadership

  • Ben Erwin ('99, P '28, P '30)
    Chair
  • Meredith Carter (P '29)
  • Mike Carter ('92, P '29)
  • Traci Dolby ('89)
  • Jeff Douthit (P '28)
  • Mindy Douthit (P '28)
  • Jill Erwin (P '28, P '30)
  • Buffy Maier (P '28, P '30)
  • Ed Maier (P '28, P '30)
  • Melissa McNally ('94, P '30)
  • Allison Owen ('12)
  • Caleb Pearson ('07)
  • John Pilant (P '28, P '31)
  • Kristin Pilant (P '28, P '31)
  • Lindsey von Thron ('06)

Community Spotlight

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  • Shining a Light on Our Community Volunteers
    Recently, I took my siblings to their first Wake Forest Lovefeast. (In case you missed the service, the livestream is still available to watch). The Lovefeast may be my […]
  • Farewell 2025, Hello 2029!
    It is hard to believe it has been four weeks already since Wake Forest University’s Class of 2025 walked onto the Commencement stage as students and off as its newest […]

Meet the Team!

Paul Wingate leads the WAKEChicago community. He’s excited to work with you to create local experiences and engagement opportunities for Wake Foresters in the area.