No one has spoken as eloquently and passionately about Wake Forest University and its story as Dr. Edwin G. Wilson.

He came as a freshman in 1939, at the age of sixteen, and except for years in military service during the Second World War and graduate studies at Harvard, he never left.

His English classes, particularly those on the Romantic Poets, were the most sought after by students at registration time. Esquire Magazine one said it was one of the best in the country, awarding him the title of "Super Prof".

After serving for many years as Dean of the College, Dr. Wilson became the first Provost, then Senior Vice President, then Provost again for several years when the school needed him.

He made speeches to every Wake Forest group one could imagine and gave countless tributes to faculty members at their final services.

Dr. Wilson believed in learning and often told the story of the wise magician, Merlin, telling his young friend, the future King Arthur, about the importance of learning.

He ended a speech some years ago, saying he hoped every student, who graduated, would say on Commencement Day that he or she had learned much, conducted themselves with honor and been happy.

Dr. Wilson simply lived a life of Wake Forest at its best.

Godspeed, my friend,