Student-designed Mural Amplifies Montgomery Student Center

The Student Government Association (SGA) and Multicultural Suites in Montgomery Student Center have been recently renovated with fresh interior furnishing and decorations and now include a student-designed mural as the focal point. The new mural beautifully reflects Converse’s diverse student body with colorful digital portraits and the message, “Community Starts with Unity.” Displayed on a light-filtering adhesive, the mural sweeps across the window panels in the suite and commands the attention of visitors. The mural was designed by Fine Arts in Digital Media and Ceramics student, Mikki Nunn ’22. 

“When I was asked to design the mural, the idea was left pretty open to take creative liberties,” said Mikki. “Each panel captures both plant life and faces which are representative of our diverse student body. The painting livens up the space and displays a fresh and fun new aura for the suites.”

“‘Community Starts With Unity’ encourages my fellow Valkyries to embrace our differences, see clearly, decide wisely, act justly, and to maintain the strong community we’ve built with one another.”

Mikki Nunn ’22

“Converse is expanding its horizons, but with so many new changes it can be difficult to adapt. “Community Starts With Unity” encourages my fellow Valkyries to embrace our differences, see clearly, decide wisely, act justly, and to maintain the strong community we’ve built with one another,” Mikki concluded. 

The mural and renovation of the SGA and Multicultural suites were made possible by the funding from last year’s one day of giving– Rock the Tower – and the Jones Rushing Scholars Program.

Rock the Tower is Converse’s annual one-day of giving when the Converse community comes together to support various areas on campus. Each year, Rock the Tower provides the funds for projects like this as well as different areas on campus. Rock the Tower brings the campus together for a fun-filled day celebrating the legacy and growth of Converse. This year, Rock the Tower will take place on November 4, 2021.

The Jones Rushing Scholars Program was made possible by the generous donation made by Emily Jones Rushing ’73 and her husband, Hugh, and supports the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This scholarship fund is a four-year undergraduate program that helps to recruit, retain, and graduate students from underrepresented populations while supporting Diversity and Inclusion at Converse through an appropriate balance of scholarships and general needs. This program will also encourage engagement in programs that will better prepare students post-graduation, including serving in a leadership role on campus. It also provides student-worker support to roles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the campus.

To learn more about Converse’s initiatives as we continue to strive towards becoming an inclusive campus community that Acts Justly, click here.