She was part of the soul of Connecticut College

Alice E. Johnson Photo by Ted Hendrikson

Alice E. Johnson kept a “panic button” on her desk in Fanning, welcomed students by offering them a cigarette (everyone smoked in the ’60s) and didn’t hesitate to camp it up during the freshman talent show.

But the indomitable Dean Johnson was also known for her wry humor, her open-mindedness and her generosity. “DJ,” as she was nicknamed by students, was a mentor to many. She joined the faculty in 1958 and retired in 1983 as dean emeritus of the College and professor emeritus of English.

When Johnson died a year ago July 22 at the age of 86, the College invited alumni and colleagues to submit comments and recollections for possible publication. The response was overwhelming.

A note from Martha E. “Meg” Gifford ’73 was typical. “With a few other individuals, DJ for me was the soul of Connecticut College in the early 1970s,” she wrote. “We who benefited from her presence and her love for the College were more fortunate than words can express. We were proud of her, and we can be glad that she knew of the love we returned to her over the years.”

View other remembrances.

Read more about Dean Johnson:
1972 Baccalaureate remarks: The challenge of your generation.
1978 Chapel talk: Use the gifts you’ve been given.
The Quotable Alice Johnson: A selection of her best quips.