Building Legacies

Paul A. Johnson Living Center

There are 11 suite-style living centers named for Grand Valley Board of Trustees members Richard M. DeVos, Icie Macy Hoobler, Paul A. Johnson, William A. Kirkpatrick, Arnold C. Ott, Robert C. Pew, William F. Pickard, Bill & Sally Seidman, Dale Stafford, Maxine M. Swanson, and Ella Koeze Weed. All the buildings are divided into suites consisting of two double-bed rooms and a bath.

Paul JohnsonPaul A. Johnson was born December 23, 1919 in Muskegon, Michigan and received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. In 1941 he began his WWII military service as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, and married Charlotte Albertine in September 1942. When he returned from the war in 1945 he became co-owner of Dake, a Grand Haven hydraulic-press manufacturer. He also served on GVSU's Board of Control for 26 years, making him the university's longest-serving board member. Johnson was first appointed to the board by Governor George Romney in 1968. Upon his retirement in 1994 Grand Valley awarded him an honorary doctorate of humanities. Paul Johnson passed away December 18, 2003 at the age of 83. The Johnson Living Center, completed in 1987, is named in his honor.

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Page last modified June 6, 2013