When Todd (’85) and Kathy Bourne (’85) Borton decided to leave Florida several years ago, they weren’t chasing a job. Unlike earlier in their marriage, when their careers took them to Chicago, Atlanta and finally Weston, Fla., Todd Borton was in a position to work essentially anywhere he wanted — and they chose to return to Winston-Salem.

“We could choose where we wanted to go next and not let the job choose,” said Todd, who works out of his home as an investment consultant; most of his clients are in the Southeast. “We considered where we really wanted to be to raise our family and to stay put,” said Kathy. The Bortons have two children, Michael, now 14, and Chandler, 12

They set their sights on North Carolina because of family in the area, the weather and close proximity to the mountains and coast. Todd — an accounting major originally from Chicago — and Kathy — a math major originally from Kingsport, Tenn. — had remained active with Wake Forest since their graduation, and that led them to take a closer look at Winston-Salem. “We asked ourselves, ‘where do we have some known connections?’” Todd said. “That was Winston-Salem and Wake Forest. There was a familiarity here. From the day we unpacked the boxes we felt like this was a community we belonged in.”

Much of their life revolves around Wake Forest sporting events, from attending football, basketball and field hockey games, to summer athletic camps for the children. “We didn’t foresee the impact of all the sports programs,” said Todd, who played catcher on the Wake Forest baseball team in 1982. “Where else would you have that level of programs in your backyard.”

They’ve been impressed with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools and like the flexibility of being able to choose their neighborhood school or other “themed” schools within a zone, as well as the various magnet and gifted programs offered. “I can’t think of another place where we would be so happy with the whole package,” Todd said. “The city and University fit so perfectly with our lives.”

— Kerry M. King (’85)
Office of Creative Services

The family in front of Kentner Stadium
The Borton family: Kathy, Chandler, Michael, and Todd at Kentner Stadium.

Top five things you like about living in Winston-Salem:

  • Ease of living
  • Proximity to Wake Forest
  • Public schools
  • Proximity to beach, mountains, family, Lake Lure
  • Climate

Favorite college hangout you miss the most: Safari Room (Todd), Samplers (Kathy)

Favorite college hangout you’ve rediscovered: Village Tavern

Favorite new hangout: Joel Coliseum (for basketball and concerts)

Best Wake Forest connection since you’ve been back: Hosting 20th reunion class party

LIVING LARGE IN THE “DASH”

A look at Winston-Salem’s history and why it’s a great place to live today.

BACK TO DEACONLAND

They came, they left … and they came back. Wake Forest Magazine catches up with eight alumni who returned to Deaconland.

From Atlanta:
Roger Mayhew (’68)

From New York City:
Margaret Collins (’78)

From San Francisco:
Jocelyn Burton (’80)

From New York City:
Jay Helvey (’81)

From Westin, Fla.:
Todd (’85) and Kathy Bourne (’85) Borton

From Rocky Mount, N.C.:
McLain (’85) and Marybeth Sutton (’86) Wallace

From Dallas:
David Valliere (’95)

STAYING IN THE DASH

John Champlin (’06) chose to remain in Winston-Salem.