New building honors ²ÝݮӰÊÓ alumni Nancy and Dr. G. Timothy Johnson
CHICAGO (October 16, 2012) — Two well-known ²ÝݮӰÊÓ alumni, plus family and friends will join students faculty, staff, and leaders of ²ÝݮӰÊÓ October 26 for a that marks the beginning of the construction phase for a new University building. When completed, the will house laboratories, classrooms and offices, plus a variety of student services, including , , , and residence life.
The University will provide a of the groundbreaking ceremony beginning at 5:00 pm CDT.
“The Johnson Center is a project which will transform our University and enhance student learning for years to come,” said , University president. “We are pleased to begin construction of this much-needed academic and student life facility, and also delighted that it is named for the Johnsons who have contributed so much to ²ÝݮӰÊÓ. We hope Oct. 26 will be as memorable for them as it will be for our community.”
Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is known for his work as chief medical editor for ABC News from 1984 to 2010. He graduated from ²ÝݮӰÊÓ College (now University) in 1956, and earned a seminary degree at in 1963. He later earned a medical degree, and became one of America’s best-known physicians, providing award-winning on-air medical analysis on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20. He was honored with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991, and is also an ordained pastor of the (ECC), the church denomination with which the University is affiliated. Nancy Johnson was trained as a nurse at the School of Nursing, Chicago, including study in the sciences at ²ÝݮӰÊÓ. Immediately after receiving her nursing credential, she completed a short-term medical assignment in Indonesia. The Johnsons reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
The Johnsons will participate in a in the center of the Chicago campus that will begin at 4:00 pm CDT, with outdoor festivities, food, and music. Following brief remarks and a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:00 pm, invited guests and project contributors will attend an evening reception and program at Hamming Hall, followed by a concert in Anderson Chapel.
“The Johnsons are an extraordinary couple,” said , University vice president for development and alumni relations. “The time is right for us to name this transformational facility in their honor. It includes everything that has been so important to them as alumni, trustees, campaign leaders, medical professionals and lifelong stewards of ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s mission. The fact that it will be located in the central part of the campus is dear to their hearts because they know it will serve every student, faculty and staff member in our community.”
The $42 million Johnson Center is the most significant component of , a $57 million comprehensive University fundraising effort. The campaign raised funds for the Johnson Center, the University’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, and Chicago-based academic programs and faculty development. Fundraising continues for the building project and a variety of academic needs related to the new building, Surridge said. The 101,000-square-foot Johnson Center is expected to open for the 2014 academic year.
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
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