@Claflin: Matriculation Day Convocation, New Faculty and more

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Watch the 151st Matriculation Day Convocation Online

Claflin University will host its 151st Matriculation Day Convocation at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 5 in the Edward L. Tullis Arena at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The speaker for this event is Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, the ninth president of Claflin University. Matriculation Day Convocation symbolizes the official opening of the new school year. All students, faculty and staff will participate, and the general public is also invited to attend.

You can watch the 151st Matriculation Day Convocation live on September 5 at 11 a.m. by clicking here.

Faculty News

Please join us in welcoming new faculty to Claflin University:

Dr. Catherine L. Adams, associate professor of African and African-American studies
Dr. Laurence Brown, assistant professor of accounting
Mr. Darius Gilliard, instructor of music
Dr. Monica Greene, director of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College
Dr. Reid Hardaway, assistant professor of English
Dr. Andreas Herzog, visiting Assistant Professor of English
Dr. Chris Houliez, associate professor of marketing
Mrs. Hye Sun Kang, visiting instructor of management
Dr. Melissa M. Knight, assistant professor of nursing
Ms. Tralynn R. Pullen, Writing Center coordinator
Mr. Ricardo Quinonez, assistant professor of studio art
Dr. Ryan Scott, assistant professor of religion
Dr. Delphia S. Smith, assistant professor of education

On Saturday, August 31, Claflin University Associate Professor of English, Dr. Belinda Wheeler, will rub shoulders with the likes of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; authors David McCullough, Barbara Kingsolver, and Joyce Carol Oates; and leading academician Henry Louis Gates Jr., as she moderates a panel on Indigenous Australian literature at the 2019 Library of Congress Book Festival in Washington, DC. The free one-day event regularly hosts over 200,000 visitors. The panel, which Wheeler organized with the support of the Australian Embassy will include Kim Scott (award-winning novelist and subject of Wheeler's second book), Brenton McKenna (Australia's first Indigenous graphic novelist), and Jeanine Leane (award-winning poet and novelist who visited Claflin University in 2017 and 2016). "It is very exciting to be a part of this year's National Book Festival," Wheeler said. "To represent my country and Claflin University, as well as sharing my passion for Indigenous Australian literature, is an incredible honor."

Alumni News

Christopher Hudson, '17, participated in the Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences White Coat Ceremony on Friday, August 16. Hudson, who earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry at Claflin, is pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy. Each class member received their White Coat which symbolizes the students' entry and transition into the professional phase of their careers. Hudson enrolled in the program through the 3+4 partnership between Claflin and Campbell University. The agreement allows students to earn a biochemistry degree after three years at Claflin. The students spend their senior year completing the course requirements at Campbell University, where they earn credits toward a doctorate in pharmacy. Hudson is the son of Tijuana Hudson, vice president for fiscal affairs at Claflin.

Dr. Sabrina Porcher-Fennell, '10, has opened her own dental office, Destined Dental in Nashville, Tenn. Originally from South Carolina, she received a doctorate degree from Meharry Medical College. She completed her general practice residency at the VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. Prior to practicing at Destined Dental, she practiced general dentistry in the greater Nashville area. Dr. Porcher-Fennell is an active member of the American Association of Women Dentist, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

The Charlotte Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association hosted its monthly meeting at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille on Wednesday, August 21. A check in the amount of $3,000 was presented to award three $1,000 scholarships to students from the Charlotte area.

The 6th Annual Training Day: Let's Talk panel on August 14, was a huge success. Thanks to the following Claflinites who participated. Pictured with Zelda M. Lee, '77, director of the annual fund/alumni relations are James Want, '10; Asia Leathers, '13; Marcus Fogle, '09; Eric King, '10; Jay Dukes, '10; Megan Rivers, '10; and Shaquinta Richardson, '09.

Have you misplaced or outgrown your Claflin University cardigan sweater? If so, we have great news for you. The Office of Alumni Relations is taking orders for Claflin and Greek cardigan sweaters. The cost is $109. These stylishly-designed sweaters will give you an opportunity to show pride in your Alma Mater or your Greek letter organization. For more information, please contact Zelda M. Lee, director of alumni affairs, at (803) 535-5348.