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The World Needs Visionaries
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New Miss Claflin to Be Crowned in Upcoming Coronation Ceremony
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 Cecillia Georjian Hackett
will be officially introduced as Miss Claflin University 2017-2018 during her coronation ceremony themed "A Golden Mission" on Thursday, October 26. The free, public ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center.
The ceremony will feature performances, campus and organizational queens, special tributes and the crowning of Hackett.
Hackett, a Greenwood, S.C., native, is a junior majoring in business administration and philosophy and religion.
The Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College student is actively involved on campus and has represented the university as
freshman and sophomore class president
. Additionally, she has served as vice-president of the Student Ambassador Association, and a Peace Corps campus ambassador. In the community, Hackett serves as president of Pinky Promise, Inc. of Orangeburg, S.C., and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Academically, she has presented at several conferences including the National Association of African American Honor Programs, National Association of Student Affairs Professionals Student Leadership Institute, South Carolina Leadership and Diversity Conference, Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit and the National Black MBA Association Conference.
Hackett values service, mentorship, and philanthropy. She has volunteered more than 300 hours of community service serving with C and M: Christian Learning Center, the Wesley Foundation, and several local churches and schools.
After graduating from Claflin, Hackett plans to serve in a year-long missions program before continuing her studies at Emory University's Candler School of Theology to obtain her master's degree in divinity. Hackett also dreams of becoming an international evangelist and
world-renowned writer.
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Students Represent Claflin University at HBCU Innovation Summit
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Claflin University students are currently attending the fifth annual HBCU Innovation Summit in Silicon Valley, Calif. The event began on October 24 and will end on October 28. Hosted by the United Negro College Fund, the summit is a part of the I.C.E. (Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship) initiative. The initiative was created to increase the rate of African Americans pursuing a career in S.T.E.M. or related fields.
During the summit, students will visit more than a dozen tech corporations in Silicon Valley, attend a career fair, connect with other HBCU students and learn from a panel of diverse speakers who lead in the tech industry.
Scholars were chosen through a competitive selection process based on GPAs, experience, computer science skills and leadership qualities.
The 2017 Claflin University HBCU Innovation Summit scholars are:
Tre' Jeter (junior computer science major);
Ivanna Bazzelle (freshman computer science major);
Isaiah Freeman (sophomore computer engineering major);
Meagan Price (senior computer engineering major);
Jushita Rahman (senior computer science major); and
Phuc Hoang Nguyen (senior business administration and management information systems majors).
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Drifters, Inc. Establishes Student Grant
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President Henry N. Tsisdale, '65, Dr. Caroletta Shuler Ivey, Joan S. Stevens, '70, and Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73
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On Friday, October 20, Drifters, Inc. presented Claflin University $5,000 to establish the Drifters Emergency Student Grant. This fund was first established by Drifters, Inc. in 1969 and was awarded to degree conferring institutions whose student enrollment was mostly minority. Claflin University was nominated for this grant, which totals $10,000, at the 2015 National Convention by the Mitchellville (Maryland) Chapter of the Drifters, Inc. The check was presented to Claflin University by Joan S. Stevens, '70, (third from left) who is a member of Drifters, Inc. and serves as associate secretary of the Claflin University Board of Trustees. She is also pictured with Dr. Caroletta Shuler Ivey, a
ssistant professor of criminal justice, who is also a member of Drifters, Inc. and the vice president of the Orangeburg Chapter.
The Drifters, Inc. was founded in 1954 by Vivienne Lucille Malone-Mayes, Ph.D. She envisioned organizing a national women's club to nurture warm friendships and provide a social outlet for women with similar backgrounds and interests. The first chapter was established in
Chicago, Illinois. Currently the organization is comprised of 35 chapters of dedicated, courageous women practicing their chosen professions which include education, law, health, elected office, business and other 21st Century careers.
