@Claflin: April Ryan Chosen for Commencement Address, Hats and Gloves Tea a Success, Kasim Reed to Speak at Alumni Convention and more

The World Needs Visionaries

Distinguished Author and Journalist to Deliver Keynote Address at 148th Commencement

Distinguished author and journalist April Ryan will be the keynote speaker for Claflin University's 148 th Commencement on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at the South Atlantic Seventh-day Adventist Convention Center, 514 Neeses Highway, Orangeburg.

Since 1997, Ryan has served as a White House correspondent and is the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks. In 2017, she joined CNN as a political analyst. In May 2017, the National Association of Black Journalists named Ryan as the "Journalist of the Year."

Ryan is a graduate of Morgan State University and was awarded an honorary doctorate from her alma mater in 2017. She began her media career as a jazz disc jockey before turning to reporting.

Ryan has been a member of the White House press corps for American Urban Radio Networks since January 1997 and has long been the only black female reporter among the White House correspondents. She is a member of the National Press Club and is one of only three African Americans to have served on the board of the White House Correspondents' Association.

As a White House correspondent, Ryan has covered four presidential administrations. Following the election of President Donald Trump, Ryan gained notoriety in 2017 after notable exchanges with him and his press secretary Sean Spicer. At a February press conference, when Trump began talking about "inner city places" and urban crime, she asked him if he planned to meet with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). He responded by telling her to set up the meeting with them before asking, "Are they friends of yours?" Ryan responded that she was only a reporter and not a member of the CBC. In March 2017, Spicer accused her of having an agenda when she asked about Trump's ties with Russia and then berated her for shaking her head.

As one of the few African Americans in the White House press corps, Ryan is often the only journalist asking questions on issues concerning minorities, which she has come to resent. She said in an interview in May 2017, "Why can't the dynamic of all people be in that room? Why can't it be? All people are covered under the White House. Am I correct? So I really dislike that, but I have no qualms with it. If you want to call me a black reporter, I am the black reporter who also asks about other issues and questions on China, Russia, Syria, North Korea. So, if you want to label me a black reporter, I take it with a badge of honor."

The A.V. Club, an entertainment website, dubbed Ryan "stalwart and professional" in her approach, following her appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" when she said that the purpose of the press remains unchanged by the Trump administration's hostile attitude to the mainstream media. Ryan stressed that the journalists must "get accurate information, facts for the American public. It's not about us, it's about freedom of the press. It's about informing the masses."

Her first book, The Presidency in Black and White: My Up-Close View of Three Presidents and Race in America, was published in 2015 and won an NAACP Image Award. Her second book, At Mama's Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White, was published in 2016. Her work has also appeared in Politico. Her blog, Fabric of America, is devoted to minority issues and stories in the United States.

More Than 500 High-Achieving Scholars Receive Awards at Claflin's Annual Honors and Awards Convocation

SGA President Jessica Tolbert delivered the much-anticipated "Honors Challenge" to the capacity crowd comprised of alumni, faculty, parents, staff, students, and invited guests.

Claflin University's annual Honors and Awards Convocation on Tuesday, March 27, at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center celebrated the University's immutable resolve to inspire academic excellence and student success. "The Great Demand for Visionary Leaders in an Ever-Changing World," was this year's theme as more than 500 students were recognized for their exemplary scholarship and visionary leadership. Click here to see a list of those who received awards.

"This morning we recognize and celebrate the essence of Claflin University which is academic achievement," said Provost Karl S. Wright. "Let us always remember what Claflin University stands for. We are a learner-centered community where student learning occupies center stage. However, this success is not created in a vacuum. It is also the result of a dedicated and well-trained, world-class faculty."

Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale also attributed the outstanding leadership and academic success displayed by the students to the University's team concept.

