John, a generous Guilford benefactor, was honored by the College last year with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for his character, service and humanity.
John's longevity in life is surpassed only by his generosity to others. His secret to turning 100? Exercise and a positive attitude.
“I’ve always tried to do right by others, and I know they’ve done the same for me. In my book, that makes me a fortunate man.”
One of the oldest living Guilfordians is sharing his secret to living a long life.
John Googe ’50 is celebrating his 100th birthday today, surrounded by five generations of family. He credits daily physical therapy and a positive outlook as keys to his longevity.
“I try not to let anything bother me too much,” he says. “That’s always been the way with me. I just go with whatever comes my way, deal with it, and move on.”
A devoted supporter of both the Triad and Guilford College, John played a key role in establishing Industries for the Blind (IFB) in the region and served as chair of Goodwill International. He also created the Googe Family Scholarship at Guilford and an endowed fund that sparked a partnership between the College and IFB Solutions. Before graduating from Guilford as an adult in 1950, John flew dangerous missions over Iwo Jima during World War II.
In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy Award from the Triad Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, as well as the Alumni Excellence Award from Guilford. Most recently, he was honored with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at Commencement for his character and service to humanity.
John’s mother lived to be 97, but he never expected to reach such an age himself. “Not even close to that,” he says. “I guess there was something in her DNA that ended up in me, too.”
Reflecting on his century of life, John expresses deep gratitude. “I’ve always tried to do right by others, and I know they’ve done the same for me,” he says. “In my book, that makes me a fortunate man.”
Guilfordians are invited to celebrate John’s centennial with him today at The Barn on Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is open to the public.