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Wake Forest University (WFU) Face to Face Speaker Program, regarded as one of the country’s finest platforms for distinguished and engaging discussions, has announced its 2024-25 lineup of speakers. The series, started in 2020, has brought world-class names to Winston-Salem including George W. Bush, Liz Cheney, Jon Meacham, and Thomas Friedman, inspiring unifying conversations in the community and the opportunity to engage in intellectual experiences. The program also benefits students at Wake Forest and other area schools, providing access and experience to these fantastic speakers. When possible, Face to Face offers an opportunity for a student-led Q&A with speakers before the keynote event. WFU students and those from area schools are invited to attend at no charge. See this page for more information. The topics for selecting speakers for the Face to Face program are Political Affairs, Social Justice and Global Issues, Arts and Culture, and Innovation and Business.
2024-25 Face To Face Speakers
Following is the list of speakers and their information provided by The WFU Face to Face Speaker forum.
Peyton Manning – September 11, 2024, LJVM Coliseum
The NFL’s only five-time MVP, Hall of Fame Quarterback, and two-time Super Bowl Champion, Manning, supports various organizations, including the PeyBack Foundation and the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. In 2020, he founded the Emmy Award-winning company Omaha Productions.
Anderson Cooper – November 21, 2024, Wait Chapel
A highly respected CNN anchor and correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Cooper has received twenty Emmy Awards and authored four books, all of which topped The New York Times Bestseller list.
Jesmyn Ward – December 5, 2024, Wait Chapel
An American Novelist, she is one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient. Face to Face presents Ward in partnership with The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University.
David Brooks – February 27, 2025, Wait Chapel
A best-selling author, op-ed columnist at The New York Times, and a commentator on “PBS NewsHour,” Brooks is well known as a keen observer of politics and people with a gift of humor and quiet passion.
John Legend – April 8, 2025, LJVM Coliseum
A critically acclaimed multi-platinum singer-songwriter and the first African American man to earn Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, Legend leverages his influential position in the entertainment industry to advocate for ending mass incarceration and advancing community equity.
Face To Face Tickets And Information
The Face To Face programs will be held at the locations listed with each speaker. The events begin at 7:30pm and end at 9:15pm. You can find information about parking for each location at this site. Individual tickets and season subscriptions are now available for this outstanding series. You can order tickets here. WFU students, faculty, and staff are eligible for free admission to keynote events. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid WFU ID is required. Visit FAQ for more information on where to obtain these tickets.
After The Speakers Event
Why end a stimulating evening by just heading home and watching TV? Enjoy the experience even further and carry on the conversation after the event with friends at a local coffee shop or wine bar – there are many here in Winston-Salem. While you’re at it, have an evening snack, too!
Have you attended any of the past Face To Face programs? Tell us about it in the comments.
