The Distinguished Alumni Award is conferred annually at a signature event that celebrates the awardees’ achievements. This year, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (’78), Jane Owens Cage (’78) and the late Graham W. Denton Jr. (’67, P ’93, ’97, ’10) were honored during a gala at WinMock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run on April 19. To learn more about their lives and achievements, we invite you to view these videos made in tribute to our 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award winners.

Richard M. Burr (’78)

Winston-Salem, NC and Washington, D.C.

As with every elected official, it can be tempting to consider U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (’78) in policy terms. He’s the guy who streamlined bureaucracy to expedite medical care for millions of Americans, for example. But to get the real point, ask somebody across the allegedly impassable gulf of partisanship to describe what makes the lifelong Winston-Salem resident tick.

Jane Owens Cage (’78)

Joplin, Mo.

With an evangelism of action, not words, Jane Owens Cage (’78) embodies the Wake Forest spirit of Pro Humanitate. She stepped up to serve her community when it needed her most, using business savvy and a gift for connecting with people and building consensus to lead the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team that brought Joplin, Mo., back to life after a catastrophic tornado in May 2011. As advocate, strategist and uniting voice, Jane Cage put her personal life on hold and her personal commitment to giving back into action.

Graham W. Denton, Jr. (’67, P ’93, ’97, ’10)

Last October, three months before the distinguished alumnus lost his fight with pancreatic cancer, Wake Forest had a chance to thank Trustee Graham W. Denton Jr. (’67) for his devotion and service to the University.