Makena Moore

How can our strengths serve more than just ourselves?

Where can I use my passion to impact others?

What does it mean to be human?

Found in every avenue of engagement across campus, Pro Humanitate (Wake Forest’s university motto, which means “for humanity”) is an ever-present and increasingly integral part of student experience at Wake Forest University. It’s more than an annual event or T-shirt slogan; it’s a daily practice integrated into our class schedules and extracurricular involvements.

Walking across Manchester Plaza on any given day, it’s impossible not to appreciate the incredible sense of connection taking place: picnic tables full of peer tutors, a professor holding class by the fire pits, club leaders introducing their interest to prospective students. Conversation is everywhere. These dialogues of knowledge and encouragement are where our experience becomes bigger than ourselves. 

As Wake Forest students, we serve others wherever and however we can. There is no measurement to our motto, only a commitment to an intentional good. Whether leading a shift at the Campus Kitchen or meeting up for lunch with a friend, any interaction has the opportunity to be impactful to someone else. Support is support is support. 

Even in the classroom, curricular knowledge is applicable beyond final exams. Students explore new disciplines, in such strengthening their skills in collaboration and critical thinking. Statistics become more than numbers, historical events more than a map of the past. In all academic areas across campus, instructional material directly correlates with real-world problems and discussions beyond Wake. Students and professors alike work in tandem to connect their skillsets to the good of others. 

Pro Humanitate is the undercurrent of our undergraduate experience, leaving students with more than a degree at commencement. Demon Deacons learn to understand why we serve humanity. 

Pro Humanitate is why academic courses educate students on concepts of leadership and character, bringing world leaders to our community. 

Pro Humanitate is why university traditions transform campus into a dance party, raising hundreds of thousands of donations for cancer research. 

Pro Humanitate is why extracurricular involvements connect local school children with Wake students for tutoring and mentorship. 

Pro Humanitate is why.