Johnston awarded first honorary doctorate
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The most excited "graduate" may not have left Commencement at Allen Arena May 10 with a bachelor's or master's degree.
Instead, the most excited degree recipient among the 330-plus participating in the ceremony may have been John H. Johnston, who left with Lipscomb University's first-ever honorary doctorate.
Johnston, a former member of the university's Board of Trustees, was presented the "Doctor of Humane Letters" degree by Lipscomb President Steve Flatt.
"He is the eternal optimist. He is nicknamed 'Mr. Encouragement' by those who know him best, frequently referring parallels to Barnabas, the son of encouragement in the Book of Acts," Flatt said.
"It's incredible to see how he has been involved in so many ministries at the churches he has attended and provided energy, vision and hands-on leadership," Flatt said.
Johnston said he deeply appreciated the honor because of his love for Lipscomb, what the university stands for, and how it prepares graduates for career, family, and service to God.
"I love Lipscomb. As was said, I was on the board for several years, and what this university is and does and stands for is so great," Johnston said. "I thank those who selected me, and I am so appreciative."
Wearing the doctoral "hood" representing his degree, he noted that the colors were special. "I will wear these colors and wear them proudly for the rest of my life because I love Lipscomb," Johnston said.
A Jacksonville, Texas, native, Johnston graduated from Carlisle High School in Tyler, Texas, and Tyler Business College, before serving in the 20th Army Air Force in World War II.
His career included 16 years in marketing with the Piggly Wiggly Co., before retiring in 1981 after 20 years as chief executive officer of Stop 'N Go food stores, Dayton, Ohio. He served on the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees from 1982-2000, is on the board of World Christian Broadcasting, and is a past member of the board of Midwestern Children's Home, Cincinnati.
As a member of Riverside Church of Christ, Dayton, Johnston was a ministry leader, deacon and elder. He served the McGregor Boulevard Church in Fort Myers, Fla., as a volunteer full-time staff member. He conducts church leader seminars across the country.
After his wife, Ruth, passed away in the late 1980s, Johnston was introduced to Linda Heflin, a Nashville area real estate developer and broker, by President-emeritus Willard Collins. John and Linda were married in January 1993. Linda Heflin Johnston is a current member of the Lipscomb Board of Trust.
Flatt said the decision to present an honorary doctorate was reached after a two-year study by the Board of Trust. Recipients are chosen through a "stringent process" of nomination, which includes review by the university's Council of Deans, the provost, president, and by vote of the Board of Trust.
Like Johnston, a future nominee will be "an individual who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to Lipscomb, to the community, the nation, and even the world," Flatt said.