Converse College for Women Looks Back at Its First Year
In Fall 2021, the Converse College for Women (CCW) officially launched its empowering living-learning community with meaningful traditions, new programming and events, and community service.
Big Sis/Little Sis week was a dynamic opportunity to welcome new students into the sisterhood and kick-off the new term. Thanks to Converse’s powerful alumni connection, the Women’s College received many Big Sis/Little Sis donations that enhanced this time-honored tradition.
In September 2021, students in the Women’s College watched and discussed the National Women’s History Museum’s live-streamed symposium “The Missing Waves of Feminism: The Third Wave” as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary. Following the symposium, CCW students engaged in a conversation on women changemakers beyond the “canonical” 1980-2010 period that is often referred to as the “third wave of feminism.” This discussion was led by Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion, Danielle Stone, and Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Emily Harbin.
The Women’s College hosted its first annual Fall Retreat in October 2021 which included sessions on women’s wellness and yoga, personal statements and professionalism, and the power of goal-setting and personal journaling. The day-long retreat was led by four alumni who shared their passion and talents with current Women’s College students, illuminating once again the strength of the Converse network.
Focusing on service for the month of November, students joined the Period Project’s Spartanburg Chapter, led by alumna Kerry Easler ’96, to benefit girls at Spartanburg High School in need of support. Students donated the items and then gathered on a Sunday evening to stuff more than 375 period packs, and to discuss the importance of access and healthcare for all women and girls in our on and off- campus communities.
The first half of the academic year was warmly wrapped up with a Cookies and Connections social at the Log Cabin.
Spring of 2022 brought about the opportunity to run for a representative position in the Women’s College, with representatives being selected in April 2022.
In March 2022, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the Women’s Leadership Speaker Series spotlighted Dr. Emerald Archer, and featured alumni speaker, Miya Walker ’12.
The Sophomore Sisterhood Bracelet Ceremony for the CCW Class of 2024 and the Class of 2022 Annual CCW Candlelight Dinner wrapped up an exciting Spring Term.
Along with the College’s focus on service, traditions, and leadership, is the intentional study of the representation and experiences of women. Dynamic new programs have been added to the growing list of CCW courses including Dr. Erin Templeton’s English course, Women Writing, Women Talking, and the Jan Term course, Disney’s America: History & Performance team-taught by Dr. Angela Elder and Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins. These courses deepen the connections between the academic and personal growth of students enrolled in the Converse College for Women and offer all Converse University students the opportunity to learn more about the contributions of women writers, artists, and thinkers.
Converse College for Women will continue to be a transformative experience for its students as it looks excitedly towards the future.
Originally published in the Your Connection alumni newsletter.