Alumna Gillian White Goodrich ’68 and Mike Goodrich give $2M to Converse

Passionate about the future of Converse University, philanthropists Gillian and Mike Goodrich are donating $2 million to support the institution’s mission and strengthen its impact. A long-time supporter of Converse, Gillian White Goodrich ’68 has given to her alma mater for more than half a century.

This latest gift builds on a series of significant philanthropic investments in Converse, its programs, and its affordability initiatives for students. This investment allows Converse to remain steadfast in its mission to educate and empower the next generation of transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly.

The gift is deeply personal to Gillian, who graduated in 1968 with a degree in History. After completing her degree, she pursued a career as a high school history teacher and later as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From there, she worked as the Director of Charitable Contributions for Protective Life Insurance Company, then served as Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham before starting her family foundation.

“Converse prepared me to be a lifelong learner in all facets of life. I had a wonderful group of friends at school and was surrounded by top-notch teachers and curious minds in the classroom,” reflected Gillian. “I learned so many skills, especially how to function as [part of ] a group and lead a team, which I have used many times throughout my career.”

The Goodriches are “incredible examples” of what it means to be philanthropists, said Dr. Katie Talbert, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relations at Converse. “Their commitment to invest in the communities they love is truly inspiring,” Talbert shared. “They have continuously shown their support over the years for the Converse community, and we could not be more grateful for their generosity.”

They are also passionate about student success. The couple want to make an impact on Converse for years to come, not only through their impactful gift, but through future estate planning.

“Through their vision and partnership, this remarkable gift from the Goodriches to Converse continues to move our mission forward and advance educational opportunities for our students,” said Converse President Boone Hopkins. “This support is an investment in our future and reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education.”

Hopkins presented Goodrich with the Dexter Edgar Converse Award on September 17 as part of the university’s celebration of Fall Convocation. Named for Converse’s founder, this award honors individuals who continue the commitment to the Founder’s Ideal; it is the university’s highest honor and recognizes those who have given extraordinarily of their time, energy, and passion, as well as financial gifts.

In 2008, Gillian and her family founded the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Charitable Foundation to support equity and economic opportunity in Birmingham, the Black Belt, and the State of Alabama. After seeing the need in her community through years of learning from and working within philanthropic groups, the foundation focuses on supporting transformative, sustainable programs that create vibrant communities – goals that are in strong alignment with Converse’s mission and vision.

“Converse is a strong traditional liberal arts school that is preparing our students for a range of future endeavors,” said Gillian. Her experience as an alumna, and as a member of the Board of Trustees, helped inspire her desire to support Converse in a meaningful way.

Aside from Converse, Gillian has served on the Board of Trustees at McWane Science Center, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, YWCA, Gateway, and the Alabama Heritage Foundation among many others. In 2006, she was appointed to the Board of the State of Alabama Department of Archives and History. The Goodriches were honored by the Alabama Chapter of Fundraising Professionals as Outstanding Civic Leaders in 2004, and again as Outstanding Philanthropists in 2011.

About Converse University

Converse University is a dynamic institution driven by innovation and a deep commitment to community. Founded in 1889 by visionary citizens of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Converse was established to expand educational access and opportunity—originally for women, and since 2020, for all undergraduate students. Today, Converse encompasses the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Data Science, the School of the Arts, The Graduate School, and Converse College for Women. Across all disciplines, students are empowered to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. Through a blend of deep scholarship, transformative mentorship, experiential learning, and a culture of mutual support, Converse cultivates not only knowledge and creativity, but also the professional and technical skills essential for success in a rapidly evolving world. Rooted in its community and always looking ahead, Converse is committed to shaping graduates who lead change and uplift others.