Sullivan Fellows Attend Spring ‘Ignite’ Retreat in NC

Professor Wynton Stephens and Converse University Sullivan Fellows attended the Spring Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation Ignite Retreat in NC. This was a special retreat as students from Converse, Warren Wilson, Lees McCrae, and Brenau, were taken on a tour around Asheville, NC, where they had the opportunity to meet social entrepreneurs from nonprofit and for-profit businesses.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation provides annual scholarships to Converse University students who demonstrate high personal character, a commitment to public service, financial need, and academic promise.

Retreat guests were introduced to the General United Methodist Church’s ‘Equal Plates Project‘, which serves 1,000 locally sourced, scratch-made meals to unhoused people in the Asheville area each week.

“I learned valuable strategies that I will be able to deploy in my future endeavors involving my community.”

Samuel Bagwell ’26

Attendees also met with the Hatch Project, Mountain Bizworks, Haywood Street Church, French Broad Chocolate, and Highland Brewing Company, who each discussed how they started and overcame their unique challenges.

Philosophy and History double major Samuel Bagwell ’26 said, “This weekend I toured downtown Asheville and saw thriving small businesses. During my trip, I witnessed how small businesses are able to connect and grow with the community. Through my experience, I learned valuable strategies that I will be able to deploy in my future endeavors involving my community”.