Bill Stines’ dedication to his community has earned him the prestigious Pete Moffitt Courage Award, an honor presented annually to a Wake Forest student-athlete, coach, or alumnus who exemplifies remarkable resilience and courage. Established in 2012 in honor of Pete Moffitt (’84), who displayed extraordinary bravery during his battle with ALS, the award this year recognizes Stines’ leadership during one of the most devastating natural disasters to strike western North Carolina.
“I was overwhelmed, thinking, ‘Why am I deserving of this?'” Stines reflected upon receiving the award. “Honestly, I was flattered but almost wanted to turn it down because we have such an incredible team here that came together and did everything we did for the community. When you’re in the middle of it—doing it every day for weeks—you don’t even realize what you’re doing. You’re just moving on to the next day because things were pretty crazy for a while. Now, looking back, I’m amazed. We shut down our entire operation, and everyone pitched in to make a difference for the community. This place has been a pillar of the community since 1892, and helping the way we did felt like the right thing to do.”
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While Stines humbly credits his team, particularly General Manager Tom Dale, for the community’s recovery, it’s clear his commitment and drive were key to the success of their efforts. “The things we brainstormed and accomplished in such a short time were amazing,” Stines added. “To receive this award is so humbling, especially when I think of others who have received this award like Rodney Rogers, who’ve faced incredible challenges. It’s just been amazing to see what we could do together for our community.”
“Bill Stines is the embodiment of the values that the Pete Moffitt Courage Award celebrates—resilience, leadership, and selflessness,” Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie said. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Bill, and our relationship has always been one of mutual respect and admiration. His recent efforts in the wake of the devastating storm in Linville showcase not only his commitment to his community but also his unwavering dedication to the greater good. Bill’s actions are a perfect reflection of our Pro Humanitate motto—’For Humanity.’ He has shown, time and again, that true leadership goes beyond the workplace and into the heart of the community. I couldn’t be more proud to see him honored with this well-deserved recognition.”
Stines’ connection to Wake Forest runs deep. He first arrived on campus in 1980 as a preferred walk-on for the golf team under Coach Jesse Haddock, despite offers from other schools. His family’s history with the university was another draw: his grandfather, parents, and a cousin had all attended. Stines fondly recalls childhood memories, including attending the 1970 ACC Championship football game and meeting Arnold Palmer, which helped solidify his decision to attend Wake Forest. He also cherishes the friendships he formed with his golf teammates, including Jerry Haas and Billy Andrade, and his time living in the Arnold Palmer dormitory.
After graduating, Stines’ career journey in golf took him to prestigious clubs such as The Honors Course in Chattanooga, Pete Dye Golf Club in West Virginia, Whisper Rock in Arizona, and Scioto Country Club in Ohio. He hosted major golf events like the U.S. Senior Open and Curtis Cup, often crediting Wake Forest for opening career doors. The bonds he formed with fellow alumni have lasted a lifetime, and he continues to hold Wake Forest close to his heart.
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Stines’ emotional ties to Wake Forest are evident when he visits Winston-Salem. He often feels nostalgic for the years spent on campus and regrets not attending more reunions due to his busy career. Yet, through it all, he values the lifelong connections and shared family legacy with the university. These ties continue to shape his sense of identity, often sparking discussions about Wake Forest during family holidays.
Stines’ impact on his community became especially apparent during the aftermath of a catastrophic weather event in western North Carolina, in late September 2024. Over 28 inches of rain fell over several days, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and roadblocks. Amid the chaos, Stines and his team at Linville Golf Club sprang into action, going door to door to ensure the safety of staff and club members.
As the holiday season approached, Stines and his team organized a special event for local children, hosting a Christmas shopping spree where elementary school students could pick out gifts for themselves and their parents. The event brought joy and a sense of normalcy during an otherwise difficult time.
Bill Stines was honored at a ceremony at the Fox Family Commons in the McCreary Football Complex and recognized on the court at the men’s basketball game against UNC on Jan. 21, 2025.
