Converse College Honors Jane Bryant Block of Houston with Community Service Award

SPARTANBURG, SC (06/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Converse College honored Jane Bryant Block, an alumna from the Class of 1963 and a resident of Houston, TX, with the 2013 Community Service Award for her active involvement in her community, church and state. The award was presented by Converse President Betsy Fleming and Converse Alumnae Association President Elisabeth Kinney McNeil during the college's reunion weekend.

Jane, a native of Hendersonville, NC, has been recognized numerous times for her devotion to her community. Among the many accolades she has received over the years for her assiduous service are the Houston Mayor's Proud Partner Volunteer Award, the Women of Distinction Award, the Zoo Friends of Houston Award (which was named in her honor), and, most notably, the Yellow Rose of Texas Award, presented to her by former United States President and Texas Governor, George W. Bush.

In addition to her many community efforts, Jane is also the owner of Block Real Estate in Houston and has served in many leadership capacities such as the Advisory Board of the Houston Parks Board, The Zoo Friends of Houston Board, the Chrons and Colitis Foundation Board and the Volunteer Center Board. Her leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the $6.5 million John P. McGovern Children's Zoo that opened in 2000.

About Converse College

Founded in 1889 and located in Spartanburg, S.C., Converse College is a master's university dedicated to developing adaptable leaders equipped with the creativity, character, knowledge and perspective to effect positive change in the world. Converse was ranked 3rd in the nation for research, service and social mobility by Washington Monthy and is a Best Value in the South by U.S.News & World Report.

Converse offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduate women and coed graduate students through the School of Humanities and Sciences, School of Education and Graduate Studies, and School of the Arts. The Converse learning community is differentiated by the Nisbet Honors Program, Petrie School of Music, award-winning independent and collaborative research, leading national debate teams, study abroad and internship programs, and a 10:1 student/faculty ratio.