@Claflin: Watch Commencement, Hill Endowed Scholarship, School of Business Partnership, and more- 11/20/20

November 20, 2020

The World Needs Visionaries

Watch the Fall 2020 Commencement Convocation

Claflin University will host its 2020 Fall Virtual Commencement Convocation on Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m. You can watch the event on Claflin's YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Former Professor Leaves Legacy of Giving with Endowed Scholarship

The family of Ms. Linda Hill, an assistant professor of English at Claflin who passed away in April 2019, made a $350,000 gift to the University to establish an endowment to support student scholarships. The gift is the largest from any current or former member of Claflin’s faculty or staff. The check presentation was made on the second floor of the Grace Thomas Kennedy Business and Communications Building near the Writing Center where Hill helped students develop their writing skills. The Writing Center, dedicated in her honor during the presentation on Monday, November 16, now bears her name. “You cannot replace someone like Ms. Hill who gave Claflin 46 years of outstanding service,” said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun Warmack. “Her work was a labor of love and you can tell that she really loved Claflin by this generous gift.” See related media stories: WLTX - November 16, WLTX - November 18, and CNN - November 18.

Claflin University, Solomon Exam Prep, and Lincoln Financial Advisors Form Partnership to Expand Minority Opportunities in Financial Management

Claflin University has formed a partnership with Solomon Exam Prep and Lincoln Financial Advisors to increase the representation of minorities in the financial management industry. The collaboration will begin during the Spring 2021 semester.

Solomon Exam Prep is a recognized leader in study packages and individual materials for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) securities and insurance (SIE) licensing exam. Claflin students in the School of Business will receive the Solomon study materials for the exam through a sponsorship by Lincoln Financial Advisors.

Lincoln Financial Advisors, which includes the Sagemark Consulting division, is an independent broker-dealer with a national network of financial professionals.

“The SIE exam is the foundational exam required for anyone who wants to become nationally licensed to work in the securities industry,” said Dr. Nicholas Hill, dean of the Claflin University School of Business and professor of economics. “The students in our program are highly trained and qualified leaders that will increase the representation of minorities in the financial management industry.”

A recent article in financialplanning.com, a leading publication for independent advisors, reported that the share of certified financial planners (CFPs) who are Black or Latino remains below 4 percent.

“Solomon is honored to work with Claflin University on this new investing course to prepare students for careers in the securities industry,” said Solomon Exam Prep President Jeremy Solomon. “We are extremely fortunate that Lincoln Financial has agreed to sponsor Claflin study materials and the SIE exam fee.”

Solomon Exam Prep has a noteworthy record of helping thousands pass their series exams for investment banking.

Claflin students will receive the Solomon SIE study guide, audiobook, flashcards, video lecture, and exam simulator with unlimited testing. Claflin School of Business professors will have access to the Solomon SIE class curriculum, as well as in-class quizzes, midterm, and final exams.

“The financial management industry has historically shown a lack of diversity,” Hill said. “This strategic partnership will increase our graduates’ knowledge of industry trends as well as internships and career opportunities.”

Claflin University Featured on The Breakfast Club

California Congressman Ro Khanna referenced Claflin University and its partnership with Zoom, an industry leader in video communications, during a recent guest appearance on The Breakfast Club,” a nationally syndicated morning talk show (at approx. 2:10 and 11:10 in the video). Khanna visited Claflin in 2018 with South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn and a group of Silicon Valley investors. Khanna praised a group of student entrepreneurs he met at Claflin for their “unbelievable talent and energy” during his interview with Charlamagne tha God. Claflin and Zoom launched a five-year strategic partnership in June 2020, that represents $1.2M in educational and financial investments. The partnership is Zoom’s first with a college or university. Click here to watch the full interview.

Give to Support Student Scholarships on Giving Tuesday

For just 24 hours on Tuesday, December 1, Claflin University will raise $50,000 or more through its #claflingivingtuesday campaign for need-based student scholarships through the Claflin Fund. The campaign, in celebration of giving and generosity, will begin at 12 a.m. and last until 11:59 p.m.

Giving Tuesday was launched in 2012 and it is observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It has become an international movement that celebrates charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season.

Invest your financial resources in a Claflin University student. Your gift of $10,000, $1,000, $100, $25 or at any level - will help us reach our goal of $50,000 or more in one day.

Share on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram how to donate. Contact family, friends, and classmates via phone or social media to promote #claflingivingtuesday and make a difference in the lives of Claflin students.

Ways to give on December 1:

Call (803) 535-5357
Text CUGiving to (844) 596-3403
Givelify
justgiving.com/campaign/Claflinfunddrive2020
alumni.claflin.edu/ClaflinFund

Spread the word. Invite 10 of your friends and family to join you in #claflingivingtuesday. Please call (803) 535-5357 for more information.

Save the Date for 27th Presidential Scholarship Gala

The 27^th Presidential Scholarship Gala will be held virtually on Friday, February 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds from the Gala benefit Claflin University Presidential Scholars. Stay tuned for more information.