"I thank all members of the Claflin team for continuing to work together to make certain our students are staying in school and graduating and continuing their success beyond the walls of the University," said Tisdale. "We want you to distinguish yourselves by being prepared with 21st Century skills and competencies. We want you to possess the skills needed for admission to the top graduate and professional schools and placement in high-paying jobs. We celebrate you because you are upholding the true tradition of Claflin University. A tradition of academic excellence, confidence, character, service and becoming effective, fully-engaged visionary leaders with global perspectives."

Tisdale ended his presentation by congratulating the men's basketball team which captured the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament title and the women's cheerleading team that placed first in the SIAC competition. The men's basketball team also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Junior Jessica Tolbert delivered the much-anticipated "Honors Challenge," to the capacity crowd comprised of alumni, faculty, parents, staff, students, and invited guests. Tolbert encouraged the students to find their "why" - which she described as their purpose in life.

"If you are a leader, you should lead with everything you have to give," said Tolbert, president of Claflin's Student Government Association. "It is at the moment when you think you have nothing left when you realize you must make a decision - either to quit or find your 'why.' Your 'why' is what gives you the extra push when you think you can't stand the pressure or your feet cannot carry you any further," she said. "Every long-distance runner knows that after a few laps your body screams in agony and your chest is on fire - then that switch turns on and you remember your 'why' and you push forward. Academics and running are not so much about why you want to win, but, why it's important to finish."

Tolbert, native of Chattanooga, Tenn., is a biochemistry major and a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. She has worked as a research intern at Brown University and she plans to pursue a PhD. Although Tolbert's academic concentration is STEM, she also possesses an insatiable interest in literature and photography. She has written and illustrated a children's book titled Mr. Peanut and the Antibody Officers.

"As a black woman in leadership and STEM I sometimes find myself confronted with a sense of isolation," said Tolbert. "Being a woman is beautiful, but, it can also be a distraction. Instead of focusing on my work, I am often judged on how I wear my hair and how much - or how little - makeup I wear. Are my pants too tight or my sleeves too short? I have had many nights reminding myself that I can do as good a job as my predecessor. As a woman I am reminded that I can stand up for myself even if I must stand on a few toes. Getting the job done sometimes means doing it yourself," she said.

Special presentations were given to high-achieving scholars who combined academic excellence with exemplary leadership from the School of Business, School of Education, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies.

The Office of Student Development and Services presented awards to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. for maintaining the highest cumulative grade point average among student organizations.

12th Annual First Lady's Hats and Gloves Tea Raises Money For Student Scholarships

Spring was in the air as guests filled the Tullis Arena of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center on Tuesday, March 20 for the 12th Annual First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea. Comedian Steven Brown served as the master of ceremonies and South Carolina's Official First Lady of Song, Loretta Holloway, '74, was the featured performer. The event raised $20,000 for the First Lady's Hats and Gloves Tea Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Women wore hats, gloves and outfits of various style and color; tables were adorned with black and white hat boxes, freshly cut daisies and hand-painted flower pots. The intricately placed décor and fanfare is anticipated annually as guests gather to support scholarships, celebrate philanthropy and recognize the Visionary Leadership Honoree.

The 2018 Visionary Leadership honoree, Mrs. Frances Davenport Finney, '56, was recognized during the event themed, "Nevertheless, She Persisted." Davenport Finney was married for more than 60 years to the late Chief Justice Ernest A. Finney Jr., '52, who died in December 2017. He was the first African-American to serve as Chief Justice on the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Davenport Finney was welcomed with a standing ovation from the audience and a selection by music education major, Esther Jones, '18, as she joined Claflin's First Lady, Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale on the stage to accept her award.

"This year's theme is so fitting for this year's honoree. Frances has always found the strength and wisdom to hold it together, to persevere and to lead," Tisdale said about Davenport Finney.

"Never in a million years did I think that I would live to see my beloved alma mater honor me and gather women together to celebrate our persistence," shared Finney.

After accepting her award, she reflected on her time as a Claflin student and credited that time for teaching her valuable life lessons.

"Claflin shaped me academically, socially and spiritually. When I was a student, I was able to visualize the woman that I wanted to become because of the great Claflin women who walked the halls and the campus, and helped to guide, teach and nurture me," concluded Finney.

