4/16/04

BOOKSTORE MARKS ANNIVERSARY WITH AU ENDOWMENT

AUBURN -- J&M Bookstore in Auburn, owned and operated by the Johnston family, is celebrating its 50th anniversary by investing in scholarships at Auburn University.

The J&M Bookstore Scholarship Endowment was established by an initial gift of $50,000 by Dorry Ann Johnston Blackburn, with an additional pledge by J&M Bookstore of $50,000, providing a total endowment of $100,000 for scholarships.

Priority for the scholarships will be given to descendants of the more than 1,100 former employees of J&M, a familiar downtown landmark to Auburn students for the past six decades.

"We wanted to do this in appreciation and honor of our former employees as well as Auburn students and faculty," Blackburn said.

The bookstore was first opened in May 1953 by the late George Johnston and Paul Malone. In 1960, the store became solely owned by the Johnston family and was divided between George's children and his brother, Harvey. At one time, J&M owned or leased seven stores on seven college campuses around the South.

Today, J&M owns two stores in Auburn and a gift shop in The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The company is operated by George and Dorry's sons Trey and Skip Johnston and Harvey's son Scott Johnston.

"We're glad to give back and support Auburn," Skip Johnston said.

This is not the first time the store has celebrated an anniversary by giving a gift to AU. J&M commemorated its 40th anniversary through a $40,000 donation, with $20,000 benefiting Auburn's College of Architecture, Design and Construction and $20,000 going to the Department of Art in AU's College of Liberal Arts.

"I am so glad the Johnstons have chosen once again to support Auburn University," interim AU President Ed Richardson said. "They've supported the community and university for a long time and I can ensure they'll make some students very happy. We at Auburn truly appreciate their gift."

The J&M Scholarship will be awarded to students by the AU Scholarship Committee. Students will be selected based on financial need, active participation in school and community activities and outside employment. Students interested in applying should contact AU's scholarship office at 334/844-2320.

The first J&M Scholarship will be awarded in 2005.

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apr04:AU-j&m

CONTACT:Katie M. Wilder, 334/844-2994.