Claflin University will honor one of its greatest traditions when it holds Matriculation Day Convocation on September 9, at 11 a.m. in the Tullis Arena in Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center.  The convocation signals the official start of the 2010-2011 academic year.

“The Matriculation Day Convocation is a time for all members of the Claflin University family to assemble in fellowship,” President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.  “It gives us a chance to reflect on the tremendous successes that have occurred at this institution over the past 140 years.  But more importantly, the convocation is an opportunity for everyone to focus on the future of the University.”

The Matriculation Day Convocation is held at Claflin each year to reflect, celebrate achievements and communicate a vision for the future of the institution.  During his convocation address, Dr. Tisdale will outline the state of the University to faculty, staff and students as well as unveil any new initiatives for the academic year.

The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Charlene D. Slaughter, director of public relations, at 803-535-5077.

A mere eight years ago, Nathaniel Frederick and Leonard Pressley completed their academic journeys at Claflin University.  Now both men have returned to their alma mater as professors armed with doctoral degrees and a thirst to mentor future visionaires.

Dr. Nathaniel Frederick

In separate conversations, the two said they felt a calling to return to Claflin. 

“I always said I was going to give back to Claflin because the institution gave me a chance.  It has a special place in my heart,” said Frederick, a newly minted assistant professor of mass communications.

Originally from Kingstree, Pressley was a practicing physical therapist prior to coming back to the University as an assistant professor of biology.  He cited a similar connection to the institution.

“To put it mildly, Claflin was a life changing experience.  Before then, I did just enough to get by,” Pressley said.  “The University taught me to look inside myself and challenge myself.  It taught me to expect success.”

Success is something Frederick and Pressley have experienced in droves ever since their 2002 graduation. 

Frederick, a former member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, received his doctorate in mass communications from Pennsylvania State University before the age of 30.  Before returning to his alma mater, Frederick was a Frederick Douglass Post-Doctoral Scholar at California University of Pennsylvania’s Communications Department.  He refers to himself as a “teacher scholar.”  Frederick feels his work as a scholar enhances his ability to instruct and apply subject matter to students.

His primary research concentration has been how African-Americans used different forms of media to address issues of social justice during the Civil Rights Movement.  As a professor at Claflin, Frederick aspires to teach his students that mass communications goes beyond journalism and public relations.  He cites his role as a media critic and scholar as an example.

Dr. Leonard Pressley

“It’s not enough to know what you’re doing.  It’s important to know why you’re doing it and the impact it has on other people,” the Orangeburg native said.

Meanwhile, Pressley received his medical doctorate in physical therapy from the University of South Carolina.  The former Panthers pitcher worked in outpatient therapy at an Atlanta hospital and later was the senior therapist at Carolina Rehabilitation Hospital in Florence. 

He wants to bring his expertise in that field to the University.  Pressley said he would love to establish a pre-allied health program at Claflin to prepare students for careers in physical therapy, in addition to developing an in-house rehabilitation program for University athletes.

He is also interested in pursuing clinical research on the likelihood of muscle injuries occurring and the healing process associated with them.

But most of all he wants to have an impact on Claflin’s students the same way his professors had an impact on him not too long ago.

“I wanted to be a more integral part of the culture that is Claflin.  It’s one of kind.  I want to pass this legacy along to a new group of students,” Pressley said.

Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, right center, and First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale, left center, welcomes a member of the Class of 2014 and her family to the University.  The Tisdales are accompanied by Freshman Orientation Leaders, shown in orange shirts, Mr. Claflin Solomon Young, far right, and Miss Claflin Ariel Manning, second from right.

Claflin University ‘s week-long freshman orientation program is designed to take the stress from the transition to college life and replace it with the prospect for success. The Class of 2014 enjoyed the experience.

The Class of 2014 began its first week on August 14 and was initiated into the Claflin family with a host of activities, including the Freshmen Retreat held at White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro. The annual Retreat serves to teach incoming freshmen leadership skills and prepare them for the transformational challenges they will face as a Claflin student.

“I never got bored. There was always something to do,” said Frier, a music major from Greenbelt, Maryland.

Frier said she was inspired by the motivational speaker at the Retreat, Tekoa Summers. Summers encouraged the Class of 2014 to be resilient no matter the circumstances. She told the remarkable story of how she managed to graduate college despite having to raise her four younger siblings after the untimely death of her parents. That story inspired Frier.

Frier herself desires to one day make a similar impression on younger people. “I want to mentor to others. I expect these next four years at Claflin will teach me to become a leader,” she said.

Greenville native Martakius Dennis said he appreciated the effort of the Freshman College to help him become acclimated to the college experience. He said the activities this week have shown him “how life will change from high school to college.” But the elementary education major noted this is a very positive change as he has met students from all over the world.

“It's amazing how far my fellow classmates have traveled to come to Claflin. This shows the University has a strong academic reputation,” he said.

Vice President of Student Development and Services Dr. Leroy Durant, far left, and President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, second from left, talk with two members of the Claflin Class of 2014 at the Freshman Retreat.

