Celebrating The Class of 2024
On May 18, 2024, the Converse community came together to celebrate the graduating Class of 2024. The community commemorated the students’ years of hard work and academic achievements, as well as the remarkable resilience and unwavering perseverance displayed by the graduating class.
During their time at Converse, the Class of 2024 was involved in leadership and volunteer opportunities, research, internships, study travel, and athletics. They now stand ready to pursue careers and support their communities as passionate, service-oriented citizens.
Commencement week was filled with fun traditions, including the Senior BBQ at the President’s house, Senior Candlelight Dinner for the Converse College for Women, and Hats Off.
Watch highlights from Commencement 2024.
Doctoral Hooding
On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, doctoral candidates celebrated with their friends, families, and Converse faculty and staff at the hooding ceremony at the University Center of Greenville.
Kaley Kilpatrick Jones, the UCG Campus & Graduate Services Manager, expressed her gratitude to all the Converse staff and faculty who contributed to this event and created a cheerful mood. “[They] made a rainy day look lovely–from butterfly ferns and flowers to banners and balloons, all beautifully set around purple and gold.”
President Hopkins greeted the doctoral candidates and their guests, and said, “Tonight, you will receive your doctoral hoods, and on Saturday, you will receive your diplomas. But your connection to Converse does not end here. As you move forward in your lives and careers, I encourage you to open doors for others, as others have done for you.”
The Converse Leadership Faculty hooded the candidates: Dr. Keshia Jackson Gilliam (Director of the Master in Management Program), Dr. Lee Givins (Chair, Leadership Studies), Dr. Jack Knipe (Assistant Professor), Dr. Jeff Martin (Assistant Professor) and Dr. Lienne Medford (Professor).
Dr. Lienne Medford presented two Thomas McDaniel Awards this year for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation. Dr. McDaniel was in attendance for the hooding ceremony and his presence was met with resounding applause.
The 2024 Outstanding Qualitative Doctoral Dissertation was awarded to Dr. Teresa Goins Curvin for the dissertation “Women Engineers: How Golf Affects Their Careers.”
The 2024 Outstanding Quantitative Doctoral Dissertation was awarded to Dr. Zachary Len Nicks for the dissertation “School Transitions and Maslow’s Hierarchy: An Examination of Deficiency Needs Being Satisfied During the Transition to a New School.”
Watch the highlights from the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony here.
Baccalaureate
Students, faculty, staff, and loved ones gathered for the Baccalaureate ceremony on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Twichell Auditorium. A longstanding Converse tradition, this celebration includes music, personal reflections, and readings by students and staff from diverse faith traditions.
Immediately following Baccalaureate was our traditional Hats Off celebration, where the 2024 Senior class gathered with faculty, staff and administration, complete with ornately decorated hats.
Watch Baccalaureate on our YouTube channel.
Undergraduate Commencement
Just before 9:30 am on Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Wilson Tower Bell tolled as our 2024 seniors processed through Johnson Plaza into Twichell Auditorium.
Families and friends gathered, cameras in hand, capturing the momentous occasion, smiling with immense pride as the graduates entered Twichell Auditorium.
As graduates and guests took their seats, President of Religious Life Council Anna Patterson ’24 gave the invocation.
Converse’s 12th President, Dr. Boone J. Hopkins, exuberantly welcomed guests and spoke of the remarkable strength, adaptability, and perseverance of the Class of 2024.
“You have not only risen above challenges with courage and conviction,” Hopkins said, “but you have also navigated your time here with a grace and an unwavering enthusiasm that has transformed this campus. You truly embody the spirit of the Valkyrie.”
Hopkins spoke of the graduates’ dedication and resilience. “I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are prepared for anything your future may bring,” he said confidently.
About the Class of 2024 Undergraduates
- 51 seniors were first-generation college students.
- 56 seniors were student-athletes.
- 9 seniors were Converse II students, non-traditional students.
- 7 seniors were Converse International Students.
- 7 seniors earned two undergraduate degrees.
- More than 47% held an internship while at Converse.
- 65% engaged in at least two high-impact practices, including research, community service, or study travel).