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Claflin University and Molina Healthcare Highlight Career Opportunities in Healthcare at Make A Difference Day Program
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Claflin University celebrated national "Make A Difference Day" on Friday, October 20, with more than 300 students from the Orangeburg County School District 5 High School of Health Professions. The students heard from a panel of local healthcare providers who discussed issues and the myriad of career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Molina Healthcare sponsored the event which was held in the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center. Claflin's Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS) also assisted with organizing the program.
"Make A Difference Day" is an annual community service event which
unites millions of people for the common mission of improving the lives of others.
National Make a Difference Day
was created in 1992 by USA WEEKEND magazine and joined by Points of Light. Together they have sponsored the largest national day of community service for more than 20 years.
David Irizarry, community engagement coordinator with Molina Healthcare, encouraged the students to take advantage of life's opportunities and chart their own course to successful careers and productive lives.
"You are responsible for creating your own paths for others to follow," he said. "You have access to schools, local universities, hospitals and medical institutions that can help you develop your plan for achieving your dreams. Prepare yourself to lead a transformation that leaves a permanent impact for generations to come. Fall in love with whatever you do and approach it with passion from within and the rest will fall into place."
Panelists for the event were Carl Grove, RPh., pharmacy director, Regional Medical Center;
Dr. Jack Colker, medical director, Regional Medical Center; Marylou Stinson,
senior quality improvement coach, South Carolina
Office of Rural Health; Reba Cartee, director, healthcare services, Molina Healthcare, Brian Conner, executive director, Project Excel; and Dr. Charles Kilgore, pediatric hospitalist.
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School of Business Hosts Author Speaker Series
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Dr. Kendra Harris spoke for the School of Business Author Series on Friday, October 20. Harris is the
author of the book, Happily Never Married, which started as a blog under the same name. The blog, as well as the book, were created to be a voice for individuals who through choice, chance, or a combination of the two, have remained or become single. Her creation of the blog was motivated by a "happiness" study that espoused that never-married females, over age 50, are the happiest group of individuals in American society, second only to "happily" married individuals.
Dr. Harris is currently a marketing professor at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala., teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. Prior to her career in higher education, she worked in the area of sales and marketing for the Lincoln Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company.
She has received numerous honors during her professional career including North Carolina Central University's Teaching Excellence Award. She has held memberships in a variety of professional organizations including the American Marketing Association, the Atlantic Marketing Association, and the Academy of Marketing Science. She is a life member of the National Black MBA Association, where she has held a number of leadership positions.
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South Carolina State Senator Karl B. Allen Inspires Students During Visit to Claflin
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South Carolina State Senator Karl B. Allen of District 7-Greenville County
challenged students to pursue their educational dreams and to take advantage of the opportunities that their ancestors fought for during his visit to Claflin University on Wednesday, October 18. Allen served as a guest lecturer to aspiring politicians and lawyers in the Grace Thomas Kennedy Auditorium.
"In those moments of uncertainty and doubt listen to the small still voice of your ancestors and get an education," said Allen.
That evening Allen served as the keynote speaker during the 2017 NAACP Induction Ceremony as more than 100 students were inducted into the national organization. Using the NAACP's Strategic Plan theme "Game Changers for the 21st Century," Allen encouraged inductees to become game changers and political advocates amidst today's political injustices.
"You must ask yourself, where we would be if it wasn't for the NAACP. You must stand on the shoulders of civil rights activists and continue expanding your reach in the community and on campus," said Allen.
At the conclusion of the induction ceremony Allen was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award for his devoted, loyal and committed service to the State of South Carolina and its residents.
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Total U Medicine Center, Logos Christian College and the United Kingdom International Church Present Gift to Men's Basketball Program
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Rev. Hayes Gainey, UKIC Bishop John Paul James, President Henry N. Tisdale, '65, and Dr. Luonne Rouse of New York
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This past August, Claflin University received a $15,000 donation for its men's basketball program.
The Rev. Hayes Gainey of Good Shepherd Community Ministries was instrumental in securing the contribution from United Kingdom International Church (UKIC). Gainey is also the chaplain for the Claflin team.
UKIC Bishop John Paul James (second from left) presented the $15,000 check to President Henry N. Tisdale.
