Howard University announces plans for John H. Johnson School of Communications; Mr. Johnson contributes $4 million to Howard University Capital Campaign

Howard University is to receive a $4 million contribution from John H. Johnson, publisher and chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, publishers of EBONY and JET magazines. The School of Communications will be named in Johnson's honor.

"I have been a big admirer of Howard ever since I attended the first NAACP meeting in Baltimore when Thurgood Marshall was named assistant counsel," Johnson said. "I knew he was a Howard graduate, and I have been so inspired by the marks that he and so many other alumni have made on this nation. I am honored to make a contribution that will help to advance the cause of Howard and to continue the great tradition of journalism I've dedicated my whole life to."

Further, Johnson said he wanted to make the contribution because Howard has been an outstanding leader in providing educational opportunities for African-Americans.

"Education is still the key to success for all people, especially Black people. Education helped me leave the segregated town of Arkansas City. It helped me to establish and succeed in my business." Johnson Publishing Company also employs a number of Howard University graduates in many facets of the business, including journalism, law, advertising and public relations.

Founded 31 years ago, the School of Communications is one of the largest at Howard and offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees in four departments: Communication and Culture; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Radio, Television and Film; and Journalism.

"Mr. Johnson is a pioneer in African-American publishing," said Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert. "His contributions to journalism have played an extraordinary role in chronicling the struggles and successes of African-Americans in all facets of life for six decades. It is very fitting and with a deep sense of gratitude that we look forward to recognizing Mr. Johnson by naming the new Howard University School of Communications in his honor," said Swygert, who thanked Johnson on behalf of the University community.

Established in 1942, Johnson's company is a world leader in the publishing industry and is the No. 1 Black-owned publishing company in the world. The privately-held company founded by Mr. Johnson is also the home of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the world's No. 1 company for makeup and skin care for women of color; Supreme Beauty Products, hair care for men and women; EBONY Fashion Fair, the world's largest traveling fashion show; and the Johnson Publishing Company Book Division. His daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, is president and CEO of the family-owned company, and his wife, Eunice W. Johnson, is secretary-treasurer of the corporation and producer-director of EBONY Fashion Fair.

Johnson's gift supports "The Campaign for Howard: Leadership for America and the Global Community," a five-year initiative to raise $250 million. Launched in March 2002, the goal of the campaign is to harness resources to further enhance the University's academic programs and create new facilities for learning and research. To date, the campaign totals more than $75 million in contributions.

Howard University is one of 48 U.S. private, doctoral/research-extensive universities, and is comprised of 12 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, a Truman Scholar, six Fulbright Scholars and nine Pickering Fellows. Howard produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D.s than any other university in the world.

In addition to President H. Patrick Swygert, Howard's alumni include the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison; Savage Holdings LLC CEO and Board of Trustees Chairman Frank Savage; Emmy Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad; classical singer Jessye Norman; actress, producer and director Debbie Allen; the first African-American president of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. LaSalle Leffall, Jr.; attorney and civil rights leader Vernon Jordan; former UN Ambassador Andrew Young; and former ambassador to Luxembourg, Patricia Roberts Harris.