It’s the Simple Things
A lasting legacy from Bruce and Shirley Johnson will help future UND law students find their way.
“I think it’s very tough now,” said Bruce Johnson, ’73, reflecting on the challenges law students face today. “I don’t think very many people can do it without a little help, and we want to help students get a good education at UND.”
Bruce and his wife, Shirley, recently documented a portion of their estate to scholarships at the UND School of Law — a gift rooted in gratitude for the opportunities their education provided. Married for 57 years, the Johnsons credit the GI Bill and Shirley’s job at Twamley Hall for helping them afford law school and build a life together.
“We were lucky enough to have the GI Bill, so we were able to afford law school,” Bruce said, recalling the help he received.
Shirley & Bruce Johnson, ’73, met as undergrads at Concordia College. They married in December 1968 before Bruce deployed for officer's training and Vietnam. His ability to speak Vietnamese allowed Bruce to serve Fargo's Vietnamese community during his 42-year career in law.
Education = Opportunity
Originally a member of the UND Law Class of 1970, Bruce joined the Army after his first year of law school and served in the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle during the Vietnam War.
During that time, Shirley pursued her passion as a teacher. She stepped away from teaching when Bruce returned and got a job in Twamley Hall.
“I don’t remember what I got from the GI Bill, but between that and Shirley’s job, we had a nice, furnished apartment on campus with cable TV and we were able to pay for law school,” Bruce said.
“And it got us a couple of nice chicken dinners too,” Shirley laughed.
A turning point for us to give was when we felt that we’ve had the life we’ve always wanted because of our educations.Shirley Johnson
Serving Others
“A turning point for us to give was when we felt that we’ve had the life we’ve always wanted because of our educations,” Shirley said.
“Our educations gave us the opportunity to earn money,” Bruce added. “Giving is inspirational to others. It’s impactful, it’s an incredible legacy to create and leave behind, knowing you’ve inspired others for generations to come.”
As the Johnsons see it, it’s the simple idea of wanting to help and serve others that makes the biggest difference — and it’s often ordinary people with simple ideas who change the world.
In retirement, Bruce and Shirley have explored three continents and more than 20 countries, often by cruise ship. They split their time between Green Valley, Arizona, and Fargo, where Bruce practiced law for 42 years.
They were surprised that anyone would want to tell their story. “We’re just two ordinary people,” Bruce said.
But their gift — rooted in gratitude, shaped by service, and inspired by simplicity — will help future students build lives of their own.
Because sometimes, it’s the simple things that leave the most lasting impact.
