@Claflin: Florence Chapter Donates to Scholarship Fund, Nursing Pinning, Golden Class, and more

The World Needs Visionaries

Florence Alumni Chapter Donates $14,000 to Claflin University's Scholarship Fund

The Florence Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association presented a check for $14,000 to President Henry N. Tisdale on Wednesday, June 14, to support the scholarship fund. The gift was from proceeds of the chapter's signature event, An Evening with Claflin Alumni, an annual dinner and dance that was held in February and coordinated by Mrs. Hester Cooper-Smith. Each alumni chapter is responsible for conducting a signature event to raise a minimum of $10,000 to support scholarships.

"We thank you for all you do to support your alma mater," said Tisdale. "Students need all the financial assistance available. It takes contributions like what you are making today to drive the academic engine to achieve and maintain the excellence we strive for at Claflin."

More than a dozen members of the Florence Alumni Chapter made the trip to Claflin to tour the campus and participate in the presentation. "We have alumni from the 1950s up to the 2000s here today and our chapter is committed to the cause of raising funds to send students to Claflin," said chapter president Reverend Kenneth Gibson. "We had great attendance at the An Evening with Claflin Alumni and our membership has really grown. We are already looking for a larger venue for next year's event."

The Claflin experience has truly been a family affair for Gibson, who earned a bachelor's degree in religion and philosophy. His son, brother and sister also earned degrees at Claflin.

"Your support makes all of the difference in the world," said Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president for institutional advancement. "Each year, we challenge our alumni chapters to set a fundraising goal and we are extremely pleased when we hear you've reached that goal."

Claflin's alumni giving percentage of 52 percent is the highest at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and it ranks among the leaders at all of the nation's colleges and universities.

Pinning Ceremony Honors Claflin's Inaugural Class of Nurses

Family members and friends gathered on Saturday, June 10 to honor the inaugural graduating class of Claflin University's Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program during a Pinning Ceremony and Capstone Celebration. The ceremony symbolized the completion of the accelerated degree program and the newly pinned nurse's commitment to practice with a standard of professionalism and care.

The ceremony featured special capstone presentations by the nursing students as well as the pinning ceremony and remarks by Dr. Shannon Smith, associate professor and director of nursing. "I am honored to celebrate this momentous occasion for the University and our students. These students have worked tirelessly balancing work, life and academics. They deserve to be honored," shared Smith.

Hayward Robinson, an acute hemodialysis nurse at The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, was pinned by both of his parents during the ceremony. Robinson was inspired by the recent changes in healthcare to continue his education at Claflin. "It is important now more than ever for nurses to obtain higher level degrees and to practice to the fullest extent of education. We must better serve our community," said Robinson.

Priscilla Mintz-Cook, clinical coordinator in the operating room at TRMC, was also among those pinned and plans to continue her education full-time after retirement. "After completing the extensive coursework in Claflin's nursing program, I am able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner," stated Mintz-Cook.

The pinning ceremony continued with the awarding of honorary nursing pins to Dr. Karl S. Wright, provost and chief academic officer, and Dr. Verlie Tisdale, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and professor of biology.

The RN-to-BSN program was launched during the 2016 fall semester and is designed to prepare graduates for leadership in nursing and other related careers in the health care industry. The program offers registered nurses with an associate degree from an accredited program the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months. Program features include online courses and monthly, Saturday intensive courses. Claflin University has the only RN-to-BSN degree program at a historically black college/university in South Carolina.

To learn more about Claflin's RN to BSN program, click here.

Members of the Golden Class Share Memories and Spirit of Giving During Commencement Weekend Celebration

When the graduates of Claflin's Golden Class of 1967 arrived on campus more than five decades ago, America was in the midst of changes that would redefine the nation's culture. John F. Kennedy was president, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, the historic March on Washington catapulted the Civil Rights Movement onto the global stage and a full-scale war with Viet Nam was on the horizon. And when they received their degrees in 1967, the nation had changed dramatically during their four years at Claflin. Lyndon B. Johnson was president following Kennedy's assassination; the Voters Rights Act of 1965 prohibiting racial discrimination in voting rights was two years old; Thurgood Marshall became the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice; and peaceful protests gave way to violent demonstrations and riots in Detroit and other major cities.

