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Five talented, engaging Converse students have launched blogs about their lives – in the classroom, around campus, and beyond. Check out what they have to say at www.converse.edu/blog! Global Connections

Lydia Anthony ,09 converse.edu/blog

Sarah Walters ,08 ,09 Alyson Kielar Katelyn Ridenour ,10 Christine Wells ,09 Global Connections 2 From the President ______3 International Awareness at Converse ______4 Global Connections ______6 Life Lessons from Uganda ______7 Culture Shock: A Nepalese in America ______8 Shedding My Westerner’s Lens: A Lifelong Quest for Understanding Page 4 ______10 Bringing a World of Experience to the Converse Classroom Converse News ______11 Life in Germany ______12 Today’s College Education: Expanding Perspectives through Study/Travel ______13 Doing Business with Central America ______14 From Ethiopia to America: Gaining A Better Understanding of My Place in the World ______15 Converse News Page 15 ______20 Alumnae News ______Editor Travel with Converse Beth Farmer Lancaster ’96 22 Award Winners Senior Writer ______Eric Lawson 24 Alumnae Board Slate Art Director ______John Pryor 28 Life Events Production Assistant ______Donna P. Gardner 33 Class Notes Alumnae News ______Jane Marion Wilson ’04 Associate Editor – Alumnae Bobbie Daniel ’71 Club Events Elizabeth G. Simons Page 21

The Converse Bulletin is published by the Office of Communications, Alumnae Events Converse College, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, (864) 596-9704. Converse College does not discriminate in admissions or A Thousand employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Converse admits only women to undergraduate programs ThanksRecognizing alumnae Gala and and services in accordance with its historical mission. friends who give $1,000 or more Wednesday, April 25, 2007 Spring 2007, Volume 119, No. 1 Copyright© 2007 by Converse College Page 28 International Awareness at Converse by Dr. Jeri Debois King, Anne Morrison Chapman Distinguished Professor of Modern Languages and Director of International Studies

When Dexter Edgar Converse wrote in homogeneous. I saw few international the founder’s ideal, “the well-being of any students, minority students, and even country depends much upon the culture of fewer students with physical challenges. her women,” he didn’t mention international I couldn’t help thinking that our awareness. Nonetheless, I’m sure that if he homogeneity isolated us. The assumptions were alive today, Dexter Edgar Converse that we make when we interact exclusively would emphatically endorse our efforts to with people like ourselves keep us from increase international awareness for Converse achieving our potential. students. I believe that international awareness requires two ingredients: immersion in the The best way to add an international target culture and foreign language study. One component to one’s course of study Hannah Eisengrein ’08 awaits the Pope at St. Peter’s Square is not a cultured person without an awareness is to study abroad for a semester or of other cultures, and students cannot achieve a year. Study abroad is no longer cultural competence without acquiring some reserved for foreign language majors; foreign language proficiency. it is recommended for all majors and makes them stand out in the hiring In 1971, when I arrived at Converse, we process. Converse is fortunate to have had study abroad programs in place to send had the support of the Anne Morrison (From left) Valerie Dowling ’07, Brittany Jones ’07, Kate McCormick ’07 and Stacy Thrall ’07 at the foreign language majors to spend a year in Chapman Endowment, which sponsors Colosseum in Rome Avignon, France and Madrid, Spain. Jeffrey international activities at Converse. Willis had recently established the first faculty Last year, the Chapman Scholars Stacy Thrall ’07 gives a little help to the T ower of Pisa escorted London Term during the fall semester. Endowment awarded $38,000 to From the President Elisabeth Epting had just established the first students for study abroad, enabling Winter Term study/travel program to France, many who otherwise would not have With the 2005 publication of The World proud history. Energized by the prospects in our future, we have begun escorting more than 20 students through France been able to benefit from Converse’s travel In addition to semester-long programs, there is Flat by Pultizer Prize winning author to imagine the shape of things to come. The questions that frame our for four weeks. Although this was innovative opportunities. I believe that the Chapman are a multitude of additional study/travel Tom Friedman, the global community has conversations are intrinsically linked to the global environment of the at the time, I felt that our student body was endowment has transformed the culture of opportunities. This January Term, faculty led experienced a collective awakening regarding twenty-first century. What is Converse’s unique position in encouraging our College. student groups to Greece, Rome, France, Italy the shrinking of our world, the increasing global understanding and cultural exchange? How will we support and and Mexico. importance of cross-cultural communication, maximize the educational goals of our students? How might we leverage and the need to establish a new world order our strengths to assure a broad, inclusive vision for the College? How Beyond travel, a great way to increase one’s that emphasizes global connections and will the challenges and changes in our society impact our curriculum international awareness is to befriend one of collaborations. Internationalism and the value and culture? Responding collectively to these questions and many others Converse’s approximately 50 international of participating in a world community has long been a priority for is vital to our continued success. Developing a strategy that situates students. These young women hail from Latin Spartanburg. The city is home to 82 multinational corporations. My Converse within an ever-changing global community will ensure that the America, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Nepal and China. Spartanburg foundation cultivated an early interest in experiencing College moves boldly into the new millennium. I have been impressed with their involvement the world at large and coupled with my discovery of art history in in campus activities. Last spring, I walked college propelled me to travel to such foreign places as continental We are well on our way. The adventures chronicled within, from places with the International Student Organization Africa and Guatemala. This background also encouraged my far and wide, are impressive stories that illustrate that the best part of during the American Cancer Society Relay international pursuit of knowledge and training, transporting any journey is the learning along the way. With advances in technologies for Life. The students organized a team and me from Exeter, New Hampshire and Cambridge, Massachusetts and modern travel, satellite communications and higher education, the raised a substantial sum for this good cause. to London, Los Angeles, New York, Charleston and now back to world around us has never been more accessible. Through initiatives that Also last spring, Swarupa Bohara of Nepal and Spartanburg. encourage cultural exchange; that inspire international partnerships and her fellow officers of the International Student that embrace global paradigm shifts, Converse is an increasingly active Organization organized an international dance The Converse community readily embraces globalization and offers citizen of the world community. party. They invited students from other area a true manifestation of the concept “think globally, act locally.” The colleges as well as Converse, and international stories within this issue reflect the compelling call at Converse to and traditional students alike danced well into chart new courses in international waters and connect with others the night. When I left the dance, I kept thinking around the globe. Written by students, faculty and alumnae, the that Converse is a better place because of our following pages speak to the limitless opportunities afforded through international students. Knowing them enriches a Converse education. Landing at Converse is precisely what has Elisabeth A. Fleming the culture of the Converse community and launched the lives and careers of our contributing authors. President educates us all.

As I write this message, Converse is embarking on a strategic Dr. Jeri King (center) and Converse students at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City process of building on the accomplishments and traditions of a  GlobalConnections Germany Anneke Zeeff ’95 - Visually Impaired Consultant with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools for the European District Denmark Converse Chamber Singers – Performance tours Global Connections Hattie Liddon Andersen ’63 Dr. Siegwart Reichwald, Associate Professor of Musicology – Presenter at the Converse alumnae, faculty and students travel and live across the globe. This world-wide network of experiences and connections infuse – Piano Teacher International Symposium: Eine “namenlose Mittelgattung;” Gattungen und Converse with culture, knowledge and opportunity. Below is a small sampling of Converse’s global connections. Formen des Oratoriums im 19. Jahrhundert.

Belgium Iceland Jane Pitts Autrey ’66– Office Administrator for the law firm Hunton & Williams Converse faculty – Guest faculty through China Dr. Siegwart Reichwald, Associate Professor of exchange program with University of Iceland Dr. Leon Couch, Assistant Professor of Musicology – Presenter at the 17th Congress of Music Theory and Organ –Presenter at the the International Musicological Society International Computer Music Conference and the China Electronic Music Center

England Claudia Davis Donovan ’91 – Relationship Director for Barclays Retail and Wholesale Team at Barclays Bank Converse faculty and students - London Term travel Russia Petrie School of Music faculty and students – Teachers and participants Dr. Thomas McDaniel, Senior Vice in Harlaxton International Chamber Music Festival and performers for President – Lecturer on the American Converse’s Great Cathedrals Tour Public School System Andrew Blanchard, Assistant Professor of Art – Lithography exhibitor at Katharine Slemenda, Associate Professor The Museum of Modern Art in Wales of Deaf Education – Lecturer on teaching deaf Japan Dr. Laura Brown, Associate Professor of English and Co-Director of children in America at the School for the Deaf Dr. Elizabeth York, Associate Professor Nisbet Honors Program – Presenter for the Renaissance Society of of Music Therapy – Keynote Speaker America in Cambridge at Gifu Music Therapy and Research Center Sri Lanka Homeland of Converse student Eranga Goonetilleke ’08 Dr. Douglas Weeks, Babcock Professor Italy of Piano and Chair of Performance – Solo performer Converse faculty and students – Travel to Rome at invitation of US State Department for “Women In the Sacred City,” travel to Tuscany/ Thailand Sicily for “Literary Travel Writing,” summer travel Dr. Leon Couch, Assistant Professor of for “The Spirit of Place” writing workshop Music Theory and Organ – Presenter for the Dr. Jean Dunbar, Professor of Mathematics – Graph Theory International Conference of the College Music research and presentations Society Petrie School of Music faculty and students –Teachers and Dr. Neval Erturk, Assistant Professor of Biology – Work with participants in Operafestival di Roma international students and families

Fiji Dr. Neval Erturk, Assistant Professor of Egypt United Arab Emirates Biology – Educator for corporations hiring Dr. Douglas Weeks, Babcock Professor of Paula Wagner Gay ’77 and mentoring international students Piano – Fulbright Senior Scholar and – Caterer in Dubai Fulbright Senior Specialist at Cairo Conservatory of Music and Helwan University Panama Dr. Joe Dunn, Charles A. Dana Professor of History Homeland of Converse students Gabriela and Politics – Leader of the first Model Arab League Arosemena ’09, Michelle Clare ’07, Lourdes Exchange Program Medrano ’08, Christina Navarro ’07, Maria Pascal Nepal ’10, Andrea Profili ’08, and Margarita Tejeira ’09 Homeland of Converse students Swarupa Converse Trio and Ensemble Radieuse (Petrie School of Music Bohara ’09, Meenakshi Gurung ’09, Kripa faculty) – Performance tours Hada ’08 and Anusa Thapa ’09 Dr. Douglas Weeks, Babcock Professor of South Africa Piano – Solo performer at the invitation of the Public Dr. Jean Dunbar, Professor of Mathematics – Affairs Officer at the US Embassy Graph Theory research and presentations Mexico Judy Wainer Ponce ’63- Freelance translator and facilitator of Prayer and Life Workshops Australia New Zealand Converse faculty and students - Study/travel destination Ivory Coast Sarah Rowan ’03 – Freelance artist Dr. Neval Erturk, Assistant Professor of Dr. Rafael Hernandez, Reeves Brothers Professor of Spanish – Session chair at Sharon (Becki) Rand Barnett ’82 Dr. Elizabeth York, Associate Professor Biology – Teacher at Massey University the Conference of the Southeastern Council on Latin American Studies – Former language surveyor, Abidjan, of Music Therapy – Presenter at World and student of cultural anthropology Cote d’Ivoire Congress of Music Therapy and linguistics  GlobalConnections Life Lessons Culture Shock: A Nepalese in America by Kripa Hada ’08 from Uganda by Andrea Stokes ’07 Editor’s Note: Kripa is a junior how a person feels. However, when Nepalese from Nepal double-majoring meet people, we expect to greet and wait Editor’s Note: Andrea is a senior from Aiken, SC majoring in history in accounting and computer for a while for a response. When we greet, and politics. A Converse College Presidential Scholar and member science. She is active in the we often ask about our health, one’s family, of the Nisbet Honors Program, Andrea served as vice-president of her Student Government Association, friends and relatives. sophomore and junior classes, was a member of Crescent and served as International Student Organization, a Junior Marshall. Rotaract, Presidential Ambassadors I was shocked to see Americans speak and Converse College Institute for directly and to the point, even with their In the spring of 2006, I studied abroad Leaders. She is also a math tutor for elders. Americans are independent and at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in her peers. self reliant and believe in the sense of Mukono, Uganda. I had previously studied equality. They even call some of their abroad in London during January of 2004, discussion of serious and not- I was born and raised as the first elders by their first names. In Nepal, it and I knew that living in equatorial Africa so-serious topics with friends daughter of a conservative Newari would be extremely rude to call elders by would be quite different. Indeed, witnessing over fresh pineapple. Hand- family in Kathmandu, the capital of their names or even last names. Nepalese Ugandan “democracy” during presidential washing clothes required the kingdom of Nepal. Nepal is the address them as “uncles” or “aunts,” elections, rafting the Nile, getting lost and time and energy, yet provided kingdom of Himalayas, the birthplace “sisters” and “brothers.” At dinners, battling “killer” ants in the Ssese Islands, eating opportunity to learn a skill of Gautam Buddha, the land of Mt. Americans do not ask repeatedly if their goat liver, and walking a half mile to gather from Ugandan friends. Everest and living Goddess, a garden of guests want more food. Nepalese would water with my homestay mother and sisters four castes and thirty-six clans, and a consider it impolite not to offer and ask were all part of my Ugandan experience. Yet, As a history and politics major, country with religious tolerance. for food too often. For Americans, a most of the semester consisted of living and many of my classes in Uganda “yes” means “yes” and a “no” means studying on an African university campus. I covered East African history, There are more than one million people “no,” but in Nepal, it is impolite to also spent two weeks living with a local family politics and religion. Another in Kathmandu Valley, and they are always stop offering the food even if the near the university, and five days with class focused on concerns surrounded by relatives and friends. I guests decline. a family in a rural village. plaguing sub-Saharan Africa: had heard that in America, people tend poverty, disease, corruption, conflict to have personal space, something I had I have found that Americans English is widely spoken in Uganda, and debt, and our responses to these never experienced with my family. But I seemingly find it easy to refuse a favor but knowing some phrases in the issues. This class included visits to AIDS preferred to live in a big family with all of Kripa wears her traditional Nepalese dress for special occasions at Converse or an invitation, but in Nepal we never local languages was helpful. Although clinics, to families suffering effects of my cousins, aunts and uncles. I experienced decline these because it would be considered language was not a great barrier, regional conflict, and to Rwanda. Living a touch of culture shock my first evening on told me that Converse goes to great lengths to impolite. Americans are always time conscious cultural differences and expectations in Uganda and hearing first-hand the Converse campus because it was the first ensure that this is not the case. Here, professors whereas Nepalese are expected to be late. contributed to miscommunications. experiences from friends helped me to time I spent a night alone in my residence hall actually look forward to learning from the Americans even set appointments for lunch For example, only after accepting an see these issues from their perspective room. students, making the traffic of education and and dinners with their relatives and friends. In invitation from one of our homestay and less through the lens of my knowledge sharing two-way. This interactive Nepal, we can drop by our relatives’ or friends’ neighbors to visit her school did an culture. As a child, I was expected never to raise my model of education sets Converse apart from house anytime. In America, it seems as though American friend and I find out that we voice, nor to question, or form any opinion in the colleges in my country and many other people live primarily for were to stand up and sing in front of the Now, when I read about Africa in the public or elsewhere. “Children are supposed to colleges in America. themselves, yet in whole school. news, it seems near and real. The AIDS obey, not to ask questions or argue with older Nepal people live victim is not a stranger, but Teddy, a people,” my parents would say. But I am very The decision to come to Converse was not an for their family Other communication glitches were (From top to bottom) Andrea meets neighborhood children, including a little girl playful little girl at the orphanage I lucky to have my family. Even though it was easy one; not because it is a women’s college, and society. just as laughable. In the dining hall, after also named Andrea, at her homestay in town; Andrea learns to milk a cow on visited each week. The family in a expensive for my parents, I went to a private but because I was simply not sure if I would be receiving silent responses to the question, her rural homestay; and Andrea and a friend hang out with children at CHAIN crowded IDP (Internally Displaced Foundation orphanage English medium school, and then earned my able to adapt to a culture different than what “May I sit here?” we learned that raising Persons) camp in northern Uganda is that of two year college qualification from Birendra I had been accustomed. Converse has always the eyebrows is a perfectly polite way of that would not be offensive, the excited shouts my friend Joy, who, after finishing her degree Military High School. been a warm and loving place for me as I have answering, “yes.” Ugandans do not shake of children – “Muzugu! Muzugu!” (Caucasian in social work and administration, plans to slowly gotten used to the American customs. hands, but may hold your hand for an entire Westerner) – indicated that it was impossible return and help bring healing to children who Two years later, I applied to different liberal Although I had to cope with all the cultural conversation. Though at first awkward, this to blend in with the locals. have suffered there. arts colleges in America. I wanted a college shock at first, I gained a lot of friends among soon became something I appreciated about education that would allow me to explore Americans and students from other countries Ugandan culture. At times I found the lack of technology in I learned many lessons from my Ugandan different disciplines simultaneously and who are able to understand what it feels like Uganda to be exasperating. Showers were friends: the value of people over schedules, the not confine me to any one subject. I was being far away from home and living a totally Unlike at American universities, ragged jeans cold. Meals were usually rice and beans or the beauty of the inclusiveness of their families, the especially drawn to a liberal arts curriculum different life. and pajamas were not appropriate for class local staple foods. Completing assignments testimony of faith that thrives though reason which offered the option of taking courses in at UCU. Dressing “smart” is highly valued was complicated without having a personal says it should fail, the awareness that “busyness” seemingly unrelated subjects such as business, Americans would would find a warm and in Uganda, and it was common for students computer available, and regular power prevents me from living intentionally. Often I English and psychology that are nevertheless pleasant experience if they visited Nepal. One to wear business suits to class. Ironing was outages made it best not to procrastinate. have viewed Africa in terms of the needs of its intertwined. of the primary differences I have noticed is essential, both to smooth wrinkles and to kill Despite these frustrations, life was refreshingly people, but by engaging Uganda through the that Americans sound very polite and often eggs laid by Mango flies. In addition, long simple. I enjoyed the quiet stillness of nights role of a student, I have seen there is much this In Nepal, virtually all classes are lecture-based, say “Hey, how are you?” when they pass by, skirts were more acceptable attire for women when the only light was the flickering flame continent can offer to the world. which means that education is a one-way but they leave without listening for a response than pants. Although I tried to dress in ways of candles, and the only entertainment was street where the instructors are always right. which means they do not really care to know I applied to Converse because my research  GlobalConnections Shedding My Westerner’s Lens A Lifelong Quest for Understanding by Casey Addis ’04

My fascination with the Middle East began in One of my favorite qualities of the Arabs shed their uniforms, but not their M-16s. I however, as I read more about Hezbollah the Model Arab League program at Converse, in general is their interest in their own thought about compulsory military service. Is and talked to endless numbers of Lebanese which provided me with a love of debate and circumstances and the world around them. At it necessary for the security of a state facing who fled to Jordan, I began to wonder if an insatiable curiosity about the region. As an almost every socio-economic level, from cab existential threat? Or does it perpetuate the I, too, would refuse to blame Hezbollah. undergraduate, I spent my summers studying driver to government minister, Arabs in urban feelings of fear and separateness that the I didn’t speak with one Palestinian, Arabic in Morocco, and learning about regional areas turn on satellite televisions daily to young Israeli soldier girl voiced to me earlier Jordanian, or Arab, for that matter, who politics at the Arab League headquarters in view the latest from around the world via the that week? was not quick Cairo, Egypt. After graduation, I had the BBC, Al-Jazeera, CNN World and a panoply opportunity to travel to Jordan on several of other news sources. I happened to be in occasions to establish the first Model Arab Jerusalem when the two Israeli soldiers League program for students in the region. I were kidnapped by Hezbollah, and I chose to continue my study of the region as witnessed an entire nation watch the a dual masters student in public affairs and events of war play out with bated breath. Middle Eastern studies at The University of Standing at the Wailing Wall, I asked a Texas at Austin. young Israeli soldier where to find the non-Muslim entrance to the Dome of the Casey and a friend pose with a shopkeeper in Essaouira, Morocco My first semester of graduate school, I Rock plaza. She was barely eighteen, and participated in a policy research project on the M-16 on her shoulder offered little cross-border water management. I spent comfort as her face filled with terror. “You a year exploring possibilities for water can’t go to the other side,” she said. “It’s Lebanon, if Hezbollah ran the hospital more continue to pour into a country that, sharing between Israel and Palestine. Texas not safe. It’s not our country.” where I took my children, would I despite limited financial and environmental shares some of the same problems with view the organization differently? Of resources, manages somehow to accommodate Mexico and, as a result, a group of Jordanian Her words stayed with me. Her sentiments course I would. This is not to say refugees in conflict after regional conflict. The environmental engineers came to meet with were echoed by most other Israeli youth that Hezbollah’s militant wing does streets of Amman were crowded. Rush hour the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture that I encountered, and mirrored by those I not use terrorism as a way to reach lasted all day and most of the night. I found about an international conference on water met in the Muslim quarter of the city and in their goals, or that these tactics are myself surrounded by people who, in one way management in Amman, Jordan. Since I was East Jerusalem. These two peoples live side- acceptable. It is just my attempt to or another, had experienced a drastic change familiar with Amman, Arabic, and water issues by-side, profoundly afraid of one another, understand the other perspective, in their life circumstances. Cities and, in fact, in the region, I was invited to join the planning and without the understanding that the to get inside the mind of the people entire countries were destroyed this summer. process. I wrote a grant to spend a summer relationship of neighbors could potentially of a region at the center of world I was safe in the middle, in Amman Jordan, in Jordan studying Arabic and researching afford. Israeli society is fascinating. affairs. but the conflicts and political realities could water management, and was awarded a Boren not have been closer had I been in Beirut or fellowship – a large grant that supports not After sundown on a Saturday evening, when While I followed the war between Baghdad. only a summer, but an entire degree program Shabat was over, I went to Zion Square for Israel and Hezbollah from of research. coffee, and to catch the end of the World Cup beginning to end, I managed to I didn’t leave Amman with any sense of clarity match. I was shocked at the scores of young find time to conduct research, or resolution. I learned more about the politics Although I was visiting a familiar place, people, “Israelis” of every color, celebrating study Arabic, and make a friend in the and economics of the Middle East. My language my summer in Jordan and my other travel and socializing in the square. I was alarmed to tell me that Hezbollah was young Iraqi girl who lived just upstairs in my skills improved and I am now at a level where experiences to neighboring countries offered to find that most of the young Israeli soldiers (Lower left) A visit to a baptism site in Jordan; Casey and a not a terrorist organization. I dismissed this apartment building. Her family moved from I can begin to communicate with the people gnaoua singer in Morocco a new perspective on a region in a state of proclamation outright, recalling the militant Baghdad at the beginning of the summer. about more abstract ideas and understand perpetual change and turmoil. wing of the political party and past attacks Fortunately, her father is a professor and most of the news broadcasts from regional against civilians. “Hezbollah is different from managed to find work in Amman. She was sources. The biggest lesson I learned, however, After returning to Jordan and as the war Al-Qaeda,” remarked a Jordanian friend. “Of educated, witty, and stunning. I asked her was that the more I discover about the Middle wore on, I learned the difficulty of dividing course it is,” I answered, almost instinctively. one day over tea if she would ever return to East, the more I realize I have to learn. With the world clearly into good and evil, terrorist I quickly realized that I had no idea why I Iraq. She told me about the indifferent fear of every lesson I learn, the more I recognize that and nationalist. Al-Manar, Hezbollah’s felt this way: maybe because their goals are living under Saddam Hussein, and assured me I don’t understand. Surprisingly, this lesson broadcasting network, aired graphic footage localized, maybe because they aim to recover that there was a brief wave of tentative hope doesn’t discourage me. It inspires me to keep of bombing at Qana. I was at lunch in a café lost territory and autonomy and not to destroy when the U.S. soldiers arrived in Baghdad. on learning, and asking the big questions, near the university when the news of the an entire way of life. But would achieving these What followed, she was quick to point out, even though there may be no answers. massacre broke. The entire room fell silent. goals not potentially destroy a way of life? My was more terrible than the darkest days of life After the broadcast, I engaged briefly with questions were, and remain, endless. under the iron fist of a dictator. Her country a young Jordanian sitting at the next table. was plunged into lawlessness, her city into Our conversation was the first of many that I As I read more about Hezbollah, about their violence. She assured me that she had “paid would have about Hezbollah, its mission, and administration of southern Lebanon, their her dues” as an Iraqi, and that she new that its message. Al-Manar is an amazing tool for ability to establish and maintain a network would probably not live to see the day that Hezbollah. I watched it initially through the of schools and hospitals and other services Baghdad was a pleasant place to live again. lens of my Western political perspective in awe to Lebanese, I wondered to myself, if I were of the sheer volume of propaganda. Eventually, Lebanese, if I lived in a rural area of Southern Thousands of Iraqis left Iraq for Jordan and  GlobalConnections Bringing a World of Experience to Life in the Converse Classroom Germany by Dr. Neval Erturk, Assistant Professor of Biology by Anneke Zeeff ’95

