Claflin University Achieves Historic Milestone;
Raises More than $105 Million
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 On Thursday, October 20, 2016, Claflin University announced that it raised $105,153,431.19 and exceeded the $100 million goal of its Imagine the Possibilities Capital Campaign. The announcement was made at a celebration to thank donors and mark the end of the campaign - the largest in University history. The event was held at Tullis Arena in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center.
"This is a historic moment for Claflin University," said President Henry N. Tisdale. "When we launched the public phase of this campaign in 2011, it was designed to reposition Claflin as one of the top teaching and research institutions in the nation. It was the most ambitious fundraising effort in the University's history. We overcame a lot of obstacles including a struggling economy - but we did it."
Tisdale recognized the monumental challenge of achieving the Phase I fundraising goal of more than $80 million. However, after Claflin exceeded that goal in March 2015, Tisdale realized that the Board of Trustees, alumni, and other stakeholders shared his vision for the future of Claflin University.
"My vision was for Claflin to be recognized globally as a leading institution of higher education in the 21st Century," Tisdale said. "When we exceeded our Phase I goal, it confirmed my belief that we could do even better.
Click
here to see the thank you video shown at the celebration event.
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Claflin University to Participate in $1 Million Grant from Kresge Foundation
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 The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges has announced that Claflin University is one of four historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) selected to participate in a $1 Million grant from the Kresge Foundation to support business-modeling processes.
This award provides each institution with a pro-bono custom suite of consulting services including consulting, content expertise, costs of consultants, work to provide a financial model for each initiative, and a written report with pre-implementation recommendations. Consulting is focused on new revenue generating opportunities, presidential and board leadership support, and participation in
a National Leadership Institute for board chairs and presidents.
The grant also supports leadership and professional development for other members of the senior leadership team. The total value is $250,000.00.
"The grant will help us identify new revenue streams for Claflin University," said President Henry N. Tisdale. "Not only will this opportunity benefit Claflin, it will also seek ways to help support the Orangeburg community," he said.
The Kresge Foundation is a $3.6 billion private, national foundation that works to expand opportunities in America's cities through grant making and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and community development in Detroit. In 2015, the Board of Trustees approved 371 grants totaling $125.2 million, and nine social investment commitments totaling $20.3 million.
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Claflin Administrators Attend HBCU Initiative Conference; University Recognizes National HBCU Week
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 This week, representatives from Claflin University are attending the 2016 National HBCU Week Conference in Washington, DC. Titled " HBCUs: Promoting Excellence, Innovation and Sustainability" and coordinated by the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the Conference will bring together presidents, senior administrators and stakeholders to meet and interact with senior federal officials, representatives from the private sector and foundations in order to meet the evolving challenges in higher education.
While representatives are in Washington, DC., Claflin University is recognizing National HBCU Week with various
on-campus activities.
The purpose of HBCU Week is to strengthen the capacity of historically black colleges and universities to provide excellence in education.
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Claflin University to Host 15th Conference on Contemporary English and Language Arts Pedagogy
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 Dr. Christina Friend, a noted scholar in rhetoric and composition studies, will deliver the keynote address at Claflin University's 15th Conference on Contemporary English and Language Arts Pedagogy in Secondary and Postsecondary Institutions on October 26-27, 2016, in Ministers' Hall.
The topic of her message will be
"Here They Come: Teaching Reading and Writing to Generation Z."
She will also lead a faculty workshop, "Responding to Student Writers: Strategies to Foster Integrative Learning" on the second day of the conference.
Professors and teachers from 14 institutions will participate in this year's conference, including teachers representing South Carolina's independent schools (K-12). Three sessions of the conference will feature undergraduate presentations in research and creative writing.
Dr. Friend
is
director of the Center for Teaching Excellence
(CTE) at the University of South Carolina (USC). She
is also the author of numerous textbooks and publications.
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Peace Corps Teams Up with The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for East Coast Tour
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 The Peace Corps has partnered with
The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
and several other federal agencies to launch a two-week tour of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the East Coast. This initiative will inform students about opportunities to live, learn, and work with communities overseas. As part of the tour, the Peace Corps will travel across eight states in the
Peace Car
to join the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and USAID in speaking with students, faculty and graduates about international service at 15 HBCU campuses.
The Peace Car will visit Claflin on Friday, October 28, 2016.
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14th Mister Claflin Crowned
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 Johnasten Jarod Cooper, a senior, criminal justice major, was crowned the 14th Mister Claflin University on Friday, October 21, 2016, at 7 p.m. in the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center. The theme of the crowning ceremony was "An Arabian Dream."
During his reign, the Columbia, S.C., native will implement his platform S.H.I.N.E. (Serving Humbly in the New Era) by hosting campus and community service projects for youth. Cooper strongly believes that providing humble service will inspire young minds and influence change. "I want to serve the University as an ambassador and implement the leadership skills that I have gained as a student. I hope to leave a legacy of service and leadership for future Claflin students," he said.
Upon graduating from Claflin, Cooper plans to continue his education and earn his master's degree and juris doctorate.
