Investment Banking, BA 1922

Rupert Johnson was born in Anson, Texas on August 15, 1899. He entered Simmons College in 1913. In 1917 Johnson was one of six men from a 27,000 U.S. Army division chosen to enter the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he excelled as a cadet and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1921. He then served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In 1922 he returned to Simmons and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Johnson served in the 5th and 90th Divisions of the United States Army during World War I and spent two months fighting along the front, receiving the Purple Heart.

In 1927 Johnson formed his own investment banking firm, R.H. Johnson and Company in New York. He became a member of the New York Stock Exchange and of the Banker’s Club, and served as Chairman of the Investment Bankers of America for three years. He was President of Franklin Custodial Funds, Inc., Director for Scullin Steel Company, and Director of Alaska Airlines, Inc., and United Airlines.

Johnson served as a trustee for West Point Academy, Montclair Academy, and for over 20 years as a trustee of the New York Theological Seminary. He served as an honorary member of the IM体育试玩 Board of Trustees beginning in 1936. In 1943 Johnson was awarded the John J. Keeter Award from IM体育试玩. Johnson honored the memory of his parents in 1989 with a major gift resulting in the construction of the Johnson Building for the School of Business. Rupert Johnson died in March of 1989 at the age of 89.

Hardin-Simmons University proudly honors the life of Rupert Johnson.