Dennis said coming to a historically black university has shown him a different spectrum of the world. He turned down scholarship offers to attend other institutions to matriculate at Claflin because he felt the University “would open up more doors to graduate school.”

His ultimate goal is to become appointed as U.S. Secretary of Education.

Freshman Orientation Week began with the freshmen arriving to residence halls with anxious parents by their side. During the Parting Ceremony on Sunday, August 15, President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale assured the parents that their children would soon grow into confident young men and women of vision.

“I want you to meet and applaud the next generation of visionary leaders – the Class of 2014,” Dr. Tisdale said to a clapping audience.

Claflin's eighth president encouraged members of the class to be conscientious of their social and moral responsibilities. President Tisdale also encouraged the class to develop a global outlook, leadership qualities and a spiritual life.

“We want you to have big dreams,” Dr. Tisdale said.

The path to achieving those dreams began that Sunday by walking through the Arch of Confidence, a Claflin tradition to welcome students to the institution. Stefan Green of Trinidad and Tobago was among those young scholars who walked under the Arch.

Members of the Claflin Class of 2014 pledged to uphold the principles of the Freshman College during the Confirmation Ceremony on August 22.

Green, a computer science majors, endeavors to establish himself as a successful entrepreneur one day. In addition, he wants to explore his love of music production.

His favorite aspect of the University thus far is the family atmosphere and the moral and spiritual values espoused by the institution. Green cited the Retreat as a great opportunity to become acquainted with classmates and grasp the expectations associated with being a Claflinite.

They are expectations Green fondly embraces going forward.

“I want to see myself totally redefined as a leader, as someone that will empower others to become visionaries,” Green said.

The Freshman Confirmation Ceremony on August 22 concluded the first week of activities for the Class of 2014. At the ceremony, each member of the class pledged to uphold the hallmarks of the Freshman College, which are building character, confidence, pride, memories and pathways to success.

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From Spartanburg Herald-Journal Staff Reports

Greenville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher made the announcements in August.

Another distinguished publication has drawn the conclusion that Claflin University merits a place among the nation’s Top Ten baccalaureate colleges and universities.

In a broad based evaluation, Claflin University was ranked No. 7 among 309 baccalaureate colleges and universities by researchers at Washington Monthly.  Institutions were measured on their contribution to the public good in areas of social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and Ph.D’s), and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country).

 “These rankings give kudos to service-oriented schools, and service is one of the hallmarks if this institution,” said Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “We believe we have the capacity to improve the health of the world. Some of the answers to the world’s most pressing problems will be discovered right here on this campus. Historically, we have provided access to education to all students and stressed the importance of giving back. This ranking shows that we’re invested in serving our students and community well.”  

Claflin University welcomed its largest class in school history this fall, is actively engaged in cutting-edge research and has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for three consecutive years.

Washington Monthly opted to rank baccalaureate institutions for the first time this year.  In doing so, the publication avoided separating colleges and universities by regional categories. It also decided to distinguish how top-ranked baccalaureate institutions are compared to the best national universities and liberal arts colleges.

“Other little-known master’s and baccalaureate institutions would stand out if we placed them alongside big-name schools,” said Erin Dillon, who independently compiled the data for this year’s Washington Monthly college rankings. “Five others would end up in the top 30 among liberal arts colleges, including Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia, and Claflin University, a historically black college in Orangeburg, South Carolina.”

Washington Monthly is not the only publication to recognize Claflin as a top ten institution in recent months.

U.S. News and World Report ranked Claflin University on its annual list of “America Best Colleges” for the past 13 years.  In the 2011 rankings, the University was rated #1 among Southern baccalaureate institutions in the “Great Schools at Great Prices” category.  In addition, the publication placed Claflin #8 overall among HBCUs and was ranked #14 among 96 Southern undergraduate institutions.  

In July, The Atlanta Post also recognized the University in its list of Top 10 HBCUs.   

For a complete listing of the Washington Monthly rankings, visit www.washingtonmonthly.com.

The mantra of Adam McFadden, '94, has always been to make a difference. Recently, Rochester Magazine, a publication dedicated to highlighting events and lifestyle in Rochester, New York, named McFadden among the Top 40 Most Influential Rochesterians.

The honor may not come as as a surprise to those who remember McFadden's intriguing development at Claflin University.

“From the moment I got to Claflin, it was wonderful experience. When I left, I immediately thought I would make an impact in my community,” McFadden said. “I've been involved ever since. A Claflin degree was the key for being able to speak truth to power.”

The lifestyle of McFadden is a never-ending rollercoaster ride of serving the Rochester community. He's a city councilman who was instrumental in developing a troubled neighborhood. He plays Santa Clause every Christmas to pass out gift and food packages to families. He runs a non-profit organization that has established youth programs like little league baseball to keep children off the streets.

And those are just a few items on the long list of accomplishments McFadden has manifested for his community.

McFadden never planned to return back home to New York after graduating from the University. However, his brother was on trial for murder at the time. He didn't want to see his younger brothers follow that same destructive path.

In 1999, the young political visionary decided to run for the Rochester City Council. Although he lost, McFadden become highly active in the Democratic Party. With far more support behind him four years later, he ran once again for the City Council, raised so much money that the incumbent dropped out and won the seat unopposed.

