Inaugural Valkyries Day of Giving Demonstrates Converse Tradition of Pride & Connection
Written by Lindsay Bartholomew
On August 20, 2026, Converse University Athletics celebrated a milestone with its inaugural Valkyries Day of Giving, uniting 453 donors from around the world in support of the Valkyries. From Spartanburg to Iceland, the Converse community came together to raise $93,390 for the Converse Valkyries Fund.
“Our inaugural Day of Giving exceeded every expectation, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Jenn Bell. “Raising nearly $94,000 from 450+ donors in a single day isn’t just a number – it’s a statement about how deeply our community believes in Converse Athletics. I’m thankful to everyone who showed up for them.”
Converse legends past and present offered their support throughout the day, sharing testimonials of what Converse Athletics means to them. Several of our Hall of Fame inductees, former Athletic Directors Joy Couch and Margaret Moore, and current coaches and student-athletes all contributed to the momentum of the day – highlighting a tradition of excellence, pride, and connection across generations.
“You are helping our student-athletes build confidence and leadership skills, earn an education, and develop lifelong friendships.”
Margaret Moore
“Your investment is not simply funding a scoreboard or a season,” Margaret Moore shared. “You are helping our student-athletes build confidence and leadership skills, earn an education, and develop lifelong friendships.”
Gifts received during our Day of Giving enable Converse Athletics to:
- Compete in an environment designed to achieve high goals in the classroom and in the sports venues
- Cover costs associated with athletic equipment and facility upgrades
- Travel to regional and national competitions and tournaments
Thank you to these generous Converse supporters who provided matching and challenge gifts:
- Sandy Russell Hartnett ’75 and John Hartnett
- Kimberly Varnadoe Kent ’97
- Louis and Carter Willard Smith ’88
- James and Libba Moore Glenn ’76
- Anonymous Alumna
The Converse Valkyries Fund is the official booster organization of the Converse University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The fund provides critical financial support for all athletics programs where it is most needed throughout the year.
“Every gift, no matter the size, directly fuels the experience our student-athletes have every single day,” Bell said.
You can still support our Valkyries and earn membership perks with a gift to the Converse Valkyries Fund any time of year.