Grand Valley mourns Patricia B. Johnson

The Grand Valley State University community is mourning the death of Patricia B. Johnson, founding president of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, a longtime supporter of Grand Valley and dedicated philanthropist.

Johnson died January 3; she was 74. Johnson was a director for the Grand Valley University Foundation and co-chaired the Lake Michigan Center Campaign with her husband, Charles E. Johnson II. She also served on the committees for the Shaping Our Future Campaign, Dorothy A. Johnson Center Campaign, and the Making Waves in Muskegon Campaign. On October 10, 2011, the Johnsons initiated the Aquatic Ecologist Postdoctoral Fellowship for the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley.

“Pat was a tremendous advocate for Grand Valley State University,” said GVSU President Thomas J. Haas. “Her support helped make it possible for the university to contribute significantly to the national research on fresh water resources and become a valuable asset to the Muskegon area.”

Karen Loth, interim vice president for University Development at Grand Valley, said: “As a Foundation director, Pat was always there for Grand Valley. She understood the impact that Grand Valley’s presence could have on the lakeshore and in the Muskegon area in particular, and helped others share her vision. We will miss her more than I can say.”

Johnson received the 1998 Enrichment Award from the Grand Valley University Foundation for her philanthropic endeavors in the West Michigan area, making her a member of the GVSU Hall of Fame.