Karen Johnson, Walla Walla College vice president for college advancement, has received the Trailblazer in Philanthropy Award, the highest recognition of achievement in Adventist fund-raising.
Johnson was honored by her peers at a triennial conference held July 24–27 in Dallas, Texas, by the church's Philanthropic Service for Institutions (PSI).
Presented every three years by the North American Division, the award is given to a professional fund-raiser who has lent initiative, creativity and consistent professional leadership on behalf of Adventist philanthropy in its system of health and/or education.
LuAnn Davis, PSI board chair, and Niels-Erik Andreasen, Andrews University and former WWC president, presented the award. Quoting letters of support from professional peers, WWC board members and advancement staff, Davis and Andreasen described Johnson as an excellent leader, strategic planner and mentor.
Johnson has been WWC's vice president for college advancement since 1991. Since then, the advancement office has raised more than $86 million from alumni, businesses, foundations and private donors. It raises an average of $7 million every year.
The college is currently completing the $18 million Faith in the Vision campaign, a campus renewal project that includes the construction of a new administration building.
As head of college advancement, Johnson also oversees the college's alumni and public relations programs.
Johnson serves as president of the Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy and serves on the operating board of PSI in Silver Spring, Md.
Before coming to WWC, Johnson worked in Adventist academies for 18 years.
Karen Johnson, vice president for college advancement
