Air Force Academy receives largest private gift in its history
The Air Force Academy has received a $6 million legacy grant from a Denver-based foundation.
The grant from the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation marks the largest private gift in Air Force Academy history.
The grant, which was donated specifically to the Academy’s Center for Character and Leadership Development will establish the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Chair for the Study of the Profession of Arms. Its purpose is to create a cadre of military scholars who will inspire a sophisticated review and dialogue about the military profession.
“We are grateful for the generosity of our alumni, supporters, and foundations that play such a pivotal role in supporting our margin of excellence programs. Much of our mission to provide a world-class education and to inspire future leaders is made possible by the “margin of excellence” initiatives that enhance the Academy experience for our cadets,” said USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson.
General (Ret.) Stephen Lorenz, President & CEO of the USAFA Endowment also voiced appreciation.”I am excited that the Johnson Foundation Board of Trustees has aligned themselves with the vision and purpose of the Center for Character and Leadership Development. The Academy has a long heritage of providing the world with innovative thinkers, and we will now be able to provide a genuine hub for the profession of arms to create the next generation of global leaders.”
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin Rokke, Senior Scholar in the Center for Character and Leadership Development said: “We are deeply appreciative of the Johnson Foundation’s continued support of the Air Force Academy. This gift denotes a serious effort to understand and appreciate the evolving nature of the profession of arms and the development of leaders.”
The Johnson family and the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation have a long-standing relationship with the Air Force Academy. Its founder, Art Johnson, played an active role in bringing the Air Force Academy to Colorado. He was also a long-time board member of the Air Force Academy Foundation. His granddaughter and chairman of the Board, Lynn Campion. “We are thrilled to make such a significant contribution toward the development of the next generation of Air Force leaders. What a wonderful way to honor my grandfather’s legacy, from his military service to the impact he made on one of our nation’s finest institutions,” she said.
