Live Oak Society Celebrates College of Charleston Donors

^{Above (l-r): Tap and Jean Johnson, Sibby Harvey, Charles and Judy Kaiser (Photos by Reese Moore)}

The College of Charleston Division of Institutional Advancement celebrated the members of the Live Oak Society at Stono Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. More than 225 CofC loyal donors attended the family-friendly event, which included a Lowcountry boil and a make-your-own–candy apple station, along with fairy hair, face painting and embroidery. 

This year, the members of the Live Oak Society expanded to include donors who have given to the College for two consecutive years or more, but the highlight of the day was the celebration of three donors who have given 35 consecutive years or more. 

Jean and Tap Johnson were celebrated for 35 years of consecutive support to the College. The Johnsons have made and continue to make significant impacts on the School of the Arts – specifically theater, dance and opera – men’s basketball and the 1967 Legacy Program. They have also given to countless other areas of the College, including the Karen Burroughs Jones ’74 Alumni Scholarship and the Cougar Club. In addition to being donors, the Johnsons have given of their time. Jean currently serves on the School of the Arts Advisory Board and the Foundation Board. Tap is a past member of the Foundation Board, and both Tap and Jean are past members of the Charleston Athletic Fund Board. For their significant contributions to the College and its students, the Johnsons were awarded honorary degrees in 2016. 

Judy and Charles Kaiser were celebrated for 37 years of consecutive giving to the College. As an emeritus professor of psychology, Charles Kaiser and his wife Judy are loyal supporters of the psychology department, including the Psychology Department Fund where the Kaiser Award is housed. They also give across campus to programs including the Child Life Program and the Jewish Studies Program Annual Fund.  

Sibby Harvey ‘58 was celebrated for the monumental achievement of 41 years of consecutive giving. Harvey is among the most generous of the College’s donors. She provides loyal assistance to everything from the Alumni Association and women’s basketball to Greek Life and Dean’s Funds. A parent, grandparent and aunt of alumni, Harvey has given 506 gifts to the College of Charleston over the past 41 years. She has served on the Foundation Board; the Alumni Association Board, where she was president; and the Board of Trustees for which she is Trustee Emerita. For her untiring dedication to the College, Harvey received the Alumni Award of Honor in 2015.   

The College is forever grateful to its loyal donors. Their generosity enables the College to offer a fuller experience for students and students to take advantage of the College’s offerings.