Among the evening's special guests was South Carolina's First Lady Peggy McMaster, wife of S.C. Governor Henry McMaster.

Three Claflin students - freshman, early childhood education major Ebony Gillard of Florence, S.C.; freshman, biology major Destiny McClary of Santee, S.C. and freshman, computer engineering major Keneisha Wiggan of Portland, Jamaica were presented with scholarships and laptop computers courtesy of Emma Harvin of One Source Office Products Inc.

Former Atlanta Mayor to Speak at Annual Alumni Convention's Corporate Breakfast

Former Mayor of Atlanta, the Honorable Kasim Reed, will be the keynote speaker for the 44th Annual Claflin University International Alumni Association Convention's Corporate Breakfast on Friday, April 6, at 8 a.m. The breakfast will take place at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel.

Reed is the son of two Claflinites, Junius and Sylvia Reed who attended during the 1960s. He was also the 2012 Commencement Speaker at Claflin University where he received an honorary doctorate degree.

Reed served two terms as the 59th Mayor of the City of Atlanta. Elected in 2009 with a clear mandate for fiscal reform, Mayor Reed increased core city services while reducing the city's spending during the worst recession in 80 years. From 2009-2017, the Reed Administration led the city of Atlanta to unprecedented growth, fiscal stability and international respect.

Upon entering office, Mayor Reed hired more than 900 police officers, creating the largest police force in the city's history. He oversaw a 37 percent drop in crime during his tenure. He also improved fire-rescue response times and re-opened all the city's recreation centers as safe havens for young people.

Working with the Atlanta City Council and the city's employee unions, Mayor Reed successfully led a series of sweeping reforms to address the city's $1.5 billion unfunded pension liability. He began his term facing a $48 million budget shortfall, yet, under his leadership, the city produced eight years of balanced budgets with no property tax increases, increased its cash reserves from $7.4 million to $200 million, and received eight consecutive credit-rating increases.

When Mayor Reed left office on January 2, 2018, the City of Atlanta was on its best financial footing in 40 years and his approval rate was 65 percent, while Atlanta had earned a 69 percent 'right track' rating from its residents.

Mayor Reed received numerous accolades while serving in City Hall. In 2013, he was ranked among the top ten most influential African-Americans in the nation by The Root, a publication of the Washington Post Company. He received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington D.C. honored him with the Louis E. Martin Great American Award.

In 2011, Governing Magazine named Mayor Reed as one of the top state and local government officials of the year.

Mayor Reed's civic leadership and service have been nationally recognized on programs such as Meet the Press; on news outlets such as MSNBC, CNN, FOX and CNBC; and in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

Computer Science Majors Participate in Tech Prep Academy

Claflin University was one of 14 HBCUS to participate in the 2018 BE Smart HBCU Academy: Tech Prep on March 23 and 24 in Atlanta on the campus of Morehouse College. The event was sponsored by Toyota.

The BE Smart HBCU Academy: Tech Prep was a daylong program of hands-on, interactive workshops and talks by dynamic speakers who have succeeded in the tech space. This program prepares students to compete in hackathons, case competitions and similar events by focusing on presentation skills (public speaking), hacking, and technology jobs and internships.

Computer science majors participating in the event included Chiamaka Azih, Shayla Caradine, Meagan Price, and Anna Swanier.

Claflin Competes for Campus Improvement Grant in Home

Depot's Retool Your School Program

Claflin University is among the list of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) competing for grants to beautify and upgrade their campuses through the Home Depot's Retool Your School program. This marks the ninth year of the program and participating schools are divided into three clusters based on student enrollment. There will be one (1) $50,000 Grand Prize Grant, one (1) $40,000 2nd Place Grant and (1) $30,000 3rd Place Grant recipient per cluster. Claflin is in Cluster 2.

Schools that record the highest total of votes through social media or receive a high score for their project proposal will be considered for a campus improvement grant. Voting can be done by using the school's designated hashtag (#Claflin_RYS18) or on the RYS website.

