Sam Johnson

As a child growing up in Saginaw, Sam Johnson had virtually unlimited access to computer parts.

“My dad had an at-home computer repair business, so there were always computer parts lying around the house. It was like my own little computer playground. I’d get into those parts and build little things and ask my dad all kinds of questions. Eventually, I built my own computer in 6^th grade.”

As Sam’s computer proficiency grew, so did his love for education. In fact, Sam values education so much that he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in a computer discipline so he can teach at the college level. He recently graduated from SVSU with a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems with three minors, in cybersecurity, finance and general business and is now working toward a master’s in computer science and information systems at the university. Scholarship support has made a meaningful difference in Sam’s college experience.

“Scholarships allowed me to do so much more than I thought I could.” Without them I don’t know that I would have three minors and such a broad understanding of these different fields. I also don’t know that I’d have been able to participate in the Vitito Fellows program or have been involved in other campus activities. Instead, I would have been working more to pay my tuition.”  

Sam’s first experience with SVSU was through the Great Lakes Bay Early College Program while he was in high school. The program gave him a head start on college credits.

When it was time for college, Sam knew he would need to make smart choices and some sacrifices to minimize loans and keep his education affordable. So he lived at home his first year, worked, and aggressively pursued scholarships from SVSU and other sources. Among the support he received was SVSU’s Dean’s Scholarship, an academic merit award for students with a 3.75 GPA. This scholarship, along with other merit scholarships at SVSU, are supported by donor gifts to the General Scholarship Fund.

“It felt incredible to receive the Dean’s Scholarship. Being able to get my degree is a really big thing for me. The fact that people are willing to invest in me without even knowing me is amazing.”  

Because generous donors invested in Sam, he was able to invest in himself, embracing opportunities to sharpen his leadership skills, broaden his horizons and expand his perspective on the world.

As the parliamentary coordinator for SVSU’s Student Association, Sam represented SVSU during visits with state legislators in Lansing. And as a participant in SVSU’s Vitito Global Leadership Institute and Global Foundation Scholars, Sam became more culturally and globally aware. Educational trips to New Orleans and Estonia, made possible by the Global Foundation Scholars study abroad scholarship and the Vitito Global Leadership Institute, allowed Sam to experience radically different cultures as well as learn from business leaders with different perspectives.

“Because I had the scholarships, I think I've been able to focus a lot more on what my personal leadership looks like – I’ve learned a lot about myself as a leader and developed skills in leadership that I'll take with me.”

Sam has already been putting his knowledge and skills to work for SVSU’s IT department and for the Veteran’s Administration healthcare system, where he works as an intern supporting a multifaceted telecommunications system. And thanks to his rich undergraduate experience, he feels ready to take on his next challenge, working as a graduate assistant while earning his master’s degree. He’s happy to be doing that at SVSU.

“SVSU has a specific culture and community that you don’t find elsewhere. It really drew me in. The community has supported me and the opportunities I’ve had. I want to prove that I’m a good investment.”

Invest in students at svsu.edu/impact.