Comprehensive Resource Campaign
Gene and Kathy Johnson: Preparing Ethical Journalists
Gene and Kathy Johnson know the power of journalism. For 50 years, Gene has been a publisher of community newspapers in eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
"We need people with biblically based morals and ethics to help tell the stories," says Gene, who frequently testifies to his faith in the weekly columns he writes. "It is vital to prepare journalists who are professional and credible. Our democracy depends on it."
To further that goal, the Johnsons have given a significant gift to Bethel University to create the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication. Its aim is to produce "culture-shaping Christians in the field of print and electronic journalism." (See more about the program's new components under Campaign News.)
Designating a gift toward a particular academic or co-curricular program is a form of giving encouraged in the Taking the Next Step campaign. Others are gifts to the endowment and Annual Fund. In the Johnson's case, they have structured their gift as annual support of the journalism program, perpetuated by an endowment beyond their lifetimes.
Why did the Johnson's choose Bethel as a place to invest? "Bethel is the strongest Christ-centered school we have seen," says Kathy. "I think the young men and women in the journalism program will be urged to question and choose, 'What would you do in this situation?'" she adds. "Those are the types of young people who are going to impact the world for Christ."