Giving Back For the Future
Gary '61 Johnson reflects on how a scholarship opened the door to his education, career, and lifelong connection to Dunwoody - and why he and his wife Carol are ensuring future students have the same chance.
"Dunwoody is probably the second-best thing I've ever done in my life. Marrying my wife, Carol, is the first," says Gary Johnson, Class of 1961. After 66 years of a wonderful marriage, he and Carol decided to give back to Dunwoody by dedicating a portion of their estate to the college.
"After graduating from high school in 1955 and serving 4 years in the US Navy, Dunwoody gave me a scholarship when I had nothing and was nowhere-and I've been giving back to the college ever since." After graduating with a degree in Air Conditioning, Gary had several different jobs and eventually landed at Horowitz, today a full-service specialty contractor. Throughout his 23 years at Horowitz, Johnson rose through the ranks with his last position serving as president of the company.
As a student, Johnson's education was made possible by a Dunwoody scholarship. "I think the scholarship was $48 or $49 a month, and it was a miracle to me. Fast forward to today and it was obvious to Carol and me that our gift should go to students, because that's how I was able to go to Dunwoody."
Aside from a degree that served as a launching point for decades of professional success, Johnson also made special connections with Dunwoody faculty. "One faculty member, Ken Klucas, was fabulous. He treated me like a young man instead of a kid. He took me under his wing, and we kept in touch for fifty years afterwards." The relationships, education, and support that Johnson found at Dunwoody were "priceless" to him.
Johnson's commitment to Dunwoody rings true to what many alums feel-an appreciation for their experience and a desire to give back to the college. "I've been blessed, and I want to give other students a similar opportunity-I think that's our job in this world-to take care of other people if we can."