Editor’s Note: New to the Converse College then jump over it after eating. Afterwards we One of two visually impaired faculty in 2006, Dr. Erturk secured a $47,000 would wash in the creek. I still like bonfires consultants/teachers with matching grant through the Genomics a lot. the Department of Defense Education Matching Fund Program at Li-Cor Dependent Schools (DoDDS) in Biosciences, a world leader in biotechnology, When I was eight, I tried to dissect a cat but Europe, I work with low-vision to fund a DNA sequencer for student/faculty he was alive and did not seem to like it. My and blind children of US military research. Her January Term “Hot Topics in dad also worked in a school of pharmacy as and civilian service members Biology” course enabled Converse students to a researcher. He used to take us to the lab, stationed in the European explore stem cell research, cloning, genetically and I loved working with the animals there District. My position covers modified foods and gene therapy. and the glassware. I sincerely appreciated US military bases and civilian science and math in general but my main dependents living in England, interest was biology. the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, the Azores, Italy, Turkey and I earned bachelors and masters degrees Germany. from Hacettepe University in Ankara. Although my initial interest was only in After earning my bachelor’s research, my masters program experience degree in history and elementary as a teaching assistant broadened education, and my master’s in my interest to include teaching. As I special education, I taught for three observed my students struggling to years at Sumter High School, my learn, I felt an intense desire to nurture alma mater, and one year at Hopkins and support them in their journey to Elementary School (both in SC). I become scientists. had met a DoDDS-Pacific employee during my second summer of In 1992, I came to the US on scholarship island called Vanuatu for service projects graduate school who told me about for a PhD program at Virginia Tech. As an where we volunteered in a local high school, her job and her travels, and during international student with “survival level” working in their cyclone-damaged library, (Clockwise from top) Neval wears the traditional Turkish “Bindalli” our final class she had given me at her graduation in New Zealand. Neval with her host family in English, I learned to appreciate the challenges holding evening programs, teaching teachers an application. After three years at Vanuatu, South Pacific Islands during a summer trip with students of living in a culture other than my own. to use computers and tutoring students. I Sumter High, I decided it was time to Anneke Zeeff ’95 in Drie Molens van Stompwijk, Holland in which they built a kindergarten school and worked in the school’s I received significant support from a non- also worked on farms where the schools grew apply. The following year I was hired Post 9-11 opened my eyes to a new world farms. Neval works in a school garden in Vanuatu to help the school grow and sell produce to raise operational funds. profit Christian organization concerned with crops to feed students and sold the surplus and have been in Europe ever since. I have first-hand experience. I’ve experienced of hatred. The military and civilians living the welfare of international students. After to generate income for other necessities. I the Dutch caravan summer migration to the in Europe are not allowed to forget it. I have graduating, I spent four years in New Zealand had the privilege of mentoring international I see myself as a fairly adaptable person, and South of France and survived 2006 World learned to blend into a crowd and pretend to I grew up in Ankara, Turkey, where my mom working with this group as an international women attending New Zealand Universities. living in Europe has been a dream come true. Cup Soccer mania. I have volunteered with be German on many occasions. Protest rallies was an elementary school teacher and my dad student consultant and teacher at Massey I love mentoring women – especially at My parents are European and I have family two World Youth Week Celebrations in Rome and bomb checks have become part of my a veterinary technician. They both came from University and The Bible College of New the undergraduate age. It is a joy to be a here. Before moving from the US, I had spent and Cologne and attended Mass with Pope every day life, and I rarely panic anymore rural parts of the country and were among the Zealand. part of their life, supporting and nurturing many vacations in England, the Netherlands John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Carnevale when my car is searched for a bomb at the first youths to leave their villages to attend them, recognizing and acknowledging their and Germany “family-hopping” with my in Venice is exciting and with the gorgeous front gate. vocational schools. In New Zealand, I worked with students from talents and potential when they transition younger brother. costumes you feel history come alive. In Delphi the South Pacific Islands and South East Asia. into adulthood. At the time I moved to New I’ve walked along the Sacred Way where gods After moving to Europe, I begged Paula Greer My love for nature probably developed during During summer breaks, I took them to a little Zealand, my hope had been to help and serve Civilians working with the military typically have walked and apostles have preached. The ’93, my Red Devil Big Sis, to apply for a my summer holidays at my grandparents’ international students, but I found in the live off base, and my house is about twenty atmosphere in Europe is alive and with a little position with DoDDS. She has always been a village. It was such a treat after end that I was more the recipient than the minutes from Heidelberg. Upon arriving in imagination the perfect place to experience all great friend to me and I’m lucky to have met living in the second giver. My cultural, professional and personal Germany, I lived in a house that was situated those history classes I took at Converse. her at Converse. She graduated the same year most populated city experience there gave me a new perspective, between a former Nazi soldier and a former as my real big sister, Maureen Zeeff Dunn, and the capital of the broadened my horizons, and improved and Soviet officer. When looking at this home I was Not many countries can compete with the and is a teacher of the learning impaired at country. Some of our enriched my life. stunned to be asked by the previous inhabitants German Fest season. Each town seems to Vilseck Elementary School near the German relatives grew tobacco, whether I wanted to buy the kitchen. Germans have a wine or beer celebration to start the border with the Czech Republic (about two and we would help All of these experiences shaped my teaching have an odd habit of taking the kitchen and school year with a bang. I try never to miss hours from Prague). Maureen, Paula and I them collect the leaves philosophy. I expect my students to become light fixtures when they move. a Bad Durkheim Wein Fest and everyone have been temporarily misplaced together or put them through learners and independent thinkers. When I needs to experience one Oktoberfest in in many European cities and have had many the needles to hang for look at them I do not see a student, I see Living in Germany has included a host of the Hofbrauhaus tent in Munich during adventures. We learned that a Honda Accord drying on their farms. my future colleague who will stand beside interesting experiences. Weekend school trips Italian week. Christmas and Easter are both fits through a meter-and-a-half alley in Old We used to go to the me in our journey to nurture the next have included Paris and Rome. Whatever celebrated with reverence and charm as towns Town Granada. I wouldn’t advise trying it, fields around 3:00 a.m. generation of scientists and researchers. If people say about the German Autobahn, are decorated for the Christmas markets which but you will survive the experience and live to and work until sunrise. I don’t invest in them richly now, I can’t there are speed limits in some sections and open after Thanksgiving. tell about it. Years later you might even laugh At breakfast time, we ask them to invest in the next generation the cameras are painfully accurate...trust me, about it. would make a big fire, for our future. 10 GlobalConnections Today’s College Education: Expanding Doing Business with Central America Perspectives through Study/Travel by Kristen Keidel Frericks ’93 by Brianne Cross ’08 Editor’s Note: Brianne, a junior from the Musee d’Orsay I found impressionistic art ruins, and found them to be in much better My interest in business most likely sprang biggest challenge in my position. My company Talladega, AL, is a member of the Nisbet I really enjoyed, including Van Gogh’s L’Eglise condition than I expected. I had not realized from my parents, who owned their own simply will not allow me to travel to some Honors program and an active student leader d’Auvers-sur-Oise, vue de chevet (The Church how extensive the Roman Empire was until business in Colombia, SC. The international countries – such as Colombia and, more at Converse, including orientation leader, in Auvers-sur-Oise, View from the Chevet). I I saw its impact in a place so far away from aspect of my interest was fueled by a Rotary recently, Venezuela – due to political unrest co-chair of the Traditions Committee, vice bought a print of it that now hangs in my room Rome. summer exchange program in which I spent and unpredictability. president of Alpha Lambda Delta, and member at Converse, and it brings back memories of a month in Spain during my junior year of Student Activities Committee. A chemistry my adventures in France. Paris was all that I One of the things I appreciated most about life in high school. It was a short but horrible It has been amazing to watch technology major, Brianne was selected to participate had imagined, but little did I know I would in France and Tunisia was the conservation of month and I hated every single moment of the transform international business. I am now in a research experience at the University find my favorite part of the whole adventure in water. It is not something I had considered until experience. I vowed never to return to, what I able to start and finish a project with Wal Mart of Montana last summer and co-authored a the last few days as we explored Tunisia. noticing with amazement that water wasn’t was convinced to be, a horrible place. Funny Argentina within the confines of a morning, paper resulting from her work. how things change in life! thanks to my ability to issue a purchase order The day we were on demand and wire monies electronically. I began my freshman year at Converse with a scheduled to leave As a sophomore at Converse, I discovered Such transactions used to take a week. taste of today’s college education: immersion for Tunisia was the College’s partnership with an exchange More recently, I have found that face-to-face in other cultures through study/travel. Dr. a major Islamic program in Toledo, Spain. After a semester meetings are not as critical as they used to Cathy West, Associate Professor of French and holiday. Everyone abroad, I was hooked. My experience was be thanks to email and video conferencing. Director of Women’s Studies, was offering a was trying to get to amazing, and I returned to Converse exposed And faxing is practically obsolete. Evolving program in France and Tunisia to a myriad of incredible sights and experiences technology saves me time and money, but one that would complete my foreign plus a sense of self and a glimpse of what I drawback is that I can be reached 24 hours language requirement, and I could potentially accomplish. a day no matter where I am in the world. I could not let it pass by me. This think that Blackberries and cell phones are was not my first time out of the The credits I earned in Spain enabled me to compelling people to work incessantly and, as US, so I knew I was in for a double major in international business and result, people are burning our faster. wonderful adventure. However, Spanish. I designed my own independent my previous travels had taken study in Spain during Winter Term and Our global society creates both benefits and me to the British Isles, so I did continued to find any and every opportunity challenges. One of the primary benefits is not know what to expect in to travel. After graduation, I went on to pursue education. I see this daily in my 4th grade countries where English was a master’s degree in international business. I son as computers and information technology Kristen (right) and her assistant at the equator in Quito, Ecuador not the primary language. In have lived in Spain and Mexico and traveled to enable an understanding and appreciation preparation, I pondered the practically every country in Central and South of places and cultures thousands of miles changing as big box retailers push their way language issue as well as what America. away from his classroom. One of the primary into these marketplaces. Travel to China or experiences a non-European challenges is rapid growth. With each trip Latin America and you will find that where country would hold. I was For the past five years, I have worked for I see the cultural essence of many countries there was once nothing, whole towns have (Left to right)Lucy Johnson ‘08 in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Brianne Cross excited to visit Tunisia because and Lucy Johnson outside of Eze, France Fiskars Brands, Inc. as Key Account Manager popped up as factories move in to produce my grandfather had been for Latin America. I love my job because it is goods en masse for US retailers. Often times stationed in Libya, which is never tedious or monotonous and I get to use these countries don’t have the appropriate right next door to Tunisia, wasted on little things, like filling up the toilet my Spanish each and every day. infrastructure to support such rapid when he was in the Air Force. bowl with unnecessary amounts of water. In development, and unsanitary and dangerous general, European countries seem much more Latin America conducts business conditions are the result. After lots of luggage checking conscientious about conserving the resources in a much more informal and one air-sick student, we they have rather than squandering them as we atmosphere and end results take As my children get older travel is becoming made it to our first destination: do in the US. more time and cultivation than increasingly more difficult for me, but I plan Nice. I was enchanted by this we are used to in the United to continue my work for Fiskars as long as interesting place full of open-air markets (even Tunisia to see family so we arrived in a very Two aspects of my study/travel experience States. Until your counterpart it is feasible. I hope to expose my children in January), sea air, and modern art. Everywhere full, clapping plane. There were many cultural stand out as most enriching. First, history feels trusts you implicitly, business to unforgettable places and unique cultures I looked, whether it was the public library or on differences between life in Tunis and life in much more real when you are in the places negotiations cannot move to as they grow. In the meantime, my Converse the sides of buildings, there was art to be found. America – and even with life in the rest of that dramatically shaped today’s world. This the next level. The up roommate, Gaby Sifter, and I will keep However, I must admit that I preferred some of Europe. For instance, only men are allowed was especially true in Tunisia, where it became side to this potential planning exotic locales to visit together during the art we encountered later in our journey to this in the cafés. Our group of young women clear how far the Roman Empire stretched and frustration is that I our international travels (Gaby works for modern art in Nice. As a tourist destination, Nice attracted a lot of stares, most of which were how impressive was its rule. Second, I was have forged many Coca-Cola and travels internationally more was easy to get around, even with my limited out of pure curiosity rather than animosity. I surprised to realize how much I appreciate relationships with than I do)! French skills. One of my favorite experiences did not have to endure calls of “Hey, Claudia the life we have in America. Though the people I would was visiting a tiny shop where we tried olives Schiffer” in the market as some of my fellow differences are often small, I am thankful for never have met Ideally, I want to “retire” at 40 to spend time that were soaked in flavorful local olive oil. travelers did. Instead, my dark hair and eyes the opportunities and conveniences of life in o t h e r w i s e . at home and pursue purchasing a house at the inspired “Hey, Monica Lewinsky!” Despite the the United States. Political barriers beach in my beloved South Carolina. After all, Following our time in Nice we took a train to cat calls, people in Tunisia were quite friendly are most often there is no place like home. the much colder, but beautiful Paris. There in and welcoming. I was awed by the Roman the single 12 GlobalConnections Newest Campus Sculpture Features Legendary From Ethiopia to America: Gaining A Better Singer, Civil Rights Pioneer

The 2006-2007 academic year began sights high. Her educational and professional Understanding of My Place in the World with a celebration of the life of Marian successes were extraordinary: She performed by Yosabeth Zewde Weldemedhin ’08 Anderson (1897-1993), renowned contralto, in front of 75,000 people at the Lincoln Editor’s Note: A junior from Addis Ababa, role of the global judicial system to be crucial and hospitality. For me, Ethiopia, despite its humanitarian and symbol for anti-segregation Memorial, was the first black singer to sing Ethiopia, Yosabeth is pursuing a double in these matters. While I have always realized misfortunes, is a place like any in the world in the Civil Rights era. An eight-foot bronze a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera and major in politics and economics. She is a that a bigger picture existed, it became more where children dream of becoming doctors sculpture in her likeness was installed for served as a delegate to the United Nations.” member of the Nisbet Honors Program, real once I left home to study at Converse. and pilots whether they had grown up in the permanent display at the entrance to Twichell Model Arab League, Model NATO, Model fields planting coffee, or in a metropolitan city Auditorium. Converse commissioned artist Meredith UN, the International Students Organization Having been raised to be independent and like Addis Ababa. I have often tried not to take Bergmann to create the sculpture, which is and serves as a Junior Marshall. strong willed did not, in any way, make it offense at some of the questions posed to me On September 11, Converse presented the fourth in a series of five figurative works easier to leave my family, my home and all that (“Do you have wild animals in your backyard?”) Remembering Marian: Her Life in Song, a depicting prominent women in American I come from a place with thirteen months of was familiar. Neither have I been able to adjust since I realize that only in an environment chronological voyage into Anderson’s life history. Already installed across the Converse sunshine, a place where God, country and to life at Converse as easily as I had assumed, where the exchange of viewpoints takes place and work including narration, audio/visual campus are sculptures of painter Mary Cassatt, family form the pillar of everyday life and mainly due to the food change, the culture are individuals able to thrive intellectually. pieces and live performances from students poet Emily Dickinson and astronomer Maria one whose origins can be traced back to the shock as well as the financial difficulties that and faculty of the Petrie School of Music. The Mitchell. beginning of mankind. While I have always I have faced. The hardest thing to deal with is While the social, cultural and religious differences concert was written and directed by Dr. Susan sought solace in the knowledge of my country’s devising ways to address the misconceptions have been a challenge to overcome, I am of the Lyle, Associate Professor of Voice and Director Before arriving at Converse, the Anderson aesthetic beauty and independence from that some people have regarding my country mind that these unique features are ones that of Choral Activities. sculpture was unveiled in Philadelphia, PA, colonial rule, the living conditions of most and Africa as a whole. I, too, grew up can and should coexist. An epitome of this is the the city of her birth. Thirty-two students of my fellow Ethiopians has been and is still with television images of famine stricken Converse Internationals, an organization that “Marian Anderson pursued her passion in and faculty from the Petrie School of Music undeniably bleak. The gap in the economic babies and children-turned-rebel soldiers includes students from as far as Nepal and Sri life, and traditional boundaries faded with performed at the unveiling and a gala status of individuals has continued to widen sporting Kalashnikovs. These were, however, Lanka, to Brazil and Jamaica who are bonded her willingness and incredible perseverance to celebration at the Benjamin Franklin Institute and coming from a relatively privileged countered by images of families flocking to by their differences. Through them, I have share her gift of song,” said Converse President hosted by the Marian Anderson Historical background has not desensitized me to these church and communities unified by the most been able to build a support group to rely on Betsy Fleming. “Despite a difficult childhood Society. Two works by Converse music faculty differences. Occasionally, I would find myself basic of human emotions – brotherly love especially at times when homesickness threatens and significant resistance because of the color were included in the program: “Unveiling” by educational resource guide about Anderson analyzing tidbits of information to overwhelm me. Members of the Converse of her skin, Anderson recognized, early on, Dr. Scott Robbins, Interim Dean of the Petrie created by Converse education majors. The on my country’s political community have invited me into their her extraordinary talent for song and set her School and Associate Professor of Musicology initiative was sponsored by Billy and Lindsay and economic conditions homes and with each affectionate gesture, and Composition; and an original Webster, JM Smith Corporation and Ford & and participating in heated they have given me a taste of my home. opera scene, “Troiades,” by David Harrison LLP. discussions about the fate The financial help that I have received Berry, Associate Professor of Music of developing nations. This from a donor, without which I would History and Theory. Nancy Killian, Director of Elementary would take place among family have been forced to leave my sophomore Instruction for Spartanburg County School members around dinner year, has also encouraged and enabled In February, Converse presented District 7, said the public-private partnership tables and in a classroom me to continue my education. Converse’s a revised version of Remembering was an important one. “The event provided not setting with concerned peers intellectually stimulating environment Marian: Her Life in Song for 1,200 only an opportunity for our fourth and fifth and teachers. Having lived on – both inside the classroom and out – has fourth and fifth graders from grade students to visit a college campus, but a continent where the issue been instrumental to my personal growth. Spartanburg School District 7 also to broaden their view of and experience of human rights goes largely Programs such as the Model Arab League and the Spartanburg Day School with education. It also provided the schools unaddressed, I considered the have contributed to my debating skills, in honor of Black History Month. with a very special program designed to and also made me more attuned to global Each child was given a hard-cover help them celebrate Black History Month. affairs. copy of the award-winning book We appreciate the opportunity Converse has When Marian Sang by Pam Muñoz provided for the students of District 7.” Being away from home has given me a Ryan, and teachers received an better perspective of the conditions in Africa and how the country is viewed by the rest of the world. Being at Converse has Converse Studies Learning Experiences of First-Year Students enabled me to make better use of my abilities in assessing these conditions and the ways Converse College, Agnes Scott College, the emerge through learning experiences in their women’s colleges, like Converse and Agnes by which they can be remedied. I hope to University of North Carolina-Asheville and first year. “We have been given a wonderful Scott, been intentional in developing the pursue further education that will enable me Wofford College have been jointly awarded a opportunity to improve the learning leadership skills of our students? How have to work in organizations that are concerned $300,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation of experiences of our students,” said Dr. Jeffrey religious-affiliated schools like Wofford with the developing world, such as the United New York to measure the impact of integrative H. Barker, Vice President of Academic Affairs balanced an atmosphere that honors their Nation, African Union or Non-Government learning experiences for first-year students. at Converse. historical commitment to the church while Organizations. Among my future plans is a The study, which emerged from a year-long celebrating religious and other differences? return to my homeland, the only place that I planning process funded by an initial $25,000 Each college in the consortium will target How have public universities, such as UNC- realize I can ever truly call home. I am content Teagle grant, will continue through June different aspects of the liberal arts education Asheville, been able to leverage faculty and with what I have accomplished in the past three 2009. The schools will measure students’ during the next three years. “Careful reflection other resources to continue to nurture a true years and hope to come out of my Converse critical thinking and writing skills, creativity, about our own unique structures and missions liberal arts environment, given their unique experience with a better understanding of my collaborative abilities, ethical judgment, and may reveal lessons or approaches applicable institutional realities?” place in the world. other key aspects of their experience as they to all,” Barker says. “For example, how have (From top) Mahal and Yosabeth (left to right) at Converse; Yosabeth, Mahal, and their friends enjoy Cultural Day at Nazareth High School in Ethiopia 14 ConverseNews DNA Sequencer Enhances Research Advisor to Iraqi Women Visits Converse

Converse science students will soon have access to a DNA sequencer, which was Eileen Padberg has been in Iraq for two years, helping women there to succeed obtained through a grant from Li-Cor Biosciences. The $94,000 instrument will in business. In November, she visited Converse to share her experiences with the enable students not only to receive research test results much faster, but also to become Converse and Spartanburg communities by visiting classes and giving a public more intimately involved in the research process from start to finish. Students will talk. gain hands-on experience in sequencing and interpreting how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of a cell. This experience will Padberg recruited Iraqi women to attend training seminars in fields such as translate into highly marketable skills for students upon graduation. engineering. Together with an Iraqi-American, she helped women business owners learn the aspects of the bidding process. From a November construction Research institutions without a DNA sequencer send DNA samples away for analysis. conference in Baghdad, two women were awarded contracts. As of early February, In addition to having to wait for the results, the student researchers miss the analysis four women-owned businesses had earned significant contracts and more than a aspect of their exploration. dozen women had landed career-building jobs.

The 4300 DNA Analysis System features highly sensitive infrared detection, a key The 35-year political consultant and corporate strategist based in Orange County, feature that will allow it to be used for a myriad of scientific uses. The sequencer can CA began her Iraqi adventure when she helped write a plan to involve Iraqi Dr. Edna Steele, Associate Professor of Bology, and Dr. Douglas Jensen, Assistant fingerprint genomic DNA of any origin and complexity, which opens doors to many women in the reconstruction process. “The proposal would be part of the bigger Professor and Chair of Biology, learn to use the DNA Sequencer. potential applications such as forensics analysis, diagnosis of genetically inherited proposal of managing the water sector reconstruction funds,” said Padberg. diseases, cloning, drug discovery, nutrition, evolution and public health. Her experience in Iraq is intense. She works 72 hours a week and walks home at night with two armed escorts and a bulletproof vest. “When we travel, we travel by C-130 or by Black Hawk helicopters,” she says. “I am so amazed that not Converse and Spartanburg County only do all those people the military escorts put their lives on the line for me, but on the helicopter there are always these very young soldiers stationed at the Libraries Encourages Girls to Explore doors…protecting us from someone on the ground who doesn’t even know me, the World of Science but who wants to kill me. It is incredible.” Eileen Padberg in Iraq. In an effort to encourage young girls to explore said Strickland. The workshop the world of science and pursue careers that was repeated on the Converse change lives, Converse has given Spartanburg campus in March for home County Public Libraries the ten-volume schooled students and sixth Women’s Adventures in Science book series and and seventh grade students held a free forensics workshop for middle at Spartanburg Day School. Alumna is First Nancy Oliver school students. “CSI: Converse” took place in Gray Visiting Scholar February at the County Library headquarters. Converse is responding to a Dr. Neval Erturk and Dr. Sheri Strickland of the national need for developing The Reverend Delois Brown-Daniels ’76 was the featured Converse biology and chemistry departments world-leading scientists. Trends speaker for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Converse, transformed more than 100 participants into show that America is on Dr. Sheri Strickland, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, works with CSI: Converse sharing her life of service and scholarship and her philosophy crime scene investigators for the afternoon, a trajectory to fall behind participants. on the critical ties between the two for responsible citizenship. providing hands-on experience with scientific in scientific discovery and A native of Cowpens, SC and the first speaker in the College’s techniques used by forensic investigators. exploration, and in fact many countries share one important belief: the work they do is Nancy Oliver Gray Visiting Scholars Series, Delois drew a “Our goals were to make learning fun, to already surpass the US in producing leading important and it can make the world a better crowd of nearly 500 from throughout the Upstate. make science relevant to everyday life, and to scientists. Additionally, as a women’s college place. The books and their companion website, peak students’ interest and imagination about Converse aims to encourage a better balance www.iwaswondering.org, are projects of the “Dr. King served as a role model for me on the ways that the possibilities that science can offer them,” among the sexes in science fields by targeting National Academy of Sciences. Converse is service can be use in advancing justice in society,” she said. young girls with the Women’s Adventures in participating in a national effort of the Women’s Science series. “We know that women’s college College Coalition to make the books available Known affectionately to others as “Rev. Dee,” Delois lives graduates pursue careers in the traditionally to middle school students across the country. in Chicago, IL, where for over 25 years she has developed male-dominated fields of math and science at partnerships with Chicago-based clergy associations and more than twice the rate of their coeducational During January and February, banners with the community service organizations such as The Night Ministry, counterparts,” says Converse President Betsy message, “Converse College and Spartanburg Casa Central and the Community Renewal Society. “It takes Fleming. “There is an important opportunity County Public Libraries Encourage Girls to all individuals to make a healthy community. And when you for Converse to help bridge the gender gap Explore the World of Science” and displays (Left to right) Nancy Gray, Delois Brown-Daniels and President Betsy Fleming have a healthy community, everyone wins,” she explained. in these fields, and we feel a responsibility showcasing the books were placed throughout Rev. Dee has served as guest preacher, speaker and leader of to reach young girls in our community at a the county library. workshops throughout the country. She also talks to women’s groups each year to help them find purpose and ways that they can contribute to critical time in their lives where messages society. “I am always involved in something. I wait and see what the Lord is calling me to do next,” she said. of what they can do begin to take shape.” From 1991 to 1997, Delois served on the Accreditation Commission and the Board of Directors for the North Central Region of the Association Each biography in the book series chronicles for Clinical Pastoral Education. She has been involved in hospital chaplaincy since 1980 and has served on various civic and religious boards of the life of a contemporary woman scientist. directors. She has also held positions at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Spartanburg Regional Some had to overcome major personal or Healthcare System. societal obstacles on the way to establishing their career, while others followed a The Nancy Oliver Gray Visiting Scholars Series brings women who lead lives of leadership and service to Converse as role models for current President Betsy Fleming and Todd Stephens, Head Librarian more congenial path. Despite their varied for Spartanburg County Public Libraries, display the Women’s students. The series was named in honor of the College’s eighth president, Nancy Gray, who served from 1999-2004 and is currently president of Adventures in Science books and banner. backgrounds and life stories, the women all Hollins University. 16 ConverseNews Alumna Named Vice President for Institutional Advancement Meet Athletic Director Joy Couch

