Mary E. "Betty" (Herschleb) Johnsen (1909-1984) was a kind and generous person who cared deeply about the Aberdeen community and its youth. She graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1927, and from Carlton College with a degree in Fine Arts.

She and her husband, Swenn, went into business with her father, Lawrence H. Herschleb (1876-1951) at the Plymouth Clothing Store in downtown Aberdeen. Lawrence was also very community minded and was involved in the growth of Aberdeen.

Betty Johnsen established the Johnsen-Herschleb scholarship endowment to repay the community, feeling that Aberdeen had been good to her family. She hoped that recipients would someday return her generosity through their involvement in their communities.

Click here for the Johnsen-Herschleb Scholarship Application

As of June 30, 2024. . .
The Johnsen-Herschleb Endowment balance has reached $183,287!

For more information about or to contribute to the Johnsen-Herschleb Endowment, please contact the Foundation Office at 605-725-7118 or Gretchen.Sharp@k12.sd.us.