Elizabeth “Beautsie” Zahrn ’67 Sparks a Rock the Tower Challenge For Her 80th Birthday
Written by Amanda Mathis
The pageantry of May Day started it all in 1955.
When Elizabeth “Beautsie” Zahrn ’67 was 10 years old, she accompanied her mother, Elizabeth Orr Robertson ‘30, to Converse’s annual May Day celebration. It was the first time visiting her mother’s alma mater, and she remembers it well.
“It was my first time on campus,” said Zahrn. ” I remember the excitement of the day and met so many wonderful people.”
“Converse was a wonderful education and a great school to attend.”
“Beautsie” Zahrn ’67
Zahrn grew up on the many tales of her mother’s college days, especially one that has stood the test of time through many decades of storytelling.
“Mother was new to campus, and Ms. Gee told her to ring the bell at Wilson Hall. She did what she was told and didn’t realize that she was a part of a prank as the bell was only to be rung if there was a fire,” laughed Zahrn. “Now, I had my own troubles, but nothing to that level. Converse was a wonderful education and a great school to attend.”
Friendships also brought Beautsie to campus. Many girls from her summer camp, including her best friend, Mozelle “Moggie” DePass Griffith ’67, were attending the school, and she knew Converse would be her home away from home.
“One of my favorite memories was our traditional Father’s Day weekend,” Zahrn reflected. “My father would come to campus to spend the night and attend classes and dinners. It was a great way for him to connect with the other fathers during his visit.”
Her commitment to Converse did not stop after graduation as a religion major. From her professional career as a banker, small business owner, stockbroker, and salesperson at Saffelle, Inc., a janitorial equipment supplier in Hillsborough, NC, to her long-term volunteer work with the Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol, she has lived her life by Converse’s core values.
This year, during the university’s annual Rock the Tower, alumni support is not just important — it is essential.
This year, during the university’s annual Rock the Tower, alumni support is not just important — it is essential. Zahrn has stepped up to the task of helping Converse exceed its $225,000 goal. She has made a challenge to alumni, family, and friends with an $8,000 match to celebrate her recent 80th birthday.
Rock the Tower
Rock the Tower is our 24-hour day of giving when alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends come together to show their overwhelming support of Converse. Gifts received during Rock the Tower will benefit The Converse Fund, which supports scholarships, academics, student success and wellness, athletic programs, and more—all the things that make Converse so special. Your gifts help ensure that the transformative experience of a Converse education continues to shape lives for generations to come.
Your participation in Rock the Tower WILL make the difference by fueling the resilience of our university, strengthening our ability to face headwinds, and ensuring that future generations can thrive at Converse. Visit the Rock the Tower website to make your gift and celebrate Beautsie’s birthday today.