April 22, 2022
The World Needs Visionaries
A Visit to Claflin University From Government Officials Helps To Highlight Infrastructure Needs In Rural South Carolina
On Friday, April 22, 2022, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan and Congressman James E. Clyburn joined U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Senior Advisor to the President and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to rebuilding America’s infrastructure in rural communities. The visit highlighted federal funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for communities in South Carolina.

Regan, Clyburn, Raimondo, and Landrieu toured the Orangeburg water treatment plant and railroad corner redevelopment project, followed by a roundtable with local stakeholders to address water infrastructure needs and discuss federal efforts to ensure residents have access to clean, reliable water. They also joined Claflin University students to discuss the importance of strengthening the relationship between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and federal agencies.

The day concluded with a visit to the Orangeburg County Library’s community conference center for a roundtable discussion to hear from local leaders on the importance of having accessible and affordable broadband in their communities.
Claflin Senior Named a 2022 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholar
Claflin University Senior Daa’iyah Fogle has been named a 2022 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholar. She is one of 21 students from four-year institutions across the country, including many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Fogle, a student writer in Claflin University’s Office of Communications and Marketing, is a mass communications major from Greenville, S.C.

The scholars will receive a $5,000 annual scholarship and a paid summer internship at The Walt Disney Company, which begins in May. The students will also receive, in conjunction with UNCF, mentorship opportunities and assistance securing possible full-time roles with Disney after graduation. Students with internships that require them to work on-site at a Disney location will be provided support for housing and relocation.

Fogle will gain valuable work experience at FX Networks in Los Angeles, Calif. She will serve as a media relations intern in the Public Relations Department. "Throughout the summer, I will have the opportunity to conduct coverage reports, media research, manage press lists, and contribute to the planning and on-site execution of FX premiere events," said Fogle. "Due to COVID-19, most of my previous internships were remote, so I am excited to gain in-person experience this summer. I look forward to taking advantage of the many program components both Disney and UNCF offer including conferences and professional development, and networking opportunities."

The 2022 Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars will join a growing number of students supported by the program, which is designed to nurture rising Black talent pursuing degrees in finance, human resources, legal, production/media and technology.

“Disney’s longstanding relationship with UNCF, including our collaboration on this scholarship program, is an important part of our efforts to reimagine tomorrow by amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories,” said Disney Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton. “For more than 75 years, UNCF has helped generations of students claim a brighter future. Together, we’re carrying on this proud legacy, ensuring promising students are supported in their education and connected with Disney mentors and career opportunities.”

Announced in 2021, the Disney UNCF Corporate Scholars program is supported by a $1 million commitment from Disney to aid students over a three-year period. The Company’s commitment expands on the $1.5 million scholarship program announced in 2019, and builds on its support for UNCF with a $1 million commitment in 2015.

The students will be mentored by Disney employees as part of Disney on the Yard, an initiative established in 2020 to deepen the Company’s existing engagement with HBCUs. The initiative also will help build a robust, long-term pipeline of Black talent through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, internal HBCU cultural series, virtual career showcases for students, and more.

The UNCF Leadership Councils of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco recognized The Walt Disney Company with their “Corporation of the Year” award at the 2022 UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala in March. Presented annually, the award honors companies that support UNCF and its work at the regional and national levels.

At the Gala, UNCF expressed gratitude for Disney’s investment in the UNCF Corporate Scholars program, as well as the Company’s commitment to providing educational and career opportunities for students in underrepresented communities. The organization highlighted Disney’s support for students seeking film careers, as well as the endeavors of Pixar and Lucasfilm, which offer career pathways for HBCU students working toward degrees in computer science and engineering.
PantherCam
Claflin University brought home the WIN in the “Battle for the ‘Burg” faculty/staff basketball game on April 19. Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack and South Carolina State University President Col. Alexander Conyers lead teams of administration, faculty, and staff from their respective universities in a friendly game of basketball. The event will now occur each year. 
Countdown to Commencement Convocation
Claflin University’s Spring Commencement Convocation will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The ceremony will celebrate Spring Class of 2022 graduates. The convocation is a ticketed event. However, the live broadcast of the ceremony will be available on the University's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClaflinUniversity1869. Please visit the University's website for a schedule of activities and events, including guest speakers, Golden Class Anniversary details, hotels, directions, and more.
Claflin University’s Spring Commencement Convocation will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The ceremony will celebrate Spring Class of 2022 graduates. The convocation is a ticketed event. However, the live broadcast of the ceremony will be available on the University's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClaflinUniversity1869. Please visit the University's website for a schedule of activities and events, including guest speakers, Golden Class Anniversary details, hotels, directions, and more.
Faculty News
Congratulations to Dr. Luis Camillo Almeida, associate professor of mass communications, who was named the 2022 Diversity Leaders Winner for Outstanding HBCU Educator of the Year at the Social Impact Awards Ceremony in Alexandria, Va. Sponsored by PRNews, the Social Impact Awards honor communicators who use their platforms to better their community and the global community at large. This award honors educational professionals that teach subjects in the areas of communications, media, and public relations. “The winners for this year’s Social Impact Awards are exemplary models of corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Erika Bradbury, editorial director of PRNEWS and the host of the program. “Our honorees deserve to be recognized for their work in their respective communities, and it’s a privilege to recognize them for their commitments.” Dr. Almeida also received Honorable Mention in the category of Outstanding Educator of the Year. 
Alumni News
Shantal Ewell, '21, and Kevin Smyth won the $10,000 first place prize in the annual State System Startup Challenge, sponsored by Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. Ewell, an MBA student at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and Smyth, a Master's in Student Affairs student, created a business plan for the Schedula Degree Planner, an online platform that would redefine the way college students and advisors interact. The Schedula Degree Planner creates a personalized degree plan so students can avoid unnecessary courses to graduate in four years or less while improving the efficiency of advisors and the graduation rates of universities.
Help Claflin University Raise $25,000 in One Day for Student Scholarships
Claflin University will host its United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Day of Giving Campaign on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The fundraising goal for this year’s virtual event is $25,000 to support student scholarships.

Please make your donation on April 27 using one of the following:


Sponsorship levels are:

  • Silver - $1,000
  • Gold - $500
  • Bronze - $250

You may watch the event live on Claflin's Facebook page by clicking here.

Gifts will be acknowledged during the live broadcasts on Facebook at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information, please call (803) 535-5357.
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
Student Writer: Daa'iyah Fogle
Director of Athletic Media Relations: Trevin Q. Goodwin
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07