The gift is a combined effort of Total U Medicine Center, Logos Christian College and the United Kingdom International Church, all based in Maryland.
According to Bishop James, the UKIC's mission is to improve health and education by connecting the church and the community.
"We thank the United Kingdom International Church for this very generous gift in support of our very deserving student athletes," said Dr. Tisdale.
[Information supplied by Times and Democrat]
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Faculty News
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 Dr. Nan Li, associate professor of Education, is the new president for the South Carolina Association for Teacher Educators (SCATE). SCATE is a state professional organization affiliated with the Association of Teacher Education (ATE). Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for individual professional growth for all persons concerned with teacher education and promote high standards for the teaching profession through its policies and practices. Dr. Li was recognized at the SCATE Fall Conference on Friday, October 13 at Costal Carolina University.
 Dr. Verlie A. Tisdale, '71, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics,
received the Education and Community Service Award at the Capital City Legends Luncheon on Saturday, October 21 from the Columbia Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association. Dr. Tisdale has distinguished herself as a health profession advisor, health science educator, and a biologist. Under her leadership, Claflin University's Mathematics and Computer Science Department received certification from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Chemistry Department received the American Chemistry Society (ACS) approval. She has hired award-winning faculty including winners of the National Millennium Award for Excellence in Teaching (2002, 2004), the South Carolina Governors Professor of the Year at a four-year Institution (2005) and the 2006 South Carolina Governor's Co-Professors of the Year in Research Awareness.
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| Alumni News |
 The Honorable Michael C. Butler, '83, received the Emanuel Nine Award for Faith at the South Carolina District Conference of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Friday, October 13 at Claflin University. In addition to serving as mayor for the City of Orangeburg, Bishop Butler is also pastor of Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. As Suffragan Bishop, he also oversees several churches in Region 6 of the South Carolina State Council's 24th Episcopal District.
 Zadie Viola Davis, '71, received the Educator Par Excellence Award at the Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance hosted by the New York Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association on Friday, October 20. Davis is the executive director of the Zadie Davis Early Childhood Center (formerly known as the Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Day Care Center).
 Dr. L. Zimmerman Keitt, '70, received the Emanuel Nine Award for Volunteerism at the South Carolina District Conference of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Friday, October 13 at Claflin University. She was recognized for her dedication to improving the community and touching the lives around her specifically through Project Life: Positeen, an after school program she developed that provides tutoring to students and life skills to parents. She was recently sworn in for an additional term as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Orangeburg.
 Mazie G. Lewis, '71, received the Education and Community Service Award at the Capital City Legends Luncheon on Saturday, October 21 from the Columbia Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association. Lewis began her teaching career in Charleston, S.C., and taught at Buist, Courtenay, and Rhett Elementary Schools for five years. She also taught music at Hyatt Park Elementary School for 30 years until her retirement in May 2006.
 The Honorable Leroy Ravenell, '06, received the Emanuel Nine Award for Safety at the South Carolina District Conference of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Friday, October 13 at Claflin University. He was recognized for his commitment to the well-being, education and safety of the citizens of Orangeburg County. Professionally, he has devoted his life to ensuring that the laws of Orangeburg County, the state of South Carolina and the county are enforced. Sherrif Ravenell is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Claflin University.
 Dennis Richmond Jr. '17, was among 700 educators who attended the inaugural
Black Male Educators Convening convention in Philadelphia, Pa. on October 13-15. The event was coordinated by The Fellowship:
Black Male Educators for Social Justice,
a professional membership and activist organization dedicated to advancing the recruitment, development and retention of Black male educators in schools throughout Greater Philadelphia.
 James Stroman, '13, has been awarded the 2017 Spencer C. Disher MD Scholarship from the Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Orangeburg, S.C. The scholarship is a private, local scholarship offered through the Nurturing the Pipeline program at RMC that is traditionally awarded to students from South Carolina State University and Claflin University who have been accepted to medical school. Stroman is a first-year medical student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). He will receive $25,000 per year for four years to help defray the cost of his medical education.