Catherine Culler Inabnit ’68, the first alumna Converse, and a testament to the exceptional Converse announced Joy Couch as its new administration and faculty to the to hold the position of Vice President for talents of our alumnae,” said President Betsy athletic director in September 2006. Couch athletic program. We have four full time Institutional Advancement at Converse, Fleming. “Cathy’s interest in leading our joined the Converse athletic department part coaches: tennis, soccer, volleyball and began her duties March 1. She is charged with advancement team promises a future of growth time while finishing out her coaching season basketball. Our coaches are dedicated expanding the base of Converse supporters, and excellence. She knows firsthand the value at Dorman High School, and began her duties to recruiting players who are not only more actively engaging alumnae with their of a Converse education and is a compelling full time on March 5. proven athletes but also students with alma mater, and building the next generation example of the College’s ability to prepare “Converse-like” academic aspirations. of leaders and donors who will help advance women for leadership and success.” A physical education teacher and girls’ The Sally Abney Rose Physical Activity the College’s mission of preparing women for a basketball coach for 27 years, Couch has Complex and the Weisiger Center lifetime of learning, leadership and service. Inabnit’s accomplishments include securing served at Byrnes, Broome, Chapman and is a great facility comparable to any six endowed chairs ($1.5 million-$2.5 million Dorman high schools in Spartanburg County, Division II institution I have visited. Of Cathy comes to Converse after 25-years as a lead each) during The Campaign for Georgia Tech; and for two years at Limestone College. Since course we want to grow and there are officer in the development office of the Georgia coordinating university-wide guidelines for her tenure at Dorman High School began in issues that we as a department want to Institute of Technology. As director of regional prospect assignments among development 1998, she has led the Cavaliers to three AAAA change but the athletic department at development, she managed a team of development officers; and establishing a research office that state championship victories and won the Converse is on an upward move. We officers responsible for raising private resources enabled the Tech development office to pursue regional championship every year. Couch’s are exploring the possibilities of new for one of the nation’s top ranked universities. In successfully gifts throughout the US. lifetime record of 525 wins and 184 losses athletic programs to fully utilize the addition, she had personal responsibility for the places her as one of the top coaches for high- facilities that we have. Good things are design and implementation of plans to identify, “I am a strong proponent of the education school girls’ basketball in the state. In late happening. Joy Couch cultivate and solicit major prospects in the Mid- that a women’s college provides because I March, Joy was named National High School Atlantic region. have experienced it firsthand,” said Inabnit. Coach of the Year by the Women’s Basketball Bulletin: You are without a doubt one of the top required to train for their sport on a year- “Converse helped me to recognize the true Coaches Association. coaches for high school girl’s basketball in South round basis. That, coupled with the demands “Cathy’s return to her alma mater is a coup for depth of my abilities as a leader.” Cathy Inabnit Carolina. What is your formula for success and of academics and participation in competition, The Bulletin recently spoke with Coach Couch how do you foresee transferring that to the athletic subjects our student-athletes to a great deal of about her move to Converse, her formula for director’s position at Converse? stress. I believe the ability to prioritize your success and her thoughts about some of the Couch: I believe in hard work; doing the little schedule and maintain time for a personal life biggest challenges for today’s student-athlete. things that most people either don’t think to is essential to the success and happiness of our Converse and Wofford Students Blend Art with Physics do or will not take the time to do. I believe student athletes. Bulletin: What attracted you to the Converse that everyone has a role in the success of A collaborative Fall Term course brought attracted the attention of the Spartanburg The work includes such pieces as a kaleidoscope athletic director position? the program. Every team has its “stars” but Bulletin: What would you say to a prospective together faculty and students from two community as Mike Reynolds, Project into which one walks and becomes part of Couch: The reputation of Converse College, championships are won when the middle-of- student-athlete who is considering coming to Spartanburg colleges to explore the convergence Supervisor of Freedom Fabricators, volunteered the fragmented images, steel sculptures that first of all. I was extremely impressed with the the-road player performs to the best of her Converse? of art with physics. The course was focused on to assist in the purchases of steel fabrications, produce spontaneous combustion as the sun administration’s vision for athletics. Converse ability day in and day out. I look for the good Couch: It is an exciting time to be a Converse kinetic sculpture—work that incorporates the and provide the use of his company’s computer, passes over a large magnifying lens, a series is the type of institution that I want to be in other people and then hold them to that All-Star. Converse gives young women a laser and welding equipment. of pipe forms that produce sound as a wind- associated with. And I was ready for a new standard everyday. I believe that everybody unique opportunity to develop a spirit of activated element brushes against them, a challenge. can do it right or well every once in a while self-reliance and confidence as they prepare “Mac has designed and large camera obscura that moves and provides but champions do it well everyday. for their personal and professional life. Our constructed many unique pieces panoramic images, a rotating landscape, and a Bulletin: How would you describe the Converse Converse community encourages our students of kinetic sculpture and is the water driven sculpture. athletic program – its strengths and challenges? Bulletin: What do you think are some of the to be active participants in the decisions that artist and primary instructor in Couch: Converse is one of two women’s colleges biggest challenges for today’s student-athlete? affect their lives and gives them the tools our group. My job was primarily Converse senior Courtney Layland used that compete in NCAA Division II. That in and Couch: Because of the competitiveness in needed to accomplish their goals in academic to advise the physics of motion magnets in her sculpture to demonstrate of itself shows the commitment of the trustees, all collegiate athletics, student-athletes are and athletic endeavors. and material,” explained the chaos theory. “My piece features a large Lejeune. “So what we have is pendulum with a magnet on the bottom. an interesting blend of expertise Three grounded magnets lie beneath it. An and talent with a metal sculptor, electro magnet is used to keep it in motion,” a welding engineer expert and a explained the Fort Worth, TX native and Converse Hosts First CVAC Tournaments physicist all looking at the same printmaking major. “Because the swing of student-oriented goals from the pendulum is affected by a number of After completing its first year as a member Spartanburg to showcase their campus and different vantage points.” variables such as speed of the swing itself, of the Carolina Virginias Athletic Conference community to other CVAC student-athletes, wind direction, direction and speed over the (CVAC), Converse was selected to host the administrators and fans.” Converse II student Kathy Zimmerli Wofford poses with her sculpture ‘Palmetto Each student had a budget three magnets, and movement of the earth on conference’s 2006 cross country and volleyball Trio.’ The all-steel kinetic structure, which uses wind for motion, illustrates the of $1,000 for his or her work its axis, you will never see the pendulum make coastline, Foothills and Piedmont areas of South Carolina. tournaments. Converse hosted the October CVAC Cross and was given total freedom to the same exact movement twice.” Country Tournament, which included all shape the sculpture as they saw “I cannot recall any other school entering the 12 CVAC member colleges and served as a mechanical or random movement of one or fit. “While all of the works produced in this The course was yet another occasion for conference and so quickly taking on the hosting qualifier for the November national meet, and more of its parts. The finished works, most of course are actually at the graduate level, they Converse and Wofford to blend their resources. responsibilities. It is special that other schools the November CVAC Volleyball Tournament, which stand 12 to 20 feet tall, are displayed on are very creative and technically challenging “This has been a magnificent opportunity to in the conference would hold Converse in such which included eight of conference’s women both campuses this spring. ideas that have emanated from the minds have an art course where Wofford and Converse high regard that they would vote them able teams in single elimination competition. of Converse and Wofford undergraduate students and professors work cooperatively, and ready to host a conference championship,” volleyball and tennis. The College hopes to Converse Professor of Art Mac Boggs and Dr. students. The exhibition of work from this and it’s a partnership that has existed for quite said Dr. Alan Patterson, CVAC commissioner. Converse accepted an invitation to join secure full membership status soon, including Dan Lejeune, Professor Emeritus of Physics class will be a must visit,” said Boggs. some time,” said Boggs. “While it is a great responsibility, it is also CVAC as an affiliate member in April 2005, acceptance of basketball for conference play. at Wofford, led the course. The course also one that allowed Converse and the City of competing in women’s soccer, cross-country, 18 ConverseNews Dear Fellow Alumnae, This issue of the Bulletin focuses on Converse as a “global” institution. When I think back to the time I was a student in the 1960s, I remember vividly the addition of the beautiful collonaded entrance. As students, we weren’t sure we wanted to be “fenced in.” Little Travel with Converse did we realize how wide our gates would open beyond Spartanburg and our Southern boundaries.

Today we welcome students from every corner of the world. The campus life and learning August 15-23, 2007 opportunities have been richly expanded. Petrie School of Music graduates brighten the hearts of people near and far with their gifts for performance and composition. Our Tuscany~Cortona science alumnae heal lives and light the flame of discovery. Converse education majors Reservations are going fast for an August 2007 excursion to the Tuscany-Cortona open the doors of learning to both young and old. Graduates in art and interior design region of Italy! Converse and the College of William and Mary are offering the color our world with beauty. Our foreign language programs, the award-winning Model August 15-23, 2007 journey to alumnae and friends at the special rate of $2,195 Arab League delegation, and travel abroad programs are among the many aspects of the per person, plus airfare and VAT based on double occupancy. Converse experience that give our students a global perspective. In recent times, Cortona has been made famous by Frances Mayes’ book Under Aren’t we proud of the positive and enriching influences our Converse alumnae have made the Tuscan Sun, a chronicle of her restoration of an old farmhouse a short distance throughout this world? Please enjoy these articles about our “global gal” network. outside of the town walls. However, the town has a much longer and rich history. Founded by the Etruscans, My two years as your president are drawing to a close. Representing the Converse Cortona is one of the oldest and College Alumnae Association has been a special honor and I thank you for allowing me most beautiful of the hill towns to serve on your behalf. of Tuscany. As a major power in the Middle Ages, Cortona I truly appreciate the alumnae board, both those pictured here and those who have succeeded in holding its own served in the past. Many thanks for their support of Converse through gifts of time against Siena and nearby Arezzo. and treasure. What a wonderful group of women! I send my deepest gratitude for their Blessed with a scenic location on dedication and love of Converse College. the side of a mountain, Cortona offers splendid views over the Val di Chiana to the hills beyond. Converse College Alumnae Association Board The countryside surrounding Cortona is filled with olive groves Sandra Sherard Bethea ’67 and vineyards. Converse College Alumnae Association President Let the charming village of Cortona be your base as you travel through the surrounding Greetings from the hill country, admiring the beauty of the land. In Umbria, explore two walled cities—medieval Assisi, home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis, and Perugia, an ancient Etruscan city-state. Then, Office of Career Services! journey to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti Country. In Siena, navigate narrow cobblestone streets lined with gothic buildings, visit the city’s This has been an exciting year for us. We moved in January 2006 into a beautiful suite of magnificent Duomo and stroll the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest squares in offices in the newly renovated Montgomery Student Center and have come through another Italy. Finally, experience the brilliant artistic and architectural heritage of Florence, successful recruiting season this fall. We are looking forward to the coming year as we face the Cradle of the Renaissance. new challenges of revitalizing existing programs and creating new opportunities.

I am still fairly new at Converse, having arrived in May of 2005. Eighteen months later I am Please contact the Alumnae Office 864( ) 596-9055 for a full trip itinerary still in awe of the strength of the Converse Alumnae Network. I have met amazing women and reservation form. who are willing to speak with current students about career opportunities, introduce new graduates to fellow alumnae in a new city, and even open their homes to young women they Travel Contact: Jane Marion Wilson ’04, Director of Alumnae do not know just because they share the Converse bond. Email: [email protected] Phone: (864) 596-9055 If you are willing to help the Converse Alumnae Network by speaking with students about opportunities in your career field, informing us of internships your company may offer, etc., please contact our office at (864) 596-9027 or Email me at [email protected]. I also welcome your input and professional perspective on programs that would have been helpful to you as a Converse student, what services were most beneficial to you, and your thoughts about what Career Services should be providing alumnae. I look forward to hearing from you!

Karen Finnegan Director of Career Services 20 AlumnaeNews Anne Jagger Johnston ’52 Laura Chappell Bauknight ’87 Louise Jordan Earle ’37 Lydia A. Wood ’92 Marian Stanley Tucker ‘47 Martha Cloud Chapman ’42 Mary Lib Spillers Hamilton ’57 Susan Chappell Woodham ’77 Distinguished Alumna Award Converse 100 Converse 100 Star Award Career Achievement in Music Community Service Award Mae Kilgo Spirit Award Career Achievement

In recognition of outstanding First presented during the College’s For her selfless giving to her community An alumna who has actively and The Career Achievement in Music The Community Service Award is For keeping the spirit of the College Each year, Converse salutes an alumna achievement in her field, service to her Centennial, the Converse 100 Award and the College, her qualities of admirably served Converse in the area Award is presented to Marian Stanley presented to a Converse alumna who visible to other alumnae and her who has dedicated herself to excellence community and loyalty to Converse, is given to alumnae who clearly character and achievement, Louise of recruitment is given the Converse Tucker ‘47, whose career as concert displays the qualities of a vibrant citizen community through continued loyal in her profession and has distinguished Anne Jagger Johnston ’52 is presented represent the qualities of character Jordan Earle ’37 is recognized with the Star Award. This year’s recipient, Lydia artist, teacher and mentor has spanned as evidenced in her active involvement service, Mary Lib Spillers Hamilton ’57 herself by notable achievement over a with the Distinguished Alumna Award. and achievement that Converse Converse 100 Award. A. Wood ’92, has consistently written sixty years. in her community, church, and state. is recognized with the Mae Elizabeth continual period of time. It is to the alumnae hold as their ideal. For her accepted students from Georgia; Martha Could Chapman ’42, who is Kilgo Spirit Award. study and instruction of dance that Anne has recruited over a dozen selfless giving to her community, Laura A native of Greenville, SC, Louise assisted with prospective student Upon Marian’s solo debut at Carnegie most deserving of the award, goes Susan Chappell Woodham ’77 has students to Converse throughout the Chappell Bauknight ’87 is recognized has selflessly devoted a great deal of gatherings; and referred numerous Hall in 1948, the New York Herald well beyond service on boards and Mary Lib initiated the reinstatement of devoted her creative and professional years. She was most effective when as with this award. time and energy to her hometown. students to Converse. Tribune stated “...quite a pianist in committees. the Converse Tower Charm, established life, and for all of her contributions headmaster of the Augusta’s Episcopal For the Junior Charities which is the grand manner... an astonishing the Thousand Thanks Gala to honor she is recognized with the Career Day School she would urge eighth Since earning her bachelor’s degree now the Junior League of Greenville, A manager with AT&T in Atlanta, Lydia technique and tone, and a fine sense of Once, after reading about a man with those whom have given $1,000 or Achievement Award. grade girls to concentrate on their in history and master’s in education she chaired the Ways and Means has participated in PathBuilders Achieva, poetry and romance.” She was awarded AIDS who was living near railroad more to the College and formed the academics so that they could attend from Converse, Laura’s career has been Committee, Opportunity Shop, Project a mentoring program which teaches top prize in a competition sponsored by tracks after being evicted from his committee to initiate the Dexter Edgar The SC Dance Association presented Converse. She was named as one of marked by progressively increased Finding, Admissions Committee and women to move their organizations the Associate Concert Bureau in 1948. house, it was Martha who made Converse Award. to Susan its President’s Award (2006), the original Converse 100 during the levels of responsibility and supervisory the Provisional Committee. She also forward and to position themselves Declining a fellowship offer from New arrangements to find him a new place Educator of the Year Award (2000) Converse Centennial in 1989, and to roles as her influence has made a served as delegate to two conventions. for growth and success. In order to be York’s Syracuse University, she returned to live and then paid his rent. When For two years, Mary Lib directed and its Service Award (1998). In 2002, this day, she and her husband faithfully difference in the lives of others. Louise was a member of the Greenville considered for the Achieva program, to her hometown of Columbia, SC another man’s home was destroyed the Converse Fund. In 1992, she she served as a member of the writing attend Charleston, SC and Orangeburg, Mental Health Board and the Maternity Georgia companies select and nominate where she was featured as piano by fire, Martha helped raise enough was named Director of Institutional team for the SC Curriculum Standards SC area Converse alumnae events. Yet while she has flourished in her Shelter Board. She is currently a women within their organization who soloist with numerous orchestras. Gold money to buy him a used mobile home. Advancement where she led all of the for Visual and Performing Arts. From professional career, Laura is most proud member of Greenville Women Giving meet the program requirements. medal winner in the National Biennial She even tutored an illiterate 57-year- College’s fundraising. In 1994, she 2003 to 2006, she was a writing team A partial listing of her commitment to of her assistance to her community. – a new group in Greenville and a Piano Recording Festivals, she also old man each week for four years at the began a six year tenure as Director of member for the SC Arts Assessment making a difference includes serving For Pine Street Elementary School special initiative of the Community Currently serving with AT&T as a Senior accompanied and collaborated with Spartanburg Public Library so that he Alumnae. Project. The Teacher Education Journal as president of the Board of Directors (Spartanburg, SC), she served terms as Foundation which is founded on the Human Resources Generalist, Lydia began notable singers and instrumentalists could read newspapers and books, and of SC published her article “To Live for the Augusta Girls Center, the St. president and vice president of the PTO, belief that women, informed about her career in 1998 as a Staffing Manager and performed extensively in major write checks. Mary Lib’s other Converse activities Assessed or Die Pure” in 1999. She George Election Commission, the Main and was a member of the Southern philanthropy and about needs in their with BellSouth Telecommunications. cities including New York, Atlanta, include serving as class representative, served as a facilitator for the Curriculum Street Beautification Committee with Association of Colleges and Schools community, collectively can make a Since that time she has held numerous Dallas and Detroit. Martha was the first woman to serve on class fund chair, member of the Leadership Institute from 1999 through St. George Development Corporation, accreditation team. At Episcopal real difference. Human Resources specialty positions the Spartanburg County Foundation’s Converse Board of Visitors, co-chair of 2006, and she coordinated the SC the committee which wrote the first Church of the Advent, Laura has been with the company, to include Recruiting Marian has taught the sons and Board of Trustees, has been named the Spartanburg County (SC) Converse Dancing Festival in 1999. Comprehensive Plan for St. George a Nuggets Bible study teacher for sixth For Christ Episcopal Church in Manager, Coach for Management Staffing daughters of governors, senators, the Board of Realtor’s Woman of the Fund Drive, treasurer for her local and the Planning Commission which graders, a member of the Parish Life Greenville, Louise has been an active and Recruiting, and Sales Compensation congressmen, South Carolina State Year and the Kiwanis Club’s Citizen alumnae chapter and development As outreach coordinator for Ballet subsequently implemented the plan. Committee and a volunteer for the member of the Altar Guild and Manager. She has been recognized by the Supreme Court Justices, mayors, bank of the Year. At the state level, she has chair of the national alumnae board. Spartanburg, Susan organized and She and her husband authored church-adopted classroom at Mary H. Episcopal Church Women. She also company for projects on quality hiring, the presidents, lawyers, doctors, engineers, served on the boards for the Palmetto She was also selected as one of the continues to facilitate a summer dance three successful SC Department of Wright Elementary. She is currently a served as a Sunday school teacher. performance management rating tool, and college professors and organists of Conservation Foundation, SC State Converse 100 in 1989. program for inner-city youths. The Transportation grants to construct Sunday school teacher for the church. the Small Business career development prominent churches. Development (first woman), the SC program has been in existence for sidewalks from I-95 into St. George. She is also a participant in Spartanburg program. In her current capacity, she State Election Commission (first GOP For the Junior League of Spartanburg, more than fourteen years. Susan is also County Foundation’s Citizen Scholar advises business leaders within her client In 2004, a group of grateful parents woman), the SC Mining Council, the SC Mary Lib has held numerous committee serving as a certified dance specialist for In 1988, Anne and her husband, along program. Laura has served on the board group on strategic alignment, labor issues, and students showed their appreciation School for the Deaf and Blind’s Walker and board positions. She also obtained Pine Street Elementary (Spartanburg, with a small group of volunteers, and various committees for the National employee relations, and organizational for Marian’s contributions to the Fund and the Governor’s School for the corporate and civic underwriting for SC). were instrumental in purchasing the Funding Collaborative on Violence performance. Columbia community by forming the Arts. In her church, Martha is an elder, two major fundraising projects (Santa’s abandoned and dilapidated St. George Prevention, the Adult Learning Center Marian Stanley Tucker Endowment for a former Sunday school teacher and Shoppe and Pick-A-Dilly) and served With her stated goal of “providing Movie House. The facility was renamed and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Since graduating from Converse, Lydia the Southeastern Piano Festival. The president of women. In Anson County, as manager of the Thrift Shop. dance literacy training to students of The Lourie Theatre and with grants, Spartanburg. earned her Masters of Science degree in purpose of the Series is “to serve as NC, Martha served on boards for that all ages,” Susan’s commitment to dance gifts and dedicated volunteers it was Human Resources Management and has an outreach program for professional city’s Chamber of Commerce and its Mary Lib was a member of the SC education has led her to classrooms completely restored and enlarged. Today, Laura is the coordinator of the earned the Senior Professional in Human piano teachers and connoisseurs of Social Services Department. Governor’s Advisory Council on throughout Spartanburg and into North Approximately $1 million has gone City of Spartanburg’s Youth Council Resources (SPHR) designation. piano as part of the Southeastern Piano Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Carolina. She has planned, developed into making it one of the finest small program. She represents Youth Council Festival at the University of South Prevention, a task force for the and implemented lessons and study town theatres in SC. on community boards and initiatives, In her community, Lydia volunteers with Carolina School of Music. Through distribution of grant funds to youth guides based on SC Curriculum serves as an advocate for youth issues the children’s ministry at North Point the establishment of an endowed agencies, and the Spartanburg Boys’ Standards for Visual and Performing in the Spartanburg community, and Community Church, Hands On Atlanta, Marian Stanley Tucker fund, the Home Board. For Trinity United Arts; authored and secured grants, researches and plans cross training and is a member of the AT&T Women’s Southeastern Piano Festival now offers Methodist Church, she was a member produced performances, developed opportunities for Youth Council Networking Association which partners free educational workshops with some of the Official Board, a Communion and maintained after school dance membership. with the United Way on several charitable of the most revered and well-respected steward and Sunday school teacher. ensembles, and coordinated dance projects benefiting homeless women and authorities on piano pedagogy in the lectures and demonstrations. children, and domestic violence victims country.” in the Metro-Atlanta area. 22 AlumnaeAwards 2007 Alumnae Board Slate Appointed Representatives to Serve Unfulfilled Terms with Alumnae Board Records and CARE Development Member at Large — Golden Club President 80’s Decade Representative — Recognition (Converse Alumnae Committee Chair — Polly Hill Woodham — Marilyn Mateer Annie “Sissy” Childs Ervin ’80 Committee Chair — Recruitment Effort) Linda Russell ’51 Sherrill ’53 Elisabeth Kinney Chair — Cranford ’69 • Columbia, SC McNiel ’89 Carrie Hill Coleman • Asheville, NC • Spartanburg, SC ’96 • Asheboro, NC • Member of God’s • First director of the • Bennettsville, SC • Director of 1300 (prayer Converse College • Comptroller, • Spartanburg, SC Leadership ministry celebrating Alumnae House Marlboro • Leadership and Legacy Gifts, recovery) • Taught elementary Publishing Co., Inc. Spartanburg graduate United Way of Randolph County • Study leader for Celebrate Recovery and junior-high school • Chairperson, The Kinney Foundation • First Presbyterian Church nursery volunteer • Executive Director, Ferree Educational • Hospice volunteer • President, Southern Rubber Company, • Treasurer, Marlboro Civic Center Foundation • Past co-chair of Arts X Society, Spartanburg and Welfare Fund Greensboro, NC for 20 years Arts Partnership • 2005 President, North Carolina School Boards Association and member, Asheboro City Schools Board of Education 21 years

School of Music Young Alumnae 40’s Decade Representative — Representative — Representative — Joy Nanney Finch ’77 Susan Byrnes Lib Harper For the Men in Your Life: A Converse Tie! Long ’04 Hopkins ’49 • Inman, SC Hoping to provide fathers, grandfathers, husbands, uncles, nephews and sons with a • Department head, • New York, NY • Tampa, FL dapper way to display their pride in Converse College, Susan Secord Marion ’80 of Greenville Technical • Non-resident • Board member, Chester, SC initiated the creation of a tie featuring the Converse tower. The tie has College Division of member, Junior Cornerstone Family become a popular item in the Converse bookstore, making a great gift for Converse Continuing League of Ministries women to the men in our lives. Education, Environmental and Safety Spartanburg • Antique Collectors Study Club Training • Assistant accountant, • Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary “First and foremost Converse is a woman’s college with a proud legacy, but we all • Musical director with USC-Upstate PricewaterhouseCoopers have special men in our lives who also care about the school. It occurred to me that Shoestring Players, Spartanburg Little an article of clothing, such as a tie, might spark interest and start a conversation in Theatre and Spartanburg Philharmonic a work or social situation about the wonderful institution the tie represents,” Susan Orchestra said. “I began to explore the idea with several men who have connections to Converse and got very positive responses. Students were excited by the thought of giving a 50’s Decade 60’s Decade 60’s Decade tie to their fathers to wear at commencement. Board members could proudly display Representative — Representative — Representative — their ties in their hometowns as well Jane Beasley Moore Ginger McKinney Nilla T. “Dicke” as special events at the College, and ’54 Jernigan ’65 Sloop ’67 professors and staff members could boast their allegiance to Converse • Rock Hill, SC • Raleigh, NC • Sanford, NC by wearing the tie at school and in • Deacon, elder and • Homemaker, wife, • Retired director, the Spartanburg community.” life member of mother and “doting” Wake County Women of the grandmother Environmental Susan proceeded with having Church • Volunteer and leader, Christ Episcopal Health and Safety Division designs drawn up, and through • Lecturer, master gardener Church and Raleigh Fine Arts Society • Vice President, NC Public Health Association collaboration with Converse secured • First woman president of local YMCA • Hobbies: photography, gardening, reading • Member, Lee County Arts and Community a place in the bookstore for their and walking with husband Center board sale. The tie costs $40 and can be ordered by calling the bookstore at (864) 596-9136. 60’s Decade 80’s Decade 90’s Decade Representative — Representative — Representative — “My husband recently wore his tie Lucia Cleveland Rebecca “Becky” Paige Eubanks- to our niece’s rehearsal dinner and Johnson ’67 DuBard Grantland Barrow ’98 almost every Converse alumna there ’88 wanted to know where he had gotten • Cedartown, GA • Dallas, TX it and how they could get one for • Retired after 30 • Columbia, SC • Director of Donor their fathers, husbands and brothers. years in cytology • Member, Shandon Relations, Southern We will always have Converse women field United Methodist Methodist spreading the good news about our • Teacher of etiquette and manners to Church University, Dallas, TX alma mater, and now men have the Doug and Susan Secord Marion ’80 (parents of Sarah children and adults, The Life Lessons • Katharine Heath Perry Award, Junior • Board of directors, Association of Donor perfect opportunity to join us!” Marion ’08) Academy League of Columbia, 2002 Relations Professionals • Husband, Rick, is founding director of • Irene D. Elliot Award for Excellence in • Converse College head delegate, Model WinShape Camps, foundation of Chick-fil-A Teaching, USC, and Teacher of the Year, League of Arab States, 1997-98 Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College 24 AlumnaeBoard 2006-2007 Granddaughter’s November 30, 2006 Festival of Lessons and Carols, Converse Alumnae Events Club: Freshmen Members College

Drop-in held in their honor August 24, 2006 Spartanburg club chairs, Heidi Ruehl ’96 and (First row from left to right) Caroline Batson, daughter Melissa Henderson Pickens ’95 assisted the of Marsha Brannon Batson ’86; Krista Williams, daughter alumnae office at the reception before Lessons of Debra Capps Maatta ’79; Karissa Terry, daughter and Carols. of Kimberly Terry ’01; Mary-Sidney Ritch, daughter of Laura Bingham Ritch ’75; and Gwen Stembridge, daughter of Lucy Hudson Stembridge ’77. (Second row from left to right) Laurie Peebles, daughter of Ann Grimball Peebles ’82, granddaughter of Caroline Belser Grimball ’37; Charlotte Greene, daughter of Laura Crocker (MEd) ’78; Dottie Bryan, granddaughter of Dorothy Jones Powell ’56; Caroline Burnett, daughter of Ellen Miller Burnett ’80; and Melissa Russo; daughter of Annette Huckaby Russo ’77. (Not pictured) Lee Cantey, daughter of Mary Lee Cantey (MEd) ’96 and Ashleigh Newer, daughter of Marsha Trump Newer ’81. December 7, 2006 Charlotte Christmas Party, Home of Ed and Agner Weisiger

(From left to right) Agnes Binder Weisiger ’63, Ed Weisiger and President Betsy Fleming

Not Pictured

January 9, 2007 August 4, 2006 Pensacola luncheon, Dharma Blue Restaurant Nashville dutch treat luncheon at August 29, 2006 September 30, 2006 Martha’s Plantation Restaurant Spartanburg alumnae meet Jane Marion ’04 at the home of Laura Chappell Alumnae Board Weekend, Converse College (From left to right) Anne Douglas Hart ’66, Bauknight ’87 Jane Marion Wilson ’04, Helen Smith Martin ’40 Alumnae Board cheers on the All-Stars Volleyball Team and Norma Richbourg October 11, 2006 (From left to right) President Betsy Fleming, hostess Laura Chappell Bauknight ’87, New York City luncheon at the Ann Davidson Marion ’47, Jane Marion Wilson ’04 and Jane’s mother, Jeannie Marion. University Club

October 19, 2006 Augusta luncheon at the Country Club

November 3, 2006 Spartanburg 1889 Young Alumnae event at Club 299

January 10, 2007 November 19, 2006 Mobile luncheon, The Pillars Restaurant Spartanburg Golden Club luncheon at Converse (From left to right) President Betsy Fleming, Jane Marion Wilson ’04, Winkie Giddens Greer January 8, 2007 ’62, Mandy Rogers and Nancy Clifford Booth Tallahassee dutch treat luncheon at ’75 Albert’s Provence Restaurant

October 19, 2006 November 16, 2006 Greenville cocktails at the home of Lydia Willard Kellet ’62 Rock Hill luncheon at the The City Club of Rock Hill