- 60% were involved on campus outside of the classroom in roles including Orientation Leaders, Community Advisors, representatives in the Student Government Association, members or leaders in clubs and organizations, peer tutors, Presidential Student Ambassadors, and Converse Model League.
- 42% of the Class of 2024 have job placements at organizations including Prisma Health, Flat Rock Playhouse, OTO Development, South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, USA Softball, AMS Global, and Hughes Development Corporation.
- 26% of the Class of 2024 are continuing their education with graduate studies at institutions including the University of South Carolina, the University of Tennessee, the University of North Carolina‚ Florida State University, Cleveland Institute of Music, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, and Lenoir-Rhyne University — with 12 continuing their education at Converse University.
Hopkins encouraged graduates to give back to others as they move into the next chapter of their lives. “Find a cause or issue that you are passionate about and get involved because you can make a difference,” Hopkins said. “Remember, wherever you are in your journey, the world needs more people who are willing to give back and make a positive impact.”
Wallace Davison Prestwood ’89, Chair of the Converse University Board of Trustees, spoke to the graduates about the mutual respect and love the Board shares with students for Converse.
Prestwood said, “During your time at Converse, you invested yourselves fully and with great enthusiasm. Your individual and collective accomplishments are a testament to the important role that this institution plays in shaping and growing individuals with values, ambitions, priorities and relationships of universal consequence.”
Provost and Vice President Dr. Joe Wilferth congratulated graduates and introduced the 2024 Commencement speaker, Dr. Russell W. Booker. “Dr. Booker is a dedicated advocate for education and community service,” Dr. Wilferth said of Booker’s accolades. “He is unwavering in his commitment to empowering others to lead lives of distinction and service.”
“As you step into the next chapter of your journey, remember that 580 East Main Street will always be your Converse home.”
President Boone J. Hopkins
Dr. Booker, Chief Executive Officer of Spartanburg Academic Movement, is supporting an ambitious economic mobility plan. Movement 2030’s goal is to provide thousands of children and adults in Spartanburg with a clear path to upward mobility and educational attainment, and Converse University is an active partner in these efforts.
President Hopkins presented Dr. Booker with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, as Booker stepped onstage to give the Commencement address.
Dr. Booker smiled proudly and said, “I am truly humbled by the honor you just bestowed upon me, and it’s a memory I won’t soon forget.”
Dr. Booker thanked the graduating Class of 2024 for what he and others have learned from them as he watched them navigate the uncertainty of the past four years. “You showed us how to swiftly adapt to remote learning when we didn’t know what we were doing,” he shared. “You entered this campus and became part of an institution that was in a historical period of great transformation.”
Dr. Booker spoke of the graduating class’ resilience as they encountered isolation, personal loss, and financial instability over the past four years. “Amid this great period of apprehension, you taught us how to use our voice,” Dr. Booker said. You became advocates for social justice issues that were amplified during the pandemic—issues around race, health, and economic disparities. You learned to use your voice and demanded that we work toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Then, Dr. Booker asked the Class of 2024 to consider how they would use these experiences to live a creative, transformative life, as Converse champions in its vision and mission.
“How will you let what you have learned and experienced over these four years take you to greater heights?” Dr. Booker inquired. “Or, will you just settle for the status quo? Do not for one moment view what you have just accomplished as a conclusion, but rather as the progression towards a new phase of life that is eagerly awaiting your entrance.”
He reminded the graduates to show gratitude to all those who have supported them along their way — from family and friends to roommates.
Booker quoted American poet Mary Oliver’s poem, “What I Have Learned So Far”:
“All summations have a beginning, all effect has a
story, all kindness begins with the sown seed.
Thought buds toward radiance. The gospel of
light is the crossroads of — indolence, or action.
Be ignited, or be gone.”
Jasmyn Williams ’24 (Nisbet Honors), President of the Student Government Association, spoke about the significance of these commencement ceremonies since most members of the Class of 2024 did not get to experience a traditional high school graduation.
Williams told fellow students that the college experience is about earning a degree and embracing the journey of self-discovery. She said, “May we carry the torch of self-awareness into the world beyond, illuminating our paths with the light of introspection and growth, as we continue to walk each other home.”