Reverend Samuel Cooper and Earline Haywood Ulmer joined more than 30 alumni who returned to Orangeburg to celebrate and reminisce their 50th anniversary as Claflin graduates on May 12 through 14 during Claflin's 147th Commencement Convocation. Ulmer and Cooper were among several members of the Golden Class of 1967 who were designated class agents. The reunion was highlighted by the presentation of ceremonial "Golden Diplomas" to each member of the Class of 1967 at the Commencement Convocation. "It is hard to believe it has been 50 years," said Cooper. "We saw Kennedy as a youthful and energetic leader who would bring change and expand opportunities for all Americans. The Civil Rights Movement was in full stride and Claflin students were prominent in organizing and participating in peaceful demonstrations in Orangeburg. I marched and I was arrested and taken to jail. But we knew it was time to take a stand."

Cooper embarked on successful careers in the military and in ministry after graduating from Claflin. He earned a master's degree in divinity at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and a master's degree in religious education from the Presbyterian School of Religious Education in Richmond, Va. He served three appointments as pastor in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference before joining the Army in 1976 where he was a chaplain until 1996. After retiring from the Army, he returned to the South Carolina UMC and served three other appointments as a pastor before retiring in 2010 after 42 years in ministry. However, Cooper returned to the ministry and currently is serving as a supply pastor of New Haven UMC in Cartersville, S.C.

Ulmer moved from Jamison, S.C., to Orangeburg and graduated from Wilkerson High School before enrolling in Claflin. She earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences at Claflin and a master's degree at South Carolina State University and taught for 39 years in St. Matthews and Calhoun County. She is very familiar with the sacrifices parents make so their sons and daughters can attend college. "My father was a tenant farmer and he struggled to send me to college," said Ulmer. "He made so many sacrifices. He got loans for me each year."

Three of Ulmer's siblings also graduated from Claflin: the late Lawrence Haywood, '67, Bessie Byrd, '72, and Louis Haywood, '74.

Ulmer recalls that Claflin was on the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality in Orangeburg. Her parents did not want her participating in the demonstrations and marches. However, Ulmer ignored their wishes. "Since I was from Orangeburg, I felt I had to be part of this. I was glad I had participated in The Movement," she said.

"I am glad I attended Claflin when I did," said Cooper. "Claflin allowed me to get off the farm and do something different with my life. Some of my friends did not understand or appreciate what going to college meant. I am glad I had the support of my parents and my church. That's one reason why I am pastoring. It gives me an opportunity to help young people and put them on the right path like someone helped me."

Ulmer agreed that Claflin provided a foundation that influenced her personal and professional achievements. She is also immensely proud of Claflin's progress and the national recognition the University has received in recent years. "Claflin University is thriving under the leadership of Dr. Tisdale and First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale. Together, they have propelled Claflin to the success it has achieved today," said Ulmer. "You can see them planting the seeds with the current students reminding them to stay involved with Claflin after they graduate. That's why more and more alumni are supporting the University."

In addition to receiving special recognition during Commencement Weekend, the Golden Class honorees made gifts and pledges totaling more than $61,000 to support scholarships. "We greatly appreciate the Golden Class' financial gift," said Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president for institutional advancement at Claflin. "This sends a message about the alumni's willingness to invest in Claflin. They are committed to helping the University prepare students to become the next generation of visionary leaders," Middleton said.

Students Complete BB&T Emerging Leaders Certification Program

Twenty-six Claflin students completed the BB&T Emerging Leaders Certification Program on campus March 13 and 14. The national certification program included interactive sessions that provided students with practical leadership tools and strategies that could be used in their daily lives.

"As an institution that values leadership as a core competency, Claflin is proud to be a long-term partner with BB&T and host this certification program. By investing resources in the professional development of future leaders, BB&T is taking steps to ensure seamless transitions in their future leadership team," stated Dr. Charles Richardson, dean of the school of business and associate professor of marketing.

The program also emphasized leadership for the next generation; team and individual leadership development; results driven behavior tactics and effective leadership.

After completing the program, student participants were awarded certificates of completion.

Student participants included: Allen Taste , Angel McFadden , Barbara Fairfax , Briana Williams , Brittani Levine , Brittany N. Tyler , Brittany Pensel , Catherine Cruz , * Dennis Richmond Jr., Detravious Brinkley, Glotavia Morris , Haley Craven , Isheka Orr , Janela Morsby , Khalil Nicholson , * Kiana Brown, Latasha Jones , Melissa Johnson , Melody Rivers , Percy Jalon , Quincy Agney , Raven Strong , Reynard Gregory, *Shantel Geathers, Tiaria Normal , and William Rasheed-Gibbs.

* Graduated from Claflin University this past May.

Australasian Literary Studies Conference Brings International Authors and Scholars to Claflin

Dr. Belinda Wheeler, assistant professor of English at Claflin; scholar and educator Dr. Jeanine Leane and Dr. Angela Peters, Claflin assistant provost, during the portrait presentation at Australasian Literary Studies Conference.

