October 22, 2021
The World Needs Visionaries
Watch the 2021 UNCF Ecumenical Day of Prayer
Claflin University will host the 2021 UNCF Ecumenical Day of Prayer on Saturday, October 23, at 9 a.m. on the University's Facebook and YouTube pages. The event is a fundraiser to support scholarships for Claflin University students. The program will include musical performances by Claflin University student Jenai Brown and Minister Rosemary Griffin and Friends.

During the program, participating ministers will offer prayers and uplifting messages for healing, courage, and wisdom.

To donate to this event, please visit https://alumni.claflin.edu/UNCFPrayer.
Countdown to Homecoming 2021
It is indeed my pleasure to invite you to our 2021 Homecoming activities and events on November 13-20. In 1869, Claflin University was founded to provide high-quality academic preparation for all students "without regard to gender, race, religion, or ethnic origin." This weekend, we celebrate more than 150 years of producing graduates who represent Claflin in leadership positions in business and industry, education, government, performing and visual arts, science and technology, and other professions. 

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Claflin’s ninth president, has displayed an unwavering commitment to continue the University's proud legacy of academic excellence by promoting a culture of "Elevation and Transformation."

We are extremely proud of the University’s accomplishments, and our Leal and Loyal Alumni have helped make them possible. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Claflin No.1 in Annual Alumni Giving Percentage among the nation’s HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities). The prestigious publication also ranked Claflin in the Top 10 on its list of "The Best HBCUs" for the 11th consecutive year and College Choice listed Claflin in its Top 10 among the 25 Best Colleges in South Carolina. These recognitions further illustrate why Claflin is one of the region’s premier liberal arts universities.

Earlier this month, we launched the Friends and Family Claflin Fund Campaign. This year's goal is $1 million. We ask each alumnus to make a minimum gift of $152 – $1 for each year since the University was established – to support scholarships during the 2021 Homecoming. No donation is too small or too large, and all gifts are greatly appreciated. Click here to support The Claflin Fund.

I look forward to seeing you soon at the place where it all began – Claflin University.

Sincerely, 
Zelda M. Lee, ’77 
Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations
2021 Homecoming Schedule of Events - November 13-20
2021 Homecoming Guidelines
  • We look forward to hosting safe and exciting homecoming events this year (November 13-20). To do so, everyone must be vaccinated and provide a negative PCR (nasal) test taken within 72 hours of the homecoming event(s) you plan to attend.
  • Face coverings are required for all events.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Homecoming Kickoff: 90s Party (Claflin students only)
10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Crocs & Christ Worship Experience
11 a.m.
Front steps of the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel 
Join us for an outdoor worship experience featuring the Claflin University D.R.E.A.M. Gospel Choir. Please be sure to wear your Crocs (or slides). 

Miss Homecoming Crowning Ceremony
3 p.m.
W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center

Late Night Pajama Meltdown
10 p.m.-12 a.m.
Panther Plaza
Menu: Chicken and Waffles


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Mid-Day Dorm Stroll Off and Meltdown
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Panther Plaza (Stroll Off begins at noon)

Dorm Step Show (Claflin students only)
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
(The Bonfire and funeral for the Voorhees College Tiger will begin immediately following the Step Show in the Gravel Parking Lot.) 


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Claflin University International Alumni Association (CUIAA) Virtual Executive Meeting
7-8 p.m.
Please email [email protected] to register for the Zoom Meeting. 

Aux Cord Wars (Claflin students only)
8-10 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena


WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Meltdown
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Panther Plaza

Drip or Drown Fashion Show
Noon – 1 p.m.
Panther Plaza

Sneaker Gala
9 p.m.-12 a.m.  
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym
Price: $15 for undergraduate Claflin students with valid ID; $20 for general admission.


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Homecoming Concert
8 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
Orangeburg Fairgrounds
Price: $30 (early bird) for undergraduate CU students with valid ID: $45 for general admission. Early bird prices valid until November 10 at 11:59 p.m.)


