@Claflin: The Undefeated, Warmack to Serve on CIAA Committee, Preserving Trustee Hall and more

The World Needs Visionaries

Claflin Class of 2020 Valedictorian To Appear on The Undefeated's "HBCU Day" Celebration

Angel Hague, Claflin University's Class of 2020 valedictorian, will make remarks during a celebration of this year's graduates from historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs) on Saturday, May 23, on ESPN's The Undefeated. Hague will join 20 other HBCU valedictorians and campus ambassadors during the program's "HBCU Day" virtual presentation which can be seen throughout the day on The Undefeated's social accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) as well as on its website - www.TheUndefeated.com. The Undefeated is ESPN's content platform that explores the intersections of sports, race and culture.

Hague graduated summa cum laude and earned a bachelor's degree in political science. She is a native of Lansing, Mich.

Former United States President Barack Obama will headline a list of prominent African Americans who will deliver congratulatory and inspirational messages to the graduates. Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton, actor Omar Epps, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, The Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James, Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith are among the other celebrity guests. President Obama's message will post at 1 p.m. (EST).

"We are proud to present 'HBCU Day,' a celebration of the next generation of leaders who have been educated by our Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said Kevin Merida, ESPN Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated. "The day is a reminder of the brilliance and potential of the 2020 graduating class, and of the role HBCUs continue to play in the development of this country."

Claflin President Appointed to NCAA Minority Committee

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, president of Claflin University, has been selected as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Minority Opportunity and Interests Committee (MOIC). The committee is made up of 18 members, six coming from each of the NCAA's three divisions. Claflin University is a Division II member institution.

President Warmack will serve on the committee beginning in September 2020 and will continue through August 2024. The MOIC works to address issues and NCAA programs that are related to student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who are ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, or who have disabilities, according the NCAA website.

"I am extremely excited to have been selected to serve on the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC). I look forward to learning more and lending my hand in the transformational work done by the committee," President Warmack said.

Claflin University to Receive Funding to Preserve Trustee Hall

Claflin University will receive historic preservation funds from the National Park Service. "These federal investments in our HBCU campuses play an important role in the preservation and restoration of critical pieces of American history," Congressman James Clyburn said in a news release.

"Many of these buildings were built more than a century ago by student labor and designed by unsung black architects," Clyburn said. "When the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation reauthorization was adopted as part of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act last year, it ensured that the history of many of our nation's most treasured historical sites and institutions will not be forgotten. This support will have transformational impacts on these campuses and the surrounding communities."

Claflin will receive $446,569 for the Trustee Hall preservation and restoration initiative. Trustee Hall was built in 1893 under Claflin University's third president, the Rev. Lewis Dunton. The building made it possible for Claflin to offer additional training in industry and trade.

In 1998, at the request of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Government Accountability Office conducted a survey of preservation needs at HBCUs that found 712 structures on 103 HBCU campuses in need of historic preservation. The projected cost to preserve and restore those buildings was $755 million.

To date, the National Park Service has awarded more than $60 million in grants to over 80 of the remaining active HBCUs. [ Times and Democrat]

Student Spotlight - Newly Elected Officers for the 2020-2021 Academic Year

Congratulations to the newly elected student leaders for the 2020-2021 academic school year:

Student Government Association

Marquel Sanders - President

Isaiah Griffin - Vice President

Rachel Cooper - Recording Secretary

MiKenna Toney - Corresponding Secretary

Tre Jeter - Business Manager

Majayla Page - Chaplain

Student Activity Board

Madison Whetstone - President

Arkasha Fordham - Vice President

Timyia Sherer - Secretary

Jalyn Beaty - Business Manager

Sophomore Class

Justus Jenkins - President

Sydnei Fleming - Vice President

Donnie Manuel - Secretary

Timothy Outing II - Treasurer

Kambria Cook - Chaplain

Lauren Tolbert - Senator

Arielle Wiggins - Senator

Junior Class

Aaron Oliver - President

Travis Armstead - Vice President

Isaiah Robinson - Senator

Erykah Weldon - Class Representative

Zenzele Richardson - Class Representative

Senior Class

Daekwon Randolph-Wall - President

Janelle Green - Senator

Shayla Caradine - Class Representative

Labarron Sledge - Class Representative

Faculty News

To show our appreciation to the University's world-class faculty, the Office of the Provost hosted its virtual Spirit Awards on Thursday, May 7. Faculty are nominated by the deans and chairs of their respective schools and the faculty votes to determine the winner of each category. Congratulations to the following winners:

The Superstar Award

Dr. Anthony Broughton, assistant professor of education

The Advocate Award

Mrs. Samantha Perry, instructor of accounting

The Silent Warrior Award

Dr. John Jasina, associate professor of economics

The Kool and the Gang Award

Mr. Herman Keith Jr., visiting instructor of art

The Game Changer Award

Jonathan Evans, assistant professor of English

The Shining Star Award

Dr. Belinda Wheeler, associate professor of English

The Perspiration Award

Dr. Matthew Hiatt, assistant professor of psychology

The James Brown Award

Ms. Michelle Provost, instructor of psychology

The Touchdown Award

Dr. Randall Harris, assistant professor of biology

The Leadership Award

Dr. Shannon Smith, assistant professor of nursing and chair of nursing department

Panther Pride

Claflin Softball Players Earn 2020 Easton/NFCA Academic All-America Scholar-Athlete Honors

Thirteen members of the Claflin University softball team were named to the 2020 Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Academic All-America Scholar-Athlete Team. All players with a 3.5 grade point average for the year are eligible for the team.

Members of the Claflin University softball team named to the 2020 Easton/NFCA Academic All-America Scholar-Athlete team are Bre'Zhay Chambers (Pitcher), Jasmine Dukes (Infielder), Jada Garrick (Infielder), Marion Goins (Catcher), Reagan Hill (Pitcher), Camryn Hollis (Outfielder), Brenay Howard (Pitcher), Jaelyn Jackson (Pitcher/Infielder), Angel Johnson (Infielder), Da'Vidria Robinson (Outfielder), Kyra Shuler (Infielder), Ashley Thomas (Outfielder), and Shaniya Thomas (Pitcher).