Elizabeth Johnson ’87 has enjoyed a career defined by leadership, mentorship and service, values first instilled in her 40 years ago at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

Today, Johnson is a respected leader within the pharmacy profession and generously devotes her time and resources to University of the Pacific. A regent since 2022, she recently updated her estate plan with a generous commitment to establish the Elizabeth G. Johnson Endowed Pharmacy Transfer Student Scholarship, for students in the university’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. 

Wanting to also impact students during her lifetime, she made a subsequent pledge to activate the scholarship this year.  

“I think most people can identify one or more ways that Pacific has enriched their life, be it through the friends they made, the education they received or the faculty who made an impact,” she said. “I am who I am because of Pacific, so of course I want to give back.”

Johnson earned her PharmD after completing an associate degree at Sacramento City College. A connection through a faculty member led to a rewarding 10-year career at the California Pharmacists Association, followed by nearly 16 years in the medical division of pharmaceutical giant Lilly. 

Johnson credits Lilly with expanding her philanthropic impact at Pacific. Like many employers, the company matches employees’ and retirees’ charitable contributions; their participation significantly increased her capacity to support Pacific students in the nearer term.

“I couldn’t have created a scholarship by myself, but because of the opportunity with Lilly, I was able to make it happen,” she said. “For a long time, I didn’t even know that an employer match was an option for starting endowments. Now, I hope more people realize they can do it.”

Her scholarship supports students who, like Johnson, join Pacific’s PharmD program from other institutions. She hopes the university will use it as a recruiting tool to attract pharmacy students from wide-ranging academic backgrounds.

“Elizabeth’s gift is both generous and resourceful,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20. “She recognizes the importance of lowering the financial barriers for aspiring health care professionals in a community that desperately needs them. Her gift also demonstrates that there are many creative options available to make your support for students go further. We are truly grateful for her generosity and the lives it will change.”

Throughout her career, Johnson has held volunteer leadership roles at the state and national levels. She currently serves on the board of directors for the American Pharmacists Association Foundation. 

Before joining Pacific’s Board of Regents, she served on the Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors—including two years as president—and the pharmacy alumni association board. 

She enjoys mentoring students and regularly participates in pharmacy school events and community outreach. 

“Regent Johnson leads with heart, authenticity and an extraordinary commitment to Pacific,” said Dean Berit Gundersen ’84. “She is deeply engaged with students and inspires them to reach their full potential through her genuine care and personal connection. Her leadership reflects the very best of the pharmacy profession and our community."

Johnson encourages fellow alumni to join her in supporting their alma mater—including by just showing up—and encourages others to give as they are able.

“Not everyone will have their name on a building or a scholarship, but no matter the amount, it’s rewarding to give what you can, as a way of recognizing how your Pacific experience has enhanced your life,” she said. 

To learn about supporting Pacific students through scholarships, contact Scott Biedermann at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.