Converse Celebrates Weisiger Stadium Ribbon Cutting
Converse hosted the Weisiger Stadium Ribbon Cutting, honoring the generosity of Agnes Binder Weisiger ’63 and dedicating the Converse Valkyries’ new turf field and track. We are so excited to …
Capital Projects
Upon entering the gates of Converse University, one of the things you will notice is how beautiful the campus and its buildings are. Converse is proud of its campus, listed on the National Register of Historic places, but also recognizes that the changing needs of our students and community require ongoing renovations, upgrades and expansions.
All capital improvements at Converse are funded through donations specifically solicited for each project. A capital project gift can support the construction of new and renovated facilities or assist in the maintenance of existing structures.
There is always a need for funding to support the upkeep and preservation of our campus. If you are interested in supporting capital projects, please contact Gina Miller, Director for Philanthropy, at 864.596.9217 or email gina.miller@converse.edu.
Current Projects
Cudd Hall
Once the beloved site of the annual senior class photo, Cudd is quintessential Converse. Its distinctive Southern architecture has made for a cozy home-away-from-home for generations of upperclassmen.
As Converse continues to experience tremendous growth, it is essential that we have all available space to house our students. The $3.5 million revitalization of Cudd Hall would preserve the building’s historic character while breathing new life into one of the most iconic residential halls on campus. Projected enhancements include:
- Renovation to approximately 46 residential rooms and 2 CA rooms
- Expansion of ADA-accessible rooms and entry access
- An elevator addition
- Redesigned flow to support community, accessibility and safety
- Expansion of community areas including kitchen, laundry, study rooms and open spaces
- Rebuilding of the infamous three-level porch
- Replacement of the roof, electrical, mechanical, and sprinkler systems
- Renovation to all exterior and interior finishes
Recently Completed Projects
- Zimmerli Performance Center
For decades, Converse University Life Trustee Kurt Zimmerli and his wife, Nelly, have generously provided leadership and financial support for the arts at Converse and in the Spartanburg community. In 2019 the Zimmerli’s championed a campaign to renovate Twichell Auditorium, a world-class performance hall.
- Fleming Hall
A permanent tribute to former Converse President Betsy Fleming was formally dedicated and named Fleming Hall in her honor in 2017. The name was selected by alumna and Converse Trustee Ellen Lanford Asherman ’85 and her husband, Philip, whose generous contributions to Converse have had a significant impact on its growth and success.
- The Heath Apartment Complex
Converse’s award-winning apartment housing facility enables seniors to enjoy an independent living environment right on campus. Howard Hall, Kate Hall and Zimmerli Common – collectively known as The Heath – were specifically designed to advance community and enhance a vibrant student life at Converse.
- The Marsha H. Gibbs Field House
Dedicated in September 2014, the brand-new $3 million Marsha H. Gibbs Field House provides a top-level experience in collegiate athletics and includes such amenities as five locker rooms, a weight training facility, indoor/outdoor golf training facilities, an academic support center, a rooftop terrace and a soccer/lacrosse press box.
- Renovations of Historic Pell
In September 2014, the Converse community gathered in front of the 123-year-old Pell Hall to celebrate the completion of its renovation as part of the First-Year Experience. Freshman residents welcomed the community inside to explore the remodeled rooms. The $9 million renovation was made possible by more than 400 donors whose gifts ranged from $5 to $1 million.
- The Johnson Plaza
In November 2014, local leaders, students, family members and friends came together at Converse to dedicate a new plaza in honor of local philanthropists Susan “Susu” Phifer Johnson ’65 and her husband, George Dean Johnson Jr.
Meet Our Donors
Marsha H. Gibbs Wins 2022 Dexter Edgar Converse Award
On Thursday, April 21, Converse hosted its annual Silver Soirée, celebrating our Lifetime Giving Society members and honoring Marsha H. Gibbs as the Dexter Edgar Converse 2022 award recipient. Named …
Converse’s Trailblazer Program Receives 25K Grant
Power:Ed has awarded $25,000 to Converse University’s Trailblazer Expansion Program. The Trailblazer Program is a first-year success program for Converse First-Generation students. The program serves incoming and current Converse students …
Making a Difference: Libby Cuttino Tilson ’79
Libby graduated from Converse in 1979 with a Bachelor of Music in music education. Following graduation, she received a Master’s in Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting from Southern …