(From left to right) Jane Marion Wilson ’04, Sally Thomason Russell ’66, President (Back row from left to right) President Betsy Fleming, Judy Bell Oliphant ’73, Ann Byrd Smith Betsy Fleming, Lydia Willard Kellett ’62 and Bill Kellett ’92, Grazier Connors Rhea ’74, Betty Jane Everett Moore ’44, Betty White, Candy Moore ’93, Jeannie Marion, Sister Marshall Goode ’58, Joye Pettigrew Berman ’57, Susan Secord Marion ’80, Margaret Barron Bundy ’56, Bet Shepherd Ancrum ’54, Ann Davidson Marion ’47, Ann Ratterree Herlong ’51. (Seated from left to right) Mildred Roberts Robards ’54, Jane Beasley Moore ’54, Jane Marion Wilson ’04, Christine White Kapp ’99 and Kathy Seay ’02. 26 AlumnaeEvents IN MEMORIAM Jane HENDERSON McDonald ’41, July 1, 2006 Nancy SIBLEY Dunn ’54, September 15, 2006 Dee MILLER Williams ’54 on the death of Madelon POUND Wallace ’71 on the death of This form is also available at www.converse.edu. Mabel FISHBURNE Barnhardt ’42, September Mary Jo MABRY ’58, August 11, 2006 her husband, Donald Williams, September her husband, Anthony E. Wallace, October 4, Jean Conyers ERVIN ’30, September 16, 2006 9, 2006 Emily Lucy MARTIN ’64 MAT, October 21, 2006 2006 Refer a Student to Converse Carolyn LEONARD Law ’30, August 22, 2006 Katherine VANSTORY Crossman ’42, September 2006 Bobbie LUTZ Elmore ’55 on the death of her Becky TURNER Riggs ’71 on the death of her Name of Student Nancy COOPER Hobart ’32, October 17, 7, 2006 John William DRUMMOND ’65, August 29, husband, William Harris Elmore, January mother, Frances Owens Turner, August 2, ______2006 Georgianna REEVES Harmon ’43, November 8, 2006 13, 2006 2006 Street Address ______Sara GARBER Bogo ’34, September 3, 2006 2006 Mary Hempleman SIMPSON ’66 MMus, Carolyn SCHWEM Stinson ’55 on the death of Bobby SMITH Sutton ’71 on the death of her Carlene TAYLOR Sampson ’34, December 9, Alice KINNAIRD Frankel ’45, July 7, 2006 November 8, 2006 her husband, Julian Randolph “Randy” husband, Stephen L. Sutton, September 5, City ______2006 Virginia MCRAE Guthrie ’46, September 20, Frances Melanie TULL ’67, October 3, 2006 Stinson, October 12, 2006 2006 State ______Zip Code ______Louise FOSTER Johnson ’36, October 1, 2006 2006 Garnet June WELCH ’67 MAT, September 25, Carol CLARK Gentry ’56 on the death of her Jane WATKINS Mudd ’71 on the death of her Telephone ______Katherine HEFFNER Chalk ’36, December 21, Peggy RUMBLE Boykin ’46, December 28, 2006 2006 son, Michael Alan Gentry, December 19, mother, Frances Sitton Watkins, July 13, High School ______2006 Katherine BINFORD Ennis ’47, December 5, Beverly SHEARER ’68, October 7, 2006 2006 2006 Eleanor GIBSON Smith ’37, September 8, 2006 2006 Jean I. SARRATT ’69 MAT, November 27, 2006 Cherie LEWIS Linko ’61 on the death of her Sissy DEWITT Carroll ’72 on the death of her Year of Graduation ______Margaret LINDSAY Wells ’37, December 28, Joyce SPEISSEGGER Tilghman ’47, July 15, Sarah A. McFarland BOGGS ’70 MAT, mother, Loretta K. Lewis, September 12, mother, Margaret Coleman DeWitt, October Areas of Interest ______2006 2006 December 30, 2006 2006 4, 2006 ______Frances CHREITZBERG Broome ’38, October Rosemary BLAKELY Allen ’48, November 19, Alice Casteel LONNECKER ’70 MAT, July 23, Josephine “Jo” SIBLEY Shippen ’61 on the Grier GOWER Mullins ’72 on the death of her ______30, 2006 2006 2006 death of her sister, Nancy SIBLEY Dunn ’54, father, Thomas C. Gower, December 14, Mary Stuart GOODMAN Lane ’39, July 16, Sydnor CAIN West ’49, December 17, 2006 Janice SCOTT Garr ’71 MAT, August 16, 2006 September 15, 2006 2006 Any Relationship to Converse? 2006 Carolyn WELLS Davison ’50, August 18, 2006 Lisa M. HILSMAN ’75, August 18, 2006 Frances TAYLOR Meissner ’61 on the death of Nancy REID ’72 on the death of her brother, ______Helen TISON Breeden ’39, October 3, 2006 Nancy CARROLL Peterson ’52, December 15, Cora VAN KEUREN Neal ’80, August 22, her father, Dr. John Taylor, August 2006 Hugh Reid, Jr., July 2, 2006 ______Sophie ABELL Brown ’40, August 16, 2006 2006 2006 Sally WATKINS Marshall ’61 on the death of her Peggy PRINTZ Collins ’73 on the death of her Cecile ROSENBERG Moise ’40, July 9, 2006 Idalee BIVENS Bobo ’54, December 9, 2006 Nancy Linda B. WRIGHT ’82 MEd, December mother, Frances Sitton Watkins, July 13, father, Charles W. Printz, Jr., October 30, Mary BUCHANAN James ’41, October 4, 2006 Becky CLEMENT Johnson ’54, December 1, 11, 2006 2006 2006 Join the Converse Network Rose GOODMAN McDougald ’41, September 2006 Mary Frances KANOTT ’95 MEd, July 14, Barbara CHIVERS Wittschen ’62 on the death of Elodie HALE Craig ’74 on the death of her Please check the areas in which you are interested. 20, 2006 2006 her mother, Elizabeth Chivers, July 4, 2006 father, Joe Hale, September 20, 2006 ___ Alumnae Board Anna WATKINS Hattaway ’62 on the death of Sherry ALLEN Blackford ’75 MAT on the death ___ Development/Fundraising her mother, Frances Sitton Watkins, July 13, of her mother, Rosemary BLAKELY Allen ’48, ___ Class Representative Dr. John Turnbull John W. Stevenson 2006 November 19, 2006 Banna M. MALONEY ’64 MAT on the death Ann Rodgers TOMLINSON Chandler ’75, ’82 ___ Converse Clubs of her sister, Emily Lucy MARTIN ’64 MAT, MMus on the death of her husband, William Converse was saddened by news of The Converse family lost a beloved ___ Alumnae Telephone Committee October 21, 2006 Henry Chandler, December 15, 2006 the unexpected death of our friend colleague, friend and mentor ___ Assist with student recruitment Julia ASCOURGH Work ’66 on the death of Mary ADAMS Hemsworth ’76 on the death of and professor, Dr. John Turnbull, on September 24, 2006 when Dr. her husband, Harold Knowlton Work, May her father, William Baylor Adams, November ___ Provide an internship for current students May 4, 2006. Although he officially John W. Stevenson passed away in 31, 2006 16, 2005 retired as Associate Professor of Spartanburg. He was 88. ___ Host a reception for prospective students Mildred GEE Akers ’66 on the death of her Ann Reed WEST Springs ’77 on the death of her Organ and Chair of the Department ___ Attend a college fair in your area mother, Mildred McKinney Gee, September mother, Sydnor CAIN West ’49, December of Performance Studies in 2005, he Dr. Stevenson served the College and ___ Call prospective students 8, 2006 17, 2006 remained an adjunct faculty member her students from 1962-1983 as the Dodie MAGARAHAN Cubitt ’66 on the death of Beverly BELL Walton ’78 on the death of her ___ Provide contacts with hiring personnel and continued to teach regularly for Charles A. Dana Professor of English. her father, James Francis Magarahan, husband, Thomas Ralph Walton, December the Petrie School. He also offered his talents and time as a contributing editor for the November 7, 2006 3, 2006 Converse alumnae magazine for many years. Known by so many for Alumnae Information Update Connie ROPER Connelly ’66 on the death of her Theresa BLACKWELL Rucker ’78 on the death During three decades of service to the College, Dr. Turnbull his quick wit and warm and gracious manner, John will be missed Please include relevant dates and information in husband, Charlie W. Connelly, September 20, of her husband, David Bryant Rucker, July conducted the Converse Chorale, and taught music theory and aural by all who knew him. 2006 17, 2006 order for your life event to be published. Please skills, organ literature, church music courses, and classical piano. Jane WELLS Hightower ’66 on the death of her Mary Alice PETERSON Davis ’79 on the death Cards and letters may be sent to Dr. and Mrs. John A. Stevenson, type or print all information. mother, Margaret LINDSAY Wells ’37, of her mother, Nancy CARROLL Peterson Memorials may be made to the Turnbull Memorial for Petrie School 1500 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302. Memorials may be made December 28, 2006 ’52, December 15, 2006 Name (first, maiden, last) of Music, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. to Converse College, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Elizabeth CALHOUN Chalker ’68 on the death Flora ADAMS Sherrod ’81 on the death of her ______of her husband, Dan K. Chalker, MD, father, William Baylor Adams, November 16, Class Year ______December 31, 2006 2005 Street Address ______SYMPATHY Elwyn PRATT Hutchinson ’46 on the death of Alice ACREE Clarke ’50 on the death of her Mary Douglas HOBART Kimble ’68 on the death Edith HOPKINS Collins ’81 on the death of her her husband, James H. Hutchinson, August husband, Lambuth M. Clarke, September of her mother, Nancy COOPER Hobart ’32, father, George M. Hopkins, July 14, 2006 City ______Eleanor THOMSON Roy ’36 on the death of 5, 2006 20, 2006 October 17, 2006 Elizabeth BOBO Fields ’82 on the death of her State ______Zip Code ______her brother, James C. Thomson, November Marguerite SMITH Compton ’46 on the death Nancy BLAKELY Boatwright ’51 on the death Betsy WATKINS Kinghorn ’68 on the death of mother, Idalee BIVENS Bobo ’54, December Home Phone ______27, 2006 of her sister, Marie Jacqueline Smith Holland, of her sister, Rosemary BLAKELY Allen ’48, her mother, Frances Sitton Watkins, July 13, 9, 2006 Work Phone ______Ida SHACKLEFORD Ball ’42 on the death of December 22, 2006 November 19, 2006 2006 Dena STONE Benedict ’82 on the death of her her husband, Garden C. Ball, August 2006 Pauline THOMSON Rice ’46 on the death of Mary GILLESPIE Adams ’51 on the death of her Patty O’HERRON Norman ’69 on the death of father, E. Randolph Stone, August 16, 2006 E-Mail ______Margaret “Maggie” GOODMAN Allen ’44 on the her brother, James C. Thomson, November husband, William Baylor Adams, November her father, Edward M. O’Herron, July 26, Leslie HALE Weed ’83 on the death of her father, death of her sister, Rose GOODMAN 27, 2006 16, 2005 2006 Joe Hale, September 20, 2006 Vacation Address McDougald ’41, September 20, 2006 Margaret GUY Inman ’47 on the death of her Anne FOSTER Provence ’52 on the death of Margaret RHEA ’69 on the death of her father, Margaret MCELROY Goatley ’84 on the death of Street Address ______Betty CHREITZBERG Crenshaw ’45 on the husband, Joseph Clinton Inman, August 18, her husband, Herbert Hall Provence, Jr., Samuel B. Rhea, Sr., August 18, 2006 her mother, Jane W. McElroy, July 8, 2006 death of her sister, Frances CHREITZBERG 2006 September 27, 2006 Charlotte SMITH Purrington ’69 on the death Lucy MCELROY Stevens ’86 on the death of her City ______Broome ’38, October 30, 2006 Eleanor “Skippy” HERBERT Hale ’48 on the Gloria GRANTHAM Emanuel ’54 on the death of her mother, Mary Virginia Smith, January mother, Jane W. McElroy, July 8, 2006 State ______Zip Code ______Elizabeth “Ducky” GRIER Gower ’45 on the death of her husband, Joe Hale, September of her husband, Philip H. Emanuel, 12, 2006 Lisa GENTRY Postec ’91 on the death of her death of her husband, Thomas C. Gower, 20, 2006 December 2, 2006 Ray WANNAMAKER Sabalis ’70 on the death brother, Michael Alan Gentry, December 19, December 14, 2006 of her father, William W. Wannamaker III, 2006 September 23, 2006 28 LifeEvents Marriage Announcement Melissa RAMSEY Deibel ’92 on the death of her Kellie Garland WALKER ’97 to Henry Michael Susan Jacqueline BYRNES ’04 to Stephen Clarice Lord Johnson, June 8, 2006, daughter of Mary Parish Williams, January 13, 2006, No engagements, please. father, Albert Russell Ramsey, Jr., November Herlong III, September 16, 2006 Worth Long, August 5, 2006 Edward and Allison NEDER Johnson ’92 daughter of Scott and Katherine DOD 3, 2006 Julia WITTSCHEN ’97 to Carlos Alvarez, Katherine Elizabeth CARR ’04 to Jason Allen Trevor Stoddard Campbell, July 2, 2006, son of Williams ’99 Name (first, maiden, last) Ashley HUNNICUTT Barkocy ’93 on the death March 11, 2006 Cumbee, September 9, 2006 David and Amanda REAVES Campbell ’92 Clayton Samuel Crabb, Jr., September 2006, ______of her husband, Frank Steven Barkocy III, Paige Lane EUBANKS ’98 to John Andrew Jane McCollum MARION ’04 to Jefferson Colin Caldwell Dixon, August 6, 2006, son of son of Clayton and Amy BAER Crabb ’00 Class Year ______December 8, 2006 Barrow, October 27, 2006 Ephraim Burris Wilson, November 4, 2006 Chuck and Kaysi HASDEN Dixon ’94 Autumn Sydney Reeves, August 24, 2006, Spouse’s Full Name Cathy IANNAZZONE Ellett ’93 on the death Sarah Elizabeth PRINGLE ’98 to Julian Wayne Jean Anne Mowry PATE ’04 to Albert Blake Anne Hensley Stewart Young, August 17, 2006, daughter of Dean and Christina BAKER of her step-mother, Betty Joy Little Unger, September 23, 2006 Maynard, October 14, 2006 daughter of Carl and Angela STEWART Reeves ’00 ______Iannazzone, July 28, 2006 Erin Malinda RICH ’98 to Christopher Scott Anna Elizabeth WELCH ’04 to Bryan Hambly Young ’94 John Roosevelt Grace, July 23, 2006, son of Date of Marriage Rhett HARDY Newton ’94 on the death of her Strickland, July 29, 2006 Klosterman, October 14, 2006 Christopher Wingate Odom, June 26, 2006, John and Stephanie BORICK Grace ’00 ______grandmother, Sarah Heyward Hardy Helen Natalie SPIGNER ’98 to Beechard C. Gretchen Elizabeth WILLIAMS ’04 to Perry son of Haywood and Eugenia FULLER Tyler Brent Barnard, July 2006, son of Jeremy Hinnant, December 27, 2006 McConnell III, August 5, 2006 Griffeth Beckham, December 30, 2006 Odom ’95 and Tina EDMONDSON Barnard ’00 Birth/Adoption Announcement Joan HOFTIEZER ’94 on the death of her Alice Elizabeth COX ’99 to Julian Wayne Davis, Carissa Lee BROWN ’05 to Cyrus Jerome Ella Sinclaire Singleton, June 7, 2006, daughter Dylan James Miller, March 2006, son of James Please circle. mother, Martha Sue Hoftiezer, August 4, July 29, 2006 Shealy, August 5, 2006 of Cliff and Amy HEYMANN Singleton ’95 and Aileen HARMON Miller ’00 2006 Summer Hunter MALONE ’99 MEd to Travis Claire WALTER ’05 to Seif Soudani, June 21, Reid Alexander Leake, December 1, 2006, son Cayley Harrell, December 2005, daughter of Mother’s Name (first, maiden, last) Lathrop HART Mosley ’96 on the death of her James Boyle, July 15, 2006 2006 of Patrick and Rhett BOYD Leake ’96 Russell and Nicole MOFFETT Harrell ’00 ______grandmother, Peggy Ray Fromme, July 4, Angela Sheree ACKERMANN ’00 to Lewis Stephanie BARRON ’06 to Jon Derrick, July 29, Joe Kenneth Medlock, April 12, 2006, son of Camden Elizabeth Kimpton, January 2006, 2006 Jackson Hart, Jr., October 14, 2006 2006 Bert and Jennifer JONES Medlock ’96 daughter of James and Emily REEVES Class Year ______Brooke CHAMPION Farmer ’98 on the death Amanda Kay BOBB ’00 to William Mathew Keeley Braxton CAUSBY ’06 to Jason Scott B Bryson William Vail, October 15, 2006, son of Kimpton ’00 Father’s Name of her mother, Madeline Champion, August Medlin, June 10, 2006 Runner, July 8, 2006 Chad and April PACE Vail ’96 Ethan Gabriel Moore, September 20, 2006, son ______31, 2006 Mary Kinsey HICKS ’00 to Drew Pearson Alice Ashley CLEVELAND ’06 to Stephen Mark Margaret Christina SiQi Malady, born of Bill and Pamela HOLLIDAY Moore ’01 Daughter/Son’s Name (first, middle, last) Anne Genevieve GALLIVAN ’98 on the death Hyche, June 3, 2006 Bair, July 22, 2006 September 24, 2005, adopted September 4, Clara Emily Berry, July 11, 2006, daughter of ______of her grandfather, Herbert Hall Provence, Jr., Ginger BECKMANN ’01 to Jimmy Rodgers, Ellen Marie GODSALL ’06 to Michael Joseph 2006, daughter of David and Allison Jonathan and Sharon SIMMONS Berry ’01 September 27, 2006 October 17, 2006 Escobar, July 8, 2006 COOPER Malady ’97 Jayden Xavier Brown, January 9, 2005, son of Birth Date Elizabeth R. THOMPSON ’99 on the death of Charity Michelle GRAHAM ’01, ’03 MEd to Katherine Marie JOHNSON ’06 MEd to Thomas Brady Alexander Jones, February 14, 2006, son Ulric and Shanta HOLLEY Brown ’03 ______her grandmother, Sophie M. Connors, July 7, Donald Jason Jolley, June 24, 2006 Eldred Addison III, July 29, 2006 of Bobby and Holly EASLER Jones ’97 Ayden Kristian Atkins, December 19, 2006, son 2005 Maryjeah JAGER ’01 to Matt Kramer, June 18, Elizabeth McFaddin MAYES ’06 to John Henry Woodbury Moore IV, November 7, of Kris and Meredith CLAYTON Atkins ’04 Career Change Anne JENKINSON ’00 on the death of her 2006 Gregory Hyatt, October 7, 2006 2006, son of Henry and Amy EBERHARDT Douglass Byrd, September 1, 2006, son of Rhea Title ______grandmother, Emma Elizabeth Gordon Krystine Sherrie SERAFIN ’01 to Thomas Devin Marie THOMPSON ’06 MAT to Jarrod Moore ’97 and Christine BYRD ’06 Brockington Jenkinson, July 26, 2006 Ryan Edwards, August 26, 2006 “Skeeter” Moore, September 2, 2006 Sullivan Connor Bishop, July 25, 2006, son of Company ______Michelle D. WRIGHT ’01, ’04 MEd on the death Pamela Ashley WEATHERS ’01 MEd to Robert Susan Ashley WEAVER ’06 to Todd Edward Chris and Shannon GOSNELL Bishop ’97 ADVANCED DEGREES City ______of her mother, Nancy Linda B. WRIGHT ’82 McLean Cooper, July 8, 2006 Yarbrough, August 5, 2006 John Gage Breakfield, Jr., September 6, 2006, State ______Zip Code ______MEd, December 11, 2006 Marlee Ann BECKHAM ’02 to Graham McLean son of John and Astrid LUTHI Breakfield ’97 Katrina AUSTIN Hildebrandt ’82, Master of Work Phone ______Louisa JENKINSON ’03 on the death of Marsh, September 30, 2006 BIRTHS Clayton Marchant Williams, May 10, 2006, son Library and Information Science, University her grandmother, Emma Elizabeth Gordon Mary Catherine HILL ’02 to Charles Bays of Greg and Laura MARCHANT of South Carolina, May 2006 Advanced Degree Brockington Jenkinson, July 26, 2006 Flowers, October 21, 2006 Katie Nicole Knott, September 12, 2006, Williams ’97 Sara Frances DAVIS Kollock ’82, ’89 MEd, Tasha TUCKER ’04 on the death of her Mary Jett LORD ’02 MAT to Scott Augustus daughter of William and Natalie HILL Joel Chase, June 15, 2006, son of Jonathan and Education Specialist, Converse College, July Degree Earned ______grandmother, Leola Smalls White, Camp, July 28, 2006 Knott ’85 Christa SMITH Beaufort ’97 2006 Date Awarded ______November 6, 2006 Melissa Elizabeth MOSS ’02 to Herman Lee William Morgan Jackson, October 18, 2006, Jackson Duncan Connelly, September 6, 2006, Elizabeth Mae BARNHILL ’86 MEd, Education College/University ______Ann Leland BOMAR ’05, ’06 MEd on the death Whiteside, July 15, 2006 son of Brian and Ann LANIER Jackson ’86 son of Darrell and Eleanor SMOAK Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 of her grandmother, Dorothy Pritchett Ashley PHILLIPS ’02 to Colby McKay, April James Parks Jones, July 7, 2006, son of David Connelly ’97 Susan Marie HICKS ’88, Master of Education, Death Announcement Stirling, December 12, 2006 2006 and Maura BINZ Jones ’87 Owen Thomas Trask, October 24, 2005, son of Converse College, July 2006 Marian CARROLL ’05 on the death of her Christa ANDERSON ’03 to Serge Pomerlyan, William Wallace Grantland, March 3, 2006, Dale and Amanda THOMAS Trask ’97 Susan MILLER Davis ’90, Master of Music, Attach additional sheet if necessary. grandmother, Margaret Coleman DeWitt, July 28, 2006 son of John and Rebecca DUBARD Maggie Elizabeth Kennedy, July 11, 2006, Converse College, May 2006 Name of Deceased (first, maiden, last) October 4, 2006 Jodi Leigh ARROWOOD ’03 to Bryan Patrick Grantland ’88 daughter of Benjy and Stacy BENTON Kathy Stott LAUGHTER ’92 MEd, Master of ______Jami BROWN Hammett ’06 on the death of Stepp, December 9, 2006 Richmond Savannah Dunn Joyce, November Kennedy ’98 Education, Converse College, July 2006 her husband, Norman Brooks Hammett, Melanie Margaret BROWN ’03 to Joshua Knox, 24, 2006, daughter of Bill and Savannah Emily Marie Bishop, July 21, 2006, daughter of Christine D. OSBORN ’92 MEd, Education Class Year ______Date of Death ______September 15, 2006 July 29, 2006 Elizabeth BLANCHARD Joyce ’89 Cheryl Marie BISHOP ’98 Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Place of Death ______Ivy Adele COLLIER ’03 to James Earl Jordan Charlotte Britton Monroe, December 5, 2006, Harper Mae Phillips, November 5, 2006, Jeffrey Paul CALLIS ’93 MEd, Master of Liberal Surviving Relative ______MARRIAGES III, July 9, 2006 daughter of Britt and Ashley BENKWITH daughter of Chris and Marti GLENN Arts, Converse College, July 2006 Address of Surviving Relative Nicole Renee GIRAUDIN ’03 to John Monroe ’91 Phillips ’98 Elizabeth GARITY Turner ’93 MEd, Education ______Betty LITTLEJOHN Anderson ’51 to Joseph F. Christopher Martinez, August 4, 2006 Porter Rebecca Boepple, June 16, 2006, Kirby Cantrell Gentry, October 24, 2006, son of Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Kirby, June 24, 2006 Latrice Shanta HOLLEY ’03 to Ulric Brown, daughter of Mark and Mary Karl KINARD Michael and Sheila KIRBY Gentry ’98 Erin MCGEE ’93, Juris Doctor, University of ______Katherine WORTH Johnson ’75 to Thomas J. February 14, 2005 Boepple ’91 Mary Caitlyn Fortner, February 10, 2006, Houston, June 2006 Ordoyne, August 2006 Lakeesha Evette MACK ’03 MEd, ’05 EdS to Joshua Philip Brown, April 3, 2006, son of Chris daughter of Chris and Chrissy LOCKABY Sherrie Staggs BLACKSTOCK Smith ’94, Master Mail or fax this form to: Elizabeth Blythe DEBRULE ’91 to John Michael Michael Emerson, July 29, 2006 and Donna GAROFALO Brown ’92 Fortner ’98 of Education, Converse College, July 2006 Converse College Alumnae Office Wilkinson, May 20, 2006 Marianna Evelyn SHECUT ’03 to Jared Matthew Christian Hardigree, May 24, 2006, Caroline Dillard Pappas and Olivia DiMatteo Anne Maree PRESSLEY ’95 MEd, Education 580 East Main Street Eleanor Sauve’ LABORDE ’92 to Hugh Comer Matthew Pretulak, August 5, 2006 son of Matt and Kelli GOSNELL Pappas, September 17, 2006, twin daughters Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Spartanburg, SC 29302 Morrison, September 23, 2006 April Renata WILLARD ’03 to Joshua Earl Hardigree ’92 of Mike and Laura MATTHEWS Pappas ’98 Crystal Camp MCLEOD ’98, Master of Fax: (864) 596-9735 Kerri SHINN Tankersley ’95 to Matthew Purser, July 22, 2006 Chloe Elise Bishop, September 5, 2006, Samuel Witherspoon Moss, September 27, Education, Converse College, July 2006 Klinker, November 25, 2006 Alisha Christine WILSON ’03 to Jason Bridges, daughter of Brent and Vicki JONES 2006, son of James and Margaret MCCLARY Terry Frederic CROCKER ’99 MEd, Education You may also recommend a student by sending an Angela Denise GOSNELL ’96 to Steven S. Ellis, April 2006 Bishop ’92 Moss ’98 Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 E-mail to [email protected]. August 26, 2006 Juliet Christina AUTENZIO ’04 to Lucas McLeod Covington Green, October 15, 2006, Caroline Legare Charney, November 8, 2006, Melanie LOVE Nance ’99 MEd, Master of Jennifer STEWART ’97 to Richard Melton, Russell Wright, November 4, 2006 son of Jimmy and Laura MCLEOD Green ’92 daughter of Felix and Olivia THORNTON Education, Converse College, July 2006 February 25, 2006 Charney ’98 30 LifeEvents Julie PRICE Brown ’99 MEd, Education Kim Hamner WELLS ’03, Master of Education, Kassi REYNOLDS O’Brien ’01, Manager of CLASS OF 1929 moving to a retirement home. The big news Mrs. Martha Thompson Vermont Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Converse College, July 2006 Communications, Stein Mart Next Reunion was the January arrival of their first ‘great’, a 121 Eastwood Circle David Kyle FULLER ’00 MEd, Education Kathryn KUERSTEINER ’04, Master of Music Elizabeth SANSOM Willimon ’01, Annual Alumnae Weekend, 2007 girl dubbed with generation-old family names. Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-583-2211 Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 in Flute Performance, Baylor University, Fund Coordinator, Terry College of Business, Representative: She sees other Montreaters—Bess Owen Cynthia Ann HILL ’00 MEd, Master of June 2006 University of Georgia, Athens, GA Mrs. Mary Hamilton Stephens Alexander Yeilding, of Birmingham, AL, and Seven come eleven we’re the class of ’47 and Education, Converse College, July 2006 Amy SHEEHAN ’04, Master of Human Erica WICKER Clark ’01, Pediatric Clinical 1007 Riverside Boulevard Margaret Fulton Walker ’45 among others. we’re having our 60th class reunion April 27 Linda MOORE McAbee ’00, Master of Resources, University of South Carolina, Pharmacist, Palmetto Health Richland, Lumberton, NC 28358 Betsy Brunk Argo writes from Bristol, RI that – 28, 2007! We have received a mailing with Education, Converse College, July 2006 December 2006 Columbia, SC retirement is great! She’s just now getting the all the necessary information and now we just Beverly Nicole THOMPSON ’00 MEd, Master of Kassandra LiAnne SMITH ’04 MEd, Education Mary DEGRAW Sankovich ’02, Staffing CLASS OF 1933 hang of it after 35-40 years of teaching and need to respond. We had a good 55th reunion Education, Converse College, July 2006 Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Specialist, Manpower, Inc., Gainesville, FL Next Reunion 10-12 years as a journalist! Would love to and the 60th can be even better. I’ve called a Samina Iqbal ALIMOHAMED ’01 MEd, Ann Leland BOMAR ’05, Master of Education, Elizabeth OSWALT ’02, Software Instructor, Alumnae Weekend, 2007 copy, in toto, the wonderful, upbeat, surprise sampling of the class on my cell phone and Education Specialist, Converse College, July Converse College, July 2006 Blackbaud, Inc., Charleston, SC Representative: letter from Dotty Gayden Miller who lives found a few at home. I notice a lot of us are 2006 Kerry Elise DUNCAN ’05, Master of Education, Elizabeth H. SMITH ’02, Assistant Attorney Mrs. Blanche Dennis Cantey in Pittsburg, KS. After a business degree from moving into retirement homes. A good idea! Pamela Elaine EMANUELSON ’01, Master’s in Converse College, July 2006 General, State of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 100 Joseph Walker Drive USC, she enjoyed traveling with her investment I talked to Elizabeth (Speedy) Browning Sociology, University of South Carolina, May Brandi Gail MULLINAX ’05, Master of Liberal Katie STRONG Barnes ’02, Associate West Columbia, SC 29169 club friends—they bought Wal-Mart back in Davis a while back and she is hoping to attend 2006 Arts, Converse College, July 2006 Veterinarian, Chappell Animal Hospital, 1981! Her husband’s photo and camera shop the reunion. At that moment her grandson Ty Sonya Lynette HARRISON-YOUNG ’01 MEd, Sarah Holman PEAVLER ’05, Master of Rock Hill, SC CLASS OF 1943 took off with the advent of ‘color’ and their lab Davis (now out of the service) was painting her Education Specialist, Converse College, July Accountancy, University of Alabama, August Kate FORD ’03, Resident Outdoor Instructor, Next Reunion business, one of the largest in the country, is house. Grands are wonderful, aren’t they? Ann 2006 2006 The Outdoor Academy, Pisgah Forest, NC Alumnae Weekend, 2007 run by her son, son-in-law and grandsons. She Davidson (Davy) Marion keeps up with more Maryeah Lynn JAGER Kramer ’01, Master of Holly GILMORE Hayes ’03, Director of Program Representative: jets to Florida for the winter. She and husband of us than anyone else does. She hopes that Arts in Teaching, Converse College, July 2006 CAREER CHANGES Services, March of Dimes, Columbia, SC Mrs. E. Paul (Anne Crooks) Smith Bill became ‘anglers extraordinare’, fishing all Sarah Parker Lumpkin and Jane Woodcock Shavon Chantel STOVER ’01, Master of Nicole GIRAUDIN Martinez ’03, Associate Vice 205 S. Hickory Street over this continent. She is grateful for a full Wallace will come. Sarah and her sisters have Education, Converse College, July 2006 May DOWLING Peach ’76, Educational President for Marketing, Wallis State Bank, Summerville, SC 29483, 843-873-1846 and happy life. I sign off with this ditty, via recently given a talk about the house in which Kimberly Ann