Special Distinctions
Dr. Chris Vaneman, Dean of Converse University’s School of the Arts, presented the 2024 Pi Kappa Lambda Award to Ivana Carlson ’24. The Pi Kappa Lambda Award recognizes the graduating senior with the highest grade point average in the Petrie School of Music Chapter of this national music honor society.
Dr. Erin Templeton, Dean of the School of Humanities, Sciences and Business, presented the Elford C. Morgan Award to Abby Ledford ’24 (Nisbet Honors) The award is given by the family of Dr. Morgan to the graduating senior with the highest academic record in a traditional liberal arts major in the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
President Hopkins presented the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award to Marjorie Boafo Appiah, founder of Innovation Abound, which seeks to bring positive change and growth to the world by giving creative ideas the opportunity and resources to flourish.
The Mary Mildred Sullivan Award is given to a member of the greater Spartanburg community. It recognizes selfless service, dedication to sharing knowledge with others, and humane participation in the community’s life.
Ivana Carlson ’24 and Rita Dunn ’24 performed Air on the G String, from Orchestral Suite no. 3 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Then President Hopkins and Provost Wilferth took the stage to present degrees to our Class of 2024.
After the undergraduate degrees were conferred to the 169 seniors in the Class of 2024, they were welcomed to the Converse Alumni Association by Libby Tilson ’79, President of the Converse Alumni Board. She shared her pride for the newest Converse alumni and encouraged them to connect with a local Converse chapter.
“You join a fierce, proud, loyal, and global network of alumni who collectively create an impression of the Converse graduate,” Tilson said. “Thank you for representing Converse with clarity, wisdom, and equity.”
Provost Wilferth encouraged our new alumni to take pride in their achievements and approach the future enthusiastically. “You are ready for what’s next because you have achieved so much and grown so much over the last several years. There will be challenges, but you are ready.”
University Chaplain Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise formally ended Commencement as she offered the benediction. The new graduates processed out of Twichell Auditorium and mingled with family, friends, and the Converse community.
Watch the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony on YouTube.
Graduate Commencement
As the crowd from the undergraduate ceremony dispersed, many of the Converse staff and faculty were still hard at work, preparing for the next celebration of the day — Graduate Commencement.
As the Graduate Class processed into Twichell, they were welcomed by University Organist Brennan Szafron, who played Crown Imperial by William Walton. University Chaplain Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise formally opened the ceremony with the invocation.
About the Class of 2024 Graduate Students
- 19 recipients earned an EdD in Professional Leadership;
- 26 recipients earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy;
- 10 recipients earned a Masters in Education;
- 9 recipients earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree;
- 11 recipients earned a Master in Management
- 6 recipients earned an Education Specialist Degree;
- 9 recipients earned a Masters of Fine Arts;
- 8 recipients earned a Masters in Music;
- 1 recipient earned a Masters in Liberal Arts.
President Hopkins welcomed the Converse community, and eagerly told the Graduate candidates, “The success of your time at Converse has paid off. And now, as you stand on the threshold of a new beginning, equipped with knowledge, skills, and a spirit of innovation, the world awaits your brilliance.”
Hopkins encouraged the Graduate Class of 2024 to continue to lead the way for the next generation of Converse students. “As you step into the next chapter of your journey, remember that 580 East Main Street will always be your Converse home and we hope you will return to it many times in the future,” he told them.
Wallace Davison Prestwood ’89 welcomed guests on behalf of Converse University’s Board of Trustees. Prestwood spoke of the determination and commitment required to reach their accomplishments, saying,” As you venture beyond our gates with that degree in hand, I hope you’ll take time to revel in this extraordinary moment. And, have faith in your ability to give the best that is within you.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joe Wilferth began his Graduate Commencement Address by celebrating the graduates, as well as all who supported them along their journey.
“This has been a journey for you, no doubt, but it is not a journey you’ve navigated alone,” he said. “You are here because of the care, instruction, guidance, and mentorship of others – family members, friends, peers, staff and faculty.”
Wilferth read the poem “For a New Beginning” by John O’Donohue, then joked that it is expected of a commencement speaker to read a selected poem to graduates – to which he quoted Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
Wilferth went on to say, “Be a leader in your respective communities. Support and mentor others. Make your communities better and teach others to see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. When we do so, we and our communities are better places, places filled with individuals who act justly, love mercy, and ultimately walk humbly in the world.”
