Converse Alumna Issues $50,000 Challenge
Rene Sifly Nalley ’65 of Atlanta, Georgia is challenging fellow Converse alumnae and friends to make new unrestricted gifts in support of scholarships this fiscal year. Along with her husband, Jim, Nalley will match—dollar-for-dollar—every new gift for unrestricted scholarships made between April 12-May 31, effectively doubling the impact of gifts made during this time.
“As a former teacher, I have witnessed the unique ability that a quality education has to elevate the self-esteem of children, expand their view of the world and ultimately enhance their overall quality of life.” Nalley goes on to say, “Converse not only enabled me to lead a classroom, but also established a sense of community value, global awareness and self confidence that has played an important role in my life and in the organizations in which I am actively involved.”
When asked why she decided now was the time to issue this challenge, Nalley said “Today, with the future of the economy still uncertain and the increased financial pressure that it has placed on families with college-bound children, Converse and her students need our help. Jim and I recognize the great need for the Converse community to pull together to invest in scholarships that enable capable young women to choose Converse. This is why we have made this commitment. Working together, I believe we will insure that future generations will continue to benefit from a Converse education and make a difference in our world.”
A South Carolina native, Nalley is one of three women in her family to attend Converse. Her sisters, Suzanne Sifly Weston ’61 and Carroll Sifly Hobbs ’67 are alumnae as well.
Upon graduation from Converse, Nalley pursued a teaching career in Winston-Salem. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, Nalley met and married her husband of forty-three years, C.V. “Jim” Nalley III. Together, they raised three sons: Clay, Slater and Street. Today, the Nalley’s enjoy being surrounded by their five grandchildren, as well supporting civic organizations such as the High Museum of Art, the Forward Arts Foundation, the Lovett School, the Junior League, the University of Georgia Foundation and the First Presbyterian Church.