Betsy Fleming Inaugurated as President of Converse College
Inauguration Celebration Photo Galleries:
President Fleming's Inaugural Address |
Mesha Williams of The Spartanburg Herald-Journal contributed to this story.
Comparing Converse College to a "treasured garden" that nurtures young women to become leaders, the institution's new president, Betsy Fleming, urged supporters to help advance the mission of women's colleges.
"In the history of the world, never have women been summoned to lead as they are today," she said during her inaugural address to the campus community at Twichell Auditorium on Thursday, April 27. "Converse will be ready to answer this clarion call," she said. "Join me in becoming ambassadors and investors in our great cause, and help us grow Converse's talent and expand her network."
She added, "Open your eyes and see what's around you. Survey this garden given to us. Let us tend to this beautiful garden that has been entrusted to all of us, for our daughters, for our families, our community and world."
President Fleming's remarks were far-reaching and took a global perspective, addressing the need for female leadership in areas such as business, government policy and international conflicts. She also said that she wants the college to emerge as a regional power and leader in the South for female students studying the arts, humanities, sciences and service leadership. "We will be the school located in the Southeast that delivers the most applicable liberal arts education for women," she said.
An art historian by profession, President Fleming spoke of the impressionist painter Claude Monet, and what it was like for him to be on the verge of greatness. She said she believed she was on the verge of seeing great things happening at Converse.
In a nod to the many notable Converse alumnae, President Fleming said “Alice Harrelson ’42 was the first woman to be admitted into the Chemistry Ph.D. program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She speaks with laughter and tears about how Converse legend Mary Wilson Gee inspired her to be a scientist rather than just marrying one. Betsy Crane Griffith ‘72 was graduated with a BA in sociology and a taste for adventure. She is now a director at Morgan Stanley, happily married with one son and a growing friendship with author Joyce Carol Oates.
“Many alumnae whom I have met were students of economics, history, government and politics while at Converse, and have pursued legal careers. Sarena Burch ’78 serves as senior vice president for fuel procurement at SCANA; Deadra Jefferson ’85 is the first African American woman elected to the 9 th Judicial Circuit in South Carolina; and Justice Harriet Smith O’Neill ’78 serves on the Supreme Court of Texas. Clearly, Converse attorneys are not content to merely practice law—they advance it.”
As she switched gears to today’s Converse students, President Fleming ticked off a list of astonishing accomplishments. “The Converse Model Arab League delegation has established a reputation of sophisticated Southern intellect within a national arena. For the eleventh consecutive year, the Converse delegation earned Outstanding Delegation honors in Washington, DC, beating teams from Northeastern to George Mason and the University of California at Berkley. They are feared as that ‘smart, good-looking team of women with Southern accents.
“As an academic community, there is a premium placed on encouraging students to partner with faculty to pursue research projects. This summer, South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities will fund six such research teams at Converse—the most in our history.”
The Spartanburg community came out in support of Converse and President Fleming during the inaugural events. Spartanburg Mayor Bill Barnet delivered remarks on behalf of the community. Wofford College President Benjamin Dunlap gave remarks on behalf of the higher education community. Susan Hodge of Spartanburg, a graduate of Smith College, said the inauguration was about celebrating women's colleges and the type of principles instilled in their graduates. About 80 colleges from South Carolina and across the country were represented.
Taking part in the procession were Fleming's brother, Nicholas, and, sister, Melissa, a 1992 graduate of Smith College and now living in New York City. She said her sister understands the impact that women's colleges have on the lives of students. "I'm proud to be here and I think (Betsy) is a wonderful role model for students and women in general," she said.
A number of events were held throughout Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate the inaugural theme of Lifelong Learning, Leadership and Service. The events included a “Celebration of Faith” breakfast; an academic symposium featuring Karenna Gore Schiff; the traditional Thousand Thanks Donor Gala; and the Bash on the Back Lawn featuring live bands. Thursday held significant meaning for the students and alumnae of Converse as they celebrated Founder’s Day, the 177 th birthday of Dexter Edgar Converse, the college’s founder.
