Dear Converse friends,

I sincerely thank you for celebrating an unforgettable inauguration week with me and my family. The past few days have been marked by optimism for our very bright future and a sense of community that fills me with joy.

As I expressed during my inaugural address, I believe that we must become the next generation of leaders who rethink tradition without losing our foundation, who bravely and boldly reimagine the limits of knowledge while remaining tethered to truth, and who faithfully carry forward the light of Converse. 

I can’t wait to see what we accomplish over the coming months.

Together, WE WILL!

President Hopkins

COMMUNITY RECEPTION

Festivities kicked off on Wednesday, April 19, with a Community Partner Reception at OneSpartanburg. This event was an opportunity to show appreciation to local organizations that have meaningful partnerships with Converse University. This event also celebrated the launch of a new official Converse beer. Divine 1889 was created through the Rockers Brewing Company of Spartanburg. The unique label was designed by Isabella Eraula ’24 as part of a collaboration with Converse's Art 126 graphic design class. Eraula is an Art Therapy and Psychology double major.

View photo gallery

HOPKINS' HAPPY HOUR

Thursday evening was a light-hearted event on campus that included a "roast" of Dr. Hopkins. Laughter filled Wilson Hall lobby as colleagues and friends enjoyed a series of good-humored jabs by several special presenters. The celebration ended with President Hopkins receiving a one-of-a-kind bowtie that was custom designed by the Charleston-based company, Brackish.

View photo gallery

INAUGURATION CEREMONY AND LUNCH

On the morning of Friday, April 21, at 10:30 am, faculty, staff, students, and guests gathered in honor of both the Inauguration and Founder’s Day. The processional included three past presidents of Converse and delegates from nearly 50 colleges and universities across the country, and greetings from regional, state, and local leaders. Immediately following the ceremony, guests mingled and enjoyed lunch on the lawn, complete with the traditional Founder’s Day treat of strawberries and cream, in front of Zimmerli Performance Center, Wilson Hall and Johnson Plaza.

View photo gallery

PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE

There was no shortage of entertainment Friday night as Converse students, faculty, alumni, and staff put on their dancing shoes to "Paint the Town Purple," where guests celebrated the next chapter in our University's vibrant future in Hannah Gymnasium in Weisiger Center. President Boone Hopkins and Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins entered the evening event, welcomed by sparks and resounding applause, before dancing the night away with music provided by alumna Chunsta Miller ’02 – aka DjMillerTyme!

View photo gallery

CAMPUS UPDATES

Professional Leadership Doctoral Hooding Ceremony

On May 17th at 5:30 p.m. in the University Center of Greenville, graduates of Converse University’s Ed.D Professional Leadership Program will be recognized and receive their doctoral hoods. If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

South Carolina native and 2022 MacArthur Fellow, J. Drew Lanham will be the 2023 speaker for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 20th at 9:30 a.m. in Twichell Auditorium. This is a ticketed event. Six complimentary tickets can be reserved by the graduating senior the week of Commencement through the Converse Box Office. Learn more.

Graduate Commencement Ceremony

Come celebrate Converse graduates who are receiving their advanced degrees on May 20th at 2:00 p.m. in Twichell Auditorium. Tickets are not required for the Graduate ceremony. Learn more.

Reunion Weekend

On June 2-4, join the classes ending in ‘3 and ‘8 and the Class of 2021 celebrating their traditional ‘One Year’ reunion. We especially welcome the Class of 1973 who will be inducted into the Golden Club to mark their 50th Reunion and the Class of 1998 Pink Panthers into the Silver Club for their 25th Reunion. Learn more.

Campus News

Take a look at the exciting things happening across campus and be sure to keep us current by sharing your updated contact information for the next mailing.

Investing in our Future

Your gift is an investment in Converse students. Explore ways you can ignite innovation, creativity, and transformation across campus.