Dr. David C. Johnson A’53 Gives Back with Gratitude for Lifelong Success

Dr. David (A’53) and Cathy Johnson

Even after 70 years Dr. David C. Johnson A’53 is quick to praise his North Park Academy experience, recalling the individual attention he received from “a dedicated faculty” as well as outstanding opportunities to play sports and even co-edit the school newspaper. But the standout benefit: The Academy taught him how to study—a skill that contributed to his success at Lawrence University (where he taught study skills to his roommates), medical school at Northwestern University, residency at the Mayo Clinic, and decades of career success as a physician and specialist in nephrology in Reno, Nevada.

“My good head start at the Academy has had so much to do with who I am and how I got to be a physician,” he said. “It’s why I now want to give back to North Park for contributing so much to my success.”

Dr. Johnson, along with his wife Cathy, a former nurse, made a gift of appreciated stock to North Park, which now supports scholarships through the North Park Fund as well as the David C. and Catherine C. Johnson Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund.

After reviewing other vehicles and potential tax liabilities, Dr. Johnson said an outright planned gift of appreciated stock was the optimal strategy for his estate planning. And a gift made during your lifetime, he said, “means you’re able to see what you have done.” The Johnsons hope the scholarships will help “to make college a little easier for students who may be struggling as well as contribute to future medical careers for today’s nursing students.”