After enjoying an extremely fulfilling career in the aviation industry Johnson and his wife Sue, are giving back. They have created several student scholarships over the years. “Through my involvement with different higher learning institutions, you could really see how many students you were helping. Somewhere through the years, I lost track of how difficult it can be to finance a college education.” That reminder led Jim to reminisce about his own junior college experience and reaching out to the NIACC Foundation. “Remembering my Mason City Junior College (NIACC’s predecessor) experience, made me think about the positive impact my instructors had on me. I want to support that,” said Johnson, who retired in 1999. “My hope is that other NIACC alumni will follow our lead and give to make the financial load a little lighter for students.”
A 1960 Mason City High School graduate, Jim Johnson and his wife Sue are reaching out to college students in ways that offer wisdom and support for their college education. After graduating from high school, Johnson enrolled at Mason City Junior College and graduated in 1962. He then transferred to Iowa State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. Johnson received his MBA as an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow from MIT.
“My instructors at Mason City Junior College really ignited my passion for math and science. They were so passionate,” he said. “They really encouraged me to continue with my love for math and science. I want people, especially students to know what an asset they have right in their backyard because there are zero limits to what can be achieved with a NIACC degree.”
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with Jim and Sue on creating scholarships that support the education of students at NIACC,” said Jamie T. Zanios, NIACC Foundation Director. “So many students are in need of financial help. Our goal is to help as many students as possible. Everything comes full circle when a NIACC alumni gives back to help the students who follow them. There’s no better gift.”
The NIACC Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for the academic year 2014-15. Students are encouraged to apply at http://www.niacc.edu.