@Claflin: GivingTuesday Goal Exceeded, Washington Post Op Ed, Panther Talks and more

December 4, 2020

The World Needs Visionaries

Goal Exceeded for GivingTuesday Fundraising Event

Claflin alumni, faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders displayed their overwhelming support for the University by donating $57,046.40 on December 1, during the GivingTuesday Campaign. The one-day fundraising total exceeded the $50,000 goal set prior to the start of the campaign to raise money for student scholarships through the Claflin Fund. The event also engaged viewers on Facebook and YouTube with music and interviews by Michael Flowers, '96; Jay Dukes, '10; and Jamal Washington, '03 (also known as DJ Phat Boi).

GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 and it is observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It has become an international movement that celebrates charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season.

A special heartfelt thank you to all donors who helped the University achieve our fundraising goal.

If you missed the opportunity to share your gift on GivingTuesday, you may do so at https://alumni.claflin.edu/claflinfund

Thank you for your continued support of Claflin University. It is greatly appreciated.

Claflin President Co-Writes Op Ed for Washington Post and is featured on HBCU Digest

President Dwaun J. Warmack and Langston University President Kent Smith Jr. wrote a joint opinion piece that was featured on The Washington Post's website titled, "It's time to finally give incarcerated people access to Pell grants." In the op ed, the presidents speak on the importance of incarcerated students receiving a fair education, Claflin's Center for Social Justice and HBCUs' unique role in expanding access to higher education. Click here to read the article.

President Warmack and President Smith also discussed their advocacy for the Second Chance Pell Grant Program this week on HBCU Digest. Click here to watch the interview.

Watch Panther Talks on December 8

Panther Talks is a webinar series that highlights the issues and events that are happening around the Claflin University campus. The intimate and informative discussions involve talks with faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters. Panther Talks engages Claflin University and surrounding communities while increasing awareness about students, fundraising, programs, and events.

Click here to register to attend the next Panther Talks on Tuesday, December 8 at 7 p.m.

If you would like to submit questions for this virtual program, please send to communications@claflin.edu.

Alumni News

Carla Malloy Jefferson, '97, has been appointed interim director for the Darlington County Virtual Academy (DCVA) in Darlington, S.C. The district created the DCVA to accommodate students of all ages who chose not to participate in face-to-face instruction during the pandemic. Presently DCVA serves 3,600 students. “Darlington County School District has afforded me an amazing opportunity to lead the DCVA," said Jefferson. "When technology is blended with academic content and instruction, students are afforded a dynamic opportunity to excel. I look forward to supporting teachers as we work to create an engaging virtual learning space that brings stellar instructional options for the students and parents of Darlington County.” Jefferson is an Apple Distinguished Educator as well as a Google Certified Educator/Trainer/Innovator. She currently serves as a member of the South Carolina ASCD Board and the out-going chair for the SCASC Instructional Technology Roundtable. Jefferson is also a member of ISTE Digital Equity and Ed Leaders PLN Leadership teams.

Stephon Void, '05, is a contributing author to a new Africana worship series for The United Methodist Church's Discipleship Ministries. This is a national publication in The United Methodist Church. Void is a certified lay servant in the South Carolina Conference and a member of the New Covenant United Methodist Church in Bowman, S.C. Void is also a nuclear magnetic resonance technician at Claflin University.

Save the Date for 27th Presidential Scholarship Gala

The 27^th Presidential Scholarship Gala will be held virtually on Friday, February 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds from the Gala benefit Claflin University Presidential Scholars. Stay tuned for more information.