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Dearest Converse Alumni and Friends,
I pray that this letter finds you safe and with all you need. The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene weighs heavy on my heart, as it is hard to fully comprehend the devastation caused by this storm. In just one night, lives and communities across the Southeast were completely transformed.
As electricity is gradually restored and broader communication becomes available, it is clear that many of us are suffering hardship, if not deep loss. I want to extend my sincerest sympathies to those affected. Our thoughts are with all who are experiencing the challenges that come with such an event.
In these difficult times, I continue to be inspired by the resilience and compassion of the Converse community. On behalf of the entire campus, thank you to our alumni family for reaching out to offer encouragement, practical support, and acts of service.
Below is recent news from the university along with opportunities for supporting our campus community.
Campus Grounds and Operations
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As we move from critical operations to limited operations in coming days, we will evaluate the time frames for slowly welcoming our Converse community back to campus. As of today, campus operations are limited to essential personnel and residential students who have not been able to return home.
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Power is being restored to campus, and we are working to bring all of our facilities back online as smoothly and carefully as possible. Our students now have access to hot showers, charging stations, and expanded meal services. In addition, Residence Life is continuing to organize some fun events for the students who remain on campus.
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Classes have been canceled for the week of September 30 – October 4. To make up for lost instructional time, Fall Break (October 7-8) will be canceled and normal operations are set to resume on Monday, October 7, 2024. Reading Day (December 6) will become an instructional day. This change ensures that we do not have to extend the length of the academic term.
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We anticipate allowing students to return to campus prior to Sunday and are communicating with them directly as we secure plans.
Communications
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The Emergency Response Team and campus leaders continue to meet regularly to assess the situation on campus.
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Daily updates and all available outreach efforts continue to be posted on our website at www.converse.edu/helene and shared via our emergency AlertMedia system.
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In addition, a virtual town hall was held on Monday, September 30, to connect campus leaders with parents and families and cover current campus updates.
Campus Support
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Special thanks to our Campus Safety, Facilities, and Residence Life teams, as well as AVI, our food service provider, and The Budd Group, our custodial provider, for their dedication to caring for our students and our campus during this challenging time.
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A drive for Valkyrie Supply, our basic needs hub that supports students, was held on October 1 at the Weisiger Center to collect food staples and hygiene products, as well as flashlights, batteries, and battery backups.
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We have organized debris cleanup sessions for faculty and staff who wish to help with campus efforts, and we will be planning tree plantings at selected areas of campus.
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We are in the process of planning a memorial service to honor and remember those we lost during the storm. Details will be shared soon.
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To provide essential and impactful support in areas of greatest need for the entire campus community during this time, hurricane relief gifts can now be made through The Converse Fund. You can select “Hurricane Helene Relief – Converse Fund” from the drop-down menu at www.converse.edu/give.
In closing, let us remember that the strength of our community lies not just in our ability to rebuild, but in our collective spirit and determination to support one another. Together, we can not only navigate this crisis but emerge stronger. Thank you for your commitment to our community's well-being.
Sincerely,
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