Helen Akinc is looking forward to having more time to reflect on how best to use her talents during this next chapter of her life.

Best Wishes and Fond Memories

After a stellar twenty-year career, Helen Akinc, the assistant dean of student professional affairs at the Calloway School of Business and Accountancy, is saying farewell to Wake Forest. Students, faculty, staff and alum share their thoughts. . . Send your best wishes for Helen.

Kemper professor and associate provost for international affairs Kline Harrison on his first meeting Helen after taking over her organizational theory and behavior faculty position:

"I couldn't believe how gracious, supportive and helpful she was. She even gave me her notes and syllabus."

Director of Career Services Bill Currin on Helen's dedication to her students and helping them prepare for life after Wake Forest:

"Helen always exhibited great interest in individual students and has an appreciation not only for business, but business grounded in a liberal arts perspective."

Kemper Scholar Ian Afflerbach, a senior political science and English major:

"She's been a champion for her students. She's was glad to do whatever needed to be done, and if she could improve on something, she did."

Noreen Walsh Treadway ('03) business major and art minor:

"Helen purchased a painting from me when I was an undergraduate. It was a sign to me that she cared about my personal and artistic ambitions and not just my place in Calloway. It's clear to me that Helen has been so valuable to Wake Forest because she recognizes the unique qualities in every person and embraces them."

Jannah Obaid, a sophomore from Saudi Arabia and one of Helen's advisees:

"Dr. Akinc was a source of support to me. I had many problems my first year, from feeling homesick to failing a chemistry test. Dr. Akinc was there to talk to me and believe in me. I would not have passed my freshman year without her."

Kemper Scholar DeeDe Pinckney, a junior communication major when she was struggling in Spanish and concerned about her scholarship:

"When Helen called me to her office, I was sure she was going to be upset. Instead, she took up for me. She never doubted my abilities. She had faith in me, so I had faith in myself."

Turkish Recipe »

Story by Kim McGrath
Photo by Ken Bennett