A Decade of Impact: Meet Erin Rich Strickland ’98 and Her Generous Support of Rock the Tower
Among the many alumni who have given to Rock the Tower over the years, Erin Rich Stickland ’98 is a shining example, standing out for her commitment to Converse and her annual giving since Rock the Tower’s inception in 2016.
When deciding her path after high school, Strickland learned about Converse after speaking to alumnae Linda Russell Cranford ’69, who described her own great college experience. She encouraged Strickland to visit, connected her with Catherine Cranford Edwards ’96, and sealed the deal with an overnight stay on campus. A successful student in Asheboro, North Carolina, Strickland wanted a women’s institution with a small-campus feel, which Converse offered. “I felt that Converse gave me a place to belong,” reflected Strickland. “My time in college benefited me in and outside the classroom.”
“I felt that Converse gave me a place to belong,” reflected Strickland. “My time in college benefited me in and outside the classroom.”
Her support started as soon as she graduated in 1998 with a gift to the 1889 Society. “Converse has given me so much; why wouldn’t I give back?” she said.
“Converse has given me so much; why wouldn’t I give back?”
Strickland found her home at Converse, where she successfully pursued a double major in accounting and art history. When selecting Converse, she wasn’t just picking a school close to home — she was deciding her future.
“Converse is a gorgeous place that enables you to be known and seen. It nurtures you as you grow and develop into an adult. You receive specialized attention from your professors, and it is a place for someone reaching for that next chapter.”
Giving Graciously
For the past decade, Strickland has returned to her alma mater as an annual Rock the Tower donor. Her donations have supported the institution and allowed it to continue its mission.
“I’ve always been a donor since I’ve graduated, and it’s good to have momentum around the day,” she said. When asked to describe her experience at Converse, Strickland’s face lights up. To her, the university is much more than what happens inside the classroom. It is about the friendships, the community, and the experience of being on campus.
In her group chat with a dozen of her closest friends, they reflect on what it was like to be a student and to have the luxury of time, which is the opposite of the hustle and bustle of life after graduation.
“It’s important to be with people who fill your cup of life. Our group of friends stay connected through texting and communicate all the time. We try to get together in person once a year,” said Strickland. “It’s great to be in touch with them as we’ve grown into adulthood together. While we’re the same, we’re very different from what we were in college because we’ve experienced life together.”
These experiences are part of the “why” for Strickland following through on her commitment to give back.
“Converse was a really special place for me,” she said.” I loved that I could pursue a double major, experience a small class size, and be a part of student activities like serving as the Student Government Vice-President.”
“Converse was a really special place for me,” she said.” I loved that I could pursue a double major, experience a small class size, and be a part of student activities like serving as the Student Government Vice-President.”
A Decade Of Impact
This 10-year milestone of Rock the Tower invites celebration – and also offers an opportunity to look back at a decade of impact. “Rock the Tower Giving Day reflects the very best of Converse – our shared commitment to the mission of the university,” says Dr. Katie Talbert, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relations. “For 10 consecutive years, Converse has demonstrated that collective generosity can create real, lasting impact across campus.”
On November 5, 2026, this year’s Rock the Tower will be the most ambitious day in its history, featuring more than 20 matching gifts and challenges, with a goal of a half a million in funds designed to engage donors at every level of giving. Our annual day of giving shows the collective impact of what happens when the Converse community comes together with the purpose of supporting students, faculty, staff, and programs.
“The great thing about Converse is that you get to know the behind-the-scenes staff so well, such as the maintenance, food service staff, and campus safety, due to the campus’s size,” said Strickland. “Everyone on campus is a part of the Converse community and the college experience. All gifts matter, no matter the size, and I hope more alumni donate this year.”
“Everyone on campus is a part of the Converse community and the college experience. All gifts matter, no matter the size, and I hope more alumni donate this year.”
Be A Part of Rock the Tower
We hope alumni, friends, students, families, and more will join us for Rock the Tower, when the entire university community comes together to celebrate what Converse has made possible and to help build what comes next.
For 10 years, people who believe in Converse have shown up for this moment. As we celebrate a decade of Rock the Tower and reflect on your impact, we also look ahead to the students, the experiences, and the opportunities still to come.
On November 5, alums, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends will come together once again to help write the next chapter for Converse. But you can start making your impact with an early gift TODAY!
Gifts received during Rock the Tower will go directly to the Converse Fund. Every gift, no matter the size, supports the experiences that define Converse: scholarships, academic programs, student success, and the moments that transform our community – now and forever.