The Raleigh (N.C.) Wake Forest Club is sponsoring a “back-to-school” picnic at the Wake Forest Birthplace Museum on Sept. 25. Scott (’00, JD ’05) and Laura Bayzle (’01), co-presidents of the club, discuss the event, the importance of Wake Forest’s history and giving back to the University. Scott is an attorney at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP in Raleigh. Laura is a market researcher at The Link Group in Durham, N.C.
Tell me about the event on Sept. 25?
It’s the Raleigh Club’s inaugural picnic and bound to be a blast. What better way to kick off the new school year than with BBQ and bounce houses! It will be a great opportunity for Wake Forest family and friends to meet at the Old Campus. We’ll have games for all ages and a special appearance by the Deacon. For those who are visiting the Birthplace Museum for the first time, tours will be available and professor Jenny Puckett (’71) will talk about her new book on Dr. Tribble (10th president of Wake Forest). And, of course, our picnic wouldn’t be complete without door prizes – a signed football and football tickets! (To register for the event, visit the Raleigh Club website.)
Why do you think it’s important for alumni of your generation to know about the Old Campus?
It’s always important to know where we came from and how our traditions started. The Old Campus is part of Wake Forest’s identity, and it’s fascinating to be part of such a rich history.
The Raleigh Club seems to have a lot of events. What’s up next?
We have our monthly Lunch ’N Learn series where we feature Wake Forest or Raleigh-focused speakers. It’s a great way to meet area alumni and learn something new about our school and community over lunch at some of the area’s favorite restaurants. We have three more Lunch ’N Learns planned for the rest of this year, and these will feature the president of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Carolina Ballet and Jim Dunn, the chief investment officer of Wake Forest University.
Scott, I know you’ve been involved with the Alumni Career Assistance Network and the Law Career Network, and now you’re serving on your Reunion Committee and as chair of the Raleigh Club. Why do you feel it’s important to give back to Wake Forest?
Wake Forest has given me so much, and I am honored to give back in any way that I can. From my very first meeting with Dr. Thomas Phillips (’74, MA ’78) in scholarships and the late William Starling (then dean of admissions), I knew Wake Forest was the college for me. With generous financial aid assistance, Wake Forest made it possible for me to attend. The education I received at Wake Forest, as well as the guidance and support provided to me by faculty and fellow alumni, have opened so many doors for me — both socially and professionally.
What professors at Wake Forest have influenced your life and career?
Laura: I learned so much from Dr. David Evans’ classes and his trip to Roatan Island. He helped me fall in love with anthropology and helped me understand that there is so much to experience from college outside of the classroom.
Scott: Law professors Michael Curtis and Suzanne Reynolds, who taught me the importance of speaking up for the rights of those of in need, and Miki Felsenburg, who taught me the power of the written word.
What do you miss most about Wake Forest?
The sense of community. Once you graduate, it’s difficult to find that same social and community network that we all experienced at Wake. We hope that we can create a little bit of that for the Raleigh alumni.