“I've used that seat to do a lot of good things especially for minorities and the poor,” he said. “I think my ability to speak truth to their condition has led to some changes here.”

In Rochester, there was a troubled development called Brooks Landing. Ever since McFadden was 12-years-old, there had been discussions of revitalizing the neighborhood, but nothing was ever done.

Since his arrival on City Council, Brooks Landing now has retail outlets, a hotel and apartment housing. “In terms of bricks and mortar, people can see the change in that neighborhood.”

An active member of the Democratic Party, McFadden attended the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver where President Barack Obama formally accepted the party’s nomination.

He also is a stringent advocate of social injustice.

In 2007, a young lady was brutally beaten to death by a dozen people while nearly 40 others watched the tragedy. McFadden led a march to reclaim that area, which was riddled by gang and drug activity. His activism led to groups, sometimes as large as 1,200 people, canvassing the community every day to find suspects.

“It got to the point where drug dealers would throw their drugs on the ground when we walked up,” McFadden said.

His bravery didn't come without consequence. He received death threats and even had to relocate his family at one juncture. The effort has led to further police inquisition and resulted in one arrest.

McFadden also helps the community with his job as executive director of Quad A for Kids, a non-profit organization in the Rochester area dedicated to improving the lives of poor children. Since 2006, the organization has raised $1.2 million to fund initiatives like after school programs and sports leagues.

He also partners with a local university to purchase computers for kids without access to Internet. Each year, McFadden is part of the State of Black Family Summit in Rochester, which develops objectives for issues impacting the African-American community like education, literacy and mental health.

Learning how to organize and advocate for social change is something McFadden first experienced at Claflin, he said.

McFadden was later offered an academic scholarship to Claflin, as he was by other institutions. However, he had family connections in Kingstree, the home of Claflin's eighth president, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, and decided to enroll at the University.

As a freshman, he described himself as somewhat rebellious. However, his honors advisor, Patricia Rose, successfully encouraged him to buckle down. “She was like my second mother,” he said.

Rochester City Councilman and Claflin alumnus Adam McFadden speaks at a meeting of the Rochester City Council in April.

He was elected to serve in the Student Government Association the following year, a position which he used to advocate for student issues like creating a black studies curriculum. While McFadden had changed his stripes and was acutely focused on his studies, he admitted his wild side was still there to a degree.

Then Claflin President Oscar Rodgers had toughened his stance on co-ed visitation by placing a fence to keep others off campus during late hours. Not keen on the idea, McFadden responded by gathering a group students to protest outside Dunwalton, the president's home, around 2 a.m.

Rodgers apparently had a stern discussion with McFadden, who then decided to briefly leave Claflin for another institution. But McFadden didn't feel the same passion there he had felt at Claflin. So, he contacted Rodgers to apologize once again and asked if could return.

“He (Rodgers) made me promise to get not get involved politically,” McFadden said.

McFadden returned to Claflin and founded the Association for Cultural Preservation. “I worked behind the scenes on student issues this time,” he said.

But he did get involved directly with politics outside the campus, working on state Rep. Jerry Govan's first S.C. House District 95 campaign in 1994. The Rochester native learned the nature of politics from Govan, who still serves in the General Assembly today and is a member of the Claflin Board of Visitors.

“By getting that education at Claflin, I was able to change not only my life but the lives of others,” McFadden said.

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Ms. Tiffany Miller's fascination with foreign cultures began at an early age. As her father, a retired U. S. Marine, traveled across countries, she tagged along and developed an enduring affection for the transparent differences in world mores and customs. Her continued pursuit of exploring the world led to the Claflin University senior being awarded the first-ever Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship in the institution's 141-year history.

“Being accepted into this prestigious program will establish my foundation for a career in the international arena and I hope to help improve relations between different nations,” Ms. Miller said.

The Pickering Fellowship, which is awarded annually by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, will pay for Ms. Miller's graduate school expenses. In addition, she will participate in two summer internships – one at the U.S. Department of State and another abroad – over the next two years. The goal of the fellowship is to cultivate students who are ready to pursue diplomatic careers with the U.S. Foreign Service upon completion of graduate school.

The Fellowship will pair Ms. Miller with a mentor who currently serves as a Foreign Service officer. She recently participated in an orientation session at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale said Ms. Miller's accomplishment demonstrates the University is cultivating students with global perspectives.

“Ms. Miller is continuing Claflin's rich tradition of attracting students who have the vision to be the first to achieve an ambitious aspiration,” Dr. Tisdale said. “I have no doubt that she will represent Claflin impressively.”

Ms. Miller's insatiable thirst for knowledge about diversity started as a child when her father was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. There, she formed relationships with Japanese students, became immersed in the culture and learned the basics of their language.

“As a six-year-old, I sought to learn everything I could about Japanese culture. I involved myself in every activity such as learning to use an abacus, taking karate, playing taiko drums and many other things,” Ms. Miller said.

She was a student in the American military school while in Japan. Because of Japan's desire to further their relations with Peru at that time, Spanish was introduced into her school's curriculum. That allowed Ms. Miller to add a third language to her verbal repertoire.

