Converse University CMM

We are proud of MiSTER Miguel Quistian for his vision to create a jazz band at Converse University. Even better, MiSTER Eli Chestnut is part of the band. Tonight, these MiSTERs will light up the stage and make history!

Happening tonight! There are SO MANY music education students involved in the making of this band and concert. We hope you can come and support them!

We are pleased to formally announce that four MiSTERs joined the cohort this past January, and they have been excelling this semster!

Please help us celebrate their commitment to Call Me MiSTER and the quest to become transformational educators who will make a difference in the lives of children and the local community.

Last week, MiSTER Jacque and Dr. Lies were invited to spend time with Mrs. Kanipe's Ed Psych class at Broome High School to share about Call Me MiSTER. MiSTER Jacque was able to share her perspective of Converse CMM as a Broome graduate and current freshman at Converse. Like Jacque, at Converse we believe that you don't have to look far to find a community that is ready to embrace you, and help you pursue the top-notch education you deserve.

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Help us wish MiSTER Kevin Vivas a wonderful birthday. MiSTER Kevin is a tremendous asset to Call Me MiSTER, AND to Converse University.

Kevin is a music education major, plays the cello (boss level), and is our resident comedian. There is never a dull moment with Kevin, literally!

🎈🎊🎈🎊🎈

2025 Call Me MiSTER Celebration

25 years of Call Me MiSTER in the state of South Carolina is a reason to celebrate!

What a great day of professional development, celebration, and community building across the 40+ colleges and universities that have CMM on their campuses.

With over 400 graduates total, we are many schools, but . The next generation is poised to become the leaders our nation needs, and the leaders the youth deserve.

In Call Me MiSTER, we educate, we empower, and we trust.

Meet the 2025-2026 MiSTERs of Converse University:

(In order from left to right)

MiSTER Kevin Vivas
MiSTER Jacque Didok
MiSTER Caden Hoffler
MiSTER Maycee Pidcock
MiSTER Noah Lipari
MiSTER James Pantelis

On Juneteenth, we commemorate the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. As we honor Juneteenth, we reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that remains. Juneteenth encourages us not only to remember, but also to come together—celebrating inclusion, honoring achievements, and recognizing the contributions of the Black community.

At Converse, we are reminded of this legacy through the powerful presence of the Marian Anderson statue on our front campus. Sculpted by renowned artist Meredith Bergmann, the bronze monument stands in front of Twichell Auditorium and honors Marian Anderson not only as a groundbreaking contralto singer, but also as a humanitarian and icon of the Civil Rights Movement.

Anderson’s historic performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, after being denied the right to sing at Constitution Hall because of her race, marked a defining moment in the fight against segregation. She was the first Black artist to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera and later served as a delegate to the United Nations, using her voice—literally and symbolically—to advocate for justice and human dignity.

Juneteenth is a time to remember our history, honor the resilience of those who came before us, and recognize the importance of unity and progress. 💜🖤

Congratulations MiSTER Darcy!

Darcy has accepted a position at Cayce Elementary School in Lexington School District Two. What Darcy is too humble to share, is that she was also offered a full graduate assistantship to study at Washington University, and was also offered every job she interviewed for!

We are so proud of the leader, scholar, and person you are Darcy Shirley! Thank you for leading our cohort in words and in action.

We are so proud of you, MiSTER Darcy! Congratulations.

We're excited to extend our congratulations to Darcy Shirley! Darcy has accepted a 3rd grade teaching position at Cayce Elementary in Lexington District 2. Darcy is most looking forward to sharpening her teaching skills and connecting with her new students and coworkers. When asked about her most treasured memory, she noted teaching lessons to her peers in class. She says, "It initially felt very embarrassing, but was so helpful and ended up being so fun." Darcy, we are so proud of you and excited to see what your future holds!

We are thankful for Dr. Tanya Greenlee for educating us on personal finance this evening. She taught us about retirement options for teachers, the home buying process, credit cards, building a credit score, wise financial living, and strategies for saving as we go through life.

Tonight was so valuable. Thank you, Dr. Greenlee!

A couple of weekends ago, we had the opportunity to bond and relax in Charlotte! Check out the fun things we did, and learn more about Call Me MiSTER!

Call Me MiSTER® Cohort Has Leadership Retreat in Charlotte Converse's Call Me MiSTER® participants spent the weekend in Charlotte, NC, for a leadership retreat. The Call Me MiSTER® program is an award-winning