A Legacy of Purpose: Meet Melissa Daves Johnson ’69
Written by Lindsay Bartholomew
For Melissa Daves Johnson ’69, Converse was never just a place – it was a beginning.
“My journey after graduation is a testament to the impact Converse had on me,” she reflects. “At Converse, I was afforded many opportunities to learn – certainly from the academic perspective, but also from the angle of learning how to serve and make a positive impact.”
That foundation didn’t fade after graduation. It shaped a lifetime.
After earning her degree, Melissa remained deeply connected to Converse, serving as the Alumnae Director for six years and later contributing through special event planning. Beyond campus, she has spent her life in leadership and service across Spartanburg and within her church – living out the very ideals she first cultivated as a student.
Sustaining the Experience that Starts Here
Experiences like Melissa’s don’t happen by chance. Since its founding, the Converse experience has been enriched by the gifts of generous alumni, parents, friends, trustees, faculty, staff, community leaders, corporations, and foundations who believe in the value of a Converse education.
“At Converse, I was afforded many opportunities to learn – certainly from the academic perspective, but also from the angle of learning how to serve and make a positive impact.”
Melissa Daves Johnson ’69
Planned giving remains one of the most powerful and often underutilized ways to ensure the long-term strength of institutions like Converse. In fact, charitable bequests are among the largest sources of philanthropic support nationwide.
A Life of Gratitude, A Gift for the Future
Melissa’s life is deeply rooted in gratitude and service.
“I see the energy and focus of my life as a way to honor my personal experiences and the hard work and dedication of those who paved the way for me – primarily my family and my Converse professors and mentors,” she says. “I have a deep sense of gratitude and want to make a positive difference in my little corner of the world.”
For Melissa and her husband, Rear Admiral Stephen I. Johnson, a current Converse Trustee, that commitment includes a lasting investment in Converse’s future.
“Together, we have made estate plans for the continuation of our support for Converse, which we view as a very important part of our legacy.”
“We have made estate plans for the continuation of our support for Converse, which we view as a very important part of our legacy.”
Melissa Daves Johnson ’69
Their decision reflects a belief that giving is about more than just the present moment.
“Giving back goes beyond financial contributions,” Melissa explains. “It’s about making a difference in the lives of current and future students by strengthening educational programs with our resources of time and treasure.”
Through their planned gift, Melissa and Steve are helping ensure that future generations of students will have access to the same transformational opportunities that helped shape Melissa’s life.
Make Your Mark
Melissa hopes her story will inspire others to reflect on the role Converse has played in their own lives and the legacy they wish to leave behind.
“We encourage alumni and friends of Converse to do the same,” she says. “We also see this as an opportunity to raise awareness for membership in the Mary Wilson Gee Society.”
“Giving back goes beyond financial contributions. It’s about making a difference in the lives of current and future students by strengthening educational programs…”
Melissa Daves Johnson ’69
Named for a member of Converse’s first graduating class and a prominent faculty member, the Mary Wilson Gee Society honors those who have made the thoughtful decision to include Converse in their estate plans. These individuals share a belief that the Converse experience is not only worth celebrating but sustaining for generations to come.
Through Converse’s partnership with FreeWill, creating or updating your estate plan is a simple and meaningful way to take that next step. The free, secure tool allows you to put your intentions into action while supporting the people and places that matter most. Of course, many alumni and supporters opt to make arrangements with their preferred counsel or financial advisor.
Like Melissa, you can ensure that the Converse experience continues to shape lives for generations to come.
To learn more about joining the Mary Wilson Gee Society or to begin your planned giving journey, please reach out to our Planned Giving Specialist, Mary Ann Cleland.