Due to father's position in the military, she also lived in Vietnam, South Korea and California before her family settled in Jacksonville, North Carolina. However, it was during her world travels that Ms. Miller decided to seek a career as a diplomat. For her, such a career would serve two goals: quenching a desire to learn about other cultures while simultaneously assisting to improve America's foreign relations.

In Jacksonville, Ms. Miller learned about Claflin through a college fair. After receiving a full scholarship to the University as a Presidential Scholar, she decided to enroll here. At Claflin, she has furthered her endeavor to be academically diverse. She is an American Studies major with three minors: Spanish, religion and mathematics.

Thus far, the decision to matriculate at Claflin is proving fruitful as she already has three internships and a summer program to her credit.

In the summer of 2008, she studied Afro-Ecuadorian culture in the South American country, Ecuador. The following summer, subsequent to her recruitment by Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff, assistant vice president for leadership development, she received an internship to Princeton University where she researched the similarities between Latin American and Northern African tribes before, during and after colonization.

That internship was awarded through the Leadership Alliance, a national consortium of 33 universities that seeks to develop underrepresented students into outstanding leaders and role models in academia, business and the public sector while preparing them for graduate school. She was mentored that summer by Princeton Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Karen J. Weaver.

Ms. Tiffany Miller sits down behind a picturesque view during her 2008 internship in Ecuador.

“Her commitment and intellectual curiosity were refreshing. Whenever we met it was clear to me that she strived to achieve excellence in all of her endeavors. These qualities coupled with her tenacity and perseverance will ensure her success in the Pickering Fellows program and beyond. What a tremendous asset she will be to the program!” Dr. Weaver said of Ms. Miller.

This summer, Ms. Miller engaged in a business management internship with Sam's Club, a subsidiary of WalMart Stores, Inc. She believes that experience will assist in facilitating business negotiations with her Foreign Services career. In 2009, she also was selected to participate in the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program.

“I love to involve myself in new activities in order to make me a well rounded person. I don't believe in being stagnant,” she said.

After Claflin, Ms. Miller hopes to return to Princeton for graduate school. By successfully completing the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, Ms. Miller will be enlisted as a Foreign Service officer for at least three years.

Her ultimate career goal is to become an ambassador to a country in South America.

Assistant Vice President for Leadership Development Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff, who recruited Ms. Miller for the Pickering Fellowship, celebrated her accomplishment.

“Tiffany is the first Claflin student to ever be awarded the Pickering Fellowship. Considering the caliber of students the University has produced over the past 140 years this is quite a remarkable feat. I look forward to watching her represent Claflin and pursue her goal to become a visionary ambassador,” Dr. Ratliff said.

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Claflin University continues to be the pacesetter for value and excellence in higher education.

In its 2011 edition of “America's Best Colleges,” U.S. News and World Report ranked Claflin #1 in the “Great Schools at Great Prices” category among Southern baccalaureate institutions and #1 in alumni giving rate among Historically Black Colleges or Universities.

“From day one at Claflin University, our mission has always been to provide access to all students. We are thoroughly pleased that U.S. News and World Report recognized Claflin by including our institution in a wide variety of their ranking categories for a 13^th consecutive year,” President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale said. “Since its historic founding, the University has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to elevate students into scholars of extraordinary vision. Today, Claflin University celebrates this most recent acknowledgement while pressing forward with our charge to establish the University as one of the premier undergraduate teaching and research institutions in the world.”

In addition to the top best value ranking among Southern undergraduate schools, Claflin University continued to solidify its standing as one of the top institutions in the region. The University was rated #14 overall in the South among 96 baccalaureate colleges and universities.

And for the second straight year, Claflin was named among the Top 10 best Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America at #8 on the list.

Among HBCUs, Claflin had the highest alumni giving rate at 37 percent. The University was also #2 overall among Southern baccalaureate institutions in alumni giving percentage.

Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said the high giving rate is evidence of Claflin providing its alumni with a strong educational background to succeed in a global society. He said this will be a critical component for the University to reach its goal of becoming the HBCU to garner a 50 percent alumni giving rate.

“We applaud our leal and loyal sons and daughters for their continuous support over the years,” Rev. Middleton said. “Because of their contributions, Claflin has been able to expand its footprint in the realm of higher education to the point where publications like U.S. News recognize our institution on an annual basis.”

The new U.S. News rankings come on the heels on Claflin being acknowledged as one of the Top 10 HBCUs in America by The Atlanta Post in July.

U.S. News is not the first publication to recognize Claflin as a best buy. Previously, Consumer Digest placed Claflin as the #3 best value among private universities nationally. Forbes.com has also ranked Claflin in the top one-third of the nation's colleges and universities as a “Best College Buy.” The online publication placed Claflin as the #3 ranked HBCU nationally last week.

Last year, Hispanic Network Magazine also ranked the University in the Top 50 institutions for students of Hispanic origin.

Over the past 26 years, the U.S. News college rankings, which groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. The America's Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.

The exclusive rankings, which include more than 1,400 schools nationwide, are available today at www.usnews.com/colleges and will also be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine on newsstands starting Aug. 24.

