A lifelong Hoosier, Lacy M. Johnson received his Bachelor of Arts in political science and industrial management from Purdue University and is a 1981 graduate of the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
In 2014, Lacy Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, and the Johnsons were acknowledged in 2018 by the IU Foundation with the prestigious Cornerstone Award. Lacy and Patricia Johnson are among several Black families of IU with the distinction of membership in the Indiana University Presidents Circle, which honors generous donors who have helped define the very character of IU.
Indeed, the Johnsons' love in action approach to philanthropy can be felt through service on the IU Indianapolis Board of Advisors, leading in the development of a multicultural affinity giving circle dedicated to addressing the recruitment and retention of Black students, faculty and staff, or making possible several scholarships designed to replace obstacles with opportunities for diverse students across Indiana University.