@Claflin: Fall Virtual Commencement, Homecoming Week Activities, Pathways From Prison Receives Grant and more

November 6, 2020

The World Needs Visionaries

Claflin University Marches to the Polls on Election Day

Claflin University students and President Dwaun J. Warmack led an Election Day “March to the Polls” on November 3, that culminated at the South Carolina State University polling station. The purpose of the march was to highlight the importance of voting and encourage other Orangeburg residents to vote.

“It’s imperative for our students to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Warmack said. “Our students are leading by example. This is their opportunity to let their voices be heard. Today is not a day off, but a day on.”

According to Warmack, student organizations including the Claflin University Student Government Association and the NAACP have hosted virtual activities and events throughout the fall semester that focused on voter registration, voter education, and voter turnout.

“Our message from the “March to the Polls” is your voice and votes matter,” said SGA President Marquel Sanders, who said this was his first election since becoming eligible to vote. “We hosted forums that provided the candidates an opportunity to share their platforms, but we also urged members of the campus community to research the candidates and the issues before going to the polls."

Pathways From Prison Program Awarded Laughing Gull Foundation Grant

Claflin University’s Pathways from Prison Program was recently awarded a one-year $40,000 planning grant from the Laughing Gull Foundation. The Laughing Gull Foundation “is a progressive family foundation rooted in the U.S. South.” The organization’s programming efforts are in the areas of Higher Education in Prison, LGBTQ Equality, and Climate and Environment. In 2019 the Laughing Gull Foundation approved over $1.6 million in grants to over 25 organizations that increase “access to high quality, accredited college courses in prisons.” Laughing Gull Foundation Board President Meg Baesmith noted in 2019, “LGF is proud to continue our investment in the ﬁeld of higher education in prison. We are excited to see the higher education in prison field grow in the South.”

“Given the Laughing Gull Foundation’s deep commitment to higher education in the South, it is especially exciting for them to recognize Claflin’s work in this space,” noted Dr. Belinda Wheeler, Director of Claflin’s Pathways from Prison Program and Claflin’s Center for Social Justice. “This particular grant, coupled with our U.S. Department of Education Second Chance Pell Program grant, will go a long way to ensuring we are offering currently incarcerated individuals throughout the state of S.C. with exceptional course programming and advising. We look forward to having a very long and successful partnership with this outstanding organization.”

Faculty Spotlights

Dr. Anthony Broughton, assistant professor of education and interim chair, has been selected to receive the 2021 Phil Accord Award. This award was established in 2017 to honor Phil Accord of Tennessee for his service to the children and families of the South and to recognize outstanding contributions by men to the field of early childhood education. The presentation of the award will be during the 72nd Annual Southern Early Childhood Association Conference that will be held on March 5, 2021.

Dr. Cheryl Swanier, associate professor of computer science, was featured in the inaugural edition of re:think magazine (pages 6-9). According to its website, re:think magazine is a thought-leadership magazine from the National Center for Women In Technology which advocates for a more diverse, equal, and inclusive technology industry. In the article, Swanier shared the strategies that helped her achieve her academic and career goals despite numerous challenges.

Watch the Next Episode of Panther Talks

Panther Talks is a webinar series that highlights the issues and events that are happening around the Claflin University campus. The intimate and informative discussions involve talks with faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters. Panther Talks engages Claflin University and surrounding communities while increasing awareness about students, fundraising, programs, and events.

Click here to register to attend the next Panther Talks on Tuesday, November 10, at 6 p.m. as we take a trip down memory lane and celebrate Homecoming.

If you would like to submit questions for this virtual program, please send to communications@claflin.edu.

Claflin University Virtual Homecoming 2020

Claflin University is hosting its 2020 Homecoming Week Experience - this year virtually – on November 8-14. The theme of the week-long event is “The Jungle will be Televised.” All of the events are free of charge. Make sure you go to www.claflin.edu for viewing instructions and times.

Order Your Homecoming Survival Pack Today

HBCUs are rich in culture and fond memories. One tradition that stands out is the HBCU homecoming experience. It is true, the pandemic has caused us to alter the way we "meet and greet." However, it has also caused us to be creative in our approach to every Claflin event during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Claflin Homecoming Survival Pack is among the special features of the University's first-ever virtual homecoming. "The Pack" contains items guaranteed to enhance your enjoyment during this truly unique Claflin Homecoming experience.

Proceeds from the Homecoming Survival Pack will support scholarships for the next generation of visionary leaders at Claflin University. Order now and save $25 (offer valid for the first 500 customers). The regular price is $150.

Don't be left out. Click here to order your Homecoming Survival Pack 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.