Summer 2024
We just wrapped up another tremendous year at Converse — one filled with tremendous academic achievements, campus-wide celebrations, and much more.
I am most proud of Converse’s unwavering commitment to remaining relentlessly student-focused through all the incredible performances, sporting events, and time-honored traditions.
College is a time of immense growth and transformation, and our highest priority is supporting our students throughout their journey. That’s why I’m very excited about the launch of our “First Day Ready Program” this fall. This program will ensure that traditional undergraduate students have the textbooks and required course materials for their classes by the start of the semester by including the cost in Converse’s tuition.
In researching this program, we discovered that including textbooks and supplies within a school’s tuition model results in stronger student participation, retention, and success. This is just one more way that we can help our students to focus on scholarly achievement rather than the financial stress of this often complicated process.
However, we know that student success is one in which they thrive both academically and personally. That’s why we’re maintaining our focus on revitalizing parts of our beautiful historic campus.
This includes:
- Upgrading the majority of our campus lighting to better illuminate parking, walkways, and areas around buildings;
- Supporting select academic spaces by addressing HVAC improvements;
- Refreshing many of our bathrooms and common areas in Dexter, Belk, and Andrews’ Halls;
- And, thanks to the generosity of the Class of 1973, we will be also able to revitalize the lobby in Andrews Hall, creating a unique living-learning community for our students.
Supporting Converse students throughout their journey is not just important to us—it’s essential. But our work is never done. As we continue to chart a strong course for the university’s future, we know that there are still doors to be flung open and opportunities to seize.
Your ongoing involvement and steadfast commitment provide the roadmap to ensuring that generations of students experience the power of a Converse education—now and forever.
I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.
Go Valkyries!
Boone J. Hopkins, Ph.D.
Presidential Communications
Executive Leadership Council
Contact the President’s Office
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