@Claflin: Confirmation Ceremony, Claflin Hits Home Run and more

The World Needs Visionaries

New Student Orientation Week Concludes with Confirmation Ceremony

Claflin University concluded New Student Orientation Week with its annual Confirmation Ceremony last Sunday (August 18) in the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center. Dr. Derrick Swinton, interim dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, delivered the keynote speaker. The ceremony culminated a week-long series of seminars, lectures, and information sessions offered to assist freshman students with their transition from high school to college. The ceremony symbolizes the official enrollment of the Class of 2023 at Claflin.

New Student Orientation Week began August 10 with Freshman Move-In Day. Students and parents representing every region in the nation and nine international countries arrived on the campus eager to add a personal touch to the residence hall they were assigned.

Claflin administrators, faculty, staff, alumni and student volunteers welcomed the students and assisted with transporting their personal items to their rooms. Warmack, Claflin's ninth president who succeeded Dr. Henry N. Tisdale on August 1, was among the movers.

"I consider myself a servant-leader," said Warmack when asked about the message he was sending as he carried boxes, luggage and other items to several students' rooms. "The parents of these students are trusting us with their children and paying their tuition. No one who works at Claflin, including me as president, should think they are too good to help these families with their children's transition to attending college. I want the parents of our current students and anyone who sends their children to Claflin to know that when they come to Claflin, everyone at this institution is willing to help and serve them."

Emotions peaked during the August 11 Parting Ceremony, the Claflin tradition that symbolizes the students' separation from their families and the entrance to a new learning phase in their development. Students in the class of 2023 walked under the Claflin Arch of Confidence and passed through lines of well-wishers comprised of alumni, faculty, staff and university supporters who congratulated them for choosing Claflin to continue their education.

"It's true what they say about Claflin's family-like environment," said Marquita Hampton, a freshman from Camden and a business major. "Everyone has been extremely helpful and I learned more about the academic programs. I chose Claflin because my goal is to become a successful entrepreneur and the university has a nationally accredited business program. "

Artavious Benjamin, a freshman from Bishopville, said the university's recognition as one of the nation's top HBCUs attracted him to Claflin.

"I believe Dr. Warmack did an exceptional job in articulating his passion for Claflin and the students," he said. "I am excited and honored to be a member of his first freshman class."

Taimani Barrett said she fell in love with Claflin during her first visit to the campus - which was Move-In Day. She is a pre-med major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"My family and I have been following and reading about Claflin for quite some time," Barrett said. "I was attracted by the small class size, teacher-student ratio and the attractiveness of the campus. It's an inspiring and diverse atmosphere. I know I made the right choice."

Claflin Hits A Home Run at "Claflin Night with the Columbia Fireflies"

C laflin hit a home run with increasing the University's brand awareness in the Midlands at "Claflin Night with the Columbia Fireflies" last Saturday at Segra Park. More than 300 students - mostly from the Class of 2023 - and dozens of alumni, faculty, and staff attended the game and enjoyed an evening of baseball, refreshments, camaraderie, and fireworks.

Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack was one of several representatives from local agencies and organizations who threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Click here to see the pitch.

Download the Brief Historical Reference Guide

Nearly 150 years ago, Claflin broke down barriers in higher education, making it the first South Carolina university open to all students regardless of race. Today, Claflin continues to welcome exemplary students of all races and genders who demonstrate a passion to change not only their own circumstances, but to change the world as well. Click here to read through the University's Brief Historical Reference Guide.

Faculty News

Congratulations to Dr. Nan Li, associate professor of education, who recently released a book titled Four Chinese ELLs. The book is written for K-12 teachers and educators to understand the school experiences and life journeys of the English Language Learners (ELLs) through four Chinese ELLs by documenting their transitional experiences into an American school. Click here for more information about the book.

Alumni News

"The Portrait," a film directed by Alan M. Brooks, '11, will air on Saturday, August 24, at 8 p.m. on Aspire TV. Launched by former NBA star Magic Johnson in 2012, Aspire TV is a network channel targeting African Americans. "The Portrait," is part of the network's Urban Indie Film Block, its newest programming block featuring the best of urban short film by the next generation of great filmmakers. The programming block features films that depict everything from love stories, romantic comedies and dramas to action and sci-fi.

Have you misplaced or outgrown your Claflin University cardigan sweater? If so, we have great news for you. The Office of Alumni Relations is taking orders for Claflin and Greek cardigan sweaters. The cost is $109. These stylishly-designed sweaters will give you an opportunity to show pride in your Alma Mater or your Greek letter organization. For more information, please contact Zelda M. Lee, director of alumni affairs, at (803) 535-5348.

Panther Pride

The Claflin University volleyball team is predicted to finish sixth overall and fifth in the Southern Division of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason poll.

The predicted order of finish was announced by the conference office in conjunction with the Volleyball Coaches Association on Tuesday, August 20.

The Lady Panthers were picked to finish fifth in the Southern Division behind Fayetteville State University, the 2018 Southern Division Runner-ups; Shaw University, the 2018 CIAA Tournament Champion; followed by Winston-Salem State University, and Johnson C. Smith University.

Last season, the Lady Panthers finished the 2018 campaign with a 6-17 overall record and 6-12 conference record (2-10 in the Southern Division).

Claflin will open the 2019 season at home on Saturday, September 7, and they will play against Erskine College.