Jeff Johnson '81

For Jeff Johnson '81, joining Delta Upsilon was his way of finding a comfortable place to fit in on campus. He followed in the footsteps of his older brother by joining Illinois Chapter and making lifelong connections. Today, Jeff pays that experience forward by supporting the Chapter's house renovation campaign.

FINDING A FRATERNAL FIT

"I walked away more comfortable in my own skin after four years of Illinois and being involved with the Chapter," Jeff said. He remains grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a larger organization at a young age, and Jeff appreciated Delta Upsilon's emphasis on philanthropy. "I just tried to support the house in any way I could."

LIFE BEYOND COLLEGE

Jeff has retained close friendships with alumni like Kevin Donnelly '81 and Michael Pizzuto '81 for decades after their time in the Chapter House. "I thought Kevin exemplified what it meant to give back to the house, even at a young age. Michael has consistently brought people together to socialize and stay connected."

After graduation, Jeff found himself working for the Tribune Company, the parent company of The Chicago Tribune, which led to traveling

around the country and working in various locations. His career path has included work as the publisher of The Los Angeles Times and The San Francisco Chronicle, culminating in Jeff's current position as SVP of Hearst and president of Hearst Newspapers.

SUPPORTING THE HOUSE

Thinking back on his formative Delta Upsilon years, Jeff contributed to the Chapter's Honoring the Past, Building for the Next Century renovation campaign. He hopes to provide an engaging fraternity experience for similar young men looking for a place to feel comfortable on Illinois' campus.

"I think it's a great opportunity to keep the house going," he said about the renovation efforts. Jeff even met his wife through the Illinois Chapter when she was a DU little sister in college, and they recently celebrated their 42nd anniversary. "How can you not have an affection for the house when you met your future wife there?"

In his free time, Jeff enjoys traveling with his wife to visit their adult children in Chicago, Boston, and Beijing.