RISE Symposium
Research, Internship, and Arts Experiential Learning Symposium
Converse University’s RISE (Research, Internship, and Arts Experiential Learning) Symposium empowers students to share their ideas, discoveries and artistic work with our campus and local community within a professional setting.
Open to all undergraduates, graduates and Converse II students, the RISE symposium celebrates student scholarly activities and achievements across all areas of study at Converse University – including the arts, music, humanities, education, natural and mathematical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Since its founding in 2022, the RISE Symposium has seen participation triple as of 2025.
Submissions are open for 2026 RISE!
RISE will be held at Converse University from April 13 – 17, 2026, with the Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2026.
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026
RISE Materials Due: Friday, March 13, 2026
This year’s categories include:
- Internship Experiences
- Music Performance
- Original Music
- Research Findings
- Creative Writing
- Dance-New Works
- Theatrical and Film Production-New Works
- Photo Contest
“The success of the RISE Symposium is largely a result of the tireless contributions of the Converse faculty and staff, the unwavering support of student families, and the generous participation from our internship partners.”
Former Associate Provost for Research and Engagement Dr. Neval Ertürk
2025 RISE Award Recipients
Research Poster Awards:
- Best in Natural & Mathematical Sciences: Lexie Krivicich ’26, Madison Seymour ’26, Paisley Stepp ’26
- Excellence in History: Pashion Israel ’25 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best in Social Sciences: Chloe Cleland ’25 (Nisbet Honors) and Emily Whitlow ’25
- Best in Graduate Research: Julia Turner EdD ’25
Performing Arts Awards:
- Excellence in Creative and Playwriting (Tie): Genesis Medley ’28 (Nisbet Honors) and Graci Barga ’26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Excellence in Dance: New Works: Emmalee Nutter ’27
- Excellence in Original Music: Sean Fanchette ’26 and Adriana Stamile ’25
- Undergraduate Musical Performance Honorable Mention: Samuel Prosser ’26
- Best Musical Performance Undergraduate Award: Carrera Stamile ’28
- Best Musical Performance Graduate Award: Allen Gilbert ’25
Special Awards
- Excellence in Photography: Irma Whaley ’25
- Model Programs – 1st Place: Bella Moreno ’26 and Miguel Junco ’27
- Model Programs – 2nd Place: Hayley Benton ’27 and Jerome Harris ’25
- Model Programs – 3rd Place: S Feser MMFT ’26 and Steven Greer ’22
- Dr. Joe Dunn Excellence in Research Award: Pashion Israel ’25 (Nisbet Honors)
- Student’s Choice Award: Ceanna Brown ’25
Internship Poster Awards
- Best Internships Poster Award – Art: Megan Laliberty ’25
- Best Internship Poster Award – Business: Sofiya Gobora ’25
- Best Internship Poster Award – Education: Olivia Liopiros ’25 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Internship Poster Award – Non Profit: Eliza McManus ’25
Internship Awards
- Intern of the Year: Em Miller ’25
- Intern with the Greatest Impact on an Organization: Gavin McFadden ’25
- Internship Supervisor of the Year: Adjunct Instructor of Music Therapy Alison Hughey, Carolina Music Therapy
2025 Participant Stats
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143Students
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36Faculty & Staff Mentors
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57Sponsors
RISE in the News
Traditions & Fellowship: Converse May Day 2025
Following the success of our inaugural May Day weekend last year, Converse once again welcomed students, their families & friends, faculty, and staff to join us …
Converse Celebrates 2024 RISE Symposium
Converse University held its third RISE (Research, Internship, and ArtS Experiential Learning) Symposium from April 8 through April 12, 2024. All student projects were displayed in the Montgomery …
Converse Celebrates High-Impact Experiential Learning at 2023 RISE Symposium
Converse held its second annual RISE Symposium during the week of April 10, 2023. Open to all undergraduate, graduate and Converse II students, the RISE …
Converse Celebrates Inaugural RISE Symposium
Converse’s RISE symposium aims to celebrate student scholarly activities and achievements across all areas of study at Converse University.
