Dr. William “Billy” Tate recently established The William Tate, M.D. International Piano Series Endowed Fund in support of the College of Charleston’s piano program.
Tate’s newly established $1.14 million endowment will continue his positive impact on the College’s music program by ensuring the success of the piano program for generations to come. The gift will continue Tate’s support for the International Piano Series and all College of Charleston piano programs, including awards for piano students along with equipment acquisition and maintenance.
Emily Remington, President Glenn F. McConnell and Dr. Billy Tate
“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of our longtime friend, Dr. Tate,” says Edward Hart ’88, music department chair. “This generous gift will sustain our acclaimed piano program for many years to come.”
The College’s International Piano Series annually hosts four concerts featuring world-class artists. In addition, the College holds master classes for students who play for and are coached by the concert pianists.
“It is almost an unheard of opportunity for undergraduate students,” says Hart.
A lifelong lover of music and retired dermatologist, Tate has championed Charleston’s music scene since it achieved national prominence four decades ago. Tate had a front row-seat when, in 1976 visionaries including the mayor of Charleston, Joseph P. Riley; the president of the College of Charleston, Ted Stern; and the founder of Spoleto Festival USA, Gian Carlo Menotti worked together to elevate Charleston as a music destination. Following the transformative launch of Spoleto and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the College of Charleston founded its dynamic music program, which merges the intense focus of a conservatory with a liberal arts and sciences education.
In 1987, Tate established the Emily Remington Master Artists Series Endowment in recognition of his good friend, organist and choral director Emily Remington, who played an integral role in bringing music to the College. Through his generosity, the College hosts the finest musicians and teachers for concerts and classes.
“I have had the opportunity to watch Charleston and the College grow into music destinations,” says Tate. “I have enjoyed many fabulous concerts at the College of Charleston, and I look forward to many more. Now the superior quality of music offered in our great city will span generations.”
