Johnston family gives generous estate gift to Newman University

J.V. Johnston ’82 will always remember his late parents, Marianne and Jerry Johnston, for their spirit of service and generosity to others.

“They instilled that in us, too,” Johnston said. “It was that sense of service and giving back, both in time and finances, that drove them in a lot of different ways.”

When Marianne passed away in October 2023, just seven years after the death of her beloved Jerry, the two left Newman University a transformative estate gift of nearly $255,000. Newman University was one of the three charities the Johnstons chose to share their inheritance with — the others being the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) sisters and The Center of Hope.

When J.V. Johnston attended Newman, a seed was planted in the hearts of his parents. But that only grew when, following a 36-year career at Johnston’s Clothiers, Johnston became Newman’s vice president for university advancement. Drawing from his own education from the ASC sisters, he shared the university’s mission of empowering its students to transform society to countless donors and stakeholders.

“I articulated the mission of Newman and how many students have to have scholarships to go there, and it left a permanent impression on my parents,” he said. “I also stressed the importance of not putting strings or directions on gifts to allow the university to use it in their most need. It makes a difference.”

Johnston’s father was especially moved by the mission of Newman and the ASC sisters, and served as an ASC associate alongside Sister Tarcisia Roths for several years. Jerry Johnston also formed a friendship with the Rev. Tom Welk, and regularly attended 9 a.m. Sunday morning Masses offered at the ASC Center.

Johnston, who now serves as both executive director for the Guadalupe Clinic and a Wichita city council member, said his parents’ legacy is an inspiring reminder that “most people can make their largest impact with an estate gift.

“That’s where people can give a gift toward something they really value and have a heart for,” he added. “My parents’ love was for people — keeping people housed, the mission of the sisters and especially of Newman University.”

To learn more about how you can set up an estate gift, contact the University Advancement Office at 316-942-4291 ext. 2471.