Helen K. & Arthur E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Arthur E. Johnson (1892-1977) began his oil career with the Franco Petroleum Company (later Midwest Refining Company) which, along with Midwest Oil Company, was established by the Colorado Springs oil pioneers. He advanced within the company and was appointed purchasing agent for Midwest Oil. Two years later Vice President T.A. Dines asked Johnson to become his assistant in Denver. 

Then, like so many of his generation, came service in the Great War. Arthur met and married Helen Kenney in 1918 before leaving for France, where he served on the front lines with the U.S. Army’s 89th Division before coming home in 1919. After the war, Arthur returned to Midwest Oil, advancing rapidly within the company before acquiring a controlling interest in Argo Oil and several associated companies in 1932, earning him a reputation as “the best example of a Colorado oilman in history.” As Arthur and Helen grew in prominence, they gave back, both serving on many boards. The couple’s legacy of hard work and generosity has defined the Johnson family for generations.