In a tribute to its local university, the City of Winston-Salem has officially proclaimed Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, as “Winston-Salem State University Day.” Mayor Allen Joines presented the proclamation to Chancellor Bonita Brown during a recent city council meeting on Sept. 16, celebrating the institution’s deep-rooted connection to the community.
“We’re so proud that Winston-Salem State University is a part of the fabric of the city. The school makes our city even more special,” Joines said. Chancellor Brown emphasized the significance of WSSU as not just a center of education but as the city’s public university, proudly bearing its name.
To show support for the university, Brown encouraged all citizens to wear red on Sept. 27. Residents wearing red are invited to share their photos on social media. The community will use the hashtags #WSSUDay, #WeSeeRed, and #RamsTakeCharge to create a vibrant online presence that celebrates the university’s contributions.
The proclamation also underscores several key accomplishments of WSSU, including its impressive $500 million economic impact on the Piedmont Triad region. Additionally, national media outlets have recognized WSSU as the #1 university in North Carolina for economic and social mobility.
More than 30,000 alumni carry forth the university’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” illustrating the institution’s commitment to not only education but also service to the community. As a designated Regional Public University, WSSU plays a crucial role in the local economy and cultural landscape, serving a diverse student population that includes a significant number of students of color, first-generation college students, low-income students, and veterans.
Sept. 27 also marks the university’s annual Day of Giving and its Founder’s Day Celebration. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and members of the public are encouraged to contribute financially to support campus-wide student success initiatives. WSSU’s goal is to raise $325,000 this year.
