2021 Founder’s Day Celebration: The Recap
Converse’s annual Founder’s Day celebration on Friday, April 23, 2021, was an evening filled with beautiful music and song, inspiring words, recognition of outstanding Converse community members, and gratitude. The Converse campus community was excited and grateful to be able to gather together safely in-person, distanced in Twichell Auditorium to celebrate the Class of 2021, and honor our Founder’s Ideal to ‘see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.’
Valerie Dowling ’07 delivered the uplifting keynote address, honoring Converse’s history, while igniting excitement for the future. She inspired seniors to use their voice stating, “This is the moment Converse has prepared you for… and we need your voices now more than ever.”
“This is the moment Converse has prepared you for… and we need your voices now more than ever.”
As is tradition, several significant awards were presented to deserving individuals by President Newkirk. The 2020-2021 Weisiger Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Awards were bestowed upon Emorie Thrasher, Track & Field, Anna Klasson, Tennis, and Ayanna Parker, Basketball. The 2019-2020 Weisiger Cup Award was awarded to Theatre major and Women’s Basketball player, Shakori Jennings-Shuler. Converse’s 2020-2021 Weisiger Cup Award was awarded to Chemistry major and Women’s Soccer player, Isabel (Izzy) Fangman, and the Spirit of Converse Award was awarded to Kyle Crowder, Campus Safety Officer and Fire Marshal.
The evening wrapped up with Dexter Edgar Converse’s favorite dessert–strawberries and cream– which has become a Founder’s Day tradition, and was enjoyed by all on the outdoor courtyard in front of Twichell Auditorium at the Zimmerli Performance Center.
See 2021 Founder’s Day in Photos
