Converse Students Join Higher Education Day at the State House
Eight students represented Converse University at the State Capitol for Higher Education Day this April, joining fellow South Carolina students, campus leaders, and policymakers in a shared celebration of higher education’s impact across the state.
Students had the opportunity to explore the State House, observe from the Senate balcony, attend the Higher Ed Day Proclamation Ceremony with the Lieutenant Governor, and advocate for continued support of the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission.
Converse representatives included Ashleigh Austin ’27, Rylie Budnick ’26, Brooklyn Grand ’28, Jessoria Mathis ’29, Stephanie Millé ’27, Jordan Smith ’27, Olivia McCutchen ’28, and Morgan Wilson ’26. Director of Donor Relations and Events Caroline Goodman and Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students Rhonda Mingo accompanied the students. The group had the opportunity to engage directly with the legislative process and highlight the value of their educational experiences.
This year’s Higher Education Day was a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). The event brought together students from independent, public, and technical colleges and universities across South Carolina and highlighted a shared commitment to student success and statewide economic growth, SCICU explained in a newsletter to its member institutions.
Stephanie Millé ’27, a Converse II student, was particularly glad for the opportunity to to express her gratitude for the financial assistance provided by the South Carolina Tuition Grant, noting its impact on her life. “Thank you South Carolina State House of Representatives and South Carolina State Senate for your continued support of this need-based grant,” she shared. “Because of your support, this Deaf mom of three boys was able to go back to school and will graduate this December as a teacher of the Deaf!”