Converse University Celebrates 137th Convocation

By Elizabeth Klanderman ’28

On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Converse University community gathered for its 137th Fall Convocation in Zimmerli Performance Center at Twichell Auditorium for a long-standing tradition. The university community gathers to fill the auditorium with hope and joy for the upcoming academic year, reflecting on long-standing Converse values, recognizing faculty and students with awards for their hard work, and celebrating a milestone for seniors, who wear their graduation gowns to the event. 

The ceremony, which was livestreamed, began with a beautiful rendition of Suite de Concert: I. Prelude en forme de Marche written by Denis Bedard (b.1950) and performed by Converse University’s organist, Dr. Brennan Szafron. During the rendition, staff and the senior class processed into the auditorium led by the Faculty Grand Marshal, Dr. Sheri Strickland, Professor of Chemistry and Associate Chair of the Natural Sciences Department. Strickland was assisted by Drs. Madelyn Young and Doug Jensen, who served as Faculty Marshals. As this year’s senior class proceeded into the auditorium, they were met with cheers and joy from their peers. 

John Garcia, ’27, President of the Religious Life Council, led the opening invocation, and Hayley Benton, Vice President of the Student Government Association, led the Converse community in the pledge of allegiance. Following the beginning of the ceremony came the first speech of the day. Ninel Martinez-Macedo ’27, President of the Student Government Association, gave a stirring talk, reflecting on her beginnings at Converse and her journey. She looked back on her growth in the Converse community through the fellowship she found in Model League. She encouraged Converse students to be uncomfortable, affirming that it will eventually lead to personal growth. 

President Boone J. Hopkins, PhD, then took the stage to formally open the 137th academic session. He welcomed the class of 2030 with joy and excitement and happily wished the best to the class of 2027. He urged all students and staff to grow into their most empowered selves. He emphasized the importance of belonging and asked the Converse community to embrace one shared commitment: help somebody know that they matter. 

Presentation of the Dr. Jeffrey H. Barker Academic Excellence Award

Following President Hopkins’ inspiring speech, he presented the Dr. Jeffrey H. Barker Academic Excellence Award, which supports Converse faculty who exemplify the teaching and learning relationship by broadening students’ horizons and by challenging themselves as educators.

This year’s recipient is Dr. James “JJ” Lies, who serves as Assistant Professor of Education and Chair of the Education Department. Hopkins reflected on Lies’ commitment to upholding Converse values, along with his commitment to helping his students learn and grow into the best versions of themselves. 

Celebration of the Dexter Edgar Converse Award

President Hopkins also announced Gillian White Goodrich ’68 as the recipient of the 2026 Dexter Edgar Converse Award, the highest honor bestowed by the university, which is presented in recognition of leadership, generosity, and involvement at Converse and beyond.

Goodrich’s life’s work has included education, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community development, including the creation of the Woodlawn Foundation with her husband, Mike. She is a former member of the Converse Board of Trustees, has supported students and faculty through scholarships and professional development, and has remained a devoted alumna and ambassador for Converse.

Academic Recognitions

President Hopkins then gave the floor to Dr. William S. Case, Provost and Vice President for Student Success, who presented the Class of 2030 Academic Recognitions. These recognitions included the Faith Courtney Burwell Voice Scholarship, Simpson Scholars, and Weisiger Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Scholarship recipients. 

The Faith Courtney Burwell Voice Scholarship supports students majoring in voice and is based on merit and other needs. This year’s recipient is Caden Rawlinson ’30. The Simpson Scholarships support students who excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. This year’s recipients are Jenna Hoffman and Valery Segura Castro. The Weisiger Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Scholarships recognize exceptional athletes with a proven academic success record and exhibit strong leadership and community-building skills. This year’s winners from the Class of 2030 are Laila Clark, Jerry Gordon, Kira Grady, Emerson “Emie” Griggs, Gracyn Hagler, Abigail Heilman, Winthrop “AJ” Jeter, Madison Malena, and Sophia Powell.

Time to Shine: The Keynote Address

Following the scholarship presentations, Dr. Case introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Steven Graff, Zimmerli Professor of Piano. Case recognized how Graff is appreciated and adored by all of his students due to his approachability and humor. Graff’s address was titled “Let it Shine,” and he did indeed shine when he took the stage boldly by removing his regalia to reveal an eye-catching golden sequined jacket. His reveal was met with a roar from the Converse Community, with excitement to see what his address would hold. 

Graff delivered a thrilling, musical speech – straight from the piano at center stage – that kept students fully engaged and on the edge of their seats. He performed many different songs while also spotlighting students and faculty from the Petrie School of Music, including Jared Rosen ’29, Carrera Stamile ’28, Inaya Rivas ’29, Eli Chestnut ’28, Reuben Shiflet ’29, Dr. Valerie MacPhail, Dr. Courtney LeBauer, Dr. Keith Jones, and Professor Carrie Preus. Graff emphasized the importance of individuality, relating it to the concept of a musical melody. However, he noted, a song does not take shape until you add the harmony, which represents community. 

Concluding the Ceremony 

Following Graff’s musical speech, the Converse Chorale performed Hold the Light by Rollo Dilworth, conducted by Dr. Keith Jones and accompanied by Lance Bastian. The piece was then followed by the reaffirmation of the Converse Honor Pledge led by Honor Board Chair Ellie Lim ’27. This powerful tradition once again brought students together to pledge their commitment to integrity, trust, and respect. 

The Alma Mater followed, performed by Szafron on the organ with words by Hessie Morrah Graham and music by Nancy Brasington Burns, both of the Class of 1934. John Garcia then gave the final benediction of the ceremony, asking the Converse Community to go out and build others up throughout the next exciting year. Szafron played the recessional music as the platform party, faculty, and the Class of 2027 proceeded out of the building. All other students and members of the community remained standing to celebrate the seniors, and the entire campus community enjoyed lunch in Gee Dining Hall, officially concluding the annual tradition of the Convocation experience.