Posing with the two framed commemorations honoring the late Rev. H. Sam Johnson are standing from left to right, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, Mr. Clyde Bess and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton. Seated from left to right, relatives of Rev. Johnson. Mrs. Josephine Johnson, Ms. Samone Johnson, daughter, Ms. Kelli Drakeford, niece and Mrs. Connie D. Williams ‘71, sister.

Many who remember the late Reverend H. Sam Johnson, '65, would say he was the epitome of a “leal and loyal son” of Claflin University; that his dedication to his alma mater was demonstrated many times over through selfless acts and in roles of leadership and service.

Mr. Johnson was remembered for his remarkable contributions to Claflin during a recent ceremony and presentation in the President's Office. With his immediate family, including his widow, Josephine, a 1966 graduate, in attendance, President Henry N. Tisdale and Mr. Clyde Bess, chair of the Board of Visitors on which Sam Johnson served for years paid tribute to him and remembered with fondness the friendships they enjoyed.

In the area of fundraising, Dr. Tisdale noted that Mr. Johnson “connected the goals of the University and the members of the Board,” adding, “Sam was my anchor on the other end of the Board meetings.”

Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, left, and Mr. Clyde Bess, center, present a framed commemoration to the widow of the Rev. H. Sam Johnson, Mrs. Josephine Johnson.

“There was always a special relationship between us, from our freshman year on,” Dr.

Tisdale observed recalling their years as undergraduates. “When I returned to Claflin, I was not surprised to find Sam and Josephine. We just love you and that will continue,” the president told his widow.

In acknowledging Sam Johnson's contribution, Dr. Tisdale said the Board wanted to do something “that said Sam Johnson was on this campus.” A replica of a legacy brick mounted and framed was presented to Mrs. Johnson, with the actual brick being placed in the University's Legacy Plaza and also a frame photograph of Rev. Johnson with the names of the current members of the Board of Visitors, Mr. Bess and Dr. Tisdale.

“The work he did for the University and the Board, we thought to have this preserved,” Dr. Tisdale said during the presentation. “The words are carefully chosen.” The words, a poem of memory appears on both the framed legacy brick and the framed photograph.

In accepting the framed commemoration in memory of her late husband, Mrs. Johnson said, “I do appreciate you remembering him. He enjoyed doing everything. He was doing what he wanted to do.”

“He made a difference here at Claflin,” Dr. Tisdale told Mr. Johnson's family