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Claflin University Mourns the Loss of Four Students
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 Claflin University is saddened to announce that a car accident on October 13, 2016, on Interstate 77 in Columbia, S.C., resulted in the death of four students: Jamarius Bruce, Melvin Jackson Jr., Keeron McElveen, and Darrell Pendergrass Jr.
Gernardo Cato, who was also in the car, remains in a Columbia hospital.
"We are hurting and are saddened about the untimely death of four of our students. I call upon the Claflin family to draw closer together and remain strong as we try to comprehend the loss of these members of our Claflin family," said President Henry N. Tisdale. "Our prayers are also with the families and friends who are connected with the accident victims."
The University
held a prayer service on October 14, 2016, in the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center. The University will also hold a special memorial service on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.
 If you would like to help support the families of the accident victims, you can give
online. You can also mail your donation to Claflin University, Attn: Institutional Advancement, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Make checks payable to Claflin University and mark in the memo section of your check "Claflin Cares."
For more information, please call the Office of Major & Planned Gifts at (803) 535-5238.
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Orangeburg Pastor Delivers Inspiring Message at 16th Annual UNCF Community Prayer Breakfast
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On October 1, 2016, Claflin University hosted its 16th Annual UNCF Community Prayer Breakfast. In his address, guest speaker Rev. Todd A. Brown, pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg, S.C., referenced UNCF's nationally-recognized slogan "A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but it's a wonderful thing to invest in." "Many of us need to renew our minds and change our way of thinking. We have to get our minds right to be good servants and realize it's not what you get out of life that counts, but what you give that matters."
During the event, President Henry N. Tisdale expressed gratitude for the support Claflin's UNCF campaign has received from the Orangeburg community.
"It's a difficult time for a large number of students, particularly those who are first generation college students," Tisdale said. "It is our collective responsibility to reach out and help these students earn college degrees so that they can become the next generation of visionary leaders
."
The breakfast is part of the University's campaign to raise $60,000 to support student scholarships. The campaign, which continues through November 2016, has raised more than $24,000 towards its goal. Claflin is one of 39 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) affiliated with UNCF.
To become a donor to the UNCF Scholarship Campaign at Claflin, contact Dr. Iris Bomar, associate vice president for institutional advancement at (803) 535-5376 or email [email protected].
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Claflin Embosser on Display at The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
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 When the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC, celebrated its grand opening on September, 24, 2016, among the 36,000 artifacts on display was the Claflin University embosser. The embosser was used to stamp Claflin's official seal on University documents.
It can be seen in the Inaugural History Galleries Exhibition on Segregation which takes visitors from the end of Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
"It is an honor for Claflin University to be included in such a historic exhibition," said President Henry N. Tisdale. "Claflin University has made an indelible mark in African American history and in the history of our nation."
The Inaugural History Galleries Exhibition on Segregation is rich with history and artifacts that capture the major aspects of the ongoing struggle by the nation in general and African Americans in particular to define and make real the meaning of freedom. The exhibition illustrates how African Americans not only survived the challenges set before them but crafted an important role for themselves in the nation, and how the nation was changed as a consequence of these struggles.
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Claflin University and the South Carolina Technical College System Establish Partnership To Offer Pathways to Bachelor Degrees and Expand Academic Opportunities
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Seated: Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale and South Carolina Technical College System Interim President Susan Winsor. Standing: Dr. Lamin Drammeh, Vice President for Institutional Research, Planning, Development/Special Assistant to the President; Claflin Provost Karl Wright; SCTCS Assoc. Vice President Stephanie Frazier; and SCTCS Exec. Vice President Hope Rivers
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Claflin University and the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 22, 2016, that offers a seamless pathway for associate degree graduates to matriculate at Claflin to earn Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Science degrees. The agreement also allows students who have earned associate degrees to enroll in Claflin as juniors with the possibility of graduating with a bachelor's degree within 18 months.
"This agreement is the result of the commitment and collaboration of both institutions," said Tisdale. "Our partnership represents a historic outreach. Claflin has always established productive relationships with individual technical colleges throughout the state. However, we can now provide academic opportunities and access to deserving students from all of the 16 technical colleges in the SCTCS."
Claflin has MOUs with several technical colleges in South Carolina including nearby Orangeburg-Calhoun Counties Technical College and Midlands Technical College in Columbia, S.C. Claflin is also the only historically black college/university (HBCU) in South Carolina to partner with SCTCS. The University's commitment to attract students includes making tuition discounts available to students who enroll in Claflin's evening and online programs.
Claflin's fully online undergraduate degree programs include Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management; Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; and the RN (Registered Nurse) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Claflin's online graduate programs are Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) and the Master of Business and Administration (MBA).
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Claflin Expands Branding, Marketing and Recruitment
for Online Education Programs
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 Claflin University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) which allows Claflin to recruit and market its online programs in states outside of South Carolina. SARA is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts.
"This represents another historic and transformational achievement for Claflin University," said President Henry N. Tisdale. "The SARA agreement allows us to expand branding and marketing for our online programs beyond the borders of South Carolina.
