Converse Donors In Bloom: Spring Garden Party Celebrates Generosity

Written by Amanda Mathis

The sounds of laughter rose among the beauty of the President’s garden on a spring afternoon. It was a day of celebration during Converse’s annual Reunion festivities; our Institutional Advancement office hosted the esteemed members of our Dexter Edgar Converse and Mary Wilson Gee Societies on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

“Converse is grateful for our loyal donors whose gifts make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, faculty, staff, and the communities they serve,” said President Boone J. Hopkins.

“Members of these prestigious societies are the foundation of our mission.”

President Boone J. Hopkins

A truly memorable celebration filled with music, sharing stories, and heartfelt gratitude, the afternoon focused on reconnecting and, most importantly, celebrating the accomplishments of the academic year. Conversations centered on the challenges and opportunities of succeeding in higher education and what Converse will achieve in the year to come.

Each giving society provides vital support to Converse University, and events like our Garden Party provide personal interactions with Converse’s President and other university leaders. These interactions enable donors to share their enthusiasm for the university’s future and their commitment to supporting Converse in its mission to educate students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world.

“It was exciting to honor the donors in our Dexter Edgar Converse and Mary Wilson Gee giving societies with this special celebration at the President’s home,” reflected Converse’s Major Gift Officer Mary Ann Cleland. “The members of these societies provide steadfast support to ensure that the transformative experience of a Converse education continues to shape lives for generations to come, and we are incredibly grateful.”

“…these societies provide steadfast support to ensure that the transformative experience of a Converse education continues to shape lives for generations to come.”

Mary Ann Cleland

Members of the Dexter Edgar Converse Society—our most prestigious giving society—reflect our visionary founder’s special relationship with Converse University. Members honor Converse’s rich legacy of recognizing these donors whose cumulative generosity has reached our highest threshold of $25,000. 

In the same spirit, the Mary Wilson Gee Society honors Converse’s first graduating class and a cherished faculty member. This society celebrates individuals who aspire to leave a lasting legacy by including Converse in their wills or making planned gifts, ensuring that their impact endures for generations to come.

“Members of these prestigious societies are the foundation of our mission,” said President Hopkins. “They are providing the steadfast support necessary to empower students to experience the transformative power of a Converse education—both now and in the future.”

Membership in the university’s giving societies is more than a reflection of a belief in the mission of Converse. Their gifts—and yours—enable the institution to enhance the world-class experience and liberal arts education we offer to our students, helping to preserve the most precious aspects of Converse that we love.

To learn more about the opportunities your gifts can make at Converse, visit our Giving Societies page and begin your legacy at Converse today.