Gillian White Goodrich ’68 Selected as 2026 Dexter Edgar Converse Recipient
Written by Amanda Mathis
Dedication, leadership, and philanthropy.
These are three of many words that describe our recent Dexter Edgar Converse recipient, Gillian White Goodrich ’68, recognized for her service and generosity to the university on September 17, 2026. The night was unlike any other on the Twitchell stage, as friends and family gathered to celebrate Goodrich, our newly named Dexter Edgar Converse recipient.
Named for Converse’s founder, Dexter Edgar Converse, the award honors those who continue the commitment to the Founder’s Ideal; it is the university’s highest honor and recognizes those who have given extraordinarily of their time, energy, and passion, as well as financial gifts. Past award recipients include Don Bain, Bill Barnet, Mary Belser, George and Susu Johnson, Mary Lib Hamilton, Marsha Gibbs, Jane McRae Jackson Avinger, and Walter and Betty Montgomery.
A Steadfast Champion
A longtime supporter of Converse, Goodrich has been a steadfast champion, serving on the Board of Trustees from 2000–2008; her tenure included hiring Betsy Fleming, the 9th President of Converse. Her philanthropic work earned her Converse’s Community Service Award in 2018.
“I was happy while attending Converse,” said Goodrich. “Here I was somewhat independent and able to make friends with people I wanted to be friends with because of who they were, not because they lived in my hometown.”
Her dedication to Converse grew steadily as she saw how the university impacted the lives of young women – including her own life.
“It was many years later that I realized Converse prepared me for the future as a professor, a mother, and a philanthropist.”
Gillian White Goodrich ’68
“There are so many skills that I learned while on campus,” she reflected. “I learned how to work in a group and be a part of a team. It was many years later that I realized Converse prepared me for the future as a professor, a mother, and a philanthropist.”
After completing her History degree, Goodrich 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.
In March 2012, Gillian and Mike created the Woodlawn Foundation, whose mission is to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham through a cradle-to-college education pipeline and mixed-income housing.
Decades of Friendships
Goodrich stays in touch with her college friends by meeting them when it works for their schedule. “Before we had email, we would call each other up and plan our next get-together,” she remembers. “Even with time gone by, it’s always amazing how quickly we pick up our last conversation.”
From May Day celebrations to Father-Daughter weekends, Converse holds some of her fondest memories.
“I remember that for Christmas my freshman year that my parents gave me winter gear and a sled,” she laughed. “Being from Alabama, they thought I had really gone up North.”
During her time as a member of the Board of Trustees, Goodrich learned “how complicated it is for a small liberal arts school to function,” she said, particularly noting “the decisions that have to be made for the success of the school while keeping the traditions of a small school strong.”
The institution’s award name of Dexter Edgar Converse has become synonymous with recipients who help make the university a place where talented and hardworking people “see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly” as they continue to further the university’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful for her leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to Converse.”
President Boone Hopkins
“Gillian represents the very best of Converse,” said President Boone Hopkins. “Her deep love for this University is reflected not only in her generosity, but in the countless ways she has given her time, shared her talents, and championed our mission. She understands the power of a Converse education and the responsibility we share to ensure that same transformative experience for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to Converse.”
Every year, Converse recognizes numerous alumni and friends who have gone above and beyond for the university. Recently, Goodrich and her husband made an impact on Converse for years to come with their recent investment, not only through their gift but also through future estate planning.
“People ask about giving back,” Goodrich said. “I see it as an opportunity, not a responsibility. Whenever you give, you receive more than just the university. So, giving, to me, has always been an honor.”
Make Your Impact
A nonprofit organization, Converse is supported by our current students, our alumni, and our community. An investment supporting Converse allows the university 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.