TERRY ’01, Master of Education, Consultant, The Price Group, Columbia, SC Katy, TX Sister, from Kent—a better poetess than I! they grew up in Georgetown, SC. You all may Converse College, July 2006 Allison CULP Cookson ’80, Director of Special Robyn HILL Sanderson ‘03, Assistant Director I made contact with Harriett Bull Wilder in know that Sarah has written a book about Tara Swain BURNETTE ’02 MEd, Education Events and Projects, Gaston Chamber of of Student Activities, Presbyterian College, Sumter, SC and she sounded fine after heart We’re still able to laugh and eat, her church, Prince George Winyah Episcopal Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Commerce, Gastonia, NC Clinton, SC surgery a short time ago. From time to time we Though our children are in the driver’s seat. Church, and has done a lot for Georgetown. I Audrey Marie COOPER Bracken ’02, Master of Phyllis PERRIN Harris ’82, Vice President Shanta HOLLEY Brown ’03, HR Specialist, met at Edisto when she was there with bridge In fact, life is great, since this is our fate wish I had more news but if everyone comes Education, Converse College, July 2006 for Environmental Compliance, Wal-Mart, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, playing friends. Harriett’s son-in-law, Grainger No grass grows under our feet. to our 60th reunion we can all catch up! See Mary DEGRAW Sankovich ’02, Master in Bentonville, AR Spartanburg, SC McKoy, graduated from Clemson in 1970 you there, April 27 – 28! Student Affairs, Western Kentucky Mary WITHERSPOON ’84, Paralegal, Bagwell, Maria PERRY ’03, Teacher, Winterberry with a degree in Zoology. He is renowned for Although we use oxygen and prednisone University, December 2005 Holt, Smith, Tillman, & Jones PA, Chapel Elementary School, Anchorage, AK his sculpture of wood and bronze birds. He And our visiting is done on Ma-Bell’s phone CLASS OF 1948 April Lyles HOLLIS ’02 MEd, Master of Hill, NC Chrissie PRICE ’03, Assistant Tennis has exhibited in galleries and museums over (Family and friends are swell; it’s just that old Next Reunion Education, Converse College, July 2006 Lucy ELLIOTT Enniss ’91, Academic Professional, North Park Tennis Center, the world. Bettie Vann Sharpe is living in a age is hell) Alumnae Weekend, 2007 Stephanie Michelle MILITELLO-CALLOWAY Administrator, Classics Department, Emory Alpharetta, GA retirement home in Raleigh, NC. This is her It’s “Thanks for the Memories” when we’re alone. Representative: ’02 MEd, Master of Education, Converse University, Atlanta, GA Kristin SMITH ’03, Administrative Specialist, seventh year there and she says she couldn’t Mrs. Eleanor “Skippy” Herbert Hale College, July 2006 Wendy JOLLEY Kabi ’91, National Coordinator, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, have made a better decision in selecting a home. CLASS OF 1945 5171 Yacht Club Road Giada Carla ROBERTS ’02 MEd, Master of Association of Missing and Exploited Columbia, SC Lucia Geiger Fusco is doing well and lives in Next Reunion Jacksonville, FL 32210, 904-387-9592 Education, Converse College, July 2006 Children’s Organizations, Alexandria, VA Monica SWANSON Foster ’03, Co-Owner, Columbia, SC. Her husband died several years Alumnae Weekend, 2007 E-mail: [email protected] Katherine STRONG Barnes ’02, Doctor of Suzanne Hope BLACK ’96, USTA Local League Yogalicious, A Spartanburg Studio, ago. She has two sons who live nearby. One Representatives: Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Coordinator, USTA Atlanta, GA Spartanburg, SC works for the state and one is a lawyer. I love Mrs. Margaret Fulton Walker I don’t think it would be possible for me to May 2006 Emma CARMICHAEL Harrill ’96, Private Carrie TUCKER ’03, Associate Director, LEAD how Lucia praised her two daughters-in-law. 208 Crest Drive write this without telling you that I lost my Heather BARCLAY ’03, Masters in Theological Banking Relationship Manager, First Citizens Center, Program Coordinator, Leadership Lucia retired as a math teacher. Mt. Olive, NC 28365, 919-658-2167 husband, Joe, after 56 years of marriage, Studies in the History of Christianity, Bank, Spartanburg, SC and Civic Engagement, Florida State E-mail: [email protected] on Sept 20, 2006. He had been in a period Harvard Divinity School, May 2005 Stephanie CROFTON ’96, Associate Dean, University, Tallahassee, FL CLASS OF 1944 Mrs. Mary Fabisinski Roberts of declining health for some time, and was Kathryn BRACKETT ’03, Master of Fine Arts in Earl N. Phillips School of Business, High Susan BYRNES Long ’04, Executive Assistant, Next Reunion 1506 NW 36th Way ready to “go”, but the change and adjustments Creative Writing, University of Pittsburgh, Point University, High Point, NC PriceWaterhouseCoopers, New York, NY Alumnae Weekend, 2007 Gainesville, FL 32605, 352-376-7175 to my life are the same so many of you have May 2006 Kate BARRETT Mayes ’97, Internist, Carolina Meredith CLAYTON Atkins ’04, Sales Assistant, Representative: experienced, and are not easy as you know. Fanchon CHARNIGO ’03, Master of Music Medical Affiliates, Spartanburg, SC WSPA News 7, Spartanburg, SC Mrs. Catherine Gant Powell CLASS OF 1946 I have been cheered by the response to Education in Piano Pedagogy, University of Hadley ROWLAND ’97, Art Teacher, Merritt Jordan GREENE Standrich ’04, Benefits 122 Fairway Drive Next Reunion his memorial, a foundation started by our Oklahoma, May 2006 Academy, Fairfax, VA Administrator, The Cliffs Communities, Washington, NC 27889, 252-975-6902 Alumnae Weekend, 2007 daughter, Leslie Hale Weed ’83. Leslie has an Patricia CRISAN ’03, Master of Music, Converse Shayle ABELKOP ’98, Instructional Designer, Travelers Rest, SC Representative: autistic daughter, an adorable eight year old. College, May 2006 Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center, Rachel JONES Brown ’04, Art Teacher, Troy The replies from my little poem last summer Mrs. Mary Helen Garrison Dalton Having gone through all the vagaries of raising Amber DILLARD ’03, Master of Science, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ Elementary School, Troy, AL (2006) are still coming in! What fun! Clara 3064 Ridgewood Road NW an autistic child, she realized that there were so University of Kentucky, June 2006 Jennifer NEXSEN Holliday ’98, Fine Arts Erin POSTON Stone ’04, Outreach Buchan Creighton wrote in August. Her Atlanta, GA 30327, 404-355-0434 many families who couldn’t afford to offer their Sylvia Tillerson LANDRUM ’03, Master of Coordinator, Williamsburg County School Coordinator, Epilepsy Foundation of South daughter, granddaughter, assorted in-laws and E-mail: [email protected] children the treatments and therapies needed Education, Converse College, July 2006 District, Kingstree, SC Carolina, Columbia, SC four great-grands were coming from Tampa, to live with this disability, so she has started Ronnie David SMITH ’03 MEd, Education Lindsay BIRMINGHAM ’01, Lead Data Sarah Holman PEAVLER ’05, Staff Accountant, FL for Sister’s birthday. Older son lives nearby CLASS OF 1947 a foundation to make these opportunities Specialist, Converse College, July 2006 Management Coordinator, EFILM Digital HealthSouth Corporate, Birmingham, AL at Surfside Beach, SC and second at Hilton 60th Reunion available to these children. The response has 60TH Cora Lee Marcoux STEPP ’03, Master of Laboratories, Hollywood, CA Andrea WEATHERMAN ’05, High School Head, SC. She is in touch with Margaret Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION been overwhelming, and we are so grateful. Education, Converse College, July 2006 Maryeah JAGER Kramer ’01, English teacher, Residence Hall Counselor, North Carolina Hudson Workman and Kent Seignious Representatives: On to notes of our class...I have found that Carrie TUCKER ’03, Master of Science in Jonesville High School, Jonesville, SC School of the Arts, Winston Salem, NC Freeman. Jean Hooper Crook is good about Mrs. Mary Young Cousar at this time in our life, what our children are Higher Education, Florida State University, Stephanie LIVESAY ’01, Associate Attorney, The Elizabeth L. WALKER ’06, Assistant Director, writing. In September she and Jim were 4615 Arlon Lane doing is more interesting than what we are April 2006 Hawkins Law Firm, Spartanburg, SC Converse Annual Fund, Converse College, “weeding out, cleaning up, and asking their Jacksonville, FL 32210, 904-387-1793 doing. Nancy Harris Roberts has a daughter Spartanburg, SC five children ‘want this?’” as preparation for E-mail: [email protected] 32 ClassNotes and son-in-law who have a 1300 acre organic CLASS OF 1951 CLASS OF 1952 write about what I know or hear—loudly (as and John entertained a lot of family this honor of Charlotte. These gifts and purchases th farm in NY state. They give courses in organic Next Reunion 55 Reunion 55TH some of us have a slight hearing problem, or summer—24 were milling around at one point have helped Converse become an all-Steinway farming in addition to running this farm. The Alumnae Weekend, 2007 Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION all talk at once). at the Mobile Bay house. Their 50th wedding school. Charlotte is recovering well from spinal daughter of Anne Davis Rigby is married to Representatives: Representative: anniversary was celebrated with a wonderful disc surgery. Dicksie Mims Ward was spotted an economics professor at Davidson. He is Mrs. Ann McCaskill Leonard Mrs. Suzie Earnhardt Smith CLASS OF 1954 cruise to Italy (stops in Naples, Venice, at a wedding in late summer walking well holding a seminar in India. They have been 228 Arbours Commons Court 370 Montgomery Drive Next Reunion Messina, Croatia, Barcelona, Livorno, Cannes, following double knee replacement surgery. in touch with Peggy Pfaff Whitley and hope Spartanburg, SC 29307, 864-579-0094 Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-582-2415 Alumnae Weekend, 2007 and Rome) with their daughter, Jo Ann, Pegilie Price Walter reports that husband to see her while there. Robin Robins Watson E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Representative: husband Neal and their four children, ages 10 Ted has retired once again, this time as interim reports that daughter Eloise (the youngest Mrs. Priscilla Beard Blosser-Rainey Mrs. Betsy Shepherd Ancrum -15. Mary Montgomery Dunlap’s husband, President of Epworth Children’s Home in child of our classmates), is expecting her Post Office Box 706 An exciting time awaits, ladies, as our 55th 35 Honeysuckle Woods Don, broke his right hip and shoulder last Columbia. He remains on the Epworth staff second child. She is an OB-GYN and gives Timberville, VA 22853, 540-896-9931 reunion approaches, April 27 - 28. You should Lake Wylie, SC 29710, 803-831-0205 January on the way to their granddaughter’s working part-time in Development. Carolyn herself a lot of business. Robin’s grandson E-mail: [email protected] have in hand a letter with all of our class details E-mail: [email protected] in Wilmington, NC. This slowed them down Byers Brockwell has recovered from a broken is in the Air Corps and getting his medical as well as the reunion brochure with details of for the first half of 2006, but they were to wrist incurred a few weeks after our 50th degree at George Washington University. Nancy Cheatham Riggsbee volunteers with the entire weekend. If not, please let me know. How about Rhetta Morrison Lowndes’ leave on a cruise up the west coast of Norway Reunion. Some surgery on her thumb on the Alice Mobley Lipscombe’s son, Douglas, has the Master Gardner’s Program at Metro School I am looking forward to seeing all of you! husband Bill receiving the Order of the Palmetto past the Artic Circle and to Iceland tracing injured hand to improve her reach on the retired from his hurricane chasing job, and is in Charlotte, NC and travels often to Litchfield this past fall? That is a major, major honor, and the Viking sea paths. Amaryllis Doar Duvall keyboard which was limited by the injury and now with the Navy at the Stennis Space Center Beach, SC. Betty Tonge McMillan, Emily CLASS OF 1953 they must both be as pleased as punch. That and Hal have downsized, moving down the healing process is in her future. Jane Davis in Gulfport, MS researching meteorology and deLoach Dupre, Polly Hill Woodham, Next Reunion same week, the Rock Hill Alumnae met at a block from Hal’s family’s long time home to James says she received good reports on our oceanography for submarine warfare. Carolyn Byrd Tipton and families celebrated Alumnae Weekend, 2007 luncheon, and I had a chance to sit at the table a house without 20 steep steps. They cruised 50th reunion from classmates who attended. Ann Gwathmey Badgett’s birthday at Givens Representatives: with Margaret Jackson Bundy and Charlie, the Danube to Prague with some Cheraw, SC Jane reports seeing Jenny Johnston Singleton, CLASS OF 1949 Estates in Asheville, NC. Polly serves on the Mrs. Marilyn Mateer Sherrill Mildred Roberts Robards and Jane Beasley friends. Barbara Gregory Moore and Ralph Joan Barron Bundy, Gay Love Conder, Lucy Next Reunion Alumnae Association Board. Carolyn follows 114 Briarwood Court Moore (as well as friends from two other have been retired for 13 years. Ralph was Ann Robinson Hemphill and Ida Ruth Stone Alumnae Weekend, 2007 basketball and tennis activities of grandsons Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-583-8066 classes). Jane, whose husband David died this principal at Coral Gables High, Barbara had an Little at the beach in ‘06. Christine Williams Representative: Jason and Michael Ridehour. Daughter, Patsy, Mrs. Lil Lindsay Sachs past year, is still determined to stay alone on ESL teaching position. “Life has been a series Hammond spent lots of summer ’06 time at Mrs. Kitty Peeler Carson retired school teacher, is now a building 1412 Kathwood Drive her farm in spite of her children and her sisters of all weekends since—just fun, lots of travel, Pawleys with Jay and the grandchildren. We 401 Springdale Drive contractor. Libby Hamer Chandler has 15 Columbia, SC 29206, 803-787-7916 urging her to move into town. Knowing her some pitiful golf and more of the same.” Sarah caught up with Jane Samford Naismith and Union, SC 29379, 864-427-3353 grandchildren and goes to Myrtle Beach, SC Mrs. Jean Kearns Stansill determined spirit, I expect they’re fighting a Manning Pope sent a postcard post marked Barbara Page Kennedy, third Dexter buddies E-mail: [email protected] often. Pris Beard Blosser-Rainey is active in 5907 Colchester Place losing battle - she’ll go when she’s doggoned “Research Triangle Region, NC” to report “I in our freshman year. Jane has built a house the Shenandoah Valley, VA with museum work Charlotte, NC 28210, 704-554-8299 good and ready. Mildred and Frank snatch don’t have anything new since the Memory on the river front near Savannah, hosting I have emailed those whose addresses are relating to textiles. Mary Gillespie Adams loves every opportunity to “baby-sit” with their Book.” Carolyn Schwem Stinson and Randy Tour of Homes events and church fundraisers. available via the alumnae office and find that being bar maid in the pub her late husband Well, we’ve done it again! At the invitation grandchildren in Charleston, so they skipped have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary She plays the accordion with a local band many of them are no longer in service. If you opened on their beef cattle farm. Estelle Barker of our Julia Jones Daniels and Bev Chalk out on some of the functions at his Citadel and “are blessed”. In July their granddaughter – a repertoire of oldies but goodies. Barbara have a new address, please let the alumnae Prewitt’s year old great-grandson lives close to Townsend, seven of us traveled to Figure 8 reunion in November in order to do just that. was married on the beach at Emerald Isle—“no continues to live in Pinehurst, NC, and is office know. Betty Jo Putnam Carpenter is her in Rochester, NY. Dot French Epting has Island, NC in October like we did last year. Mildred looks absolutely marvelous with a shoes required and a fun time for all”. Suzanne devoted to her flower gardens. Fran Boykin one of the 40’s decade representatives on the traveled the world over with the exception of Despite a few drop-outs, the nine of us had becoming new hairdo, and as for Margaret Robinson Folger wrote that granddaughter Maynard takes pride in her granddaughter Converse Alumnae Board. She is serving as Africa. Among her great-grands are year old a blast. Julia drove us all over that busy - well, it’s disgusting how young she still Suzanne Folger Kobe was to be a December Megan Beasley who is working toward an early president of The Symphony of Rutherford twin boys. Maude Bull Clinkscales talks to Wilmington area—shopping and a visit to the looks. If I didn’t know better, I’d guess her graduate from New York University (finishing Clemson ’07 graduation. Please send your County, a 65-member, all-volunteer orchestra, Georgia Free Laney frequently. They often see Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum. Louise to be in her late fifties. Sad to say, we’ve lost in 3 ½ years). Please keep those cards and news. Your classmates are interested in what for the 19th year. Each year the symphony Evie Gilliland Gibson. Jane Taylor Milner was a ’44 Converse alumna and this pre- another classmate. It’s hard to imagine our letters coming! you are doing. Note our contact information presents two free public concerts, and one volunteers at Hospitality House through her existing museum was moved and renamed class without Nancy Sibley Dunn, who not above. day of concerts for Rutherford County public church in Blowing Rock, NC. Ann Ratterree in her memory by her family. The merchants only has served on the Alumnae Board but CLASS OF 1956 schools. The symphony conductor is Wilbert Herlong is preparing her piano performance love to see Julia coming (and with her friends) was such a driving force behind our successful Next Reunion CLASS OF 1957 Kimple of Spartanburg who has Converse class fund-raising. I don’t think her cancer was Alumnae Weekend, 2007 50th Reunion tape for application to the Van Cliburn amateur because I’m sure she’s the #1 party giver in the 50TH connections. Last summer Jo and Ed visited piano competition. Ann has 16 piano students state of NC—buying bundles of favors and even discovered before early September, and Representatives: Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION with Peggy Bradford Long and husband in Rock Hill, SC. Virginia Brown Edwards decorations, etc. Where does she get all that she lasted a bare two weeks after that – surely Mrs. Ann Hudgens Karegeannes Representatives: Rufus at the Lake Lure Inn. They enjoy trying owns a transportation company and drives an energy? I’m expecting her to be on a rendition the best way for her, but awfully hard on family 137 Mabry Drive Mrs. Patsy Cox McMillan to keep up with their six grandgirls. Other 18 wheeler coast to coast. Dot Wyatt Adams is of “The Amazing Race” any year. The reunion and friends nonetheless. This issue won’t go Spartanburg, SC 29307, 864-579-3801 530 Azalea Lane ‘40’s reps on the Alumnae Board are Lib at her best keeping ‘phone touch with Converse was in honor of Julia’s former roommate, Bun in the mail until spring, but that makes it a E-mail: [email protected] Florence, SC 29501, 843-669-6064 Harper Hopkins (elected this year for another buddies. She reports seeing Pat Riley Lanier’s Wyatt Wyatt, who missed last year because good time to remind all of you that, as Golden Mrs. Pegilie Price Walter Mrs. Sylvia Craver Chandler two-year term) and yours truly. I attended my son in Atlanta, GA, says Jo Chenault Mattes of illness. Bun was as witty and wonderful as Clubbers, our class now is included every year 616 Wotan Road 283 Molasses Lane first meeting in September. Lib, having been is returning to Virginia from Florida, Jean always and we all laughed our heads off the at Reunion Weekend. Will we see you at the Columbia, SC 803-419-0986 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-4001 widowed this year, will remain in Tampa, FL Hollerith Case had successful hip replacement whole time as usual. Jean Kearns Stansill, Alumnae Luncheon? E-mail: [email protected] while keeping her Spartanburg connections and old Lynchburg, VA friends, Lou Lewis Pat Rhyne Thomas, Becky Ramsaur Pennell, Girls, this is IT—our 50th. Please plan to be for frequent visits. Holt, Max Barnard Hollis and Harriet Taylor Jane Winn Pollitzer, Annette Edgerton CLASS OF 1955 Ellen McLaughlin Rose tells us that Reggie’s there April 27-28, 2007. We’ve made it this Ramsey celebrated there. Eunice Sullivan Brothers, and I (Marilyn Mateer Sherrill) Next Reunion play, “Twelve Angry Men,” enjoyed a great far. Let’s celebrate! Carolyn “Lac” Fulmer CLASS OF 1950 Pracht’s grandson, Christopher, was in the top made up the group, staying in three houses, Alumnae Weekend, 2007 revival run in New York last spring and is Alexander had two works selected for the 33rd Next Reunion 10 of his class this past year at Charleston Law each one with our own bedroom and bath. Representative: being seen around the country ending in Annual Juried Art Exhibition held this past Alumnae Weekend, 2007 School and made “Law Review”. Ann McCaskill Julia had all the meals (except one lunch out) Mrs. Jo Ann Guyton Davison May 2007 in Miami, FL. Richard Thomas is August in Spartanburg, SC. One work was a Representative: Leonard and husband Ray have downsized catered in-house, and we ate like queens! Nice 1722 Peggio Lane #1 playing one of the key roles. Ellen has worked watercolor titled “Rising Sun.” Her prismacolor, Mrs. Mary Alice Ingram Busch from their tri-level home of 50 years to a new life! She really runs a five-star hotel whenever Missoula, MT 59802, 406-829-6376 with the production company to maintain “A Look Toward Eden” won the Jean Price 1509 Cherokee Road one-level home. Their three granddaughters and wherever she entertains. And we are the the integrity of the play as it continues its Memorial Award. 2006 was an exciting year Florence, SC 29501, 842-662-1622 are all college grads now. Son Walt continues in happy recipients. Thank you, Julia, for all you Floride Gulledge Carter and Rex were long life on the US and international stage. for Patti Moore McGee and husband Peter. his busy Spartanburg dental practice; daughter do for us. And thank you, Bev, for helping and planning to be at their place on Pawleys Island Charlotte Ferguson Sloan and husband Ned Their beautiful garden was featured in the Leslie and husband are in Tampa, FL. being so loyal. I’d love to write about others for the “good fishing weather” in September are donors of one of the Steinway pianos to September 2006 issue of Traditional Home of you, so please send your news. I can only and October ’06. Mary Brobston Cleverdon the Petrie School of Music, given by Ned in 34 ClassNotes that included pictures of the gardens as well to a dentist, with their sons. Retired from Mrs. Laura Simpkins Stock Townsend is a proud grandmother. Son Emily Jackson Vallarino ’65 as a great picture of them. Their son-in-law, obstetrics, John works four days weekly in Post Office Box 206 Tommy and wife Miki have seven sons, Stephen Colbert, husband of their daughter mental health. He still loves his collections of White Post, VA 22663, 540-837-2473 ages eight to 17. They live in Marietta, GA Wherever their world travels take them, Mary Emily Jackson Evie, launched his television show, “The Colbert lead toy soldiers and another of paperweights, E-mail: [email protected] and Rannie calls the boisterous bunch of Vallarino ’65 and her husband, Manuel, spread the good Report” in October. After several years as a very which used to live at the office but now are in testosterone - her words - “The Tribe.” She word about Converse. It is because of their efforts that many popular correspondent on Comedy Central’s Betsy’s living room. They talked to Sally Hicks Lois Pressey Crowley has a new career as does have one granddaughter. Daughter students from Central America have been able to enjoy the “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”, Stephen Reardon, who is substitute teaching. Husband Private Investigator in the family business Julia Easterby and granddaughter Ashley (5) Converse experience and help build a dynamic, diverse Converse community. is now receiving acclaim for his parodies of the Fred, a retired business professor, now owns an after 25 years as a career counselor. Having have recently moved back to Greenville, SC. cable news talk shows. He also was the featured antique store near Wilmington, NC, complete raised four daughters she and her husband Volunteer work continues to keep Rannie Emily and Manuel divide their time between homes in entertainer for the White House Correspondents with big trucks to hall furniture. are relearning nursery rhymes as they raise busy--church activities and the wonderful Conway, SC and Manuel’s native Panama where he is Dinner in April and he was listed as one of granddaughter, Lindsay (4). They escape the artistic events that Greenville has to offer. She senior vice president of the Confederation of International Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. CLASS OF 1959 Houston summer by vacationing in Ohio and serves on the Homeowner’s Association for her Contractors’ Associations—a Paris, France-based association The McGees enjoyed seeing Evie and Stephen Next Reunion Maine. Lucy Gramling Crowley has retired residence in Greenville as well as her vacation of contractors from around the world. as they arrived on the Red Carpet before the Alumnae Weekend, 2009 after 21 years as Head of the Lower School at home at Caesar’s Head. Rannie enjoys taking Emmys. See you all in April. Representatives: Hilton Head Prep, which followed 19 years courses at Furman University and is on the “I make sure that we always carry Converse literature with us,” said Emily. “We talk about Converse with friends, family Mrs. Jayne Callaham Burton at Spartanburg Day School and five years in Kanuga Conferences Board of Directors. She and business associates. Properly relaying the College’s CLASS OF 1958 2204 Duck Cove Lane Spartanburg District One schools. To honor and two high school friends had a wonderful mission is essential because some of the girls cannot make Next Reunion York, SC 29745, 803-831-1978 Lucy, a building at Prep was named for her; trip to Yosemite National Park last spring. that all-too-important visit to the campus before deciding Alumnae Weekend, 2008 E-mail: [email protected] a book collection in the library was created Barbara Chivers Wittschen and eleven family what college is right for them.” Representatives: Mrs. Angela McKinnon Hammond in her name, as was a garden! She plans to members celebrated her husband David’s 70th Mrs. Jack (Elaine Finklea) Folline 1724 South Lakeshore Drive spend lots of time with Anna (4), who lives in birthday at Folly Beach, SC this past July. The Since 2001, the Vallarinos have actively recruited in Panama, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, 740 Kilbourne Road Louisa, VA 23093, 540-967-0920 Atlanta with daughter, Carlton, and son-in-law Wittschens used to live in the area, so they Venezuela and Europe. Emily says that “for the most part, the young women that we recruit are at the Columbia, SC 29205, 803-254-9503 E-mail: [email protected] Matthew Gansereit. Boo Bargamin Kral and surprised