The World Needs Visionaries
Claflin University Named Among Top 10 Computer Science Colleges in South Carolina

Claflin University has earned the number seven spot in the ranking of the  Best Colleges for Computer Science and IT in South  Carolina , according to ComputerTrainingSchools.com, a reliable resource for those considering enrolling in a technology-focused degree program. 
 
Claflin University secured this placement due to its higher-than-average scores in several categories within the study, including t he retention rate of full-time students and t he percentage of undergraduates who were awarded financial aid.
 
According to senior managing editor of QuinStreet, Marcelle White, "ComputerTrainingSchools.com's study of institutions that offer technology-related degree programs is designed to highlight schools that do an exceptional job of helping students advance their education - to earn a degree to start along a specific career path or as a way to change careers. According to a report published by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, by 2020, in South Carolina, 62 percent of jobs are likely to require some level of postsecondary education, and schools like Claflin University are doing a great job of helping students be prepared for that future." 
 
ComputerTrainingSchools.com also  informs South Carolina students about state initiatives in place to prepare more students for careers in technology, how to find potential scholarships to help fund their education, and what professional resources are available to tech workers in South Carolina. 
 
Data for ComputerTrainingSchools.com's study was sourced from  the National Center for Education Statistics' Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). View the complete ranking and methodology by clicking here.
Williamsburg County Friends and Family Donate Funds to Endowed Scholarship
Front row: Patricia June Bettard, Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Lola Mae Tisdale June, Christine Chandler Shaw and Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton. Middle row: Marcus Burgess, Sheila June James, Veronica Tisdale Cooper, Genevieve Fulton Burgess, Gloria Fulton Cooper and Dr. Verlie G. Tisdale. Back row: Maxine Owens Bradley, Freddie Kirkland and Zelda M. Lee. Not pictured: Barbara McClary Scott, Carrie Bradley, Andrea June and Johnny June.

The Williamsburg County Friends and Family of Henry N. and Alice Carson Tisdale presented a check for $10,000 to the university on Tuesday, October 1. The funds will go to the Henry and Alice Carson Tisdale Endowed Scholarship to help deserving students. Dr. Tisdale's sister, cousins and other family members came to present the check to President Warmack and other members of the Claflin staff.

In 2013, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale and Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale made a $250,000 gift to the University and established the Henry N. and Alice Carson Tisdale Endowed Professorship in STEM as well as the Henry N. Tisdale Endowed Scholarship and the Alice Carson Tisdale Endowed Scholarship. These endowments help to support the growing reputation Claflin has earned for producing graduates from STEM disciplines. Claflin University is one of the region's leading liberal arts universities and its emphasis on STEM aligns with career opportunities in today's workplace.

"Claflin University is in my brother's heart and soul," said Lola Tisdale June, sister of Dr. Tisdale. "We wanted to do something for him and Claflin University as a representation from his hometown."
Introducing the New Claflin Connection Social Media SuperFan Program

Do you love sharing information about Claflin through social media? Sign up for the Claflin Connection SuperFan Program! Earn points for every social media post you share to win prizes each and every month. Click here to sign up now!
Claflin Celebrates Living Legends of Art

Claflin University is celebrating its proud legacy of producing renowned visual artists at its Living Legends of Art Exhibit which will be held through November 1, at the Arthur Rose Museum. From left - Dr. Leo Twiggs, Floyd Gordon, Glover Richburg, Dr. Brenda Faison, (chair, Art Department) Patro Ulmer, Raymond Floyd, Damion Johnson, Cecil Williams; (seated) Elizabeth Rose (widow of Arthur Rose who helped establish the Claflin's art program).
Make Your Plans for Homecoming 2019

Claflin University is looking forward to welcoming you "home" for Homecoming 2019 on November 14-17. Click here for the complete schedule and registration.
 
A full schedule of events and activities are planned for your enjoyment and participation. We will also celebrate reunion for the classes of 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014. Celebrate your class with memories that last forever. 

Activities include a  5K Walk and Run, annual scholarship  golf classic, the Homecoming Parade, a men's and women's basketball doubleheader game, Greek step show and the Annual Founders' Day Convocation.
 
Tickets for the Presidential Scholarship Gala may be purchased online by clicking  here. For more information about the Gala, call (803) 535-5665 or (803) 535-5357.

If you are a class officer/agent, please contact Zelda M. Lee, '77, director of the Annual Fund/Alumni Relations, at (803) 535-5348,  zelee@claflin.edu. 
Claflin University to Host Annual UNCF Community Prayer Breakfast 

Claflin University will host its annual United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Community Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, October 12, at 9 a.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The prayer breakfast is a fundraiser to support scholarships for students at Claflin University.
 
The Rev. Eddie Jones, pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Lone Star, S.C., will be the keynote speaker. The program also includes performances by the Claflin University Gospel Choir D.R.E.A.M. and The Community Prayer Breakfast Ministers' Choir.
 
