@Claflin: Claflin is Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month and more

The World Needs Visionaries

Tom Joyner Foundation® To Recognize Claflin University in "School of the Month" Fundraising and Awareness Campaign

Claflin University will be recognized as the January 2019 "School of the Month" by the Tom Joyner Foundation®. The foundation, formed by the nationally-syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, chose Claflin as part of its on-going effort to provide scholarships for students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Founded in 1869 as the first HBCU in the state of South Carolina and the first college or university in the state to admit students regardless of gender, race, religion, or ethnic origin, Claflin is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Led by the dynamic and visionary leadership of Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, the University is also ranked seventh in the 2019 U.S. News and World Report's list of the nation's Top 10 HBCUs.

As a Tom Joyner Foundation® "School of the Month," Claflin will be promoted by the Tom Joyner Morning Show and receive funds raised from listeners, alumni, and other supporters in January 2019. The show, which can be heard in more than 90 markets around the country, reaches more than 10 million people through its various media platforms.

The primary mission of the Tom Joyner Foundation® is helping students enrolled in HBCUs. The foundation is chaired by nationally-syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. Since 1998, the foundation has raised in excess of $65 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges, assisted more than 29,000 students, and worked with more than 100 HBCUs. The Foundation announces the "Herc Scholars" who are distinguished male students at each "School of the Month." The organization's largest annual fundraiser is its Fantastic Voyage™, which is an activity-filled "party with a purpose."

For more information about the Tom Joyner Foundation®, click here.

Make Your Plans for Homecoming 2018

Claflin University is looking forward to welcoming you "home" for Homecoming 2018 on November 15-18.

Many events are planned for your enjoyment and participation. We will also celebrate reunion for the classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013. Celebrate your class with a memory that last forever. Click here to view a schedule events for Homecoming 2018.

If you are a class officer/agent, please contact Zelda M. Lee, '77, director of the Annual Fund/Alumni Relations, at (803) 535-5348, [email protected].

Alumni News

Nakia Shalice Avila, '16, is a stage management apprentice and fellow with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The Steppenwolf Fellowship Program is a professional development program for early-career people of color interested in working in theatre. Fellows will hold an apprenticeship in their department of interest while being given additional paid professional development opportunities both in and out of Steppenwolf Theatre. The Apprenticeship Program is a paid professional training program for early-career arts administrators and theatre production practitioners. Participants are given practical learning experiences and independent and collective projects, all while working as a part of a team with Steppenwolf's staff. The Internship Program is for current students or early-career professionals looking for an introduction to arts administration or production. This program provides direct interaction with and access to Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Panther Pride

Njeri Leads Claflin at VertCross Invitational

Esther Njeri ran a 25:02:53 to lead the Claflin University women's cross country team at the VertCross Invitational hosted by High Point University on Friday, October 12.

Daija Pegeus finished at 29:01:06 and Brandi McGrady finished at 32:23:72 to round out the top three finishers for the Lady Panthers.

Ayannah Harrell ran a 32:48:75 and Destiny Hall finished the 5K race with a time of 33:43:34 for Claflin.

Claflin will have 11 days off from competition in preparation of the 2018 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Cross County Championships scheduled for Thursday, October 25, at Green Hill Park in Salem, Va.

Samuel Leads Claflin at VertCross Invitational

Domenic Samuel ran a 29:56:03 to lead the Claflin University men's cross country team at the VertCross Invitational hosted by High Point University on Friday, October 12.

Isaiah Miles clocked a 33:57:65 and Derek St. Jean finished in 35:02:53 to round out the top three finishers for the Panther men.

Joshua Bell ran a 35:35.83 and Robert Campbell finished the 8K race with a time of 37:41:27 for Claflin.

Claflin will have 11 days off from competition in preparation of the 2018 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Cross Country Championships scheduled for Thursday, October 25, at Green Hill Park in Salem, Va.