 Jalyn M. Tresvant, '14, is a p
hotojournalist with KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico. KOAT is owned by Hearst Media. Tresvant was previously employed by WOLO-TV in Columbia, S.C.
 Cecil Williams, '60, received the Civil Rights Award at the Capital City Legends Luncheon on Saturday, October 21 from the Columbia Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association. Williams is a professional photographer, videographer, publisher, inventor, author of six books and an architect of a residence that became his home and photography studio. 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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Panther Pride
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Claflin University Men's Basketball Releases 2017-18 Schedule
The Claflin University men's basketball program has released its
2017-18 schedule, which includes non-conference opponents from four different NCAA Division II conferences. In all, the Panthers will have eight non-conference matchups and 13 home games.
Live pay-per-view streaming will be available for select home games on the Claflin athletics
website. Live stats for select games will also be available at no charge on the Claflin athletics
website.
For the second straight season, Claflin will open the regular season at home. The Panthers will host the GSC-SIAC Challenge, Friday-Saturday, November 10-11. Claflin will face Auburn-Montgomery on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Montevallo on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
All Claflin home games are played at the Tullis Arena inside of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center on the campus of Claflin University.
You can keep up to date with the Claflin University men's basketball team and purchase tickets by visiting
athletics.claflin.edu.
Claflin Takes Straight Set Win Over Fort Valley State
Diara Lewis had 10 kills with three service aces for 13 points in leading Claflin University to a straight set win, (25-13, 25-12, 25-14), over Fort Valley State University in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Eastern Division volleyball match on Monday, October 23 at the Tullis Arena.
With the win, Claflin improved to 6-15 overall and 6-7 in the SIAC.
Also playing a significant role in the Lady Panthers victory was Jhi Piper-Murles with 12 digs and Chania Rispress with 30 assists. Jala Roberts contributed nine kills for nine points, while Jamie Dobson added six kills with one block solo and one block assist for 7.5 points.
Alexcia Herring, Alycia Perez-Johnson and Lewis had three serve aces apiece.
For the game, the Lady Panthers racked up 38 kills to just 16 for Fort Valley State. Claflin also recorded 10 serve aces and 33 assists.
Claflin will closeout its home season on Friday, October 27 against arch-rival and divisional foe Benedict College for Senior Night. The match begins at 6 p.m. at the Tullis Arena.
Claflin Finishes Eighth at the 2017 Men's Cross-Country Championships
The Claflin University men's cross-country team finished in eighth place at the 2017 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men's Cross-Country Championships on Friday, October 20. The 8k race was held at Albany State University.
Freshman Domenic Samuel was the top finisher for the Panther men finishing with a time of 29:16.5.
You'shi Kirkland clocked 33:04.9 and Joshua Bell
finished with a time of 33:31.5 rounding out the top three competitors for the Panthers.
Additional competitors for Claflin included Odou Hazel
(33:33.2), Tre' Jeter (37:04.9) and Donald Davis II (41:53.5).
Claflin Finishes Fifth at the 2017 SIAC Women's Cross-Country Championships
The Claflin University women's cross-country team finished in fifth place at the 2017 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Cross-Country Championships on Friday, October 20. The 5k race was held at Albany State University.
Senior Jamaica Miller finished tenth overall to earn All-Conference Honors. Miller clocked a 21:15.6 en route to her 10th place finish.
Faith McKie clocked in at 23:43.2 and Brandi Taylor came in with a time of 23:53.9 to round out the top three competitors for the Lady Panthers.
Deja Pegues (24:31.0), Brandi McGrady (25:35.8), Mykel Barno (30:03.2), and Ayannah Harrell (31:28.1) closed out the competitors for Claflin.
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@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing
President: Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, '65
Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing: George Johnson Jr.
Public Relations Director: J. Craig Cotton
Social Media and Public Relations Coordinator: Bernita Cooper, '12
Web Communications Manager: Colin Myers, '07
Sports Information Director: Romanda Noble-Watson
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07
Student Workers: Nathaniel Fields, Alexis Garner, Timothy Lyons and Curtis Patterson
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