2002 Honorary Degree

M. James Johnston Doctor Of Humane Letters M. James Johnston has distinguished himself as a philanthropic business leader and outstanding community participant, contributing to the growth of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne area. M. James Johnston Mr. Johnston is currently the president of the Northern Indiana Group of National City Bank Corporation and has lived in Fort Wayne for 34 years. In addition to being a generous personal and professional donor, he has lent his time and wisdom to community fund-raising efforts. Mr. Johnston was especially helpful to IPFW in its efforts to obtain NCAA Division I status. He counseled the athletic department and administration throughout the process and led the fund-raising efforts to support the transition. Born in Batesville, Ind., Mr. Johnston graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1959 and Butler University with a bachelor of science degree in 1966. He also earned a master’s degree from Butler in 1968. He furthered his education throughout his career by attending various bank-related schools or seminars at Northwestern University, University of Oklahoma, Ohio State University and Columbia University. Mr. Johnston began his banking career as a marketing assistant at Fort Wayne National Bank in 1968 and rose to assistant vice president by 1970. He moved into the commercial loan department a year later, and by 1974 was its vice president. He was named corporate vice president in 1985 and executive vice president in 1990. In December of 1991, Mr. Johnston was promoted to president and chief administrative officer. Five years later, he was named president and chief executive officer and became chairman and chief executive officer in January of 1997 prior to the merger with National City Corporation the following March. Mr. Johnston’s involvement in the community includes being chairman of the Fort Wayne Community Foundation, chairman of Fort Wayne Regional Corporate Council, a trustee for the English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation, treasurer of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Alliance and director of the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana. He is a member of the IPFW Advisory Council, the Butler School of Business Advisory Board, Leadership Fort Wayne, the Chamber Foundation and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. He also is active with Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana. Mr. Johnston has previously served as president of United Way of Allen County, Fort Wayne Zoological Society, The Mad Anthonys and The Summit Club.