May of 2018 was a big month for Dorothy Johnson. She received CCC’s first ever Luminary Award, graduated with her associate degree and turned 70 on Mother’s Day.

Dorothy is the president of the Olive-Harvey College Student Government Association, started a club to support students transitioning from Adult Education to credit classes, and led the food pantry on campus. She is also involved in her community and her church. Starting at Olive-Harvey in 2013, Dorothy’s original goal was to get her GED, but she’s now on her way to National Louis University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and already has a job lined up in a childcare center.

Dorothy was a mother figure for many students on campus who looked up to her, sought her advice, and looked to her for support. Said one of Dorothy’s classmates about her: “She has a huge heart, a beautiful spirit, and brightens everyone’s day. Dorothy Johnson makes Olive-Harvey College a better place for me.”

Dorothy is an active part of the Olive-Harvey student body, and sets an example of academic excellence, kindness, determination, and achievement.