David by inviting former neighbors sophomore collegiate level academically and are a bit more mature than their American counterparts. Still, it is very rewarding for us to see them develop into even more accomplished women at Converse. We stay in Mrs. Bud (Nancy Hayes) Wilkerson Mrs. Jane Torkington White Ted enjoyed four days in Rome followed by and friends to join them for the celebration. touch with them through phone calls and letters because we care about them, and we want them and their th 2122 Norton Road 4607 177 Avenue SE a 10-day cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean Barbara said one of the highlights of the week parents to know that the students are not out there alone.” Charlotte, NC 28207, 704-376-4776 Bellevue, WA 98006, 425-562-0787 with Ted’s family. Her favorite port was in was watching David on the boogy board! Turkey. Last year Boo volunteered in the Patsy Davis Nates and husband Jim enjoy The Vallarinos commitment to connecting international students with Converse is further reflected by the Having already enjoyed two new paintings No news, in this case, is not good news! Thanks high school Advanced History Department living in Columbia, SC where he is Parish fact that they provide resources to assist international students who have financial need regarding tuition, honored in the state fair, Searle Rowland to Rosann Ferguson Hooks for her email. She and plans to try elementary school this year. Pastor at Ashland United Methodist Church. and room and board. called with good news. Her college roommate, is taking a class on Rome, Disciple Bible Study Noni Miller Lurding and husband Don love They now have 12 grandchildren. Patsy says Lucy Stockard Perry, requested Searle to and works in the food pantry at her church. retirement, especially having time for new she is looking forward to our reunion. I have paint sketches of not only her home but those Aerobics classes and keeping grandson James things. She enjoys keeping granddaughter Mary had a truly wonderful year and a half! Older from her parents’ home on Meeting Street. On CLASS OF 1964 of their three children. Lucy and her husband occasionally keep her “hopping” and in good Elizabeth a few days a week. Last June they had son Walt was married September 3, 2005. My a tour of homes in Madison, GA, Gelene saw Next Reunion Richard, a working lawyer in Atlanta, GA, shape. Hope to hear from you soon! a wonderful trip to Holland, the Scandinavian younger son was married September 9, 2006. Ginger Bell Woodard and had a good time Alumnae Weekend, 2009 also have five grandchildren. Their home was capitals, St. Petersburg, and Tallin, Estonia, still What a wonderful blessing these two young catching up. She also enjoyed a recent visit Representatives: built outside Atlanta on the property of Lucy’s CLASS OF 1960 relatively untouched by tourism. Ann Conner ladies are to me and my family. Then, on with Wallace Johnson. Emily Kerr Stay writes Mrs. Barbara Humphries Chung great grandfather and when visiting, Searle Next Reunion Cox regularly visits her daughter’s family in September 22, 2006, Walt and Lisa presented that she will be a speaker at the international 405 Santa Fe Road and Lucy hiked the woodland trails. Active Alumnae Weekend, 2010 Switzerland. In June she had a fascinating visit me with my third grandson, Walter Henry photo teachers association (PIEA) in March. Moore, SC, 864-574-0044 in their Episcopal church, Lucy and Richard Representative: to Prague and found the old town especially Stone, IV (Henry). My older grandsons are The conference is held in Las Vegas this year. E-mail: [email protected] are honorary chairmen of the Cathedral Mrs. Donna Culbertson Fritz interesting. A visit to another daughter in Utah Taylor’s sons, Brinkley, 14 and Dylan, 11. See Emily is also on the committee to establish Mrs. Joan Foster McKeown Antique Show. Eleanor LaBorde ’92, daughter 105 Sunline Place involved hiking in the Capital Reef area. Last you April 27 – 28! an ejournal for PIEA. She is the only high 2160 E. Blackstock Road of Shinger Hassell LaBorde was married last Spartanburg, SC 29307, 864-579-3986 May Nina Jameson Jordan and Jim spent 16 school representative on the committee. Her Roebuck, SC 29376, 864-576-6499 fall in Trinity Cathedral in Columbia, SC. The E-mail: [email protected] days in Negril and Runaway Bay, Jamaica. They CLASS OF 1963 subject for presentation deals with creating E-mail: [email protected] bride had six Converse friends as honorary have logged over fifty visits there! In October Next Reunion lesson plans that encourage student creativity. bridesmaids. Betsy Richardson Cathcart saw I hope all of you are well and having a good they spent a week in Cairo and a week cruising Alumnae Weekend, 2008 Boopie Poole Rose gets to Atlanta regularly It’s been a while since our last newsletter Katherine Ryan Stribling, Molly Sheorn year. I haven’t heard from anyone and hope through Upper Egypt. They celebrated 47 years Representatives: to see her two grandchildren. She reports that and that gave all of you more time to send Evans, Mary Elizabeth Belser Arnot, Betty that means no news is good news. Please stay of marriage in September! Betty Lake Orr is Ms. Peggy Rainwater Rhetta Fair Wilson is being a Granny Nanny us some news, but alas… However, a LOT Anne Nelson Richardson, Margaret Dick in touch; it’s a great way for us to know what is in touch with Woody Bradford Clark, who 1228 North Carolina Avenue NE to her grandchildren. More power to you, has been going with your other class rep, Wyman ’57 and Carol Clark Gentry ’56 whose happening with our former classmates. golfs and vacations in Linville, NC. Martha Washington, DC 20002, 202-544-4396 girl. That’s the way to stay young. Speaking Babs! Two serious blockages in her heart daughter is a friend of Eleanor’s. Carol was Brockington Roberts and Ed have moved to a E-mail: [email protected] of which, Emily says she is thinking about had to be surgically corrected. Then she had hostess that weekend to Ellen McLaughlin CLASS OF 1961 retirement community, Bishop Gadsden, near Mrs. Betty “Boopie” Poole Rose retirement. Yes, it’s time to think about that. a hemorrhage behind her left eye causing Rose ’56 from Westport, CT. Still remembering Next Reunion Charleston. 1002 Vance Street Boopie says that she thinks if only she had a significant loss of normal sight for several the festivities, Shinger announced the third Alumnae Weekend, 2011 Raleigh, NC 27608, 919-834-8270 full time job, she would become disciplined weeks. But, thankfully, she is greatly improved daughter’s wedding was “my last hurrah”! And Representatives: CLASS OF 1962 E-mail: [email protected] with her time. Haven’t we all said that, and we and getting back to “normal”! Rep. Joan hit the she does not do computers or dust either. Betsy Mrs. Betsy Blythe Frazer 45th Reunion Mrs. Emily Kerr Stay know it’s not true. If any of you have words of road with husband, Kirk, in October and rode 45TH and John Cathcart attend the art workshop 324 Nottingham Drive Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION 9619 Pekin Road wisdom about retirement from any standpoint, with him in his Schneider rig for five days. yearly at Kanuga where numerous artists teach. Chapel Hill, NC 27517, 919-402-0409 Representative: Novelty, OH 44072, 440-338-8221 we would love to hear them. As for me, I will Most people can’t see me climbing up in a Heartily recommending the workshop, Betsy E-mail: [email protected] Mrs. Dixie Crum Stone E-mail: [email protected] never retire. I tell myself that I am not tired, I tractor to haul a trailer around the country, but used her inspiration for her one-woman show Mrs. Frances Taylor Meissner 9419 Owl Trace Drive am not bored, and I love my work which are I thoroughly enjoyed it – jeans, sweats, and NO last summer in Georgetown, SC. Son, Richard, Post Office Box 274 Chesterfield, VA 23838, 804-748-4755 Thanks to Gelene Duncan Ellsworth for the all true. I do know that I like that income that MAKEUP! Caroline Watts Morris indicated with the Solicitor’s Office, hosted his parents Seaford, VA 23696, 757-898-4277 E-mail: [email protected] newsy letter. She writes that she visited with allows me to travel all over the world. Let us a group of Converse alumnae were happy to for the wedding. In Greenwood, SC are three E-mail: [email protected] Beatty Hooker Doyle ’62 in Charleston, SC last hear from you-Email, snail mail, visits. visit with Joan Chapman Deifell in July when grandchildren—daughter Camilla, a senior Important date, ladies! APRIL 27-28, 2007 year. Beatty loves her real estate work with Dan Peggy she came to Greenville, SC to visit her sisters. vice president at Wachovia, with her family; - THAT IS THE WEEKEND OF OUR 45TH Ravenel’s company. Her carriage house is cozy Joan and husband, Jey, are planning to move and son John, orthopedic surgeon, married REUNION! Be there!! Rannie Sparkman and charming, filled with many family pieces 36 ClassNotes to Black Mountain, NC upon his retirement. since her retirement from City Council. G.G. Chairman of the American Cancer Society, has gift shop specializing in fine foods and gifts. professor of English at the University of Alaska Mrs. Jane Byrd Melton Caroline’s mother, Whilden Floyd Watts, Mackey Green’s daughter, Margaret Young, done mission work in Kenya, and returned to Begun 43 years ago by their mother, they love in Anchorage. Daughter Lindsay dances with 115 Bickerstaff Road attended the South Carolina School for the lives in Spartanburg where her husband, Mike, Kikuyu this fall to do construction work with carrying on the tradition. In her spare time, Ballet New York, receiving wonderful reviews Clemmons, NC 27012, 336-778-1760 Deaf and the Blind (SCSDB). In May Caroline’s is the Wofford College basketball coach. Anne Sam. Son Paul works with their company, and Betty is renovating her home, built in 1854. in the NY Times and The New Yorker. Son E-mail: [email protected] ancestral family, the Marchbanks, celebrated Coffey stays busy in Greensboro, NC helping daughter Betsy is a health care administrator in Poe Hutson Derbish is living in Miami, FL and George is a W & L junior. Husband Ward’s hip Mrs. Mindy Thompson Orman their first Kirkin’ O’ the Marjoribanks tartan, daughter Anne with her twin girls. Tris Gowen Virginia. Margaret Goettee Brooks retired as working at Florida International University. replacement, her mother’s death, and serving 1040 Gateway Lane a Scottish service with bagpipes, Blessing Graybeal and husband Jim continue to take Director of Testing for Atlanta public schools She says she and her husband stay just busy as chairman of The Joel Land House--the Nashville, TN 37220, 615-373-5965 of the Tartan, and a History of the Tartan great trips and keep up with old friends. Tris’ in 2005. Mardee and Joe’s daughter Demaris enough to keep out of trouble. They have three birthplace of Raleigh-- have kept Charlotte E-mail: [email protected] given by Caroline. A memorial offering for goal right now is to get anyone who can to is a ’06 Converse graduate while their son children--Mary Hannah is married, has two close to home. She did get to Virginia Lee Caroline’s mother (a Marchbanks descendant) reunite in Charlotte to surprise Virginia and his wife live in Manhattan. Kitty Oldham master’s degrees and is a teacher in Denver, Smith’s daughter’s wedding in Richmond. Gaye Mills is principal of New Covenant was received to benefit SCSDB and used to Simpson Whedon. Tris reports that Franky Young, as much a shutterbug as ever, lives CO; Jackson does free lance sound work in Winkie Rhea spent 12 weeks in Florida Christian School in Pageland, SC. Daughter purchase whiteboards for the school. Caroline Dunlap McMahan had a hip replacement in in Greenville, SC with husband Skip retired the travel area and has been to Europe several settling her father’s estate. She and Jamshid Bethany also teaches there and is mother of also wants to thank the members of the class of India and she and Bobby have moved from from the US Food Service. Daughter Katharine times on assignment most recently doing Joan live in Manhattan where she works for Toys Gaye’s three grandsons. Son Ben is pursuing ’64 for their support of the college, both moral Key West. Lucy Robertson Aldridge hosted teaches while husband Tripp is a minister in Cusack’s “Italy.” John has a job testing water R Us. Joanna Brannon Jones, English and the PhD in neuropsychology at LSU in Baton and financial. Thanks to your contributions, Brenda Burke McGehee ’64, Nancy “Bird” Jackson, MS. quality. Eleanor Weaver Carter’s daughter, drama teacher, has a new course, Broadcast Rouge, LA. Sherrie Souder Hanks was mother- Converse has a wonderful future. Ellen Arundale Schon, and Missy Williamson Grayson, graduated Iowa State Veterinary Journalism, at Blue Ridge High School in of-the-groom in November as son Henry was Holmes Gramling wins the Baby Watch Anderson in Blowing Rock, NC. CLASS OF 1967 Medicine School and now practices equine Greenville County. Sarah Haley Hixon and married. He is working at CNN in Atlanta, GA. th Award for having had three grandchildren in 40 Reunion 40TH medicine in Charleston, SC. Sister Blalock husband have retired to his family home in In May ’05 she was mother-of-the-bride when seven months. Mary Coker Wieters has five CLASS OF 1966 Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION Lominack and cardiologist husband, Ed of Banks, AL and built a house in the country. daughter Mary Neil was married. Mary Neil is grands, some of which call her Grand Mary. Next Reunion Representatives: Greenville, SC have an empty nest. Their three Anita Parker Zeigler is enjoying her family, two working for SC Governor Mark Sanford. From Judy Brown Christopher and husband, Tom, Alumnae Weekend, 2011 Mrs. Sandra Jones Husted sons are married and two have two boys each. grands, Community Bible study, tap dancing, a large cattle farm in Gordonsville, VA, Sallie enjoyed a visit with Carla (Toni) Hochstein Representatives: 11Vance Street Two live there and the other is in Columbia, turning 60, and taking up golf. Elinor Banks Northrup Myers writes that she sells real Bradford and husband, Dave, in their gorgeous Mrs. Carol Geyer Furtwangler Lexington, NC 27292, 336-248-4934 SC so she has ample grandchildren time. She McLaughlin threw a surprise 60th birthday estate part time, travels and plays golf a lot, Colorado log home in October. They even got 822 Robert E. Lee Blvd. E-mail: [email protected] was planning a mini reunion in February with party for husband Woody complete with son and is grandmother of two little ones, children a dusting of snow! PLEASE SEND NEWS!!! Charleston, SC 29412, 843-795-8314 Mrs. Marsha Sams Thrift several of our grads. Some of you have asked Parker from Oregon and Sewanee friends not of her son Ward. Other son Rab is assistant E-mail: [email protected] 2898 Monticello Drive not to be identified and that is okay, but let’s seen in years. I had a wonderful fall reunion wine maker at the Barboursville Vineyard. CLASS OF 1965 Mrs. Dianne Kennedy McLees Winston-Salem, NC 27106, 336-723-3748 keep in touch. with Adelaide Capers Johnson and recently Her husband is now a consultant for the Joint Next Reunion 275 Gunning Road E-mail: [email protected] retired Alumnae Director Melissa Daves Forces, having been a test pilot and Director Alumnae Weekend, 2010 Tryon, NC 28782, 828-859-6145 CLASS OF 1969 Johnson. Adelaide’s twins Edward and Ginny of Air Warfare in the Pentagon. Sally Hobson Representative: E-mail: [email protected] April 27 – 28, 2007 is quickly approaching and Next Reunion and spouses have returned to the Carolinas. Wimberly of Anderson, SC is a school media Mrs. Susu Phifer Johnson we hope to see all of you Reunion Weekend Alumnae Weekend, 2009 Melissa loves retirement but misses Converse. specialist, recently retired from Westside High 1022 Glendalyn Circle While some of this info will soon be a year 2007! Our class details have been mailed as Representatives: Sam and I are loving grandparenthood trekking School in Anderson School District Five. The Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-582-4536 old, as it was gathered last spring for our 40th well as the Reunion Weekend brochure with Mrs. Linda Russell Cranford from Asheboro to Charleston often to see the daughter of Lou Haslett Evans was married E-mail: [email protected] reunion (I still don’t believe it, either, and I registration form and other information. 413 Lexington Road cutest grandson ever and his family. in Charleston, SC last fall with a number of was there), I trust it is accurate and will If you have questions, please let us know. Asheboro, NC 27205, 336-629-2040 Converse friends and relatives present—Fran Greetings and thanks to Kathy Cohen Willard inspire YOU to contact great friends, bare You may also want to look at the Converse E-mail: [email protected] CLASS OF 1970 Keith Reeves, Mary Martin Witt, Virginia for assistance with this column. I also had nice acquaintances, and moi. Your news cannot web site, www.converse.edu, which has Mrs. Elinor Banks McLaughlin Next Reunion McLendon, Bobbie Daniel, Ann Owens ’70, notes from Sabra McDaniel Moseley and be published if you don’t send it -- and we reunion information as well, including online 3402 Bowling Avenue Alumnae Weekend, 2010 Susan Shaw Hufham ’70, Patty Booker Hiott Carolyn Church Harbison. Kathy and Ben’s want to know everything. Blessings upon us registration! See you soon! Nashville, TN 37215, 615-383-6362 Representatives: ’70, Margaret Johnson McIntosh ’69, Marion daughter, Isabel, had a daughter in May and all, with special love to our Dr. Steve’s son, E-mail: [email protected] Miss Janice “Smack” Mack McNair Coleman ’87, Lou’s sister Martha named her Carter in honor of Isabel’s sister, John and family. Reunion ‘06 included Anne CLASS OF 1968 Mrs. Harriet Dobbins Martin 6 Indigo Cove Haslett Ladd ’78, Lou’s mother Frances Davis Carter Willard Smith ’88. Kathy has taken Douglas Hart who is ‘at last’ a grandmother. Next Reunion 151 Marshall Bridge Drive Greensboro, NC 27455, 336-282-0520 Haslett ’41, Lou’s aunt Lucy Davis Coleman up golf and often plays with Ann Trammell Son Daniel and wife Sarah welcomed Anne Alumnae Weekend, 2008 Greenville, SC 29605, 864-271-3061 E-mail: [email protected] ’48 and Lou’s husband’s cousin Ginny Howard Holmes, who somehow between all of her Mason Hart March 11, 2006. Daughter Anne Representative: E-mail: [email protected] Mrs. Lynnie Hicks Mitchell McGahey ’37—and provided much fun! Son children and grandchildren, manages to find Fair works for the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Mrs. Barbara Baker Kennedy 1004 Mulberry Road Barry and his wife Maggie are also living time to play. Ann enjoyed having Ginger while another son escaped New Orleans for 4400 Dewees Court Sallie Ricks, recently retired from NC State Martinsville, VA 24112, 276-632-4232 in Charleston and are parents to Lou’s first McKinney Jernigan stay with her when Myrtle Beach. In February, Anne and husband Raleigh, NC 27612, 919-782-9459 University, enjoys jewelry making, pottery, E-mail: [email protected] grandson, Davis. Anne Walker Swensen is Ginger was in Spartanburg for the Alumnae Bob went on a grand trip to Egypt. Francie E-mail: [email protected] and her two bee hives. She harvested her first a realtor with Cleveland-White Realtors in Board fall meeting. Anna Dean Johnson and Balling Little arranged our class dindin at honey--the best she had ever tasted. Nancy We know you are used to seeing a long column Spartanburg, SC, having returned to the area husband Yates traveled to Evergreen, CO for The Piedmont Club, where we were infinitely Carol (KK) Kennedy Johnston had just Fowler Willis’ daughter Sallie, magna cum in the first alumnae magazine of the calendar in 1979. Husband Frederick has recently the wedding of their son, John, in October. better behaved than at some past memorable returned from their ranch in Argentina when laude graduate of East Carolina University, is year with news sent to us in Christmas cards. retired as a plastic surgeon and sons Christian Now three of their five children are married and occasions. Two of her sons live in Spartanburg I spoke with her. They have cattle and her in graduate school at George Mason University. That column will now appear in the second and Bryan are in business in the Spartanburg- their most recent grandchild is named Yates. and work with Little Construction, while one husband, two sons and son-in-law hunt red They celebrated with a two week trip to issue of the magazine in 2007 due to changes Greenville area. Anna has a very successful catering business son, Linny, is in Chicago. She has a grandchild, stag and partridges. They go down about twice Greece. Mary Rainey Belser has “the most in deadlines occurring before we got your and did a wonderful job with our class dinner Gene. Barbara Nelson Yergens is delighted a year, but the boys go much more frequently adorable grandchild ever,” son of Duncan holiday cards. On the bright side, you have CLASS OF 1972 th in the spring of ’05. Blanche Willard Quinn to be back in the Lowcountry (Beaufort, SC) to hunt. She has five grandchildren. Her and Jessica Belser in Baltimore, MD. Ginny time to get us some news about yourself so we 35 Reunion 35TH and Charlene Seigler Wells are in Columbia, with real estate husband Bill, running her own daughter lives just down the street so she Craver Good writes her “bionic hip” qualified can include it in our big column in the next Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION SC and share a love of painting. Charlene has design company (ASID member). Millie Gold is able to see them frequently. She keeps in her for Social Security disability. Joe is still issue. We hope all is well with each of you. Representatives: a gallery with other artists, which I was able to Moore, widowed in 2000, moved to Vero touch with Barbara Hamby Swift and Suzie general counsel at MUSC, daughter Katharine Mrs. Sissy DeWitt Carroll visit in the fall. Patty Womack Roberts loves Beach, FL, four years ago, and volunteers even McMillan Johnson ’67 among others. Betty is teaching in Idaho. Son Joe graduated from CLASS OF 1971 135 North Ervin Street being back in Camden, SC with her husband more since her retirement, travels, golfs and Flippin Brown is living in Massies Mill, law school in Michigan and interned for Judge Next Reunion Darlington, SC 29532, 843-393-8197 who has retired. Lib Burnett Fleming’s summers in Vermont. Daughter Kate lives in VA, between Lynchburg and Charlottesville. Paul Short in South Carolina. A broken arm Alumnae Weekend, 2011 E-mail: [email protected] daughter, Betsy, continues to lead Converse Denver, CO with three children under five. She has two children, Tommy, construction and wrist kept Ginny from the May wedding of Representatives: vigorously, effectively, and gracefully. Lib is Ann Loving Hunter and husband Sam spent company owner, and Florence, who lives in Julia Seabrook Moore’s daughter. Charlotte serving on the SC Public Service Commission the past year traveling. Ann was the State St. Croix. Betty, along with her sister, runs a Smith Purrington’s daughter Gina is adjunct 38 ClassNotes Can you believe it, ladies? Reunion #35 is just Sally Bates McWilliams shared news CLASS OF 1976 town Manhattan. Daughter Katherine is at entertains herself driving the tractor! Rebecca every night”. Superwoman! Martha Beach around the corner! Where has the time gone? following lunch with Debby McKewen Next Reunion Oldfields School in Maryland while Frances Poston Bomar of Spartanburg, SC, reports Howard’s children Kathryn (13) and Trey (12) Class specific details as well as information Ferguson, Nancy Hicks Irwin, and Janie Alumnae Weekend, 2011 just graduated from USC. Judy Rhodes writes son, Grier (16), spent his summer summitting are both in middle school and stay busy with concerning the entire weekend have been Timmons Levinson. Nancy’s son, Neal is Representatives: from Arden, NC that she has a lot going on, the Grand Tetons with the Moon Dance their sports. Martha was in Italy this fall the mailed. I hope we will have a great turn-out. pursuing a MBA and a master’s degree in Mrs. Rachel Jackson Gandy having completed her second CD entitled Adventures Group. Oldest daughter, Paige, same time as Margaret Craig Schafer, but I Please let me know if you have questions or journalism at Columbia University. Daughter 561 Old Field Road “Celtic, Hillbilly Soul.” She leads a children’s a Pre-Med senior at Davidson, spent the fall do not think their paths crossed. Ceil Stewart you can call the Alumnae Office. The reunion Ellerbe works in Washington with Teach Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, 843-651-3649 choir, teaches piano and is back in school. of her junior year studying at the University Bone is teaching art to 1st through 7th graders information as well as online registration can America. Nancy and Ellerbe traveled to Italy E-mail: [email protected] Donna Kaiser Croft is finally an empty-nester. of Sussex near London. Younger daughter, at Brookstone Academy in Columbus, GA. She be accessed through the Converse web site, last spring to visit daughter Molly who was Mrs. Christi von Lehe Sellars Riley graduated from Clemson at the same time Mamie, is a sophomore at Davidson, majoring has a freshman in college and a sophomore in www.converse.edu. Looking forward to seeing studying there. Debby and Sally both served Post Office Box 132 Michael left Bishop England for the Citadel. in Economics. Ellerbe Page Halligan of high school and just celebrated 24 years of you! as mother-of-the-groom this summer. Another Pauline, SC 29374 They did manage one last family vacation on Spartanburg, SC has two at Wofford. Son marriage to husband Bo. Kim Terry Carver of Sally’s sons, Phillips, was commissioned E-mail: [email protected] the Mayan Riviera. Donna is still teaching and Will is a Pre-Med senior and daughter Nancy and husband have moved to Alabama; Kim CLASS OF 1973 a 2LT in the Army. Sara Ellis Lehner is an learning the ropes of being a “knob mom.” is a freshman. Mary Collins (14) is still in is the Postmaster in Childersburg. Husband Next Reunion active community volunteer and trustee of Rachel Jackson Gandy and I (Christi von Rhondy Valdes Huff, Mary Jane Simmons the nest. Rebecca and Ellerbe joined me and Tom was transferred with the FBI and is the Alumnae Weekend, 2008 Spartanburg Day School where son Ellis Lehe Sellars) are going to make a concerted Candler, Josie Rudolph Stokes, Marguerite Jeanne Jackson Mize of Green Creek, NC, Supervisory Special Agent over white collar Representative: attends. Jan Benkwith Cohn has directed effort to gather class news. We’re all so busy in Callahan and I had a wonderful mini-reunion for breakfast last fall at Jeanne’s house. Jeanne crime in the Birmingham area. Her daughter Mrs. Emily Jones Rushing the Junior Cotillion in Columbia, SC for our own lives that it’s hard to stay in touch, but in Charleston and Kiawah in August. We and I were celebrating our 50th birthdays (!) is at Clemson and her son is in Charleston 1613 Woodridge Place 14 years. Festivities surrounding her son this column will be one way we can. I visited saw the gorgeous addition to Rhondy’s home and the end of my breast cancer treatment by with the Navy Nuclear Program. Mona Burris Birmingham, AL 35216, 