Admission is $250 per table (10 seats) and $15 for individual tickets. 
 
Click here to purchase tickets or call (803) 535-5722.
Alumni News 

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Inc. hosted its 34th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 27 in Atlanta at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Each year, graduates of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the hall of fame for significant contributions made in their respective fields. This event ensures and promotes the viability of HBCUs and highlights the accomplishments of their alumni.
 
Among this year's class was attorney William H. Johnson Sr., '72, (center) who was inducted in the category of government and law.  Attorney Johnson is licensed to practice in North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, all federal district courts, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Johnson has served in a number of legal and community leadership positions, including as court-appointed arbitrator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and as arbitrator and mediator for the U.S. Federal Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He has served as president of the Barristers Association of Philadelphia and as the National Bar Association's regional director for the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Attorney Johnson has also served as a member of the following boards of directors: the Philadelphia Public Interest Law Center, the Philadelphia Bar Education Center, the Metropolitan Career Center of Philadelphia and the National Bar Association Board of Governors. In addition to previously serving as a member of Claflin University's Board of Visitors, he currently serves on its board of trustees and chairs its Audit Committee.

Randolph Artisan Italian Ice & Gelato is now offering the opportunity for students at Claflin University to purchase Italian ice, gelato, chicken fingers and stuffed waffles with Panther Bucks. According to Devin Randolph, '07 , owner, a percentage of the sales will be donated back to the university for student scholarships.  Randolph Artisan Italian Ice & Gelato is located at 950 Chestnut Street in Orangeburg. 

Congratulations to the Spartanburg-Cherokee Chapter of the CUIAA for being honored as the 2019 Small Chapter of the Year by the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.  at the  8th Annual Legacy of Leaders Alumni Luncheon, on September 28, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Each year, alumni of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are honored for significant contributions they have made to their respective institutions. Chapter president LaKesha Barnes, '95, attended the event and received the award on behalf of the chapter. 
Panther Pride

Claflin Travels to Shaw for CIAA Southern Division Volleyball Match


The Claflin University Lady Panthers will visit Shaw University for a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division volleyball match on Wednesday, October 2. The match gets underway at 6 p.m. inside the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium on the Shaw campus. 

The Lady Panthers will return home to face Winston-Salem State University in another divisional match on Friday, October 4. The contest will be played at Tullis Arena inside the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.


Claflin Women's Basketball Picked to Finish 10th in CIAA Preseason Poll

The Claflin University women's basketball team is predicted to finish 10 th  overall and fifth in the Southern Division of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason poll as selected by the women's head coaches. The predicted order of finish was announced during the CIAA Basketball Virtual Media Day on Tuesday, October 1.
 
The team was picked to finish fifth in the Southern Division behind Fayetteville State University, the 2018 Southern Division Champions and 2019 CIAA Tournament runner-ups;Johnson C. Smith University, the 2018 Southern Division runner-ups; followed by Winston-Salem State University and Livingstone. Claflin finished ahead of Shaw University and Saint Augustine's University.
 
The Lady Panthers finished the 2018-19 campaign with a 15-14 overall record and 9-9 conference record.
 
Claflin will open the 2019-20 season on the road at Anderson University on Wednesday, November 13. The Lady Panthers will host Stillman College on Saturday, November 16, for their 2019-20 home opener during Homecoming 2019.


Claflin Men's Basketball Picked to Finish Fifth in CIAA Preseason Poll

The Claflin University men's basketball team is predicted to finish fifth overall and second in the Southern Division of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason poll, as selected by the men's basketball head coaches. The predicted order of finish was announced during the CIAA Basketball Virtual Media Day on Tuesday, October 1.
 
The team was picked to finish second in the Southern Division behind Livingstone College, the 2018 Southern Division Runner-ups. Claflin finished ahead of Shaw University, the 2018 Southern Division Champions, Winston-Salem State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University and Saint Augustine's University.
 
The Panthers finished the 2018 campaign with a 13-14 overall record and tied with Livingstone for second with a 9-9 conference record.
 
Claflin will open the 2019-20 season on the road in the CIAA-PSAC Challenge, Friday-Saturday, November 8-9, in West Chester, Pa. The Panthers will face West Chester on Friday and Kutztown on Saturday.
 
Claflin will open its home season on Wednesday, November 13 when they host Augusta University in a 6 p.m. contest in Tullis Arena.
October 2, 2019
In This Issue


Panther
Cam
Calendar of Events
Connect with Us
@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing 
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Rev. Dr. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing: George Johnson Jr.
Public Relations Director: J. Craig Cotton
Public Relations/Social Media Coordinator: Charnita Mack
Web Communications Manager: Colin Myers, '07
Sports Information Director: Romanda Noble-Watson
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07