Paine College received a $150,000 donation Wednesday from the Estate of Ellis and Ann Johnson that will go toward the school’s Growing Paine fundraising campaign.
Helene Carter, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Paine College, announced the contribution at the end of the college’s Religious Emphasis Assembly. The Paine College Wesley Fellowship, the school’s Methodist campus ministry, coordinated and hosted the annual service at the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel, in which Bishop Thomas L. Brown Sr. of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and chairman-elect of Paine’s Board of Trustees, preached the sermon.
“We have miles to travel, and with God’s grace and God’s mercy, we will reach and surpass our goal,” said Carter about the Growing Paine initiative, launched in February with the aim to raise $6 million within 60 days.
The campaign has raised more than $570,000 via pledges and donations, Carter said. The college plans to use the funds for a variety of projects, including an increase in scholarships, residential hall improvements and faculty development.
The Johnsons, who bequeathed the donation to the school, were renowned for their philanthropy, arts patronage and community advocacy, including toward Paine College and the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. Ann Johnson died in 2018 and was executive assistant to the president at Paine. Ellis Johnson, who died in 2020, was an alumnus and educator.
Both had tenures directing the Augusta Chorale at the college. The couple had been married for 49 years. Paine’s performing arts center, attached to the chapel building, is named for the Johnsons.
“They were in love with Paine College,” said Tracie Gallop, the Johnsons’ niece, who presented the check to the school on the behalf of their estate, alongside her husband, businessman and Augusta Economic Development Authority treasurer Butch Gallop.
Near the close of the service, Carter praised the Johnsons and similar donors for considering Paine College in their estates, as she encouraged congregants and attending alumni to offer contributions toward the campaign.
“We hope that the Johnsons’ legacy gift will move many of you to do the same,” she said.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