Students in more than 40 states and the District of Columbia can now take advantage of our exceptional academic programs and world-class faculty. This will provide us the growth in enrollment and increased national recognition we envisioned when we launched Claflin Online in the summer of 2014."
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Claflin President Appointed to General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church
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 Claflin University President Henry N. Tisdale has been appointed to serve on the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of The United Methodist Church. The board's mission is to" lead and serve The United Methodist Church in the recruitment, preparation, nurture, education, and support of Christian leaders - lay and clergy - for the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
Board members are the GBHEM's key leaders who assume responsibility on behalf of the community for the governance and financial oversight of the organization and its various programs. As stewards, they are committed to maintaining the health and viability of GBHEM now and for the future.
Dr. Tisdale will also serve on three GBHEM committees including the Administrative Matter Committee, Racial and Ethnic Concerns Committee, and Division of Higher Education Committee. Members of the Board are appointed for one four-year term and they can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Claflin, an affiliate of The United Methodist Church, is one of 11 colleges and universities supported by The Black College Fund, which provides financial support for faculty development, maintenance of infrastructure and students who need financial support and scholarships.
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Alumni Notes
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Alumni Reception to be Held in Atlanta
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You are cordially invited to a reception for Claflin alumni and prospective parents and students on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1215 New Hope Road, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331. For more information, please contact Zelda Lee, director of Annual Fund/Alumni Relations, at (803) 535-5348 or email
[email protected].
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Claflin Alumnus to Present at Presbyterian College
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 Cecil Williams, '60, will make a presentation at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Archivists Association on October 27, 2016, at Presbyterian College. His presentation will focus on digital preservation of negatives. Williams is recognized for chronicling the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina. He also serves as the Director of Historic Preservation and Photographer for Claflin University.
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Claflin Alumnus Featured on ESPN
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 Renowned visual artist Leo Twiggs, '56, was featured in an ESPN segment focusing on his series of paintings "Requiem for Mother Emanuel." The program aired on October 10, 2016, prior to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers football game on Monday Night Countdown.
"Requiem for Mother Emanuel" is a series of nine paintings that serve as testimonies to nine African-American parishioners who were murdered by a white gunman on June 17, 2015, at historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. In August, captains and coaches from the Carolina Panthers travelled to Spartanburg, S.C. and visited the Johnson Collection where Twiggs' series of nine paintings are currently on display until November 8, 2016.
The Panthers' visit to the gallery initiated ongoing conversations about race and reconciliation in the team's locker room and in communities across the region.
(Photo courtesy of Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Carolina Panthers)
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Washington, D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter
Inducted into National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame
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Robert Miller and
Thomas W. Dortch Jr.
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The Washington, D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association (CUIAA) was one of five alumni chapters from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) recently inducted into the 2016 National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame. The presentation was made on September 23, 2016, during the 31st Annual NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend in Atlanta, Ga.
Robert Miller '66 accepted the award on behalf of the Washington, D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter, which was inducted in the "Large Alumni Chapters of the Year Category." The chapter has raised more than $700,000 to support Claflin since it was organized in 2011. The chapter has also established a $30,000 endowment to provide scholarships for students from Washington, D.C. who attend Claflin.
Other Claflin alumni in the NBCA Hall of Fame are President Henry N. Tisdale, '65 (2011); Frances DeLee Taylor, '54 (1990); Dr. Willie Frazier, '75 (1995); Dr. Leo Twiggs, '56 (2003);
Dr. Charles B. Gary, '70, Dr. Clemmie B. Hatchett, '43 (2004); Cecil Williams, '60 (2010); and Floyd Gordon, '80 (2012).
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Panther Pride
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Claflin University Men's and Women's Basketball Teams Release 2016-17 Schedule
The Claflin University
men's and
women's basketball teams have released their respective 2016-17 schedules. Live pay-per-view streaming for select home games will be available on the
Claflin athletics website. Live stats for all games are also available at no charge on the Claflin athletics website.
Both teams open the season on Friday, November 11, 2016. The men's team will play at the University of North Carolina Wilmington while the women team will face the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
The teams will be officially introduced at Panther Madness on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 9:00 p.m. in the Tullis Arena.
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Tisdale Travels
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On Sunday, October 30, 2016, President Henry N. Tisdale will give remarks during the worship service at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. The Rev. Dr. Michael D. Stinson is the pastor of this congregation. Also, Claflin's Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Isaiah McGee, will be the guest choir for the service. The worship service will begin at 10:00 a.m.
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Upcoming
 Events
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HBCU Week
Oct. 26, 2016
15th Pedagogy Conference
Oct. 31, 2016
Miss Claflin Coronation
Oct. 31, 2016
Concert Choir Annual Harvest Festival
Nov. 13-20, 2016
Homecoming Week
Nov. 17-20, 2016
Homecoming Week
Nov. 18, 2016
Presidential Scholarship Gala
Nov. 20, 2016
Founders' Day Convocation
Nov. 21, 2016
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Program
Nov. 23-25 2016
Thanksgiving Break
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