Barbara and Robert Johnson arrived in Pullman in 1957 to launch Robert’s 35 years as an English professor at Washington State University (WSU). It was the start of a distinguished career and a lifelong affection for the small college town.
After Robert passed away in 2013, Barbara, who also worked for WSU, wanted to create a lasting impact on the community and university that she and her husband both loved. “Pullman has been a very good, supportive community,” Barbara said. “I want to help it stay that way.”
At the suggestion of her financial adviser Jeff Feuerstein, Barbara created a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) at Innovia Foundation in 2016. After paying Barbara income for life, the remainder of the CRUT will establish the Robert O. & Barbara A. Johnson Fund to benefit organizations that have played important roles in the Johnsons’ lives, including Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation, Community Congregational United Church of Christ, WSU Foundation and Neill Public Library.
