December 3, 1999

Loyola awards Integritas Vitae to TV veteran

Loyola awarded its coveted Integritas Vitae award to Phil Johnson, A'50, who recently retired after nearly four decades as on-air editorialist for WWL-TV. Throughout his professional career, Johnson has lived a life guided by the principles of the Jesuit tradition. As a graduate of Jesuit High School and Loyola, he has held a special place in his heart for the ideology of Jesuit education and has never shied away from bringing his convictions to the attention of others. The presentation was made at the annual Benefactors Tribute on November 18.

Johnson joined WWL-TV shortly after it was established. During his years, he editorialized about the university's accomplishments in an effort to inform the entire community of Loyola's special role in education; he brought many network personalities to the campusWalter Cronkite and Charles Kuralt among themfor special events; and he organized the first Communications Visiting Committee with a network of national newsmen and media executives.

Johnson's writing and narration of TV documentaries earned him two Peabody Awardsthe Pulitzer Prize of televisionand an Emmy. However, he is proudest of several Gabriels, awarded by the Catholic Broadcasters Association for productions reflecting Catholic teachings and morals. Just recently he was named to the Louisiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame and merited a Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers in the New Orleans Press Club. Loyola is proud to honor him as an example of Loyola's alumni and an inspiration to those seeking their education and charting their future as Loyola students.

The Integritas Vitae Award is presented by Loyola's Board of Trustees to an individual who exemplifies the qualities Loyola seeks to instill in its students. The recipient is one who has lived a life of high moral character and selfish service without expectation of material reward or public recognition and the courage of his or her convictions insofar as adhering to the principles of honesty, integrity, justice, and the preservation of human dignity.