For Jack Johnson, “Iowa State gave me the foundation of knowledge that I built upon for 40 years.” Jack also met his late wife, Carol, during a math class in Carver Hall, so the university holds an extra special place in his heart.

Throughout his career, Jack applied his knowledge of computer engineering at companies like Intel, Monsanto and McDonnell Douglas. He retired in spring 2021. Last fall, Jack returned to campus to present a lecture focused on life skills for a College of Engineering graduate course – an experience he greatly enjoyed. He spent the last few years of his career mentoring young engineers at Intel and hopes to continue that work at Iowa State.

Carol also impacted many lives at the university. She served on the chemical engineering department’s advisory council and provided valuable advice to steer the activities of the department.

Carol graduated with a chemical engineering degree at a time when there were very few women in engineering. She was a trailblazer and a great role model, spending 20 years at Monsanto designing plants that created sulfuric acid and other chemicals. Throughout her career – she also worked for Intel – she forged new paths for women in chemical engineering.

Since their first gift in 1980, Carol and Jack’s generosity has covered many areas, including the beautification of Lake Laverne and spaces within Howe Hall and Coover Hall. They next chose to support faculty because they felt that the heart of a university is in its professors and staff. They created a fellowship in the chemical and biological engineering department. After Carol’s passing in 2014 when she lost her battle with cancer, Jack established the Carol Vohs Johnson Chair in the department of chemical and biological engineering, which he refers to lovingly as “Carol’s Chair.”

Jack also supports the University Library Strategic Fund. He still enjoys strolling through the library with a cup of coffee and, at home, using old catalog cards to make his “to do” lists. Carol and Jack Johnson are among a very select group of alumni who have shown their love of Iowa State through their lifelong engagement with the university. They have given their time, energy and resources beginning the day they stepped onto campus and continuing through their professional careers and beyond.

Jack currently resides in Granite Bay, California, and is a member of the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear Society and Campanile Society.

Published April 2022