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"If you don't give back at least as much as you took, - how can there be something for those who come after you?"
For Annette Houston Johnson, giving back is a way of life. She has been giving back to Jackson State University since she graduated in 1971. "I was the 4th of six children born to Walter and Glennie Houston in Charleston, Mississippi. My parents had high expectations for my siblings and I most importantly obtaining a college degree. They instilled a vision to do more, be our best selves, and be whatever we wanted." With tenacity and vigor, Annette matriculated at Jackson State University, building on the foundation that her parent's had embedded which molded her into the person who she is today. "I continuously give because I owe a debt to Jackson State University that, no matter what I do, I can never repay."
Annette says that online automatic deductions make it seamless to give. "Start small, perhaps by giving up something that you enjoy once a month-Starbucks coffee or glass of wine. It's amazing how small steps can turn into big dollars."
Annette's commitment to mentoring and providing funds for scholarships is a part of her own personal legacy to give back. For the past 25 years, in addition to giving financially, Annette has mentored students as they matriculated through Jackson State University. Each year, she mentors a new freshman and follows that student throughout his or her four years of college. Like Harriet Tubman, Annette is proud of the fact that "she has never lost a student." All have graduated and gone on to have successful careers. As she continues to pay-forward with her financial giving and mentoring, she will continue to provide opportunities for the next generation of students.
