In Memoriam - Ben F. Johnson Jr. - 1914-2006
June 30, 2006
Dear Colleagues, Alumni and Friends:
It is with sadness that I share the news that Dean Ben F. Johnson. Jr., a great public citizen and our founding dean, died peacefully this morning in his home in Atlanta. Ben led an extraordinary life, and we here at the College of Law are blessed by the decision he made late in his career, over 25 years ago, to set his sights on Georgia State University and build from scratch a quality public law school in the City of Atlanta. I am pleased that many of us got the chance to be with Ben this past March as we celebrated Ben's life of public service by bestowing on Linda DiSantis the annual public service award that bears Ben's name. As a college and as individuals we will surely have the opportunity in the coming weeks to share among ourselves and with others our fondest memories of Ben and to help this law school, this city and this state celebrate a life that made such a difference in the lives of others. I know you all join with me in extending to the Johnson family our love and prayers during this difficult time.
The Memorial Service for Dean Johnson will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5th, at the Glenn Memorial Methodist Church on the Emory University Campus. Following the service the family will receive friends at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, also on the Emory Campus. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest contributions either to Georgia State University College of Law, P.O. Box 4037, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-4037; or the Emory University School of Law, 1301 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322-2770,
Steven Kaminshine
Dean and Professor of Law
Dean Steve Kaminshine shares a moment with Ben F. Johnson Jr. talking over current legal news from the Fulton County Daily Report during the awards banquet named after our founding dean this past March 30th.