Claflin University senior Stacie Davis stands at the old football field of the now closed Terrell’s Bay High School in Marion County.  Davis is shown with her new book “The House That Taft Built,” which is about the life and times of legendary high school basketball coach Taft Watson.

Lately, Claflin University senior Stacie Davis has received a barrage of phone calls, emails and Facebook messages. The reason is understandable because this Claflin University senior is the subject of adoration and admiration for writing a book on a legendary hometown basketball coach.

“I just started talking to him about his life. His story was so intriguing that I just kept adding to it. In the end, a routine writing assignment turned into to a 63-page book during my senior year in college,” Davis said.

Davis, a broadcast journalism major, has certainly taken the story of Watson far beyond a five-page essay, which did receive an “A” grade for her work.

During Watson's 46-year career, his women's teams captured seven state titles and the men won three championships en route to winning more than 1,500 games. Both the Terrell's Bay men and women teams won the state title in 1994 within a few hours of each other.

For the past three years, Davis has visited Watson and listened as he combed over the details of his remarkable life. She observed that numerous newspaper articles were written about him and countless trophies littered Watson's home.

She thought to herself, “Why hasn't anyone ever penned a book about him?

I thought it would be significant to let South Carolina know about him because he's done so much for this area,” Davis said.

Terrell's Bay has since closed its doors, but the legacy of Watson still lives on.

Perhaps Watson's most important contribution was motivating and instilling confidence in his players, according to Davis' mother, Christine.

She played basketball for Watson at Terrell's Bay during the 1980 and 1981 seasons. Christine Davis first met Watson shortly after her father passed away when she was in the 5^th grade.

“He's been my dad ever since,” she said.

On the court, she noted Watson was a strict disciplinarian and a professional man.

“You had to carry yourself as though you were a queen on and off the court,” she said. Now, she is watching Stacie develop a strong relationship with Watson.

Christine beams with a palpable pride as she described her daughter. She noted Stacie expended quite a bit of effort to tell this remarkable story through the pages of her book.

“I am just full of joy. I'm just very overwhelmed,” Christine said as she reflected on Stacie's achievement.

Watson, 88, was grateful the younger Davis brought it upon herself to write the book. He said Davis did an exceptional job in capturing the essence of his life.

“In one word, she is outstanding,” Watson said. “She's very positive.”

Watson has spent a majority of his retirement mentoring young athletes in the community, many times at the request of their parents.

There was a time when Watson was far from being in demand. In fact, some in the community made it clear he wasn't wanted there at all.

Terrell’s Bay High School Basketball Coach Taft M. Watson

Growing up in the segregation era, Watson would have to walk a few miles to school every day. In taking that journey, children taking the bus to the white school in Marion County would often spit on him and other black children as they drove by.

“That's something I thought was significant about Coach Watson's story – the historical elements and overcoming the hardships the segregation era presented to African-Americans,” Davis said.

It was lessons like those that would prove instrumental in inspiring Watson's players to play at their full potential. For Watson, it was never about the zip code where you lived or the financial hand you were dealt. It was about the desire and will to succeed.

“He worked on their mind. It was his mentality to let them know that they had the potential to play at the level of larger schools in the state of South Carolina. He instilled confidence,” Davis said.

Davis, a broadcast journalism major, has certainly taken the story of Watson far beyond a five-page essay, which did receive an “A” grade for her work.

She gave an assist to Claflin professors for sharpening the writing skills she needed to finish the book. Davis characterized her professors as “really cool” and helpful. An active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Davis also has a musical bent as she participated on the wind ensemble and pep band her freshman year.

In her free time, which has been considerably lessened with the release of the book, she enjoys horseback riding and various activities at The Door of Hope Christian Church in Marion. She spent part of her summer interning at WPDE, Channel 15 News, which covers the Florence and Myrtle Beach areas.

What next for Stacie Davis?

Quite possibly, a second book about Watson could be forthcoming.

“I see another edition. He has so many more stories to be told,” she said.

After finishing Claflin next spring, Davis has designs on joining a news station as a producer and journalist. She also has aspirations to either create or write for a television show.

“My ultimate dream is to be on Good Morning America. I see myself doing great things. Mostly, I want to help my community. My foundation is in Marion. I love Marion,” she said.

If writing the Watson story is any indication, Davis' lofty goals are far from impossible. She recalled during one of their meetings Watson offered her encouragement.

“He told me to always think big. He said that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Coach always says it doesn't matter how small a town you're from, you can do great things in your life if you put God first,'' Stacie Davis said.

Claflin senior marketing major Ms. Ciara Williams received five UNCF scholarships totaling $10,000 during the 2009-2010 academic year.  The aspiring fashion designer says the scholarships have freed her mind to focus solely on school.

Over the past decade, the United Negro College Fund has awarded more than $1.7 million in competitive scholarships to students at Claflin University. 

And Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff, assistant vice president for leadership development and the UNCF scholarship coordinator at Claflin, said the UNCF has already awarded an additional $285,000 in scholarship commitments to University students in the 2009-2010 academic year.

