In addition to his papers, the University is in the preliminary stages of working with the Senator to plan for the Richard Burr Center, in partnership with the library. Early plans include attracting global leaders to Wake Forest for speaking engagements and interaction with students, enabling scholars to utilize the vital Burr papers collection for research and exploring ways for students and alumni to take advantage of the Wake Washington Center in Washington D.C., including internships and mentoring opportunities that will help launch their careers in the nation’s capital.

Distinguished Alumnus In 2013, Burr was awarded Wake Forest’s Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor given to alumni who reflect the University’s Pro Humanitate motto through service to their communities and to Wake Forest.

During a brief ceremony, Burr, Hatch and Wake Forest Board of Trustees Chair Donna Boswell signed the official agreement regarding the transfer of papers and related materials to Wake Forest.

“This is not just about housing papers and historical records, but it’s about preparing those who will be our leaders in the years to come,” Burr said. “The impact of Wake Forest is to grow leaders in all fields of study who are passionate to learn, to teach and to engage.”

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, Sen. Burr served five terms in the House and is currently serving North Carolina in his third term in the U.S. Senate.

In the Senate, Burr serves as Chair of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He also sits on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Finance Committee.

The son of a minister, Burr and his family moved to Winston-Salem, N.C., when he was a young child. After graduating from Wake Forest University in 1978, he began his career by spending 17 years in business with Carswell Distributing, a wholesale commercial products company.

In 2013, Burr was awarded Wake Forest’s Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor given to alumni who reflect the University’s motto Pro Humanitate through service to their communities and to Wake Forest.

The Special Collections & Archives department at the Z. Smith Reynolds Library serves as a research repository for rare, unique, and primary source materials. Special Collections & Archives contains manuscripts, rare books, the North Carolina Baptist Historical Collection and the University Archives.