Converse Celebrates Founder's Day
There was much to celebrate during the annual Founder’s Day Celebration: a Founder’s Day address given by one of the College’s most admired faculty members, the dedication of the Justine V.R. “Nita” Milliken Addition to the Milliken Fine Arts Building, and the presentation of the Dexter Edgar Converse Award.
Founder’s Day Service Address Given by Joe Ann Lever
Joe Ann Lever, Dean of Arts & Sciences, addressed the students, faculty, staff, and guests during the Founder’s Day Service in Twichell Auditorium. She was also presented with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree as a special recognition to honor her 40 years of service to Converse. She will retire at the end of this academic year. Throughout the years, Dean Lever has influenced countless Converse graduates.
Dedication of Justine V.R. “Nita” Milliken Addition to the
Milliken Fine Arts Building
Roger and Nita Milliken were on hand as the Justine V.R. “Nita” Milliken Addition to the Milliken Fine Arts Building was formally dedicated. During the dedication, a portrait of Nita, which will hang in the new addition, was unveiled.
The addition, which was funded by an initial gift of $2 million by Nita, provides an additional 14,000 square feet to the existing building. Housed in the addition are classrooms, a computer-aided design (CAD) lab, darkrooms for photography classes, faculty loft studios, kiln and firing yards, an additional art gallery, and a historic preservation room.
Presentation of Dexter Edgar Converse Award
Kurt Zimmerli’s commitment to Converse College began with his love of music and his commitment to Spartanburg. Starting with his first term on the Board of Trustees in 1983 he has enthusiastically provided countless hours of dedicated service to the fulfillment of Converse College’s mission, to its financial health and its physical appearance.
Under his guidance, Converse has established a comprehensive campus master plan that focuses on making Converse an attractive welcoming environment. With his sensible financial counsel, Converse has been able to achieve continuing balanced budgets. In leading the effort to plan and improve the campus, Kurt collaborated with Converse faculty, administrators, and students; worked with architectures; and negotiated with building contractors.
Through his philanthropy he has made significant progress possible in The Petrie School of Music, by providing scholarships for students, funding for much needed instrument repairs, and invaluable support for performances and events. Through his work and philanthropy, Kurt Zimmerli emulates the standards set by the College’s founders and is a most deserving recipient of The Dexter Edgar Converse Award.