To help Claflin in its quest for first place in the Retool Your School competition and a Home Depot campus improvement grant, cast your votes at www.retoolyourschool.com or use the hashtag #Claflin_RYS18 in all Twitter and Instagram posts.

Claflin has vigorously solicited votes from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders since February 24 when the program began. The competition ends on April 15 at 11:59 p.m. The Office of Communications and Marketing is encouraging the campus community to vote by hosting Italian ice parties, giveaways of Claflin paraphernalia, and coordinating voting competitions between student organizations and administrative departments.

"We need the entire Claflin Family to help us win this competition," said George Johnson, assistant vice president of communications and marketing. "We intend to use the grant for an environmentally conscience project that will enhance the beauty of our campus."

Student Profile - Karla Fulmore

Karla Fulmore, a sophomore marketing and management major, is the first student from Claflin University to be accepted into the Fred Newman Civic Fellowship Program cohort. She is currently working closely with fellow classmates, professors, and officials in Branchville, S.C., to advocate for a grocery store chain that will increase nutritious options for city residents. This includes efforts to kick-start the migration of residents and other businesses to Branchville to supplement economic growth.

Student Profile - Jamela Williams

Senior human performance and recreation major Jamela Williams is the recipient of the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association's Herman F.A. Lange Scholarship for the spring 2018 semester. She is the first Claflin student to receive this award. The scholarship is given to students who major in p arks, recreation, tourism, sports management, or leisure service. Williams' plan after graduation is to begin a career in the field of recreation. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Sam Roberson, assistant professor of human performance and recreation, Dr. Nicole Y. Strange-Martin, dean of the School of Education, Jamela Williams, and Jim Headley, executive director of SCRPA.

Faculty News

Dr. Belinda Wheeler, associate professor of English, is one of a select group of faculty members nationwide chosen by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to participate in a special American history seminar on "The Civil War and American Memory." The seminar for faculty members in history, political science, and related fields is especially important for those who may be called upon as resources and experts when questions arise over what should be done with controversial historical statues and markers on their campuses and in their communities. From a pool of 58 highly competitive nominations, 25 faculty members were selected to participate in the seminar, which will be held June 10-14, 2018, at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The seminar is generously funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. For more information, visit the CIC website at www.cic.edu/AmericanHistory .

Alumni Notes

In 1974, the International Alumni Association of Claflin University established an annual convention to discuss alumni affairs, recognize distinguished alumni, and develop ways to continue supporting our Alma Mater.

"Visionary Leaders Embracing Diversity in the 21st Century" is this year's theme as our Alma Mater continues to demonstrate its commitment to its legacy of nurturing, preparing, and developing visionary leaders.

Click here to register for the 44th Annual Alumni Convention in Atlanta, Ga., on April 5-8, 2018.

Panther Pride

Claflin Softball Returns Home to Host USC-Aiken

After playing their last 16 games on the road, the Claflin University softball team will return home Wednesday, March 28 to host USC-Aiken in a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. with the second game starting approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the first at the Adden Street Field in Orangeburg.

Claflin Splits Conference Doubleheader with Morehouse College

The Claflin University baseball team split a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) doubleheader with Morehouse College, winning the opener (13-9) and dropping the second game (9-7) on Saturday March 24 in Atlanta, Ga. The third game of the SIAC series was postponed due to inclement weather.

With the split Claflin record goes to 8-20 overall and 4-1 in the SIAC. MORE

Claflin Softball Drops Three at Albany State

The Claflin University softball team dropped all three games of its Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) series last weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24, in Albany, Ga.

The Lady Panthers fell in the single game (3-2) on Friday, March 23 and dropped the doubleheader (10-9 and 12-7) on Saturday, March 24.

The losses dropped Claflin's overall record to 13-21 and its SIAC record to 6-4.

The Lady Panthers will look to regroup when they host USC-Aiken in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday, March 28.