Inspire, Winter 2006

Investing in Lives Gary Johnson '66 as shared W hen Gary Johnson first arrived on the campus ofOhio's Cedarville University in 1960,he probably didn't imagine that the school would become such an important part ofhis life. In fact, Gary, 64,recalls that his first dorm was a modest barracks with paper-thin walls. But Gary,who had a three-decades-long career with the State ofOhio's Bureau ofEmployment Services,feels such gratitude for the opportunities and education that the school gave him that one ofhis top priorities is supporting his alma mater." Thus begins a recent article titled"Defining and Reaching Goals"in the Charles Schwab magazine On Investing(Fall 2006).Although the article is about investing,it is clear on the very first page that Garyloves Cedarville University as he poses next to a picture ofhis beloved alma mater(see Page 2ofthis issue ofInspire). Gary's enthusiasm for Cedarville and for life is contagious.After being selected by Schwab to serve on the Schwab Investor Advisory Board,Gary responded via e-mail to a request for a Q&A for an article in the magazine.The signature on Gary's e-mails always includes his love for Cedarville University,his mission statement,and his life verse.The writer ofthe article liked Gary's exuberance for life,and it soon became clear that the article was going to tell the world about Cedarville University. In 2003,Gary realized that the Lord wasleading him to support Cedarville University,although he had not returned to campus in more than 30 years. Upon returning for Alumni Basketball Weekend games,a Senior Honors Banquet,Hall ofFame Banquets,and 2004 Homecoming, he stated,"I fell in love again with Cedarville as the Lord worked on my heart."After spending some time with Dr.Bill Brown and Faith Linn'83 on different occasions, Gary felt he could make a difference at Cedarville University with his support. with Faith Linn '83 • t Gary Johnson '66 When asked what he remembers mostfondly about Cedarville,Gary responded,"People.Dr.James T. Jeremiah,Dr. Clifford Maddox,Dr.Robert Gromacki, and many more."In fact, it was because he became reacquainted after 40 years with a friend who left CU for financial reasons that Gary became an active financial supporter ofthe University. Because people made a difference in his life, Gary wants to make a difference in the lives ofothers.A student recently wrote,"I do not know Mr.Johnson personally,but he has provided for students in need through anonymous grants, demonstrating his care for the success ofall Cedarville students by his kind benevolence." Gary concluded the On Investing article by saying,"Even though I'm not able to give tremendous amounts of money,I'm trying to generate what I can for Cedarville.I give through many different vehicles,but they're all small. Whatever I can give,I give:' ... it was because he became reacquainted after 40years with a tend who left CUfor financial reasons that Gary became an active financialsupporter ofthe University. Gary is retired and lives in Lakewood, Ohio.He workedfor the State of Ohio,Bureau ofEmploymentServices from 1967-1997.In 2001, Gary's wife MargaretSteele Johnson passed away. Gary has three adult children andfour grandchildren.He can be reached at thegaryjohnsons@att.net. Inspire 21