Celebrating the Heart of Deacon Dining: A Wellness Day for Our Team

Culinary excellence and sourcing quality ingredients are essential to a great collegiate dining experience, but nothing matters more than the people behind it all. Last week, we pressed pause to honor the incredible Deacon Dining team whose passion, resilience, and hospitality shape the daily experience of our Wake Forest community.

Hosted at the Sutton Center, this wellness event was designed as a quiet, restorative moment in the midst of busy days. A chance for our team to breathe, reset, and simply be. The Wake Line shuttled team members from across campus to tables filled with fresh flowers, goodie bags, and a spread of afternoon treats. Our registered dietitian, Andrea, led a mindful eating exercise that encouraged everyone to slow down and reconnect with the simple joy of food.

The afternoon continued with activities centered on presence and creativity, including a build-your-own bouquet station, a relaxing painting table, and a gentle yoga session to close. Of course, no Deacon Dining gathering is complete without a little fun, and it’s officially confirmed that foosball is in VP John Wise’s job description!

Moments like these remind us that caring for our teams is just as important as caring for our guests. Our Deacon Dining staff members give so much of themselves to deliver exceptional experiences, nourish our campus, and create meaningful connections every day. This event was a small but heartfelt way to give that same care back.

Here’s to celebrating the people who make Wake Forest feel like home.