Star Award
Erin Rich Strickland ’98

Erin Rich Strickland ’98 is this year’s recipient of the Converse Star Award which is presented to an alumna who has actively and admirably served Converse in the area of recruitment.

From 2003-2007, Erin chaired CARE (Converse Alumnae Recruitment Effort). Erin has written numerous letters to accepted students, along with having hosted a party in her home for prospective students. She also provided training for other converse alumnae in the area of student recruitment.

According to Erin, recruiting a student to Converse can be as simple as sharing your Converse experience. “Most of us had such wonderful Converse experiences that it is difficult to stop talking about it. Young alumnae especially should look at student recruiting as a wonderful way to support Converse.”

An art history and accounting major during her student days, Erin is now a CPA for Spartanburg-based SwaimBrown PA. Her responsibilities include planning and management of consulting projects, financial statement compilation, and review and auditing engagements. She also coordinates the firm’s marketing efforts, and prepares corporate and individual income tax returns.

Carrying on a long held Converse tradition of leadership and service, Erin has served as Treasurer for the Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg and the Converse Heights Neighborhood Association. In addition to serving as treasurer for Junior League of Spartanburg during her 1999-2006 tenure, she was also the League’s business manager, chair of the Finance Council, a Board member and finance vice president. She is now a member of the Junior League of Columbia.