U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) is donating his congressional papers to Wake Forest University, and more plans could be on the way to expand leadership opportunities at the school.
The collection includes manuscripts, letters, speeches, audio and video recordings and other documents tied to his five terms in the U. S. House and currently three terms in the Senate.
In a brief ceremony at the University's library, Burr, a 1978 graduate of Wake Forest, said he had long thought about making the gift to the school. A recent event nudged him to make his decision official.
“I've got to tell you that Billy Graham's funeral service was one of those inflection points for me, because his life defined for all of us the responsibility we have to the next generation,” he said.
In addition to the manuscript donation, Burr and Wake Forest officials are also beginning discussions on a broader partnership with the university.
That could include bringing in global leaders for speaking engagements and expanding opportunities for students and alumni at Wake Washington in the nation's capital.