La Crosse Dental/G. Johnson Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Johnson graduated from the University of Indiana dental school in 1966. He served for three years as a dentist in the Navy before setting up his practice in La Crosse. He enjoyed his work and his patients; they called him “Gentle Gene”. He inspired two sons to follow him into the dental profession.
Dr. Johnson cooperated with the dental assisting program at Western for many years. Students who needed an understanding and kind environment to gain confidence in themselves were sent to his office for their clinical experience. Under his guidance they gained experience and skill in their chosen profession.
Dr. Johnson’s untimely death left a void in the dental community felt by all who knew him. The La Crosse Dental Association raised the money to fund this scholarship in his name. The scholarship is given each year to a student who demonstrates some of his ideals and characteristics. Being an “A” student is not the main criteria for this scholarship. A person, who is a team worker, is kind and giving to classmates, and someone who reaches out to help others is the type of person to receive this annual award.