Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

June 2017

MaryJo Johnson

Title/s:  Buyer

Email: mjohns5@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: Purchasing
Campus: Water Tower Campus
Years at Loyola: 40 years

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
I think I would have to say the people. I’ve been part of both Loyola Medical Center and the University since high school days and have made so many wonderful friends along the way. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with so many memories I hold, I literally grew up here. I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth and development here at Loyola.

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
I think staying employed by Loyola for 40 years is an achievement in the work world. I have seen the ups and downs like any corporation. I have been through some of the tougher years here at Loyola: the layoffs, restructuring, the split with the Medical Center back in 1995, and most recently Trinity taking over the Medical Center. I have shared both tears of joy and tears of sadness with those changes and loss of colleagues. I have always put my faith in the Loyola, remaining hardworking, loyal, dedicated, and somehow I have made it to where I am.

What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
To always have a positive mindset and seek out the best in others no matter the situation.

What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
My department and how I fit in there. We’re small but mighty, have great camaraderie, and an awesome management team. I strive to be there for the end users giving them great customer service. Working under pressure I think motivates me.

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
I don’t own any Loyola apparel, but I do proudly display a Loyola sticker on my car window. My older son will be a senior in the fall, and I couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments 

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you.
That I meant my husband 27 years ago working out in the old GYM at the Medical Center. He ran the GYM back then and since became a firefighter, and we now own a Strength and Conditioning Facility in our neighborhood.