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
9th President of Claflin University
(By invitation only)
10 a.m.
Watch live on Facebook (ClaflinUniversity1869)

50 Shades of Melanin Day Party (Claflin Students and Young Alumni Only)
1-4 p.m.
SRC Quad

Presidential Scholarship Gala
7-10 p.m. 
Camp Landy (1903 Shillings Bridge Road, Orangeburg, SC 29115)
Price: $250/person. $50/Claflin students. Click here to purchase tickets.

CU "Wine" Down
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
The Garden Room
1190 Orangeburg Mall Circle, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $25. Click here to purchase tickets. (Ticket also allows entry to the Alumni Social)
Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music and cocktails. 

Alumni Social featuring DJ Envy
9 p.m.-1 a.m. 
The Cinema
1225 Orangeburg Mall Circle, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $25. Click here to purchase tickets. (Ticket also allows entry to the "Wine" Down)
Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music and cocktails. 


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Leadership Giving Brunch (By invitation only) 
11 a.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1645 Russell Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115

Panther Den and Tailgate Experience
11 a.m.-Until
Parking lot of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex 
Enjoy the company of your classmates during Claflin’ s ultimate tailgating experience – Burgess Brothers Famous BBQ, good music and lots of fun. 

Homecoming Basketball Doubleheader
Lady Panthers vs Voorhees College: 1:30 p.m.
Panthers vs Voorhees College: 3:30 p.m.
Price: $20 for general admission; $25 for reserved seats. Click here to purchase tickets.

NPHC Greek Step Show
8 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena.
Price: $20 for general admission.

Orange and Maroon Party
9 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
The Sulit Luxe Affairs, 1005 Broughton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Come dressed to impress for a night of fun, tasty cuisine and cocktails. 
Price: $25. Click here to purchase tickets.

Rock the Block
10 p.m.-Until
Goff Avenue
Please scan this QR code with your smart device or click here to visit the Homecoming web site.
The inauguration of Claflin University’s ninth president, Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, will be held on November 19, 2021, at 10 a.m. This event will be broadcast live on Claflin University’s Facebook page. Because of COVID-19, attendance to the historic ceremony will be by invitation only. Dr. Warmack’s inauguration was originally scheduled for March 2020. However, the celebration was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claflin To Hold Presidential Scholarship Gala During 2021 Homecoming Weekend
Claflin University will host its 27th Presidential Scholarship Gala on Friday, November 19, 7 p.m., at Camp Landy in Orangeburg, S.C. Proceeds from the Gala benefit Claflin University’s Presidential Scholars, high-achieving students who receive full tuition, room and board, and a book stipend because of their outstanding academic accomplishments.

Sponsorship opportunities for this event are as follows:

President’s Circle Sponsor - $50,000
Platinum Sponsor - $25,000
Diamond Sponsor - $15,000
Gold Sponsor - $10,000
Silver Sponsor - $5,000
Friends of Claflin Table Sponsor - $2,500
Individual Presidential Gala Ticket - $250
Student Presidential Gala Ticket - $50

(Sponsorship deadline is November 1, 2021)

2021 Homecoming Guidelines
  • We look forward to hosting safe and exciting homecoming events this year (November 13-20). To do so, everyone must be vaccinated and provide a negative PCR (nasal) test taken within 72 hours of the homecoming event(s) you plan to attend.
  • Face coverings are required for all events.
  • This year’s Gala will be held at Camp Landy, an outdoor facility in Orangeburg, S.C. The attire is semi-formal. Be sure to check the weather forecast prior to the event.

For more information about tickets and sponsorships, please visit alumni.claflin.edu/2021-presidential-gala or call (803) 535-5665.
Would you like to purchase Claflin University items for yourself or as gifts? Proceeds from the items above will support scholarships for the next generation of visionary leaders at Claflin University.

Click here to order today.

If you are paying by check, please make payable to Claflin University. Please put t-shirt size on the memo line. Mail to:

Claflin University
Attn: Marcus Burgess
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115

For more information, please call (803) 535-5348.
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115 
1.800.922.1276
@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing 
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, '96
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing: George Johnson Jr.
Public Relations Director: J. Craig Cotton
Web Communications Manager: Colin Myers, '07
Director of Athletic Media Relations: Trevin Q. Goodwin
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07