205-823-3447 Harris’ wedding in Seattle, WA brought with Rachel at Wofford Homecoming. John and and spent three days laughing and eating too spending the day at the Grove Park Inn Spa Dukes reported from Johnsonville, SC, where E-mail: [email protected] together Converse friends Carol Redding Rachel’s son, Wilson, is a senior this year. She much. I recommend it and hope it got us in in Asheville, NC--a wonderful day as ladies her husband was recently re-elected mayor. I DuBose, Eleanor Clements Kohn, Elizabeth also became a grandmother. John Campbell shape for April. With your help, the next Class of leisure, walking around in a robe! Jeanne’s am sure Mona makes a great first lady. She has Esther Sharp Hearn visited with Mary Alice Crenshaw Crum, Cindy Robertson Hall V was born August 5th. Blake and Lee Notes will have much more information about youngest son, Wes, is a valuable member of two grown sons who are both in Charleston, Brading Wallace last fall at Litchfield. Alice Lavender, Louise Segars Smith and A. B. Taylor Boyd were at Homecoming as well. Lee many of our classmates. Please plan to come the Polk County High School soccer team, SC. I spent much of last summer painting was spending time with her sister Barbara at Pearce Stewart ’75. Jan’s daughter, Britton, is and Lisa Taylor Towell were planning their “home” to Converse on April 27-28. There’s a 1st runner-up in the NC state championship! the fence and deck at my house. My sister Litchfield Beach, while Esther was at Pawleys in software sales in Durham, NC. Eleanor is a children’s wedding (they married each other in whole new building since our 25th, as well as In October, I was honored when a group of Karen ’83 employed me as the nanny for her Island for her birthday week. Anne Osborne granny, thanks to daughter, Ansel. Son Richard December). They’re certainly keeping it in the a new president to meet and friends to catch classmates joined me in the First Lady’s Walk two children for a few weeks before the little Long also came by for a visit, but had to is in the insurance business in Birmingham, family! Janny Rawls DeLoache had a busy up with. If you aren’t here, you know we’ll for the Cure in Columbia, SC, including darlings went to camp. It was great fun getting hurry back to Sullivan’s Island to defend her AL. Elizabeth has daughters in the 6th grade fall with her children’s sports activities. Her talk about you; come defend yourselves. And Nancy Boatwright Holt, Mackey Dana to spend that much time with them. A portion golf championship at the Country Club of and medical school. One of Carol’s sons is a 11th grade son is a cross country runner and please send a check in to the Annual Fund’s Dunbar, Kathy McCuen Huntley, Jean of my summer travels took me to Charlotte, Charleston. Esther also spent time with Mary USC law student and the other attends SMU. her 9th grade daughter is a soccer player. Beth “It’s A Class Act;” let’s get our participation way Arthur Hungerpiller, Jeanne Jackson Mize, NC where Sherrerd Hartness Patterson, Liz Martin Witt ’71, her hall counselor in Dexter Jane Galloway Hendrix works with the Keels Ledbetter is incredibly busy with her on up there! See you in April!! with Katherine Shurley Hargett and Beth Hughes, Linda Cullen Kincheloe and I met freshman year, who recently renovated her Partnership of Kindermusik Educators. Son family. Her son, John David, has a son, Ian (4). Ardrey Simpson joining us for the luncheon at Linda’s new home, had a great lunch, and parents’ beach cottage. Esther also visited Travis graduated from Oglethorpe University. Her oldest son, Jay, recently married and she CLASS OF 1978 following the walk at Nancy’s house. It was chatted about our days at Converse. I also her sister Elise ’76 and family at their home Debbie Henry Lucas is manager of the Habitat still has a 9th grader and a 7th grader at home. Next Reunion a great day, a great time, and a great way to talked with Rebecca Clay in Greenville, SC on the Waccamaw River. It certainly sounds for Humanity Home Store in Mt. Pleasant, SC May Dowling Peach is no longer teaching, Alumnae Weekend, 2008 celebrate having just completed 10 months of where she stays very busy with her design like Converse is alive and well in the Pawleys and the leader of her church’s praise band. but is now an educational consultant with The Representative: treatment the day before. Many thanks to all work. Island area. Esther herself is still in Baltimore, Lead singer is her daughter, Jane, a College of Price Group in Columbia, SC. Her oldest son, Mrs. Kay Ferguson Theis for the prayers, cards, calls, etc. this past year, MD where she lives with husband Tom and Charleston student. Daughter, Martha, teaches Doug, is a student at Appalachian State and 4301 Arcady Avenue and a reminder to have regular checkups and CLASS OF 1981 son Tommy, 12, who is in the 6th grade. elementary school. Janet Andrews and Libba her youngest son, Daniel, is a May high school Dallas, TX 75205, 214-526-7979 mammograms! “Early Detection is the Best Next Reunion Hugh and I enjoyed a trip to Greece in late Elmore Rhoad returned to France 34 years graduate. I am still teaching music at Wofford E-mail: [email protected] Protection” is not just a catchy phrase, it’s the Alumnae Weekend, 2011 June 2006, revisiting some of the sites that I after their Junior Year Abroad, visiting old and loving it! My daughter, Katie, is a nurse difference between life and death. Love-Ceya Representatives: first experienced during a January Term trip friends and neighborhoods. Converse friends at MUSC and my son, Patrick, is a student at CLASS OF 1979 Mrs. Lanie Folline Epting in 1973. Could that really have been so long attending the wedding of Brooke Milner Wofford. I don’t like the empty nest, though, Next Reunion CLASS OF 1980 146 River Birch Lane ago?! Please share your news, by E-mail or Cornwall’s daughter Allison included Que so I am in the process of pursuing my DMA (in Alumnae Weekend, 2009 Next Reunion Columbia, SC 29206, 803-787-5359 snail mail, whenever you can. We want to hear Ochsner Smith, Melissa Bryant, Joy Joyner my free time). We’ll look forward to hearing Representatives: Alumnae Weekend, 2010 E-mail: [email protected] from you! Poe, Louise Malloy Bonner and Peggy from you, even if it’s one or two lines. Mrs. Lelia Freeman Byars Representatives: Mrs. Martha Bell Smith Jones ’76. Chris King Goff is now Senior 4527 Landgrave Road Mrs. Laura Correll Lowder 124 Hampton Crest Trail CLASS OF 1974 Vice President, Information Technology for CLASS OF 1977 Columbia, SC 29206, 803-787-2039 458 S. Fairview Avenue Columbia, SC 29209, 803-783-6684 th Next Reunion Connextions in Orlando, FL. Grazier Connors 30 Reunion 30TH E-mail: [email protected] Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-583-4852 E-mail: [email protected] Alumnae Weekend, 2009 Rhea’s son Copeland is working for Johnson Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION Mrs. Cecilia Lowry Stevenson E-mail: [email protected] Representatives: Development in Spartanburg, SC. Minetry Representatives: 123 Union Street Mrs. Margaret Craig Schafer Carol Campbell Upchurch, Sam, and Dr. Debbie Moore Haydon Apperson’s dedication to animal welfare was Mrs. Chris Wood Lynn Camden, SC 29020, 803-432-1889 260 Danbury Lane Caroline toured Europe with daughter 2600 Portrush Drive, Apt. 3 featured in a recent article. She owns a realty 244 Arbors Commons Court E-mail: [email protected] Atlanta, GA 30327, 404-705-8562 Elizabeth who was studying abroad, while Spartanburg, SC 29301 business in Memphis, TN. Spartanburg, SC 29307, 864-529-0882 E-mail: [email protected] Sam (14) chose camp. Carol told Sam she E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Lea Stallworth Moore of Mt. Pleasant, SC was so “in love” in college that she didn’t go, Mrs. Peggy McKewen Kyzer CLASS OF 1975 Mrs. Robbie Dana Reading reports son, Jimmy, graduated from Texas Greetings from Spartanburg, SC—home of so he must pay now! Amy Warren Beaty, 52 Cross Creek Drive West Next Reunion 38 Huntwick Court A&M in Marine Transportation. He works for Converse College where it all began. Meredith Lisa Johnson Bentley, Cornelia Christian Birmingham, AL 35213, 205-879-2499 Alumnae Weekend, 2010 Columbia, SC 29206, 803-782-2659 Military SeaLift Command as 3rd officer on an Martin Gardner reports from Jacksonville, Varanian, Sally Jeter Hammond and E-mail: [email protected] Representative: E-mail: [email protected] ammunition ship contracted by the Navy in FL, that she and hubby Bobby are now Marianna MacIntyre Taylor invaded Carol’s Mrs. Libba Elmore Rhoad Mrs. Libby Knight Fowler San Diego, CA. He loves his job even if it isn’t empty nesters. She has traveled to London home in Chattanooga, TN. It was a Moon Pie 308 Laurel Drive 124 McDaniel Greene Robbie and I plan to see each of you here in South Carolina! Lea’s house is an empty nest and Scotland with her twin sister Mayer this convention as they toured the plant and left Lexington, SC 29072, 803-957-5809 Greenville, SC 29601, 864-271-8853 April 27 – 28 for our 30th reunion! Can you now. Daughter, Kingslea, is a USC freshman. fall. Sissy Swann Ivey stays busy “hauling with t-shirts and moon pies! Marianna has son E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] believe it; who would have thought the years When Lea and husband, Jim, aren’t fishing off three kids to three different schools, teaching Benjamin at Wofford (freshman), daughter could pass so quickly? Mary Pearce Wilson the SC shores, Jim is stalking the wild game on hearing impaired, waiting hand and foot on Marianna (senior researching art schools), and writes that she and Beau have moved to mid- their property near Kingstree, SC, while Lea Buddy, and preparing seven course meals 40 ClassNotes Mary Helen Richbourg Earle ’85 Mrs. Tami Jones Jacques advanced training at Camp LeJeune. Middle also Miss Gaston County and will be in the together. Mimi Smith Yeager and husband, 306 Huntcliff Drive son, Stephen, a freshman at USC, is president Miss North Carolina pageant in June. Tina Terry, live in Kennesaw, GA with their three Each year, Converse’s Alumnae Office sponsors travel opportunities to popular destinations Taylors, SC 29687, 864-292-6860 of his Kappa Sigma fraternity pledge class. Hardison Hammond and Barry have moved children all now in school: Grace-middle throughout the world. In 2006, Mary Helen Richbourg Earle ’85 took advantage of a two-week E-mail: [email protected] She saw Joan Brewer LaBruce at a parent’s to Evans, GA. Tina teaches 1st grade and Barry school, John-3rd grade, Belle-1st grade. venture to Greece. cocktail party at the fraternity house--Joan’s teaches in the Dental School at the Medical Mimi stays quite busy as “Class Mom” and is Hollye Lannom Moss is in her fifth year son is also a pledge. Teri’s youngest child, College of Georgia. Daughter, Amanda, is a involved with her church and other service “I had seen the trip advertised in the Bulletin,” she said. “Of the thirty or so folks who went, I knew at Western Carolina University where she Catherine Hood (9) is thriving in 3rd grade. 7th grader. Denee Walsh Gribbins’ daughter organizations. Janice Morrison Wilkins only my traveling companion, who was my mother. However, I immediately bonded with the teaches Business Statistics, Quantative This might have been a first – Elizabeth Caroline was in the Louisville Ballet’s Nutcracker was hesitant to send news since she did not other alumnae thanks to our Converse connection. Methods, and Operations Management. She “Bizzy” Jones Wimberley’s husband, Lee, this year and daughter Elizabeth placed third graduate with us. But she was a Pink Panther received Western Carolina University’s College wrote in for her. After 20 years of marriage, chair cello in the All Country Middle School freshman with us therefore we welcome her “This was not my first trip abroad, but I can say that it is my favorite. Along with the beautiful of Business Professor of Excellence Award for they live in Jacksonville, FL with their three Orchestra. Joan Dailey Towles is involved news and encourage her to be an active part scenery and all the history we learned, I had a group of instant friends along with me. We visited 2006. Nominated by students, the recipient is beautiful, bright, funny daughters, one dog, with the National Book Festival, Junior League of our communication network. Stephanie Thessaloniki, Delphi and Athens before departing onboard a cruise ship for some of the islands. The chosen by a committee of faculty and students. two cats, one beta fish and a lot of Bizzy’s of Washington, Greater Washington Suzuki Gibbs Freel had good reason for missing the ship docked in Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and even briefly in Turkey. Riding the donkeys Kathryn Benson O’Connor, Ellen McKay family. They have seen a few other Converse Association, The World Suzuki Association, April ‘06 reunion. Her daughter was born the up the hillside in Santorini was quite an Lowery, Claire Kountz Shapack, Elizabeth grads – Pam McMillan Bunes ’85, CEO of a The Violin Society of America, on the adjunct weekend before reunion! Stephanie works experience. Seeing the Parthenon from Foushee Cunningham, Liz Lane Portwood bio/information tech company; Lee’s sister, faculty at The Landon School and participated with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the rooftop of our hotel in Athens could and Karen Correll Edwards met in Hilton Ann Wimberley-Dolan lives in Charleston, in SSA coursework at The Catholic University 19 years to be exact. Lisa Rutledge Todd only be described as incredible.” Head in September for their annual gathering. SC and the owner of two art galleries, and of America. Son, Parker, planned to celebrate and husband, Danny, live in Florida with Claire’s daughter Addie is a freshman at UNC- Sue Ramsay Limehouse who also lives in his 5th birthday with a big party at the National their children Allison (15) and Austin (12). The trip itinerary was organized and Chapel Hill. Kathryn’s two children Stuart Charleston. Allison Owens wrote that she is Zoo. LeAnne Rowland sent a cute picture of Lisa enjoys being at home while Danny flies led by a group that included a native of (13) and Page (10) keep her very busy. She now the Media Specialist at Anderson’s new her great niece, Rebecca Morgan Thompson, for FedEx. Anne Carley Blay is living in Thessaloniki, Greece. “I appreciated the also wrote that Robyn Beach Schmieding’s school for the arts with K-5th grade classes in wearing a Converse College Dream Team Gainesville, FL with husband John and son, advantage of traveling with a group in sister Holly ’82 recently moved into her piano, violin, dance, art and theater. She is sleeper, compliments of Auntie LeAnne! Cooper (5). She works for McKesson as an that I benefited from the knowledge of a neighborhood. Robyn lives in Summerville, thrilled to be a part of a school which focuses Kelley Maloney Liggitt wrote that daughter, integration analyst (small world–I worked for seasoned traveler who is familiar with the SC with husband, Dana and two girls, Aurie on the arts vs. test scores. Husband, Rick stays Kate, was again the top fundraiser for the them for over 13 years, Anne) and dreams terrain,” said Mary Helen. “They handled Engel (10) and Ali Clynes (12). Emily Gilges busy training for triathlons; son, Causey (12) Down’s syndrome Buddy Walk with $8,000! of having time to read, travel, and garden. everything—including our meals—with Watson and her two children are in Tampa, tries to keep up with dad and plays travel team Vandy Major McFaddin and Tem have moved Anne shared news of another classmate: Beth skill and flair. They made sure that we FL. Son Walker (17), is looking at colleges baseball. Palmer Davison Ball updates us with into their new house. She is having some Lysinger LeMay moved from Chicago, IL to experienced Greek culture with lots of and prepping for Lacrosse; Meggie (14) is Spartanburg news. She wrote that Margaret withdrawal from being close to a grocery store San Francisco, CA with her husband and two history thrown in. The people of Greece a freshman and has joined the Crew team, McElroy Goatley and family stopped by on now that she is a “country girl.” She sent news daughters, Cece (14) and Ashley (12) this past were very warm and enhanced our trip recently getting a medal in her first regatta. their way to the beach. She and husband, that Amy Kimbro Thomas is back in her newly summer. All ’86 classmates, please make sure (Left to right) Judy Bynum, Mary Helen Earle, Ann Richbourg and Dr. immensely. And the food!” Elizabeth McDonald Dunn wrote that she’s Greg, have twin 16 year old girls and a 13 year renovated house, a long ordeal. Treva Thomas we have your correct email address so we can Brant Bynum, Associate Dean of Arts and Science quite busy these days with her family and old – all prospective Converse students! The Hamlin, a 6th grade language arts teacher at include you in our e-letter: Panther Pause ’86. volunteer work. Jane Reynolds Hall’s oldest Spartanburg magazine featured the Backyard Fort Mill Middle School, was selected Teacher is a freshman at Auburn. Hall Haynsworth Bash to celebrate the inauguration of Betsy of the Year for the Fort Mill School District CLASS OF 1987 8th grader Charlotte. Marianna also made a ten sports. Sid and Martha enjoyed seeing Leslie Bickmann, Frances Knight Taylor, Kappy Fleming and one of the pictures included last fall. Another note of interest, Marlboro 20th Reunion 20TH state scout trip! Their troop raised money for Townsend Cottrell in Atlanta. Martha’s sons, Derrick Cannon and Lou Pittman Lindsey Meg Macdonald Fant’s daughter Claiborne, Academy in Bennettsville, SC named their new Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION General Westmoreland’s tombstone at West Roddey (17) and Lawson (14), are busy with danced and visited at the Brandy’s reunion a Converse junior. Remember you can write high school building Pence Hall in memory of Representative: Point and they saw his grave! Linda Frierson theatre, band, orchestra and college visits. in September. Lou, Cheryl Kirby Walter, Jody and me throughout the year to keep Elizabeth Pence. Mrs. Martha Lynn Mercer Gaskins Perrow scrambles with teenagers Charlotte Randy and I are busy with Elaine (13), who is Meg Floyd Schwartz and Sarah Jennings us updated, not just when we send out an 213 S. Farr Avenue and John, who follows in Drake’s footsteps excited about playing varsity basketball, and Johnstone and I were recently together in emergency E-mail saying notes are due soon! CLASS OF 1986 Andrews, SC 29510, 843-264-5388 and loves farming cotton. Cindy Rush Blaire (9), who enjoys tennis. E-mail us! Columbia, SC. We shopped, reminisced, Next Reunion E-mail: [email protected] Magrath has no children at home. George shared stories of our kids, and even a few CLASS OF 1985 Alumnae Weekend, 2011 started medical school, Ashley is a college CLASS OF 1982 recipes like Cooter stew, a lowcountry favorite. Next Reunion Representatives: Our class reunion, April 27-28th! It’s hard to junior, and Richard is at Furman, where next 25th Reunion I think I’ll stick with the oyster stew. Take care Alumnae Weekend, 2010 Ms. Kristy Gillmann believe 20 years have passed! I saw Donna 25TH spring he pitches for the Paladins. Martha Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION and stay in touch! Representatives: 2325 Hurst Drive NE Mason Burnside last summer on a Disney saw Judi Dickey Kountz and Paul, who are Representative: Mrs. Vandy Major McFaddin Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-281-2571 cruise—we were on the same floor, but didn’t carefree with children at Boston College and Ms. Kelly Posey CLASS OF 1984 201 Clamp Road E-mail: [email protected] see each other until the last day of the cruise. Wofford. Martha also found Terry Alexander, 116 Timber Ridge Court Next Reunion Blythewood, SC 29016, 803-333-8956 Mrs. Betsy Mamoulides Hockaday Donna, Lynn Dye Smith, Elizabeth Smoak who resides in Baltimore, MD and didn’t know Woodstock, GA 30188, 404-281-0399 Alumnae Weekend, 2009 E-mail: [email protected] 103 Tenbury Wells Drive Groce, Cindy Kuhlke Cannon, Sarah she was lost! Canella Gerald Dillard teaches E-mail: [email protected] Representatives: Mrs. Krisila Newman Foster Cary, NC 27511, 919-387-0177 Lanford Harrelson, and Laura Chappell kindergarten and has freshman daughter Ms. Jody Cole 225 Mountain Range Road E-mail: [email protected] Bauknight met in Atlanta, GA for an Earth, Aubrey at USC. Jane Rhinehart Crosby and Have you marked April 27 – 28 on your 308 Jones Street Boiling Springs, SC 29316, 864-814-4476 Wind, and Fire concert. Clarkson Parrent Jimmy have Retta (Sewanee) and Emily, a calendar? If not, please do so as that is the Ukiah, CA 95482, 707-468-5811 E-mail: [email protected] Cheryl Litton Barber enjoyed a trip to Italy Bowling met the group for a pre-concert dinner. senior in honors courses. Look for Kim Waugh weekend of our 25th reunion and a great time E-mail: [email protected] last spring to spend some time on the movie Rebekah Jennings Murphy, also in Atlanta, Gravelee teaching preschool in Spartanburg, awaits all of us. You should have received your Ms. Mary H. Witherspoon Jeanne O’Neall Robinson’s two sons, a high set for the December 1st release of “The occasionally sees Julie Norville and her two where her bumper sticker says: “Preschool detailed information. It is also available on the 3272 Oakridge Drive school senior and freshman, are looking at Nativity Story”. Cheryl met cast members and children. Rebekah, husband Joe, and daughter teachers bring home the bacon bits.” Beverly Converse web site, www.converse.edu. Let Graham, NC 27253, 336-578-4429 colleges. Jeanne advises us to start looking even filmed segments for an upcoming special Kathryn visited NYC to celebrate Kathryn’s 9th Burns operates an acupuncture clinic near San the Alumnae Office (1-800-584-9098) or me E-mail: [email protected] for baby pictures NOW for the high school “Nativity” episode of goodnewsdon&cheryl. birthday and their 15th anniversary. Rebekah Francisco. Debbie Richardson Barrett lives know if you have questions. yearbook! She talked with Nan Tetterton Sarah Griffith Younginerwrites that after not hosted a group of her mom’s (Jane Marie with her family in Washington and still came Greetings all you middle-aged Pink Panthers! Babcock who is doing well living in Chapel working for 13 years outside the home, she is Hancock Jennings ’55) friends for some holiday to our Reunion. Susan McCormac Bennett CLASS OF 1983 Teri Temple Kirkland has good reason to be Hill, NC with husband, Brooks, and three now running a horse farm she and husband shopping including Mary Oeland Alexander and Nancy Horne Vetter have daughters at Next Reunion proud of her family. Oldest son, Jay, graduated children. Donna McKinney Southgate’s John purchased. She enjoys looking after the ’56 and Ann West (mother of Caroline West Converse. Gay Parks Dilz lives in Decatur, GA Alumnae Weekend, 2008 2nd in his class of 700 from the Citadel, and daughter, Nicole, will graduate from UNC in 24 horses as well as her son (15) and daughter McDowell ‘89). Rebekah, Sherrie Moss Board and says she has no life outside of children’s Representative: just finished #1 (called The Honor Man) in his May with a master’s in Social Work. Nicole is (14) and the family enjoys working and riding 42 ClassNotes and their families vacationed in Litchfield Carla McAlhany Oliver has returned to the children. Mary Galen Robinson Ratchford, Mrs. Dianne Prince Swann Happy Long Chandler, Catharine Williams Thanks Elizabeth for sending this! Please send over Thanksgiving, meeting for dinner while United States, at least for now. Kim Davis a stay at home mom in Georgia, ran into 711 Lake Drive Frerichs, Caroline Rieger James, Cami updates! there. Teresa Gagnon Maino is teaching at Buchanan and her family have returned to Elisabeth Kinney McNiel at the Clemson- Snellville, GA 30039, 770-929-0077 Burton Hutchinson, Daisy Bouknight Miller, a Catholic school outside of Richmond, VA. Columbia, SC now that Furman has completed Boston College football game in Boston. E-mail: [email protected] Paige Pooser Merrill, Elizabeth Pressley CLASS OF 1994 She visited with Molly Levy Campbell and seminary. Alice Fuller Littlejohn is a librarian O’Connell, Mary Frances Moses Morton, Next Reunion Elizabeth Taylor Glenn ’88 on her last visit to at the elementary school that her daughter will CLASS OF 1990 Catherine Warlick Charles is the elementary Anna Wimberly Pierce, Brandon Davidson Alumnae Weekend, 2009 SC. Karen Wacker Sanders has a new house attend next year. Jill Jenkins Wright keeps Next Reunion headmaster at a private school in Hartsville, Shives, Alison Evans Smith, and Allison Representatives: in Spartanburg, and spent her fall packing and busy with her work at the IRS and her boys’ Alumnae Weekend, 2010 SC. Debbie Moise began a new job at First Fox Sterling. Catherine Taylor Marstellar Mrs. Kaysi Hasden Dixon painting. She often sees Frances Lambert baseball games. She stays in touch with Missy Representatives: Citizens Bank in Columbia, SC last summer. talks to Leslie Morton Harmon and Tway 139 Warrenton Way Pack, who has a new home in Inman. Hughes Parkison, who is teaching political Mrs. Sheri Starnes Balcerzak In the fall, Beverly Moore Sessoms started Autrey Carter often and says both are doing Simpsonville, SC 29681, 864-297-3061 Elizabeth Shelton Roddy and family are now science classes as an adjunct at the University 717 Fairway Lakes Road a new job as well in Columbia at Sandhills well. Because Leslie felt it saved her daughter E-mail: [email protected] living in Mozambique, Africa, which Elizabeth of Southern Indiana in Evansville. Please Greenwood, SC 29649, 864-229-7405 School, a private school for dyslexic children. Emily Grace’s life, she, with a friend, was Mrs. Becky Parker Guynn says is quite an adventure. If any of you are continue to keep Elizabeth Cauthen McLean E-mail: [email protected] The daughters of Dorsey Daugette Delong, inspired to write a book about the ketogenic 104-D St. Clair Circle planning an African safari, please let her and her family in your thoughts and prayers Mrs. Katherine McKoy Hembree Maria Macaulay Sellers and Elizabeth diet for epilepsy. Cokie Hernandez-Velez is Yorktown, VA 23693, 757-897-8950 know! Peggy Hair Alford and Wallis Crum as Elizabeth awaits a double lung transplant. 