Hurricane Helene Has Not Stopped Converse University
Written by Amanda Mathis
A month after Hurricane Helene slammed through Spartanburg County and then onto Western North Carolina, hundreds are still trying to return to “normal” life. The life-changing September 27, 2024, event will forever alter our Converse family and community.
Hurricane Helene, a force of nature, shifted its projected path and headed straight toward Spartanburg, creating an impact that lasted weeks. It is declared the deadliest storm to hit the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in nearly 20 years. Power and internet were lost, beautiful trees on campus were pushed down as dominos, and once abundant accolades such as gasoline and food became scarce, all within a matter of hours.
But the loss of life was the most devastating aspect of the storm, as 49 South Carolinians and over 100 deaths in North Carolina perished. Converse University mourns the loss of two alumni, Annamaria Fletcher ’11 and Katherine Barnett McCall ’84, who both were killed as Helene traveled from Florida to Western North Carolina. These alumnae were integral members of their communities, making a daily impact and improving lives as a high school English teacher and a small business owner. They are greatly missed.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
As the saying goes, “Not all heroes wear capes.” This sentiment truly reflects the spirit of Converse University in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It was not just the emergency responders who stepped up, but also the members of our Converse community who showed extraordinary courage and resilience, demonstrating that we can overcome any challenge when we stand together.
Often at Converse, we quote the Founder’s Ideal that all who are part of the Converse community may “see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.” This ideal, which emphasizes the importance of clear vision, wise decision-making, and just action, feels especially crucial in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. It guided our response in the problematic early hours after the storm, codifying images of Converse students, faculty, staff, and alumni mobilizing and working around the clock to improve a situation to help those on campus and within their communities.
In Asheville, North Carolina, Converse alumna Rev. Amy Cantrell ’94, executive director of BeLoved Asheville, immediately began helping fellow neighbors of her area who were affected by the storm. Her efforts caught national media attention as the organization was featured on Good Morning America and People Magazine for its initiatives to support Asheville and the surrounding areas after catastrophic flooding and devastation.
Back on campus, despite losing power, staff and faculty made assertive efforts to keep Converse moving forward. An example of this effort was Dr. J.W. Kellam ’22, Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services, who handed out students’ Financial Aid refund checks in Gee Dining Hall just days after the storm. At the same time, he was dealing with significant damage from fallen trees that displaced him from his own home.
The Arc of Recovery
Hurricane Helene is a storm that will be remembered for decades, and we will still grieve the loss of life, homes, businesses, and communities. As we process this life-altering event, we do so intentionally as we’re reminded that, once again, Converse University can overcome any storm.
On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Office of Spiritual Life held a Vigil for Hurricane Helene for the Converse community in Gibbs Chapel. Led by students Amaia Parkins ’25, Gurjot Bahia ’26, Student Government Association President Abeeha Sajid ’25, Bentlee Chockley ’28, and staff members Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise, University Chaplain, Daphnie Glenn, Director of First Generation Programs and Student Success Initiatives, Rhonda Mingo, Dean of Students, and Lexi Stoneburner, Director of New Student Experiences & Transitions.
“It’s time to take the grief and hurt and direct that energy into a place of service.”
Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise
“There is a sense that we are walking in an uncharted community together,” said Rev. DeBevoise. “When basic needs are met, we get to a place where relationships are needed to heal. It’s time to take the grief and hurt and direct that energy into a place of service.”
Those who filled the pews ranged from young to old as they came together to heal. Candlelights were handed out to the crowd to represent each of the 49 South Carolina lives lost due to the storm, including our two Converse graduates. Those in attendance recognized their contributions, gave thanks for their lives, and remembered their friends and family who were left behind.
Converse student and Asheville native Bentlee reflected that “the place that raised me and created me with so many memories is now washed away.”
The vigil also offered a space to express gratitude for the many individuals and community groups who have helped encourage healing as we move forward together.
Second Wind
Sometimes, we refer to late-night studying or activities as that “second wind.” When exhausted and ready to give up, we feel the energy and grit to persist – because the race isn’t over yet. Power has been restored to much of the area, and the path to our new normal is on the horizon. Our Converse family is getting its “second wind” and helping neighbors of many backgrounds by hosting supply drives to benefit those in Western North Carolina.
“It’s about duty,” said President Hopkins. “Our students, faculty, and staff are helping rebuild the community we love.”
“Our students, faculty, and staff are helping rebuild the community we love.”
Converse President Boone J. Hopkins
From organizing supply drives to hosting a pop-up art sale and donating a percentage of the proceeds to hurricane victims, Converse continues to give. Student organizations, The Converse Wellness Center, The Office of Spiritual Life, and Valkyrie Supply are all collaborating to ensure that students have been emotionally supported as they return to class.
How You Can Help
The campus may look different than it did before September 27, 2024, but the vibrancy of the Converse community remains the same. Donations of physical supplies for Valkyrie Supply are always welcome. Additionally, Converse is accepting Helene relief donations to support the university’s operations as we continue to move forward after the storm.
A Blessing for Picking Up the Pieces
Blessed are you, who pick up the pieces-
Who gather sticks and saw down limbs,
Who drag away the broken branches and
Rake up what you can in the midst of chaos
only to turn and see that somehow destruction still remains.
Blessed are you, the carriers-
Those who carry water bottles in parking lots,
Who carry boxes of donations into the gym.
Those who carry small children around the house with no power,
Those who carry their own needs, and the needs of others.
Blessed are you, who repair what has been broken-
The fallen power lines,
The toppled fences,
The dwindling morale,
The wounded spirits.
Blessed are you, those who hope.
The change-makers,
The bridge-builders,
The road clearers,
The hand-holders.
Blessed are you, those who feel.
Exhausted,
Overwhelmed,
Afraid,
Grateful.
Blessed are we, this beloved community.
May we find peace in the aftermath,
Rest, even in the midst of ongoing need.
May we tap out, allowing others to tap in,
So that we might sustain this place as one that nurtures:
Those who pick up the pieces,
Those who carry,
Those who repair,
Those who feel,
and those who hope.
Written by Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise