Donor Stories
Bob Johnston
Bob Johnston, longtime friend of Eastern Michigan University, has chosen to make a gift using the new IRA Rollover introduced into legislation in 2006. Bob's gift fulfills his pledge commitment to furnish an early childhood education (ECE) classroom in memory of his wife, Gail E. Johnston, who passed away in 2005. Gail spent her working years teaching mentally, physically or financially challenged children.
"I would encourage people 701/2 years old who are required to withdraw funds from their IRAs to think in terms of how this generous provision can help fund and support charities of their choice," Bob said. "Ifound that giving a directed gift to a project that is important to me does have a larger impact at Eastern than gifts given to more prosperous universities."
The classroom is dedicated solely to the ECE program. One of the special features of the room is a children's corner, a place for the students to view materials actually used in an ECE classroom.
Bob retired in 1994 as vice-chairman of Gerber Products Co., Fremont, Mich., after a 38-year career with the corporation. He has served as chair of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees and was honored by the EMU Alumni Association with the Dr. John W. Porter Distinguished Service Award in 2005. EMU is lucky to have a friend like Bob.
