Born in Indianola, Iowa on August 6, 1890, Emma Verona Calhoun Johnston was not only the oldest living American; she was also a graduate of Drake University. During her college years, she was a Latin major and active in many university plays. Through the span of nearly two active lifetimes, Johnston gave new dimension to the Drake ideal of a lifelong learner, and in the integrity of her life, she has affirmed Drake's enduring mission of shaping thoughtful people to be citizens engaged with their times.