April 30–May 2, 2026 | A Converse Gathering with Family & Friends
We’re thrilled to welcome you to campus for an unforgettable experience at Converse’s Celebration Weekend! You’ll enjoy great food, fun events, beloved traditions, and fellowship with our vibrant Valkyrie community.
Check out highlights from last year’s event!
REGISTRATION
There is a $20 per person registration fee for guests* that provides admission to all events and meals listed on the schedule. Children ten and under are free. The last day for guests to register is April 27.
Registration will open in mid January.
*Converse faculty, staff, and students are free, do not need to register, and can learn more about this event at my.converse.edu. Sign-in is required.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Leah Anderson at leah.anderson@converse.edu
These Celebration Weekend events will be livestreamed on the Converse University YouTube channel:
- Freshmen Pinning & Spirit of Converse Awards Ceremony | 9-10:30 AM
- Leadership Awards & SGA Installation Ceremony | 11 AM-Noon
- Academic Awards & Scholarship Presentation | 1-2 PM
- Junior Ring Ceremony | Twichell Auditorium | 3:30-4:30 PM
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
Dinner | Gee Dining Room | 5-6:30 PM
Grab a plate and mingle with members of the Converse community! This meal is included in the registration fee.
RISE Symposium Awards Ceremony | Montgomery Lobby and Barnet Room | 5-6:30 PM
Celebrate scholarly achievements across all areas of study as we recognize students for their extraordinary research and creative work. The reception starts at 5 PM followed by the awards program at 5:30 PM.
Petrie School of Music Concert | Twichell Auditorium | 7:30-9 PM
Experience an exceptional performance by the Converse Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2025
Dinner | Gee Dining Room | 5-7 PM
Grab a plate and mingle with members of the Converse community! This meal is included in the registration fee.
Tailgate at the Crit | Downtown Spartanburg | 5-9 PM
Join us downtown for the Spartanburg Crit, a one-of-a-kind block party, and watch cyclists race around the half-mile downtown course. Converse’s tent location will be provided at a later date. For more information about the Crit, please click here.
Valkyries Choice Awards* | Twichell Auditorium | 7:15 PM
This event spotlights Valkyries Athletics and all of our amazing student-athletes. Photos and the Red Carpet Show kick off at 5 PM, followed by the award ceremony at 7:15 PM. *Cocktail or dressy attire is encouraged.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
Welcome Table and Lounge | Wilson Lobby | 9AM -5 PM
Swing by to pick up your swag bag! Need some sugar or a quick snack? We have you covered! The lobby will have light refreshments throughout the day.
Freshmen Pinning & Spirit of Converse Awards Ceremony | Twichell Auditorium | 9-10:30 AM
A time-honored tradition to recognize the completion of a student’s first year at Converse and recognize campus leaders with some of Converse’s most distinctive honors.
Leadership Awards & SGA Installation Ceremony | Twichell Auditorium | 9-10:30 AM
Recognizing student leaders for their accomplishments and officially swearing in Converse’s newly elected student leaders.
Lunch | Gee Dining Room | 11 AM-1 PM
Grab a plate and mingle with members of the Converse community! This meal is included in the registration fee.
Academic Awards & Scholarship Presentation | Twichell Auditorium | 1-2 PM
Celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our students.
CCW Sophomore Bracelet Ceremony | Zimmerli Commons | 2:15-3:15 PM
CCW Sophomores will experience the beloved tradition of receiving the Core Value bracelet.
Junior Ring Ceremony | Twichell Auditorium | 3:30-4:30 PM
The Converse ring is a symbol of pride and class unity. This tradition recognizes the completion of a student’s third year at Converse.
Snacks & Sips Happy Hour | Dalton Lobby in Wilson Hall | 4:30-5:30 PM
Come unwind after a fun-filled day. Enjoy some music, grab a drink or nibble and enjoy time with the Converse community.
EXPLORE
Family Weekend provides guests a chance to experience Converse through the eyes of a student. When you’re not on campus, we hope you are able to visit your student’s favorite coffee shop, check out Spartanburg’s downtown retailers, or stroll on one of our many local trails.
See all that Spartanburg has to offer and a list of local hotels.
