The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering is proud to announce Bruce Johnson as the recipient of the 2025 BBE Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his decades-long leadership, service, and impact in the forest products industry and within the University of Minnesota community.
A 1979 graduate in Forest Products Marketing, Johnson is a successful entrepreneur and industry leader who has made significant contributions to education, research, and student development through his long-standing partnership with the department. For more than 20 years—including six years as Chair—he has served on the Department Advisory Council, offering guidance and strategic insight that has shaped the evolution of the department.
Johnson played a pivotal role in the transition to Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering and in the creation of the Sustainable Systems Management program. His leadership helped modernize and expand the department’s academic offerings to reflect the evolving needs of the bioproducts industry.
Beyond his leadership, Johnson has served as a mentor to over 25 students, hosted dozens of student tours at Viking Forest Products, and led the development of a recruitment program that has hired 41 interns—with 26 now working as U of M alumni at the company. His commitment to student success also includes spearheading the creation of a scholarship endowment supporting future generations of BBE students.
The BBE Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who have achieved professional distinction in industry, academia, government, or the nonprofit sector. Recipients must hold a degree from the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering or one of its predecessor departments prior to the 2006 merger, and demonstrate sustained excellence and leadership in their field.
Please join us in congratulating Bruce Johnson on this well-deserved recognition.