Converse Hosts Fifth Annual RISE Symposium
Converse University held the 2026 RISE (Research, Internship, and ArtS Experiential Learning) Symposium from April 13 through April 27, 2026. The 2026 RISE Symposium had a record number of students participate, with projects displayed throughout campus including in Montgomery Student Center, Carmichael Hall, Wilson Hall, Mickel Library, Kuhn Hall, and Blackman Music Hall.
This year’s categories included: Internship Experiences, Music Performance, Original Music, Research Findings, Creative Writing, Dance-New Works, Theatrical and Film Production-New Works and the Photo Contest.
Open to all undergraduate, graduate and Converse II students, the RISE symposium empowers students to share their ideas, discoveries and artistic work with our campus and local community. This year, Converse also had a record number of Graduate and Converse II students participate and showcase their work. Converse is grateful to our event sponsors this year: Contec, Inc, Morgan Corporation, SJWD Water District, and TNB Financial Services.
RISE Symposium’s success is tied to the ongoing contributions of the Converse faculty and staff, support from student families and friends, in addition to the generous participation from our internship partners.
Congratulations to our 2026 RISE Symposium Award Winners:
Research Poster Awards
- Best Research Poster Award – Natural Sciences: Sofia Giraldo-Jimenez ”26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Research Poster Award – Humanities: Marie Durflinger ’26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Research Poster Award – Social Sciences: Amro Shibeika ’28 & Manuel Roncero Ros ’26
- Best Research Poster Award – Graduate Research: Kaley Kilpatrick ’26
Performing Arts & Writing Awards
- Excellence in Creative Writing: Pedro Landeros-Hernandez ’27
- Excellence in Dance – New Works: Rylie Budnick ’26
- Best Musical Performance: Erin McCallion ’27 (Nisbet Honors)
- Excellence in Original Music: Brandon Edwards ’27
Special Awards
- Excellence in Photography Award: Ashlyn Sasser ’29
- Excellence in Personal Statement: Chelsea Palotta ’26
- Students’ Choice Award: Sofia Giraldo-Jimenez ”26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Dr. Joe Dunn Excellence in Research Award: Bella Moreno ’26
Model League Awards
- Model Programs – 1st Place: Bella Moreno ’26
- Model Programs – 2nd Place: Ninel Martinez-Macedo ’26 & Ainsley Crowe ’27
- Model Programs – 3rd Place: Cameran Huyett ’29 (Nisbet Honors) & AJ Robinson ’27
Internship Awards:
- Best Internship Poster Award Art: Tory Blanton-King ’26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Internship Poster Award Business: Gabriella Pinheiro ’26
- Best Internship Poster Award Education: Sophia Pollard ’26
- Best Internship Poster Award Non-Profit: Ashleigh Austin ’26
- Internship Supervisor of the Year: Andy Dulku
- Intern with the Greatest Impact on an Organization: Jazmin Harper ’26 , Brown Girls Read
- Intern of the Year: Kilee Bradeen ’26
- Faculty Champion Award: Wynton Stephens, Assistant Professor of Business Administration