Norma and Sandy Goldberg

The College of Charleston reigned supreme in Travel + Leisure’s “Most Beautiful College Campus in America” contest this summer, but we all know beauty is more than skin deep. The College evokes feelings of nostalgia, tradition and accomplishment in those who spend time under these oaks. Such is the case for Norma and Sanford Goldberg ’61 and their extended family, which has been a part of the College for nearly 90 years. Growing up at 40 Coming St. in downtown Charleston, Sanford (known as Sandy) and his brothers, Herbert and Edward, frequented the campus as a playground, route to school and pathway to their parents’ King Street business.

Sandy and Norma recently established a series of four-year scholarships to honor their family: their son Brian, Sandy’s late parents Sol and Rita, as well as his brothers. Officially named the Sandy and Norma May Goldberg Quasi-Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Sol and Rita Goldberg, the scholarships will provide support to students who are from the South Carolina Lowcountry, particularly Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, as well as the Georgetown, Beaufort and Orangeburg areas. The Goldbergs’ motivation is to support the College and its students and to salute the College’s strong influence on their family.

“Because so much of our lives has revolved around education and a love of Charleston and the signature college there, we wanted to do our small part in perpetuating a quality of academics for motivated students to begin their college and future lives,” says Sandy.

Plat of 40 Coming Street after the Goldberg family sold the home to the College

Since the campus was literally in their backyard, the Goldbergs attended College sporting events, educational seminars and other programs; but the most significant influence was the example the College provided of the power of education. Sandy spent his freshman year at the College lettering in freshman and varsity basketball, and even won the college-wide track meet. Herbert graduated with honors from CofC in 1963, and all three brothers earned graduate degrees at the College.

Sandy remained active with the College for more than 30 years from his home in Atlanta, and moved back to Charleston in 1995. He served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and as the chair of its Athletics Committee, and was also a member of the Cougar Club. His wife Norma opened a successful fashion accessories and wearable art business, Norma May International, on King Street, hiring students and volunteering at the College. Both Sandy and Norma continue to support the College through contributions as well as enrolling as “adult students.”

After Sandy’s parents moved to Wagener Terrace, they sold their home on Coming Street for less than market value to the College so it could be used as the first campus Alumni House. Today, the building houses offices for the Department of Residence Life, and the rear of the original property now is part of the Theodore S. Stern Student Center.

Featured photo:The Goldbergs’ former home at 40 Coming St. is now home to the Department of Residence Life.