3724 Crestview Drive Wagstaff Middleton spent last summer finalizing her certification to teach art, and E-mail: [email protected] Bond spent fall weekends tailgating at USC You can keep track of Elizabeth’s condition a Smyrna, GA 30082, 770-805-9876 together at camp. When taking the girls to also teaching ESOL classes part-time. During a Ms. Alison Murphy games with Sarah Shealy Smith ’86. Christy www.caringbridge.org/nc/elizabethmclean. E-mail: [email protected] camp, they were able to visit with Brevardians, summer visit, Cokie had lunch with Gretchen 342 Arnold Avenue Davis Stoner’s daughter, Cassidy is seriously Please keep in touch! Ms. Lesa Underwood Jenny Howard and Charlotte Page, who are Bishop and Vicki Jones Bishop. Suzette Marietta, GA 30066, 770-424-4126 pursuing her love of dance. She performed the 1054 Anna Knapp Blvd. #12H very active with the Boys and Girls Club in Bagwell Laney is teaching 3rd grade at Pine E-mail: [email protected] Nutcracker during the holiday season. Christy CLASS OF 1989 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-971-0474 Brevard, NC. Things have settled down a bit Street Elementary in Spartanburg, SC where says she would like to attend high school at Next Reunion E-mail: [email protected] for me since last summer. There were several her boys, Shelton and Wells, attend. Robbie CLASS OF 1995 the NC School of the Arts. Shee Shee Ferry Alumnae Weekend, 2009 classmates in attendance when I married Mosely Richards is Director of Admissions at Next Reunion van Inwegen and husband Dwight traveled Representatives: This past summer and fall found our class Chris Swann in a Hawaiian themed, outdoor Spartanburg Day School where son Bradford Alumnae Weekend, 2010 to Canada in the fall for R&R at Dwight’s Mrs. Nicky Jent Greenway keeping very busy with work, travel and family. wedding. Dee Marzullo Schwarzmann and (8) attends. Robbie is also mom to Sabra (3). Representatives: company’s fishing camp. Shee Shee caught 243 Kittiwake Lane Sheri Starnes Balcerzak and Rebecca Lesto Suzanne Silk Strickland were bridesmaids. Jo-ne Claxton Bourassa is teaching science Mrs. Ray Piper Bryant two 28 inch salmon! I hope to see you all on Boiling Springs, SC 29316, 864-578-5554 Shunk and their families vacationed together Dee’s daughter was my flower girl and both at Heart of Georgia Technical College and is 6817 Knightswood Drive Friday, April 27th at Converse! E-mail: [email protected] at the Isle of Palms. Rebecca also visited with Dee and Suzanne’s sons escorted me down the almost finished with her Ed.D. in Curriculum Charlotte, NC 28226, 704-362-2726 Ms. Ivy L. Pope Claire Bramlett and Julie Hennecy while aisle. Judy Moody was in attendance as well. Studies. Tracy Dowell Huggins wrote of E-mail: [email protected] CLASS OF 1988 416 Johnson Drive on the east coast. Lesa Underwood has been Julie Simonton McCombs came from Hawaii a First Dexter girls’ weekend in the Florida Mrs. Austin Faulk Hardison Next Reunion Dillon, SC 29536, 843-774-4410 busy with a new job and new place but still in September to attend a gathering of Connies Keys with Carrie Vincent, Shalise Huggins 4222 Tyndale Avenue Alumnae Weekend, 2008 E-mail: [email protected] made time for trips to New England and New in Murrells Inlet, SC with Laura Johnston DeMott, Susannah Chapman Collins, Julie Charlotte, NC 28210, 704-442-9539 Representatives: York City this summer. Margaret Bouknight Stacy as hostess. Laura Bryant Palmer is Tanner Leake ’93, Helen McClain Earney ’93 E-mail: [email protected] Mrs. Kristi Klim Holler Rawles Terrell Kelly attended a mini reunion Bauer, Bit Hennon Tarantin, Darden Porter assistant principal at Carver Junior High in and Suzanne Morris ’93. I loved hearing from Mrs. Regina Pettit Ziliani 900 Raven Road this summer and had much to report. She Grant, Laura Heggeman Brooks and Kelley Spartanburg, SC. Jane Walters Phillips has you all, and I apologize if I didn’t include all 4811 Trey View Court Rock Hill, SC 29732, 803-327-0712 lives in Charlotte, NC with John and their two Collman headed to Ponte Vedre, FL for their given up her accounting manager job and news that was sent due to limited space. Please Charlotte, NC 28227, 704-545-3438 E-mail: [email protected] girls. Also in Charlotte are Elisabeth Booth 10th annual girl’s trip of relaxation and spa has returned to school full time pursuing a see Life Events for more class news. See you E-mail: [email protected] Mrs. Sydney Jordan Warren Bivens, Catherine Cauthen, and Susan treatments. Deborah Stanford Harris checks nursing degree from Mary Black School of in April! 2832 Wheelock Road Williams Lynch, husband Jay and their four in from Raleigh, NC where she keeps busy with Nursing at USC Upstate in Spartanburg, SC. CLASS OF 1996 Charlotte, NC 28211, 704-770-0399 children. Kim Hayfield Hinson and hubby selling real estate, Tim’s business and their three As of November, Jane’s husband, John, was CLASS OF 1993 Next Reunion E-mail: [email protected] are optometrists living with their daughter children. She and Tim did manage to sneak stationed in Kuwait with the US Navy. Sonya Next Reunion Alumnae Weekend, 2011 in Bluffton, SC. In Greenville, SC are Parker away to Wrightsville Beach, NC to celebrate Harmeyer Marsden organized a Fun Ride last Alumnae Weekend, 2008 Representatives: Linda Layman Redding reports that she and Derrick Knapp, a stay at home mom with their 16th wedding anniversary. Winnie Brown October in memory of her late husband, Dave. Representatives: Mrs. Catherine Cranford Elliott Jo Ellen Jones Grigsby, an interpreter at her two children, Suzanne Ness Wilson, King and Nan Farmer Bridges had an 80’s It promoted bike safety, and was an enjoyable Mrs. Kristen Keidel Frericks 40 Fenwick Drive the Kentucky School for the Deaf and Blind, husband Hal and their two boys, and Marty flashback when they headed to Boston, MA to ride along the Washington and Old Dominion 3504 Val Mark Terrace Charleston, SC 29407, 843-406-4851 took a wonderful trip to Jamaica, planned as Team Garrison and husband Bryan with their see Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Loverboy Trail. For more information, please visi www. Rockford, IL 61107, 815-962-4616 E-mail: [email protected] a 40th-birthday surprise by Linda’s husband, three children. Marty just finished her first and Scandal! Winnie also reports seeing Mary davesride.org. Wishing the best to all! Dianne E-mail: [email protected] Mrs. Pam Hughes Foster Dave. They partook liberally of the local food, year as director of the kindergarten program Kenyon Robards Jones and Laura Lochen Mrs. Cathy Iannazzone Ellett 245 Chancellors Park Court drink and culture and enjoyed catching up. at her church’s preschool. Mary Katherine Kirkley over the summer…all are doing well. CLASS OF 1992 342 Round Ridge Road Simpsonville, SC 29681, 864-963-9582 Ashlin Blanchard Potterfield continues to Johns Moren and Charles live in Florence, Several emails were sent back due to invalid 15th Reunion Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-583-4558 E-mail: [email protected] 15TH practice domestic law in Columbia, SC and SC with their daughter. Julia Gee Muldrow, addresses so please make sure you let us know Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Jenny Williams is with a new firm comprised entirely of living in Sumter, SC with her two sons, teaches if you get a new email address so we can keep Representatives: 707 Rutledge Street women attorneys. Kristi Klim Holler enjoyed at Wilson Hall. Joyce Voxakis Trikeriotis, in touch. As always, many thanks for the Mrs. Ashley Thomas Little In September, Tracy Williamson Dart ‘91 Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-573-6018 attending the Wofford homecoming this fall husband Chris, and their five children live in updates ladies…keep them coming! 6426 Eastshore Road opened her beautiful home in Cape Cod, MA E-mail: [email protected] and saw Carter Willard Smith briefly at the Baltimore, MD where they just purchased a Columbia, SC 29206, 803-783-5207 to her sister Christi Williamson Pringle and street party that weekend. Krisy Mohr Mills new restaurant. Lori Morris Gilbert lives in CLASS OF 1991 E-mail: [email protected] twelve other Connie friends. Christi hosted Starr Lockhart Carr writes that she is is still living in Lexington, SC, but has moved Asheville, NC with hubby Gig and their two Next Reunion Mrs. Anna Wimberly Pierce Sally Giese Aiken, Cynthia Joyner Blakely, working part-time in order to spend more to a new home and has been keeping busy daughters. She teaches at their preschool. Alumnae Weekend, 2011 34 Carlton Drive NE Elizabeth Watson Caldwell, Katie Byrd time with her son, JP. Stephanie Crofton is with wallpaper removal, painting and the like. Angela Weatherred Halstead was recently Representatives: Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-252-8324 Earle, Jane Manning Hyatt, Shannon Givens quite busy in her new position at High Point I had a fun lunch with Laura Graham while promoted to Global Sales Process Leader Mrs. Dorsey Daugette DeLong E-mail: [email protected] Jaynes, Holle O’Kelley Kennerly, Anne Jeter University (see Life Events) and is enjoying visiting Charleston, SC. She taught summer at Milliken. Lisa Avant was on a weekend 3070 Greendale Drive NW Lindsay, Katherine Russell Sagedy, Brett High Point, NC. Mary Ellen Kastelic took a school and took her nieces and nephews excursion in the mountains when she bumped Atlanta, GA 30327, 404-609-9405 Are your calendars marked for our 15th Reunion McIntosh Simmons, Lovell McClung White two week trip to Italy as part of a volunteer on a trip to Washington, DC this summer. into Laura Beard Walker, who is living in E-mail: [email protected] April 27-28? You should have received a letter and Brooke McNeill Woods. Everyone program, Global Volunteers, teaching English Laura was a virtual font of information about Fort Mill, SC and remarried to Don Walker. with more details. Connies in attendance for enjoyed three wonderful days catching up, at a high school and touring Rome, Florence our classmates. She reports that Robin Gue Together they have five children. Also in Fort Eleanor LaBorde Morrison’s September reminiscing, eating granola, and relaxing. and Venice. She was at the Vatican as the Hatanpaa has moved back to Finland, while Mill is Lisa Fain Campbell with her three wedding were Heather Rowland Brabham, Even a few Red Devil cheers were heard! 44 ClassNotes Pope blessed the crowd! Gretchen Swanger lance interpreter and does a lot of work for Impaired and is enjoying her work. Elizabeth Deanna Fults Meeks has passed the Tennessee Claudia Davis Donovan ’91 Maultsby is working part-time in the Slide the Greenville Hospital System as well as her Current Hook writes that she, Jennifer Reese Bar Exam. Maria Oliver Solomon, Jennifer 1ST Department at Wofford and is busy with her church. Jennifer Coggins Reese is delighted to Boyd, Heather Godsey Champney, Brooke Frith and Caroline Avery ’03 were bridesmaids A computer science and mathematics majorREUNION at Converse, two girls. Jennifer Minor Tuckwiller hosted have new neighbor Donna Pallassino Evans in Champion Farmer, Alex Gavalas, Ann in Angie Ackermann Hart’s fall wedding. Claudia Davis Donovan ’91 is now relationship director a girls’ weekend in Beaufort, SC that included Boiling Springs, SC. Julia Wittschen Alvarez Gerber Hawkins, Alison Palmer Johnson, Stephanie Borick Grace and family moved to for Barclays Retail and Wholesale Team in London. “I am Page Vaughan Keller, Anna Snow Cheek, is teaching Deaf/Hearing Impaired children in Jenny Orr, Susan Pittman Parker, Shannon Richmond, VA last fall and bought their house a corporate banker, and sell debt and manage risk with a Amy Shipman Elkins, Elizabeth McLean Beaufort County and at the Technical College Campbell Parsons and Erin Rich Strickland from Molly Davis Veness. Stephanie began portfolio of larger business clients in London,” explained Claudia from her UK office. Brown, and Mary Ellen Kastelic. Meredith of the Lowcountry and is working on a Master’s got together in October for a wonderful work with Ernst and Young in January. Elizabeth Coley Graham lives in Dayton, OH where her in Gifted and Talented at Converse. Kimberly weekend at Shannon’s relatives’ mountain Langford Hansen is working at Dekalb Medical Claudia moved to London in 2001 when her husband’s husband is a pulmonologist at the Air Force Varnadoe is now overseeing the membership house in Clayton, GA. They had a great time Center, GA, as a Senior Accountant. Kelly New York City-based law firm transferred him there to Hospital. She is active with the Officer’s Wives and communications, legal and legislative reminiscing about Converse days and making Moore is working on her Master’s in Music concentrate on its European and Middle Eastern clients. Club and taking care of family. Stephania departments of the South Carolina Medical new memories. Chrissy Lockaby Fortner Education at Boston University. Emily Reeves Nivens Penley, Alison Stafford Mitchell, Association as its Chief Policy Officer, focusing talks to Shelby Bishop who is doing great and Kimpton is a literacy coach with the South “It is fair to say that Europeans and Americans have views Abbey Smith Jordan and Alice Swann her time lobbying the legislature, the Governor’s living in Beaufort. Stacy Benton Kennedy Carolina Reading Initiative. Andrea Jackson they develop based on media, etc., but by working together, ’94 were bridesmaids in Heather Stead’s Office and other relevant state agencies on and Jenny Robbins Bunton both live in Worful is working for the Department of Art the ‘myths’ can be broken down to an extent. On a culture note, being politically correct has not actually been embraced wedding in Camden, SC. Jennifer Jackson behalf of physicians and patients. She got Walterboro, SC and communicate often. and Art History at Michigan State University. in the EU yet, and there are still a lot of comments made also attended. Patricia Doty is godmother together with Heather Eldridge, Katie Fort Erinn Cox, pursuing her MFA in Art, was Elizabeth Anne Joyner is working at All here that would easily get you fired in the US,” she said. to Kirstie Waugh Tucker’s recently baptized Smith, Ginger Crawford Phillips, Rachel invited to participate in an art-in-residence Saints Academy teaching fourth grade hearing “It is interesting to compare the US reaction to terrorism to daughter Louise. Pam Hughes Foster spent Chartrand Berry, Laura Marchant Williams, program in Budapest, Hungary over Christmas impaired children and enjoyed the summer in that of Europeans who have lived with war and terror on two weeks in South Africa, participating in a Sarah Montgomery McSwain and Caroline 2006, involving public artist talks and two Israel. Aileen Miller is a Supply Coordinator their doorstep for years. The difference became clear to me photo safari and attending a friend’s wedding. Taylor. Rachel has started her own business, exhibitions. Kristen Pruitt Taylor’s son is at Caterpillar Electric Power. Joy Stoney has in a train station when I tried to find a rubbish bin (garbage Pam competed in the Mrs. South Carolina French Friends, teaching French to preschool enjoying Kindermusik at Converse. Kristen returned to Charleston, SC and opened her can), but they do not have them because people can easily America Pageant as Mrs. Simpsonville in June children in the Lexington area. Emily Grady is teaching fitness classes at a local gym club. own law firm, Stoney Law Firm, LLC. Emily put bombs in them.” and won Mrs. Congeniality and competed in Fayssoux is a realtor with Spaulding Company There are lots of new Converse baby girls in Evans is in Greenville, SC working in sales So what does Claudia like best about living in London? “The the All American Ms. Pageant as Ms. Palmetto in Greenville, SC and involved with Arbonne the world! Congratulations to everyone!! Be with Fox Carolina. Erin Patterson Joye is in city has a culture of tolerance that I have not experienced State and was 2nd runner up. After six years of International. LaVonda Frierson Woods is sure to check out Life Events for more Class her third season with the Nashville Symphony in any other location, not even in New York City. There is service, Heather Deifell completed her work a physical therapist in an outpatient clinic of 1998 updates! Chorus and Nashville Chamber Chorus. She an energy to life here. Londoners often claim that the city is with The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Clinton, MD. She recently met Mildred returned to her hometown, Montgomery, AL, the center of the universe.” in May. She then went to Malawi on a mission Elliott Berl ’38. Kathryn Kennedy is attending CLASS OF 1999 to perform with the Montgomery Symphony trip, visited a friend in South Africa, and went nursing school. Kimberly Wannall Kovach, Next Reunion Orchestra during their Holiday Pops concert in to San Francisco to visit relatives for a month Leslie Hembree, Christa Smith Beaufort, Alumnae Weekend, 2009 December. Please see Life Events for a number and got together with Kathryn Fish-Tinsley Emily Gowdy Canady, and Jane Brackett Representatives: of additional updates of our classmates. For job as part-time photographer while also Mrs. Mary DeGraw Sankovich and her husband. She is continuing her work Giavedoni hosted a welcome home shower for Ms. Rachel Bishop those of you that we did not hear from, please caring for her two children. Stacey Mulligan, 7301 W. University Avenue #26 on her Urban Ministry classes. Heather and her David and Allison Cooper Malady when they 2661 Ellijay Road E-mail us and let us know what you are doing. Stephanie Livesay and Marcella Palmer Gainesville, FL 32607, 816-244-8625 sister are planning a year-long world mission returned from China with adopted daughter, Franklin, NC 28734 attended the summer wedding of Maryeah E-mail: [email protected] trip to work, study, and train urban youth Maggie. Kimberly is the Middle School Writing E-mail: [email protected] CLASS OF 2001 Jager Kramer in Simpsonville, SC. Rebecca Mrs. Kelly Fulmer Reams workers, hoping to leave in May. Thanks to Curriculum Coordinator with Union County, Ms. Jennifer Nockels Next Reunion Crandall and Ami Price were maid of honor 221 Timberleaf Drive ALL of our classmates who have helped locate NC public schools. Christa and husband 323 Stillwater Circle Alumnae Weekend, 2011 and bridesmaid, respectively. The joys of travel Duncan, SC 29334, 864-486-8032 our “lost” classmates! Jonathan are working with East Tennessee State Boiling Springs, SC 29316, 864-583-5236 Representatives: were enjoyed by many this summer and fall. E-mail: [email protected] University students through Campus Crusade E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Andrea Boltz Rebecca Crandall spent time in the Caribbean, CLASS OF 1997 for Christ. Melissa Hall Hill is currently living Ms. Elizabeth R. Thompson 741 Woodruff Road #1034 Ami Price spent time in Europe and Ghana, Amy Chadwick Cochran and husband John 10th Reunion in Chapel Hill, NC working for IBM. Whitney Post Office Box 1944 Greenville, SC 29607, 864-238-6947 and Lindsay Birmingham flew to Charlotte, now live in Baton Rouge, LA. Allyson Geery 10TH Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION Orr is at the Asheville, NC office of Dixon- Fayetteville, GA 30214, 912-322-6656 E-mail: [email protected] NC from her home in Hollywood, CA to and Kelly Fulmer Reams were in that June Representatives: Hughes, a regional accounting firm. E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Stephanie Livesay spend her birthday with Katherine Adams, wedding party. Ashley Phillips McKay Mrs. Catherine Alexander Girard Post Office Box 6596 Markina Ellender, Annaleise Helm ’00, and lives in Jacksonville, FL where she works 3201 Lynbrook Drive CLASS OF 1998 CLASS OF 2000 Spartanburg, SC 29304, 864-316-1791 Beth Knight ’00. Marion Yates traveled with for a local photographer designing wedding Plano, TX 75075, 972-896-7249 Next Reunion Next Reunion E-mail: [email protected] her champion hairless cat, Supreme Grand albums and documenting weddings. Marlee E-mail: [email protected] Alumnae Weekend, 2008 Alumnae Weekend, 2010 Ms. Jennifer Woodruff Champion Liza Skinelli, to cat shows all over Beckham Marsh is an official PhD candidate Mrs. Gretchen Barwegen Bagwell Representatives: Representatives: 807 Demerius Street, Apt. J4 the world this summer. In her downtime after completing her comprehensive exams 998 Cherbrooke Lane Mrs. Betsy Pringle Unger Mrs. Amanda Crane Cox Durham, NC 27701, 404-421-2229 Marion is working hard on renovating her recently. Erin Camp Calvert, Helen Milling, Marietta, GA 30064, 770-528-6371 1117 Dawn View Terrace 8 Grouse Ridge Way E-mail: [email protected] five-acre horse farm outside of Atlanta, GA. Lauren Mele Richardson, Lauren Dabbs, E-mail: [email protected] Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-375-5454 Greenville, SC 29617, 864-294-6403 Don’t forget to check the Life Events section Jessy Nunez, Summer Owens Rigby, and Mrs. Shannon Gosnell Bishop E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] A number of our classmates have some for more information! And check out myspace Sallie DeCaro Hutchinson attended a 331 Gramercy Blvd. Ms. Alex Gavalas Ms. Kiley Rikard serious writing in their near futures! Pamela for many of our classmates! fantastic bachelorette weekend in Folly Beach, Spartanburg, SC 29301, 864-576-1069 722 Natchez Circle 756 Sugar Hill Lane Emanuelson and Neal Millikan are pursuing SC for Marlee Beckham Marsh last fall. E-mail: [email protected] Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-478-8852 Conyers, GA 30094, 404-520-0868 PhDs at the University of South Carolina in CLASS OF 2002 Katie Landon is in her new role as Assistant th E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] sociology and history, respectively. Jocelyn 5 Reunion 5TH Director of Residential Life/Director of Student We’re gearing up for our ten year reunion Mrs. Laura Matthews Pappas Mrs. Angela Lee Sox Buckner is finishing her first year of doctoral Alumnae Weekend, 2007 REUNION Activities & Orientation at Converse, living on April 27-28! We hope that ALL of you plan to 9640 Dundawan Road 200 Hickory Rock Lane work in theatre studies at the University of Representatives: campus in an apartment in Dexter! Life on be there! Shannon Gosnell Bishop, Shannon Baltimore, MD 21236, 410-529-5066 Greer, SC 29651, 864-848-5317 Kansas. Jenny Woodruff must figure out Ms. Katie Landon campus is great though very different than Smith Darby, Kellie Walker Herlong, Shelley E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] how to write a dissertation, and soon, in 580 E. Main Street life as an undergraduate. Leslie Wiggins, Jones Kender and Dawne Copeland Bendig order to complete her PhD at Duke within the Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-596-9016 currently a news editor at CNN Headquarters attended the 1889 Competition in November. Christina Willingham Burbage travels to Caroline Wyrosdick is working on a MS at Tufts decade. Erin Stone has moved to Manassas, E-mail: [email protected] in Atlanta, GA, spent a year in Madrid and The Red Devil Senior Class won, bringing back various schools in Lexington School District University, Boston, MA. She recently returned VA and has her hands full teaching pre-school London after graduate school. She also worked many happy memories for us! Dawne is a free- One as the Itinerant Teacher of the Hearing from working for Save the Children in Uganda. children. Jessie Staska Walker has a new 46 ClassNotes as a reporter for the Gwinnett Daily Post after including our own Converse. Heather Ms. Meredith Holzbach returning from London. Marci Marinelli is a Barclay is currently working on her PhD at 142 Mills Avenue, Apt. 1 pharmacist with Eckerd’s in Hendersonville, the University of Toronto, has traveled through Spartanburg, SC 29302, 843-230-8318 TN, after completing her pharmacy degree last Europe and co-authored several books. Avery E-mail: [email protected] May. Brandis Cutler is working as a Systems Tomlinson is in her third year of vet school Ms. Debra Williams Consultant for Sungard Data Systems, the at UGA and spent last summer working 263 Caulder Avenue Sungard High Education division, traveling in Florida. Melanie Brown Knox had an Spartanburg, SC 29306, 864-585-7613 weekly to Boston, Texas and Orlando. Mary interesting wedding. She was diagnosed with a DeGraw Sankovich has her own business, blood clot in her abdomen two days before her April 27 – 28 is our first reunion! We hope Creative Designs by Mary, in addition to her big day. Her bridesmaids, the Hades Ladies, you will be there. Class specific details have day job. For Gabrielle Marsoun the past helped her with all the details. She and Josh been mailed as well as the reunion brochure five years have held great change. Moving to had their first dance as husband and wife in with the weekend details. Please let us or the Knoxville, TN after graduation, she worked wheelchairs. We are so happy to hear that she Alumnae Office know if you have questions. for a local company as a marketing specialist. is recovering and continuing her doctoral work Information is also online at www.converse. She has recently returned to SC working at in mathematics! Maria Perry has completed edu including online registration. We hope to SunTrust Bank as a Commercial Banking her work in Palau with the Peace Corp and is see you soon!! Specialist and is part of a musical duo, Mystic now living in Alaska. Please send your current Essence, which performs folk/Celtic music contact information to the Alumnae Office or around upstate SC. Dorethea McCollum, an to one of the class representatives, especially if artist and graphic designer at Devora Designs, you are not hearing from us or Converse. Inc., spent a month in Australia and New Zealand last summer. Sabra Leonard Cox’s CLASS OF 2004 son had heart surgery in May 2006 and is Next Reunion now doing great. Jennifer Wofford is benefits Alumnae Weekend, 2009 coordinator for a small business that sells Representatives: large equipment. She plans to begin a masters’ Mrs. Jordan Greene Standrich program at the University of South Carolina 321 Robin Helton Drive in education. Hope to see all of you for our 5th Boiling Springs, SC 29316, 864-706-0785 reunion, April 27 -28!! E-mail: [email protected] Mrs. Quinn Burgin Saleeby CLASS OF 2003 281 Oakwood Drive Next Reunion Hardeeville, SC 29927, 843-784-9131 Alumnae Weekend, 2008 E-mail: [email protected] Representatives: Mrs. Erin Poston Stone Mrs. Jodi Arrowood Stepp 221 Charles Towne Court 351 McMillin Blvd. Columbia, SC 29209, 803-695-2183 Boiling Springs, SC 29316, 864-978-7549 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Valerie Brock CLASS OF 2005 2010 Brookhaven Drive Next Reunion Atlanta, GA 30319, 865-924-8652 Alumnae Weekend, 2010 E-mail: [email protected] Representatives: Ms. Carrie Tucker Ms. Kara Hagood 3068 Royal Palm Way 3213 Alexander Circle Tallahassee, FL 32309, 850-577-1981 Atlanta, GA 30326, 678-362-6349 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Megan Johnson Anna Shecut Pretulack passed her nursing 551 Riverhill Circle, Apt. 913 boards. Jessica Case Holland is finishing law Columbia, SC 29210, 843-906-4897 school. They both attended USC. Chelsea E-mail: [email protected] Jaccard just started grad school at American Ms. Catherine Woodrum University in DC, studying international peace 18 Persimmon Hill and conflict resolution. Valerie Brock began Spartanburg, SC 29301, 864-574-5158 her second year as Presidential Management E-mail: [email protected] Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control. Both visited Casey Addis ’04 in Austin, TX CLASS OF 2006 for a weekend of BBQ, two-stepping, and 1st Reunion breakfast tacos. Alison Hurley is in her Alumnae Weekend, 2007 last year of pharmacy school at MUSC and Representatives: actively involved in many civic and honor Ms. Maria Garibaldi organizations on campus. Holly Gilmore 3380 Collins Creek Road Hayes published her first article on the Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, 843-651-1357 importance of interconceptional spacing E-mail: [email protected] between pregnancies. Kathryn Brackett is an adjunct professor at several upstate colleges, 48