Stories
Mary E. Johnson '75 shares how her connection to USD inspired the Johnson Family Award and a planned gift honoring the educators who shaped their lives.
What is your connection to USD?
The 17³Ô¹ÏÍø is a family school. My parents met at USD and my father also attended his first two years of medical school there. My two siblings and I attended the university as well.
How did your experience at USD shape your life or career?
While attending USD I had the opportunity to participate in numerous activities outside the classroom. These activities were all about teamwork and required cooperation and mutual support. My career in healthcare also required cooperation and mutual support. Our teamwork placed the patient at the center of everything we did and USD introduced the value of cooperative teamwork in the workplace.
What was the inspiration behind your gift?
We created the Johnson Family Award to recognize the non-tenured faculty and adjunct faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences. I gained a clearer understanding of the contributions of non-tenured faculty while serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council. My family and I felt strongly that these contributions needed further recognition.
What do you hope your planned gift will accomplish for future generations of USD students?
Liberal Arts education is under assault. Artificial Intelligence and the digital world are changing the very nature of learning. One thing that isn’t changing is the need for talented, dedicated educators. Our hope is that, in a small way, we can be a part of what motivates talented, dedicated educators to find a home at USD.
What would you say to others who might be considering a planned gift to USD?
In addition to the Johnson Family Award, my partner and I have included USD in our estate planning. We consider this a part of our legacy. Including USD in our planning gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the role the university has played in our lives and our careers. We understand that offering a planned gift is a great investment and has the potential to contribute to the success of future graduates. That’s exciting.
Do you have any advice for current students or recent alumni?
Don’t limit yourselves. You are having or have had the gift of a quality education from an institution with a long and honorable history. Take what you are given and run with it! My degree in Communications from USD resulted in a successful career in radio broadcasting which gave me time to sort out my real calling to healthcare ministry. Who knew?!