NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University has received a major gift contribution from Pat Johnson, widow of Dr. Jim Johnson, a Stretch Miller Award recipient and emeritus professor of Psychology, to fund Redbird Softball technology improvements and offset costs associated with summer school for softball student-athletes.
A longtime volunteer in the Karin Bone Athletics Study Center, Dr. Jim Johnson was a decorated professor and dedicated countless hours to mentoring student-athletes. The Dr. Jim Johnson Phoenix Award is given annually to recognize a student-athlete who has overcome academic challenges and made consistent academic progress during their time at Illinois State.
"Dr. J was someone who made an enormous difference for our softball program and our student-athletes," Redbird softball head coach Melinda Fischer said. "I have enjoyed the opportunity the last several years to share Dr. J's passion for Illinois State softball with Pat and the family. Pat keeping her husband's legacy alive with this donation means that their family will continue to be difference makers for Redbird softball. We couldn't be more appreciative of Pat honoring her husband by giving our student-athletes the resources necessary to become champions in the classroom and in competition."
"Learning the ins and outs of Redbird Athletics, I kept hearing about Dr. J," ISU Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan said. "Knowing that our softball program is so well taken care of because of Pat is truly amazing. It is a testament to what Melinda has accomplished and I'm thrilled we can keep Dr. J's legacy alive here with the generous support of his family."
If you are interested in supporting Redbird Athletics, please call Sean Johnson at (309) 438-1506 or email him at sajohns@ilstu.edu.
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