OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Senate today adopted a floor resolution recognizing the contributions and service of former Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson, who retired last month after 20 years in that office.
“Glenn Johnson is truly a dedicated public servant who has been an integral part of the Pullman community and Cougar Nation for decades,” said the resolution’s prime sponsor, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville}. “When you look at all the positive things Glenn has done for Pullman and Washington State University over the years, it’s obvious how deeply he cares about the university and Pullman. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his service, and I am glad the Senate took time to recognize his contributions.”
Schoesler told the Senate that this was one of the most unique resolutions in his career for one of the most deserving people he knows.
Schoesler said he wanted not only to highlight Johnson’s leadership of the Pullman community but also his service to the thousands of individuals who benefited from his teaching.
“As a WSU communications professor, Glenn Johnson mentored so many students who went on to have successful careers in radio and television,” Schoesler says. “He leaves a positive legacy in many stations and newsrooms across the Northwest and America.”
Johnson is beloved as the public-address announcer – the “Voice of the Cougs” – at Washington State football games. He became famous for leading fans with his iconic saying, ‘And that’s another Cougar first down!’ After the Pac-12 reprimanded him for his catchphrase, Johnson adjusted by just saying ‘And…,’ followed by WSU fans finishing his famous phrase with ‘…that’s another Cougar first down!’
Schoesler told the story to fellow senators.
From Schoesler’s Office:
Johnson also is a trustee of the Community Colleges of Spokane.
“Over the years, I thoroughly have enjoyed working with Glenn in my capacity as a state legislator and his as Pullman mayor,” added Schoesler, who has served the 9th Legislative District since 1993. “As a longtime WSU fan, it has been a privilege to get to know this legendary member of Cougar Nation. Glenn is a beloved figure in this community and across the Palouse, and this resolution is our small way to recognize his contributions to Cougar Nation and all Washingtonians.”
Schoesler and 22nd District Sen. Sam Hunt, who is a WSU graduate, gave floor speeches in support of the resolution honoring Johnson. Here is a video of TVW’s coverage of the Senate adopting the resolution.
The resolution honoring Johnson can be viewed below:
Listen to the resolution here:
SENATE RESOLUTION 8652
By Senators Schoesler, Hunt, Padden, Boehnke, Dozier, Wellman, Short, Lovick, and Torres
WHEREAS, After serving as mayor of Pullman for 20 years, Glenn Johnson has retired from City Hall; and
WHEREAS, Glenn Johnson moved to Pullman in 1979 from Sacramento, California, to teach at Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communications, and became very involved with various organizations, which included volunteering at Pullman Regional Hospital; and
WHEREAS, As mayor, he helped with the initiation of Project Downtown, a city-led revitalization project to upgrade Main Street’s utilities, roads, sidewalks, and public spaces; and
WHEREAS, Glenn Johnson is not just known for being Pullman mayor and a distinguished professor at Washington State University for 35 years, but for being the “Voice of the Cougs” as the public-address announcer at Washington State University sporting events for more than 40 years; and
WHEREAS, His catchphrase at Washington State University home football games – “and that’s another Cougar first down!” – became so popular that Cougars fans routinely said it in unison; and
WHEREAS, Glenn also is a trustee of the Community Colleges of Spokane; and
WHEREAS, Glenn Johnson is a recipient of the Honorary Alumnus award, which is considered the highest honor from the Washington State University Alumni Association for nonalumni friends who have given special service to the university, and appropriately was presented with that honor while announcing at a Cougar basketball game; and
WHEREAS, The Washington State University Foundation presented him with its Outstanding Service Award in 2013, while the Pullman Chamber of Commerce has honored him with the Marshall A. Neill Community Service Award in 2001 and as Member of the Year in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Glenn Johnson in 2008 received the 2008 Edward L. Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education, which honors an electronic journalism educator who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field in the areas of teaching, service, and scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Glenn Johnson has been a selfless leader who always dedicated his success to the people around him;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and congratulate Glenn Johnson not only for serving two decades as Pullman mayor but also for his ongoing service as the Voice of the Cougars. Go Cougs!
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Glenn Johnson.