Thus far this calendar year, more than 60 Claflin students have received UNCF scholarships.  Dr.  Ratliff said that number will only continue to rise because of the University’s great relationship with the UNCF, the nation’s largest and most successful higher education assistance organization for minorities.

Those monies have afforded countless Claflin students the ability to pursue their educational dreams without worrying about the financial burden of a higher education.  Dr. Ratliff said the University started its Leadership Development Center 12 years ago with the top priority of obtaining more scholarships for students.

“We are committed to helping all students,” Dr. Ratliff said.  “We especially reach out to those students who wouldn’t be able to attend to Claflin otherwise.”

A recent 2010 Claflin graduate in early childhood education, Ms. Orreshia Spencer, is a prime example of how the University’s collaboration with the UNCF is producing positive results.  In November 2006, she received a $5,000 per year UNCF Coca-Cola Scholarship.

“The UNCF Coca-Cola Scholarship was truly a blessing.  It helped me to successfully continue my education at Claflin University by defraying the cost of my tuition and books.  On May 8, 2010, I was able to graduate magna cum laude because of the unconditional support of the UNCF.  This scholarship has allowed me to accomplish my dreams of becoming an educator,” Ms. Spencer said.

This fall, Ms. Spencer will teach second grade at Summerton Early Childhood Center in Clarendon County.

In the past, Claflin students have received paid summer internships to Fortune 500 companies like Citigroup and Oracle Corporation through the UNCF as well.

This summer, Claflin University junior Mr. Isaiah Jones was a recipient of the UNCF/Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship held at Emory University in Atlanta.  Mr. Jones characterized the experience as transformative and empowering.  The goal of this Fellowship is to provide students with a roadmap toward achieving a Ph.D. and forging a career in academia.

“I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  The work itself was challenging and required research, analytical skills, time and patience.  I can truly say the participants in this program are profound in their perspectives and total outlook of society,” Mr. Jones said. 

Attending Claflin was a life changing experience for Ms. Melinda Ryans, ’10, who graduated with a degree in organizational management and now has her sights set on obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree at the University. 

Claflin sports management major Mr. Quincy Young speaks at the Claflin University UNCF Community, Business, Industry and Friends Kick-Off Luncheon in April.  He told the audience how a $4,000 UNCF annual scholarship has enabled him to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer.

But it wasn’t always an easy journey for Ms. Ryans.  A horrific car accident forced Ms. Ryans to not finish her last semester at the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 1994.  She then went into the workforce before deciding to reenter higher education at Claflin.  However, finances were a big issue.  She sought the assistance of Dr. Ratliff and the Leadership Development Center.

“After sharing my dilemma, they immediately sought ways to help me, which resulted in the UNCF answering the call that saved me,” she said.

The UNCF provided Ms. Ryans with a $5,000 a year Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship.

“I am humbled and extremely grateful to the UNCF.  My dreams would have died without the support of the Dr. Ratliff, the Leadership Development Center and the UNCF,” Ms. Ryans said.

Claflin and the UNCF have partnered together for the past 26 years to make students’ dream come true.

President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale is currently the head of the Council of Presidents for the UNCF and is also vice chairman of the organization's board.

Every year, Claflin holds a fundraising campaign on behalf of the UNCF.  Since 1984, the University has met or exceeded its fundraising goal for the organization.  For every dollar Claflin contributes to UNCF via the campaign, the University receives a return of nearly 30 times as much from the organization.  Since becoming a member, the University has raised nearly $1 million from its UNCF campaigns.

Dr. Ratliff said informing parents and students about the scholarship opportunities available to them through the UNCF has been the key to success.  He said his office will often send out announcements via email and other mediums to get the word out about potential student scholarships.   

For more information on UNCF scholarship opportunities at Claflin, contact Dr. Ratliff by phone at (803) 535-5400 or by e-mail at rratliff@claflin.edu.

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The life of Claflin alumna Dr. Melodie Harrison, '03, nowadays could read like a script from Grey's Anatomy – albeit without the hype and hysteria of the television drama. As a medical resident at Children's Hospital of King's Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Harrison is becoming quickly adjusted to the daily routine of a physician.

From learning the intricacies of pediatric cardiology to comforting grieving families, she acknowledges accepting the part is both taxing and rewarding.

“You have to be emotionally prepared to deal with the good and the bad,” Dr. Harrison said.

A recent graduate the Medical University of South Carolina this spring, the Ridgeville native recognized the time she spent at Claflin University as the most formative of her life. It was there she first learned how to successfully juggle multiple responsibilities, a trait that serves her well in her current occupation.

“I felt like I was able to significantly strengthen my leadership skills and my knowledge base. I was afforded great opportunities to travel to conferences. I received a lot of exposure to things that people at other universities often don't get to experience,” the former Claflin Miss Freshman said.

At the University, Dr. Harrison was heavily involved on campus. She was the vice president of the Gamma Nu Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College and the Ernest E. Just Science Club; elected Miss Kleist Hall and participated in the Black Executive Exchange Program, among other activities. She spent her summers at MUSC in conjunction with the South Carolina HBCU Summer Institute, a program designed to prepare African-Americans for careers in the medical field.

