A Rare Opportunity

The largest portion of the endowment created by the donation is applied to The Johnson Scholarship Program. Designed to attract students with exceptional academic and personal promise, regardless of their ability to afford tuition and other expense, the Johnson Scholarship program supports recipients in their endeavors so they are able to graduate debt free. A Johnson Scholarship is awarded to approximately 10% of each entering class.

The Johnson gift also strengthens W&L's role as a vigorous contributor to the national conversation on educating tomorrow's leaders. The Johnson Lecture and Symposia Series supports visits by dignitaries, professionals, and pundits to speak on all manner of topics and events related to the overarching themes of Leadership, Ethics, and Honor. Guests of the Johnson Lecture and Symposia Series include Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and former British Secretary of the Cabinet Lord Butler.

The program also endows two new professorships, one in W&L's Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics centering on leadership and entrepreneurship, and another in the College of Arts and Sciences exploring how individuals and ideas shape the course of history.

The final facet of the program is the Johnson Opportunity Grant. The grant program supports up to 30 rising seniors in various off-campus endeavors that aid students in their particular field of study, while also exposing them to experiences that enhance their leadership abilities and hone their ethical grounding.