@Claflin: Stuff the Van a Success, Madden Champion, Men of Color and more

February 12, 2021

The World Needs Visionaries

Stuff the Van Event a Success

The Claflin University Department of Athletics, Office of Career Development, and Davis Toyota of Orangeburg announced that nearly 11,000 food items were donated during a “Stuff the Van” food drive on February 9-11, 2021. The project was held as part of the University’s celebration of Black History Month.

The donated items were delivered to the Filling Station, which was created to help reduce food insecurity among school age-children in the Orangeburg County School District.

“We appreciate the support and participation of everyone who contributed to the success of the “Stuff the Van” event," said Tony O'Neal, director of athletics. “Because of the donations provided by the entire Claflin University community, we were able to donate not one, but two vans packed with items for the Filling Station.”

O’Neal said that a competition was held between the athletic teams to determine which could donate the most items and claim bragging rights within the department. Chymaine Guinyard, head coach for the women’s volleyball team, introduced the idea of the contest and her team was victorious after collecting more than 4,000 items.

Presenting the items to the Filling Station were Claflin student-athletes, staff members from the athletic department and the Office of Career Development, and a representative from Davis Toyota of Orangeburg. Accepting the donations on behalf of the Orangeburg Filling Station were Melissa Cain, treasurer; Hayward Jean, '04, Orangeburg County School District director of student services, and members of the Filling Station staff.

Three Doctors to Discuss Their Journey to Success at Men of Color Symposium

Claflin University will host a virtual Men of Color Symposium on Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 2-6 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public. The keynote speakers are Dr. Maxime Madhere, Dr. Pierre Johnson and Dr. Joseph Semien Jr., and they will speak on their journey to success as three black doctors. Click here to register.

For more information, contact Dillon Beckford, executive director of housing and residential life at (803) 535-5301 or dbeckford@claflin.edu.

Claflin Student Wins Inaugural Madden 21 x HBCU Tournament

Claflin University student Eric Minor won the Inaugural Madden 21 x HBCU Tournament on Saturday, February 6. He was among 16 players that had advanced to the finals from a single elimination qualifier tournament that began in November 2020. As the champion, Minor won the grand prize of $5,000.

Minor, a junior computer science major and a member of the baseball team, is from Suffolk, Va. He was among four student-athletes from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) schools that competed in the finals. The 16 players represented four HBCU (historically black colleges/universities) athletic conferences - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA), Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Claflin is a member of the CIAA.

“It feels amazing to know that I’m the first-ever to win this tournament and that I won it while representing Claflin University,” said Minor. “For me, this means that I am the best HBCU Madden Player in the world, and no one can take that away.” Minor said laughingly, “And I also have all-time bragging rights.”

Click here to watch a rebroadcast of the tournament.

CIAA Announces Plans for Spring Sports Competition

Due to continued concerns related to COVID-19, the Board of Directors for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has voted to cancel all conference scheduling and championship events for spring sponsored sports. This includes the sports of softball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s golf.

Each school that sponsors the affected sports will have the autonomy to schedule competition throughout season, if desired, to allow teams and student-athletes the opportunity complete and, if possible, qualify for NCAA Division II postseason participation should they meet minimum requirements.

"These decisions are never easy, but the mental and physical health as well as the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and communities continues to be our top priority,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “While there won’t be a traditional conference schedule or championship this spring, the Board agreed that it was important each institution have the option to compete, if they so choose, to ensure balance that supports their student-athletes’ mental health and overall wellness. Additionally, we remain committed to developing opportunities that engage all our student-athletes and celebrate their resilience and success.”

The conference and its membership will continue to monitor the COVID-19 landscape while following current federal, state, local, NCAA, and campus guidelines with a focus towards future planning for 2021 and beyond.

For the latest information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. You can also like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Nominations are Now Open for 2021 Cohort of Outstanding Leaders Under 40

The Office of Alumni Relations will annually recognize outstanding alumni graduates under the age of 40 who are bold and energetic leaders in their chosen professions and their communities. These honorees have made continuous contributions to their chosen professions, and have inspired, empowered, and embraced their communities.

Recipients of the Outstanding Leaders under 40 Award demonstrate how to have positive impacts by connecting the knowledge, strength, and compassion that stems from their days on a "hilltop high."

Nominees will be selected based on the following: