Wake Forest University has dedicated a new residence hall in honor of Beth Norbrey Hopkins and her late husband, Dr. Lawrence D. Hopkins, recognizing their contributions to the university and broader community. The dedication ceremony took place on October 25, with members of the Hopkins family, university officials, students, and alumni in attendance.
Beth Norbrey Hopkins was one of the first two Black female residential students at Wake Forest University and has had a long career in law, education, and community outreach. Her husband, Dr. Larry Hopkins, graduated from Wake Forest in 1972 as the first Black man to earn a chemistry degree from the institution. He later became a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and served the Winston-Salem community for over three decades.
During the ceremony, their son David spoke about his parents’ impact: “It’s about legacy. It’s about what it looks like to open doors for others, even when you had to break them down yourself.” He added: “Together, they modeled a life of service and strength. A life built on the belief that Pro Humanitate isn’t just a motto – it’s a way of being…They mentored. They nurtured. They listened. Because for them, helping others wasn’t optional – it was their purpose.”
President Susan R. Wente addressed those gathered by highlighting how Beth Norbrey and Lawrence D. Hopkins changed lives at Wake Forest through leadership and service: “The crowd gathered here today represents just a fraction of the lives changed by two people named Beth Norbrey and Lawrence D. Hopkins,” Wente said. “Two people who each – in their own right – embody lives of learning, discovery, character and leadership. Two people who have asked hard questions and courageously pursued the answers, who have given wise counsel, never stopped learning, and have ceaselessly given of their time and talents to do good in the world.”
Dr. Larry Hopkins also received recognition from Wake Forest during his lifetime; he was awarded the University’s Medallion of Merit on February 21, 2020.
Reflecting on her experience as a student in the early 1970s at Wake Forest—a period marked by social change—Beth Hopkins recalled: “The early 70s at Wake Forest were a time of exploration and revolution… Initially we were not welcome in any Wake Forest society… Yet we were not afraid because we faced unpleasant situations together.
We were warriors fighting for our place at Wake Forest, and we created a pathway for future students of all stripes. Proudly, Wake Forest has embraced the pathway of change and moved to create opportunities where all students here are treated with fairness, and there is the expectation of students working hard and serving humanity.”
Students attending the dedication expressed appreciation for what previous generations endured to create current opportunities on campus. Sophomore Ty Monroe shared how Beth Hopkins encouraged him to connect with alumni whose perseverance shaped today’s environment: “That perspective left me feeling both grateful and responsible: grateful for the doors their generation opened and responsible to use the resources and relationships we have now to support those who come after us,” Monroe said.
This year’s Homecoming Queen Chase Clark reflected on following Beth Hopkins’ example: “As this year’s Homecoming Queen and President of the Black Student Alliance, I feel profoundly connected to Professor Beth Hopkins’ legacy,” Clark said. “Her courage and determination paved the way for students like me to take up space with pride and purpose…She transformed what representation could mean at Wake Forest—showing that leadership, intellect[,]and grace can coexist in powerful ways.”
The dedication ceremony highlighted ongoing efforts by Wake Forest University to acknowledge its history while promoting inclusivity within its community.
