The Sigur Center for Asian Studies

The Elliott School of International Affairs
The George Washington University

The George Washington University

William R. Johnson Fund



The Sigur Center launched a fundraising drive in December 2007, the William R. Johnson Fund, to support student scholarships and program activities in honor of the Center's co-founder and former associate director. Bill Johnson's passion for teaching Chinese history, devotion to students, and tireless stewardship of the Center prompted the creation of this special fund.

Johnson distinguished himself in many ways as Chair of the Department of History, Acting Director of the Institute for Sino-Soviet Studies, and Director of the East Asian Studies Program from its inception in1975 until his retirement in 1995. He is especially remembered for his concern for students—whether it was setting up a special Chinese language course for MA students or personally arranging student internships in Asia.

Leading alumni who studied with Johnson have high praise for him. David Shambaugh, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at GW, described him as "one of the most demanding and rewarding classroom teachers I experienced during my university education." Paul Heer, National Intelligence Officer for East Asia at the National Intelligence Council, calls him "the foundation of my knowledge and understanding of Chinese history." Bruce Babcock, President of Broadridge Financial Solutions Ltd.'s ICS International division singles Johnson out for "special thanks." Pitman Potter, Director of the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia, remembers that Johnson "combined rigor with compassion, alternately inspiring, guiding, and more than infrequently correcting my initial efforts to build understanding about China."

We are reaching out to alumni and friends of the Sigur Center to help establish this fund. Your contribution may be made by visiting https://www.gwu.edu/online_giving/. Be sure to select "Other" for the gift designation and type "William R. Johnson Fund - Sigur Center for Asian Studies."

Thanks for your support!