Special Distinctions
Dr. Lienne Medford presented The Lovett Promising School Leader Award to Sydney Ford. ’24. This award was established in 2014 with the financial support of former Dean of the School of Education and Graduate Studies, Dr. Martha T. Lovett, who served Converse from 1986 to 2002. This award is given annually to a graduate student completing a degree in school administration.
Ford, who is highly respected by colleagues at Greer Middle School, is described by her principal as an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment for her students. Her commitment to student success is evident in her ability to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom community where all students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Dr. Lienne Medford presented the Nancy Breard Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching to Dr. Lee Givins, Assistant Professor of Education and Chair of Professional Leadership.This award was established by Converse’s Division of Graduate Studies in 2023 to recognize outstanding teaching and service to Graduate Education at Converse University.
Dr. Nancy Breard was a faculty member at Converse from 1989 to 2012 and was the director of the Gifted and Talented Program and the Athena Summer Program. The award is named in recognition of her contributions to graduate education at Converse, as she represents the best in graduate education and service to these programs.
Givins has been instrumental in building Converse’s Department of Professional Leadership and, by extension, developing the doctoral program. Colleagues said Givins’ leadership has created a trusting environment where faculty feel comfortable sharing opinions. His direct, forthcoming advisement has had a positive impact on his students, many of whom have raised their standards for excellence.
“Some leaders lead from the front, and some from the rear. It’s all about perspective.”
Dr. Lienne Medford
After 99 degrees were conferred, Dr. Medford addressed the new graduates. “Whether you undertook your program of study to start a career, change careers, or enhance your career, you have achieved a major accomplishment,” she said.
Medford compared being a leader to navigating a boat with an engine versus a motor. “Both are responsible for moving something forward, a requirement of leadership,” she explained, “but an engine generally pulls and a motor generally pushes. So, some leaders lead from the front, and some from the rear. It’s all about perspective.”
Watch the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on YouTube
Legacies
Each year, during both Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies, Converse alumni or family representatives are granted the honor of placing the regalia (hood) onto their legacy graduates. Congratulations to Converse’s Class of 2024 legacies:
Lanna Hope Belue ’24 is the daughter of Anna J. Micklatcher-Peterson, Class of 2024.
Anna Mackenzie Day ’24 was hooded by her mother, Jennifer Day, in memory of her great-grandmother, Sally Gentry Horton, class of 1946.
Sylvia Marie Dejoris ’24 was hooded by her mother, Christe DeJoris, in memory of her grandmother, Mary Elias, Class of 1989.
Lara Elizabeth Dym is the niece of Mary Adams Hammock, Class of 1966 and the great-granddaughter of Mary Boyce Goodlett Adams, a member of the first graduating class of Converse in 1892.
Olivia Joy Eshenbaugh ’24 was hooded by her parent, Em Eshenbaugh, Class of 2013.
Mary Ashton Garrett ’24 was hooded by her mother, Tami Stevens Garrett, Class of 1987.
Terri La’Sha Jones ’24 was hooded by her sister, Shalya Foster, Class of 2015.
Carson Elauine Kneisly ’24 was hooded by her mother, Betsy Kneisly, Class of 1998, and Carson is the granddaughter of Lanie Trout, Class of 1971.
Anna J. Micklatcher-Peterson ’24 was hooded by her daughter, Lanna Hope Belue, Class of 2022.
Julianne Elise Outlaw ’24 was hooded by her sister, Abbigale Outlaw, Class of 2023.
Madeline G. Owens ’24 was hooded by her mother, Christin Owens Pirkle, Class of 1998.
Elizabeth Kennedy Poole ’24 was hooded by her mother, Anna Poole, Class of 1987.
Sommerset Sadie Sewell, Sommerset is the daughter of Christine Sewell, Class of 2003 and 2005.
Jackson Weaver Stokes ’24 was hooded by his mother, Tammy Stokes, Assistant Dean of Academic Advising and Converse II.
Katelyn Grace White ‘24 is the sister of Kelsy White, Class of 2023.
