A Legacy of Impact: Gillian White Goodrich ’68 Gives Back to Her Alma Mater
Written by Amanda Mathis
Passionate about the future of Converse, Birmingham philanthropists Gillian and Mike Goodrich are donating $2 million to support the university’s mission and strengthen its impact. A long-time supporter of Converse, Gillian White Goodrich ’68 has given to her alma mater for more than half a century.
The gift is deeply personal to Gillian, who graduated in 1968 with a degree in History. After completing her degree, she pursued a career as a teacher, teaching history to high school students and later as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From there, she worked as the Director of Charitable Contributions for Protective Life Insurance company, then served as Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham before starting her family foundation.
Gillian and Mike Goodrich are donating $2 million to support the university’s mission and strengthen its impact.
“Converse prepared me to be a lifelong learner in all facets of life. I had a wonderful group of friends at school and was surrounded by top-notch teachers and curious minds in the classroom,” reflected Gillian. “I learned so many skills, especially how to function as a group and lead a team, which I have used many times throughout my career.”
In 2008, Gillian and her family founded the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Charitable Foundation to support equity and economic opportunity in Birmingham, the Black Belt, and the State of Alabama. After seeing the need in her community through years of learning from and working within philanthropic groups, the foundation focuses on supporting transformative, sustainable programs that create vibrant communities – goals that are in strong alignment with Converse’s mission and vision.
“Converse is a strong traditional liberal arts school that is preparing our students for a range of future endeavors.”
Gillian White Goodrich ’68
“Converse is a strong traditional liberal arts school that is preparing our students for a range of future endeavors,” said Gillian. “The university does a good job of keeping students grounded while learning about themselves. As a former Board of Trustees member, I learned how complicated it is for a small liberal arts school to function and the decisions that must be made for the school to be successful.” That experience helped inspire her desire to support Converse in a meaningful way.
A Commitment to Community
“The Goodriches are incredible examples of what it means to be philanthropists,” said Dr. Katie Talbert, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relations at Converse University. “Their commitment to invest in the communities they love is truly inspiring. They have continuously shown their support over the years for the Converse community, and we could not be more grateful for their generosity.”
“This support is an investment in our future and reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education.”
President Boone J. Hopkins
They’re also passionate about student success. The couple want to make an impact on Converse for years to come, not only through their impactful gift, but through future estate planning.
“Through their vision and partnership, this remarkable gift from the Goodriches to Converse continues to move our mission forward and advance educational opportunities for our students,” said Converse President Boone Hopkins. “This support is an investment in our future and reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education.”
A Commitment to Service
Gillian has served on the Board of Trustees at Converse University, McWane Science Center, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, YWCA, Gateway, and the Alabama Heritage Foundation among many others.
In 2006, she was appointed to the Board of the State of Alabama Department of Archives and History. Goodrich is a member of the Alabama Historical Society and the Birmingham Historical Society. The Goodriches were honored by the Alabama Chapter of Fundraising Professionals as Outstanding Civic Leaders in 2004, and again as Outstanding Philanthropists in 2011.
Bolstering the Future of Converse
This latest gift builds on a series of significant philanthropic investments in Converse, its programs, and its affordability initiatives for students. Converse is a nonprofit organization supported by our current students, our alumni, and our community. Your investment allows Converse to remain steadfast in its mission to educate and empower the next generation of transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. To make your donation today, visit Giving to Converse.