Claflin University's growing reputation for global engagement reached another milestone when on April 20 through 22, the University hosted the annual American Association of Australasian Literary Studies Conference (AAALS). The AAALS is a scholarly organization that was established in 1986 to provide its members the opportunity to develop and express their interest in Australian and New Zealand literature and culture. The organization has members on four continents.

"This year's event was one of the most well attended with participants from around the world including Australia, United States, England, Wales, France, China, Italy, India, and Guam," said Dr. Belinda Wheeler, assistant professor of English at Claflin and AAALS secretary. "It was lovely to bring scholars from all around the world to Claflin for this wonderful conference. Claflin has a deep commitment to internationalizing the humanities including providing our students with access to diverse cultures from around the world. This conference was another wonderful way that we were able to do this," Wheeler said.

Dr. Jeanine Leane, an Indigenous Australian scholar from the University of Melbourne, was the creative speaker at the conference. Leane is a Wiradjuri writer, teacher and academician from southwest New South Wales. After a long teaching career, she completed a doctorate in Australian literature and Aboriginal representation and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Australian Centre for Indigenous History at the Australian National University. She is the recipient of an Australian Research Council grant for her project, The David Unaipon Award: Shaping the literary and history of Aboriginal Writing in Australian that examines the growth and impact of Aboriginal writing on Australian literary culture since 1988. Leane also presented Claflin with a painting from an Indigenous Australian artist.

Dr. Anne Brewster, a non-Indigenous Australian scholar from the University of Sydney, delivered the keynote address. Her topic was Global Violence in Australian Women's Fiction. Brewster is the author of Giving this Country a Memory, an important book for all literature and Australasian collections and global Indigenous literature. She also co-edited, with Angeline O'Neill and Rosemary van den Berg, an anthology of indigenous writing, Those Who Remain Will Always Remember.

The conference was funded in part by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation which awarded Claflin a $500,000 grant in 2015 for internationalizing the humanities. The grant also provides funding for international faculty to visit the campus to help students increase their knowledge of diverse cultures from abroad. The grant provided 13 Claflin faculty members an opportunity to make presentations on their efforts in curriculum internationalization.

Claflin Students Help Local Families Secure $200,000 in Refunds

Through Save First/Impact America, four Claflin University students were awarded internships that helped them gain skills in tax preparation. The students prepared tax returns for individuals with a low economic status. As a result, the students helped 203 working families secure nearly $200,000 in refunds, which also totaled $80,000 in commercial tax preparation fees.

The students who received the paid internships were Raven Woods, Destine Rivers, Jamari Green, and Shayquon Wherry. All four students graduated this past May.

Faculty and staff who participated in this endeavor included Carolyn Snell, assistant to vice president of Student Development and Services and director of Career Development; Camika Beaton, Service Learning/Community Service coordinator; Dr. Tara Saracina; associate professor of accounting; Dr. Charles Richardson; dean of the School of Business and associate professor of marketing; Dr. Abdullah Khan, assistant professor of economics; Dr. Victoria Boyd, senior administrative assistant; and Dr. Cheryl Swanier, associate professor of Computer Science, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, and the Henry N. and Alice Carson Tisdale Endowed Professor.

Faculty News

Dr. Nick R. Robinson, an assistant professor of English at Claflin University, will be a general contributor at the prestigious Breadloaf Writers' Conference on August 16 through 26 in Ripton, Vermont. The annual conference was founded in 1926 and boasts a rich literary and intellectual tradition which provides emerging writers an opportunity to work closely with a diverse and talented faculty. Participants work under the guidance of notable award-winning writers, including MacArthur Fellows, U.S. poets laureate, and recipients of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. The conference is held each year in August on the Middlebury College Bread Loaf campus. Workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are at the core of the conference.

General contributors are writers whose work shows promise and potential. Publication is not a requirement. The quality of the writing sample is of paramount importance to the selection process. Robinson was a contributor to the 2015 Bread Loaf Summer Writer's Conference, the 2016 Tin House Summer Workshop, and the 2016 Bread Loaf Summer Writing Conference.

Alumni News

India Hill, '13, was recently featured in Essence magazine stating why she attended an HBCU and she also shared her experience at Claflin. In the article, Hill said "Going to Claflin gave me the knowledge, support and confidence I needed post graduation. They understood the challenges I could possibly face in the real world as a Black Woman, and worked with me to ensure that my skills and resume were competitive. I would absolutely recommend that high school students apply to HBCU's. The history is so rich, the campuses are so close-knit, and the culture is amazing." Click here to read the entire feature story.