November 11, 2022
The World Needs Visionaries
Claflin University Receives More Than $4 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Energy to Support STEM Programs
Claflin University is among a select group of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges/Universities) that will receive funding from a $30 million grant through the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. Department of Energy selected Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) – which includes HBCUs in South Carolina, Tennessee, and a Tribal College in the state of Washington to receive financial assistance to invest in next generation STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) leaders. Claflin is in partnership with seven other HBCUs/MSIs in South Carolina that share a $20 million grant from the program. Claflin will receive more than $4 million to support its STEM programs.

"This grant provides significant support for our strategic Cyber Security Agenda,” said Claflin President Dwaun J. Warmack. “We are profoundly grateful that the Department of Energy selected Claflin to serve as the lead on this grant. More importantly, we are thankful that DOE selected the Great State of South Carolina as a Consortium. All eight HBCU's will receive a portion of these funds. This grant will enable each of our institutions to expand our STEM agendas and display the significant scalable impact for campuses and the State of South Carolina."

The grant is part of the Department of Energy’s Build Competitive Academic Programs in Underrepresented Communities initiative. These grants, distributed by DOE’s Office of Environmental Management’s (EM) Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP), will help develop highly qualified science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students and foster a well-trained, technically skilled, and inclusive workforce. By advancing the education and training of a culturally diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, and managers, MSIPP builds upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to increase the participation, leadership, and success of students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. 

Claflin University has received national acclaim for the exceptional quality of its academic programs and success for producing an impressive number of STEM graduates. Many of these graduates have launched careers with globally prominent tech companies, conduct results-driven research at state-of-the-art laboratories, and attend prestigious graduate and professional schools. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) granted accreditation to Claflin's Computer Science program. Claflin's RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Board of Commissioners. CCNE Accreditation ensures that the nursing program consistently demonstrates quality in mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, and curriculum and teaching-learning practices. Claflin’s Chemistry program is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS)​.

“Leveraging the full potential of America’s best and brightest means including students from every pocket of the nation, and of all races and ethnicities,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With today’s investments, DOE is following through with our previously announced commitments to MSIs to remove barriers and unlock opportunities for millions of Americans – inspiring the next generation of science and technology leaders and positioning America to lead the world in the industries of the future, from artificial intelligence and clean energy to quantum computing and advanced engineering.”  

Established in 2014, MSIPP promotes the education and development of the next generation workforce in critical STEM related disciplines that support EM's mission. MSIPP grants assist MSIs, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities, efforts to build competitive academic STEM programs and to purchase the tools and equipment necessary for scientific learning. The technical, scientific, and life skills provided to students through MSIPP help contribute to safe and clean environments in communities across the country and translate into real world experience and good-paying job opportunities.  

The grants announced support President Biden’s commitment to fulfill our nation’s responsibilities to address the Cold War environmental legacy resulting from five decades of critical defense and nuclear research missions and support communities directly impacted by them. The $56 million received from the Fiscal Year 2022 budget allows DOE to further its mission to build a highly skilled and diverse workforce from roughly 700 MSIs, while removing inequitable barriers to advancement and development opportunities.  

More than 100 research contracts involving more than 450 students in research projects have been granted under MSIPP since 2014. To date, MSIPP has supported 62 universities and colleges across 22 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. EM plans to continue efforts of addressing the need for building and maintaining a well-trained, technically skilled, and diverse workforce by promoting the education and development of the next generation workforce in STEM, cybersecurity, and additive manufacturing disciplines through MSIPP.  
Countdown "All American Hilltop Homecoming"
Greetings,

It is indeed my pleasure to invite you to our 2022 Homecoming activities on November 12-19, 2022. In 1869, Claflin University was founded to provide high-quality academic preparation for all students "without regard to gender, race, religion, or ethnic origin." Homecoming Week provides Claflin an opportunity to celebrate 153 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. 
 
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 12th 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.
 
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/Alumni Relations
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

Hilltop Affair Ball 
7 - 11 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary (Panther) Gym
Tickets: $10. Click here for tickets.


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

J’s & Jesus 
11 a.m.
James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel 

The Crowning of Mister and Miss Homecoming
3 p.m.
W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Wild Wild West Late Night Meltdown
10 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Panther Plaza


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Morris College Homegoing Service and Car Smash
3 p.m. 
Kleist Hall Parking Lot

Men’s Basketball vs. Allen University 
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Click here to purchase tickets. 

Toga Party 
10 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym
Click here for free tickets.


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Dorm Stroll-Off 
12-2 p.m.
Panther Plaza

Dorm Step Show   
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena 
Click here for free tickets.

Claflin University International Alumni Association Virtual Executive Meeting  
7-8 p.m.
Contact Zelda M. Lee at zelee@claflin.edu for more information.


WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Miss & Mister Fried Chicken Wednesday Meltdown & Fashion Show 
12-2 p.m.
Panther Plaza

Hilltop Bonfire
9 p.m. 
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex Gravel Parking Lot


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

Homecoming Concert featuring Toosii
Doors open at 7 p.m. 
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
General Admission $20. Click here to purchase tickets.


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2022

A Service of Remembrance for Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale & the Dedication of the Tisdale Memorial Garden
11 a.m.
Tingley Memorial Hall Courtyard 
Email adglover@claflin.edu to RSVP.


Presidential Scholarship Gala featuring Midnight Star
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena 
(Sold Out)

Dream Gospel Choir Concert 
7 p.m.
W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center Auditorium 

CU Wine Down (21 and up only) 
10 p.m.
Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music, and cocktails. Casual attire.
Orangeburg County Conference Center
1643 Russell St, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Tickets: $25. Click here to purchase tickets.


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022

Leadership Giving Brunch (Invitation Only) 
10 a.m. 
Orangeburg County Conference Center
1643 Russell St, Orangeburg, SC 29115
For more information, contact Mrs. Samantha Scott at 
(803) 535-5665 or samscott@claflin.edu

Panther Den and Tailgate Experience 
12 p.m. - until 
Tent and 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 Barbecue, good music and lots of fun.

Homecoming Game vs. Morris College
Women's Basketball  1:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball   3:30 p.m. 
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex
Tickets; $20. Click here to purchase tickets. 

NPHC Greek Step Show 
8 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex 
Tickets: $20. Click here to purchase tickets.

Orange and Maroon Dance 
9 p.m. 
Come dressed to impress (dressy attire) for a night of fun, tasty cuisine and cocktails.
Orangeburg County Conference Center
1643 Russell St, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Tickets: $35. Click here to purchase tickets.


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

Alumni Farewell Brunch
12 - 4 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center
Click here to purchase tickets.
Panther Pride - Athletics Headlines
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115 
(803) 535-5000
@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing 
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
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/Photographer: Colin Myers, '07
Multimedia Graphic Designer: Brittny Cokley
Director of Athletic Media Relations: Trevin Q. Goodwin
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60 and Geoff Henderson