Making the Difference
Neal Johnson
Love for Exotic Places Inspires Gifts for Study Abroad
By Cate House
Since she was a little girl, Neal Johnson has been curious about cultures other than her own. Growing up in a family that loved to travel overseas helped spark that passion, she said.
 |
| Neal Johnson |
Her love for exotic places led her to study art history at Carolina. But, unfortunately, she said, she never studied abroad as an undergraduate. After college, she set about correcting that omission by working for British Airways for 14 years, traveling all over the world. Now, Johnson continues to travel the world in search of antiques and unique works of art to create one-of-a-kind lamps for her business— Neal Johnson, Ltd.
Johnson also is making sure that today’s and tomorrow’s Carolina students don’t miss out on study abroad opportunities. She and her sister, Mary Anne Dickson, have honored their father by establishing the Charles Garland Johnson Sr. Scholars Fund, which enables about 20 students each year to travel abroad. In addition, Johnson has established the Neal Johnson International Study Fund in Art History in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Studying abroad provides a chance to be exposed to art face to face and to see sculptures, paintings and architecture in their cultural context,” she said. “In traveling overseas, students also gain a broader view of the world and have a better understanding of what is going on while following the news.”
Besides contributing financially to Carolina, Johnson serves on the Carolina Women’s Leadership Council and is vice-chair of the Advisory Board for International and Area Studies. She was closely involved with planning the FedEx Global Education Center, which opened in spring 2007 and houses all international and area studies programs in the college.
“No matter your passion, there are endless ways to support Carolina,” Johnson said.
The Carolina First Campaign reinvigorated Johnson’s connections with Carolina, she said. “By becoming involved—particularly with the FedEx Global Education Center and its advisory board, as well as the Women’s Leadership Council—my sense of great pride in all that is Carolina increased more than I might ever have anticipated,” she said. Plus, watching all the campaign’s efforts manifest on campus is inspiring. “It’s fantastic to see not only the physical structures on campus improve, but also to see faculty and students reap the campaign’s rewards,” she said.
“The campaign also deserves credit for reconnecting me with old Carolina friends, and introducing me to new ones,” she said. “What deep adoration and commitment so many people have for my alma mater! Now it’s a high priority in my life to remain connected and to help the University in whatever way I can.”
Print
