College Honors Founding President for Leadership
Published: November 2, 2015
Event recognized Tart for his leadership and love of photography.
Johnston Community College recognized founding president Dr. John Liskar Tart Friday for his leadership and love of photography during a ceremony in the Learning Resource Center.
Tart passed away earlier this year, and his family generously donated his personal collection of photographs he took during his 29 years as president to the college.
In all, the 11 photo albums showcase milestones at JCC during his tenure such as the opening of the Cleveland Center, various dignitary visits to campus, trustee members and staff at work, the construction of facilities at Howell Woods, and other scenes that he captured at the college he loved and treasured.
Family members and friends, former employees who worked with Tart, and current JCC staff attended the event which featured the showing of an interview with Tart filmed by JCC students shortly before he died. Select framed photos, canvases, and a slide show which told the story of Tart's life at JCC were on display for attendees to see.
During the ceremony, which was held on Tart's birthday, his son, John Tart, II thanked the college for honoring his father. "Daddy really loved this school," he said. "Other than his family, education was the most important thing in his life."
Louise Wall, Tart's business manager while president, also spoke about Tart's fondness for JCC. "He loved this college, and he had a passion for educating young and old alike," she said. "He wanted everyone to get ahead, and he had a big heart."
The photos will be permanently archived in the JCC library.
Cut line: At the event, Louise Wall spoke about Dr. Tart's love for JCC.