Red and White Week Celebrates NC State — and a Transformational Legacy

Red and White Week, sponsored by Coca-Cola, took place Oct. 27 through Nov. 2, as alumni, friends and families came back to campus — or joined from afar — to celebrate what it means to be part of the Wolfpack. 

This year, NC State’s homecoming experience took on special significance as Randy Woodson’s final one as chancellor, and throughout the week, members of the Pack took the opportunity to honor his and Susan Woodson’s impact at NC State. Some of the week’s many highlights include:

• The Red and White Week Student Kickoff, where students picked up their official Red and White Week T-shirts — a perfect way to get ready for Wear Red, Get Fed. Monday through Thursday, students wearing red received free food at Stafford Commons from a rotating group of local restaurants.
• The annual Red and White Week Student Giving Challenge, which saw students raise nearly $15,000 for the Extraordinary Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (EOSI). Launched by Chancellor Woodson in February 2020, EOSI helps close the gap between the cost of what an education costs and what a student can afford. Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Gamma Delta and Club Gymnastics were this year’s challenge winners. 
• The Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy Lessons in Leadership panel, which featured Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy chair Paige Harris, founding member Marjorie Strauss Flink and deans Deanna Dannels, Kathryn Meurs, Doneka Scott and Paola Sztajn. Student attendees participated in a speed mentoring event after the panel discussion. 
• The annual scavenger hunt How Quick Can You Brick?, which built Wolfpack spirit by inviting student teams to complete a brick of 40 NC State tradition-related challenges in an hour.
• The sixth annual Pack Appreciation Day, which educates students about the impact of donors at NC State while offering opportunities to reflect on what makes their university experience special. More than 1,400 students participated across three different campus locations to share their stories, write donor thank-you notes and learn about philanthropy, especially during Woodson’s tenure. 
• Chancellor Woodson’s final fall address. Students, faculty, leaders and alumni gathered on every floor in Talley Student Union to hear the chancellor’s annual update. Before he could exit the stage, UNC System president Peter Hans stepped forward to recognize Woodson with North Carolina’s The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the governor’s highest award for those who have made “significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”
• The Black Alumni Society’s gala, held in honor of the group’s 45th anniversary. Throughout the week, BAS members made gifts of $45 (or more) in recognition of this milestone.
• Red and White Fest honored faculty and staff with games, food, music and giveaways. Attendees also brought food donations to support Feed the Pack Food Pantry.
• The Pack beating Stanford 59-28. The big win included a special on-field recognition during NC State’s homecoming football game against Stanford. Athletics director Boo Corrigan presented the Woodson family with custom framed jerseys during a video featuring head coach Dave Doeren, basketball player Saniya Rivers and Nicki Peterson, executive director of development for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. 

Throughout the week, the celebration extended far beyond campus as NC State alumni, family, friends, faculty and staff honored the Woodsons in a particularly special way: making a gift and sharing a message as part of the university’s Celebrating Transformation initiative. 

Though Red and White Week has ended, Celebrating Transformation will continue. Share your own message or honor the Woodsons with a gift by clicking the button below.