Converse Hosts Inaugural Homecoming Week
Written by Brooke Haazer ’25
Converse University made history this year by hosting its inaugural Homecoming Week, held from October 28 to November 2, 2024. This milestone event brought together students, alumni, parents, and faculty to celebrate school spirit, tradition, and community.
The week was packed with exciting activities—from axe throwing and a “Pie Your Professor” event to a festive Fall Festival featuring food trucks, tailgating, and a Homecoming Dance. The campus was vibrant with energy and pride as members of the Converse family came together as a community.
Homecoming Week kicked off on Monday, October 28, 2024, with a thrilling combination of “Axe Throwing” and a “Rage Room” on the Quad, where students could try their hand at throwing axes or smashing things in the rage room for fun. President Boone Hopkins even joined in on the action, throwing axes alongside students.
Tuesday saw one of the week’s most entertaining moments: the “Pie Your Professor” event in Gee Dining Hall. For just $1 per pie, students took the chance to dunk whipped cream pies in the faces of their favorite professors, all while raising funds for Hurricane Helene relief. It quickly became a fan favorite, with students eagerly lining up to participate in the playful tradition.
On Wednesday, Converse celebrated school pride with two standout events. Students, faculty, and staff participated in “Jersey Day,” donning gear from their favorite sports teams. Later that day, the campus came together to cheer on the women’s volleyball team, supporting their home game in true Converse fashion.
Thursday, October 31, brought Halloween fun with the “Pumpkin Hunt.” Students scoured the campus searching for one of 20 hidden pumpkins, each containing a special prize. The hunt was a delightful blend of school spirit and seasonal festivities, with participants racing to find pumpkins tucked away in corners of the beautiful Converse campus.
On Friday, the excitement continued with the Fall Festival and Food Truck, held on the Quad. The event boasted a festive atmosphere, complete with a live band, fall activities, and a variety of delicious food from local food trucks. The Gee Dining Hall also hosted a cookout, bringing the Converse community together to enjoy tasty food and celebrate the university’s traditions.
Saturday, November 2, marked the grand finale of Homecoming Week. The day began with the “Converse Community Tailgate” in the Weisiger Lot, where students, alumni, and parents gathered to enjoy food, games, and school spirit before the men’s and women’s soccer games.
The week culminated with the “Homecoming Dance” in Barnett. Students danced the night away, dressed in their best attire. Donald Medley ’25 was crowned Homecoming King, and Tessa Kramer ’25 won Homecoming Queen, capping off an unforgettable evening.
Director of New Student Experiences & Transitions Lexi Stoneburner said seeing the campus so lively during all the activities was thrilling. “I was thrilled to lead the planning of Converse’s first Fall Homecoming and Friends and Family Weekend with Dallas Witt and our dedicated committee,” Stoneburner said. “This inaugural event was a special opportunity to foster community and enhance the student experience. I’m grateful for the chance to establish this meaningful tradition and look forward to strengthening connection, engagement, and community across our campus.”
Converse University’s first-ever Homecoming Week was a resounding success, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and staff in a weeklong celebration of school spirit, tradition, and community. It was a beautiful start to a new tradition, leaving everyone excited for many more Homecoming celebrations in the years to come.