That program was instrumental in readying Dr. Harrison for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and the daily rigor of medical school. She was selected to participate in Emerging Leaders Workshop and Conference, which encourages minorities to seek graduate degrees, where she was able to network with admission officials at MUSC.

In 2006, Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff, assistant vice president for leadership development, invited her to represent Claflin to speak to current students attending the conference. He, along with his wife and Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Peggy Ratliff, mentored Dr. Harrison while she attended the University.

Dr. Harrison, second from left, attended the 2006 Emerging Leaders Workshop and Conference in Roanoke, VA.  From left to right are: Brandon Hicks, ’09, Harrison, Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff, and Curtis Chandler, ’09.

“Melodie epitomizes how Claflin prepares visionary leaders. She will assume her place among the many others the institution continues to produce,” Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff said.

Dr. Harrison was hard pressed to narrow down her favorite aspect of Claflin while she pursued a bachelor's degree in biology. She cited the close knit nature of the campus, committed faculty and the strong presence of President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.

“He knew us by our first name. He made you feel like you were part of the family,” she said of Claflin's eighth president.

“Melodie was an exemplary Claflin student. She demonstrated leadership, drive and a confidence that inspired others. Her remarkable success shows anything is possible for graduates of Claflin University,” Dr. Tisdale said.

The source of Dr. Harrison's inspiration to pursue medicine as a career emerged from unexpected adversity. During her sophomore year at Summerville High School, her mother, Mrs. Betty B. Harrison, '88, was diagnosed with breast cancer. After seeing her mother's doctors successfully treat and cure the disease, she decided what path in life she would walk.

“I realized I wanted to be able to treat people and make them feel better,” she said.

After that decision was made, another important one was to come: where to attend college?

In high school, she was a student in the Historically Black College and Universities Undergraduate Program at Claflin under the direction of the late Dr. Shingara Sandhu, who worked for the university for 36 years. Many members of Dr. Harrison's family had also matriculated at Claflin.

Those factors weighed tremendously on her decision to matriculate at Claflin University.

“I didn't regret it all. I loved it,” Dr. Harrison said of her Claflin experience.

That transformative experience and the support of her parents, Mr. Cornell J. and Mrs. Betty Harrison, have empowered her to tackle the challenges of medical school and now a hospital residency.

“It's a steep learning curve. In medical school, you learn book knowledge and have clinical experience. Once you get into residency, the responsibility is all on you,” she said.

Among her many duties are patient consults, treatment management, making rounds and learning the various surgical specialties. She started at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter, which is a pediatric facility affiliated with Eastern Virginia Medical School, on July 1.

As part of her residency, she will rotate each month into different units of the hospital, such as the nursery and intensive care. She notes even with her medical degree, she must still study intensively to stay abreast of current procedures and trends. And the days are long at the hospital, she says, sometimes resulting in 24-hour shifts.

While Dr. Harrison's newfound responsibility is great, the cause is noble. Once she completes the residency, she plans to become a pediatrician within a private practice.

She noted treating her patients like family is critical in the medical profession. It's something Dr. Harrison perhaps learned from the special attention she received from the faculty and staff at Claflin University.

“At some places you're just a number. At Claflin, you're a person. They care about your well-being,” the newly minted doctor said.

###

For the past 32 years, Mrs. Shirley Biggs has strived to serve the interest of her employer as a devoted human resources professional.  Recently, the Claflin Senior Director of Human Resources was named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women in recognition of the success of that devotion and commitment.

“I was quite overwhelmed.  I didn’t even realize I was being considered,” Mrs. Biggs said.  “I truly am very pleased to be recognized by my peers.”

Appointed senior director of human resources five years ago, Mrs. Biggs came to Claflin University with the goal of streamlining and improving her department. 

As she sits behind a desk with the Woman of the Year plaque in view, Mrs. Biggs, who is also an ordained Baptist minister, confidently believes that has been accomplished. 

She has successfully implemented a pay scale system to bring employee’s salaries in line with industry standards, in addition to establishing overtime for non-salaried workers, a competitive benefits package and a thorough record keeping apparatus.

While she is proud of the changes implemented at Claflin, Mrs. Biggs does not plan to rest on past achievements.

“I love the people here.  I work hard for the staff,” she said. “I am very pleased with the successes here at Claflin University.”

The National Association of Professional Women is an exclusive network for professional women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower each other.  Mrs. Biggs joined the organization in 2008.

Mrs. Biggs received her undergraduate education at Elizabeth City State University, graduating with a degree in business administration.  She has a master's in urban affairs degree with a concentration in human resources management from Norfolk State University.

Mrs. Biggs worked for 27 years at Norfolk State and prior to that served in the human resources office at East Carolina University.  Because of her work with a state classification/compensation taskforce in Virginia, Mrs. Biggs was recognized by former Governor Jim Gilmore in 2000 for assisting in the development of a comprehensive compensation plan that still is used today.

###

Claflin University’s commitment to excellence and high quality academic standing have earned recognition by another venerable news organization.The Atlanta Post, a highly respected news source for African-Americans, has ranked Claflin as the #8 Historically Black College or University in the country.

Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale said this most recent acknowledgement is further evidence that the University is among America’s top undergraduate institutions.

“Over the years, our dedicated faculty and staff have positioned Claflin University to be highly regarded in the conversation of top colleges and universities,” Dr. Tisdale said.  “The Claflin family is pleased that The Atlanta Post has joined the ever increasing list of those who find the University to be at the forefront of higher education.”

This latest recognition comes on the heels of other nationally respected publications including Claflin toward the top of their college and university rankings.

U.S. News and World Report has rated Claflin among “America’s Best Colleges” in its annual rankings for the past 13 years.  In 2010, the publication acknowledged Claflin as the top school in the South for its “Strong Commitment to Teaching,” in addition to ranking the institution # 2 in the region as a “Top Up-and-Coming School.”  And for the past two academic years, Forbes.com has ranked Claflin as the nation’s top HBCU.   Hispanic Network Magazine, a lauded resource for Hispanics seeking education and employment opportunities, placed the University as one of the top 50 colleges and universities for Hispanic students.

The Atlanta Post is a news organization operated by the New York-based Moguldom Media Groupthat seeks to inform, educate and motivate African-Americans.  The online publication covers national news and specifically reports in the Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.

The Atlanta Post article titled “Top 10 Historically Black Colleges & Universities” was written by Mr. Anton Polouektov.  He described Claflin as a pioneer of integrated education in the American South.

“… Claflin’s baccalaureate and graduate programs are firmly career-focused, offering students plentiful internship opportunities in addition to first-rate academics.  Claflin University’s student body, like its academic curriculum, is highly diverse and includes global student exchange programs,” Mr. Polouektov wrote. 

Consumers Digest, The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education have also included Claflin in their colleges and universities rankings in recent years.

###

Claflin University Director of Testing and Assessment Services Mrs. Bridget P. Dewees has been appointed to the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the highest federal acknowledgement for performance excellence, for the third time.

“I feel like it's my way of providing service to the country,” said Mrs. Dewees.

As a Board member, she is responsible for receiving and evaluating the applications that determine which organizations receive the honor each year.

The Baldrige Award, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology, began in 1987 to recognize quality and excellence in five categories: manufacturing service, small business, education, health care and nonprofit. Past winners have included Boeing Aerospace Support and Motorola.

The Board of Examiners is composed of approximately 500 members who are leading experts in their respective industries. Mrs. Dewees is one of only three South Carolinians currently serving on the board.

“It's an honor to be chosen as well as a serious commitment,” she said.

Gov. Mark Sanford, left, presents Mrs. Bridget Dewees with the South Carolina Quality Forum’s Champion for Excellence Award in 2005.  Now working at Claflin, Mrs. Dewees has been appointed to serve on the Board of Examiners for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest acknowledgement for organizational quality.

Mrs. Dewees brought her expertise in analyzing quality to Claflin four months ago. She is responsible for implementing and managing a comprehensive testing and assessment program for the University.

“I came to Claflin because I want to help this institution continue to grow,” she said.

Prior to joining Claflin, Mrs. Dewees was the director of quality and a business instructor at Trident Technical College in Charleston. She has also worked as an accountant at Wachovia.

She received her undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University.

###

A quick afternoon chat with Ms. Sharon Hadden, a Claflin University junior from Greenville, will reveal she is a young woman with a diverse portfolio of talents. She is a licensed cosmetologist who has her own line of bath and beauty products. But Ms. Hadden also has the ability to perform a task most wouldn't think to be in her wheelhouse.

“I can change my own oil,” she said.

Over the next two years, Ms. Hadden will become even more familiar with automobiles. She was recently selected to participate in BMW USA Business and Communication Co-op, becoming the first Claflin student to ever receive an undergraduate position with the international luxury car company.

Starting Aug. 16, Ms. Hadden will spend every other semester at the BMW Plant in Spartanburg for the duration of her Claflin career. In addition to the college credit she will receive from the co-op, Ms. Hadden will also get a monthly stipend and housing allowance. She emerged from an applicant pool of more than 20 individuals after a thorough candidate vetting process.

“I'll be dealing with project management. My primary task is to work with engineers to communicate the testing analysis results of the new BMW X3,” she said.

Just so happens the BMW X3, a four-door sport utility vehicle, is Ms. Hadden's favorite car. In one of her self-penned short stories – yet another of her many hobbies – the mass communication major had the main character driving a BMW X3. That short story titled “Beautiful Bride” examines the hysterical delusions of a young woman on the eve of her wedding.

“I want to use my writing to inspire other young adults,” she says.

Ms. Hadden is pictured with a basket of products for her beauty line “Singing Goddess.”

She vividly recalled when she first heard the news of being selected to participate in the BMW program. “Literally, I was so excited that won them over,” Ms. Hadden said.

Ms. Smalls played an instrumental role in helping Ms. Hadden to prepare for the interview process and maintaining contact with BMW on behalf of the University.

“She's a go getter who is driven by being creative. I love her enthusiasm,” Ms. Smalls said.

Ms. Hadden's main aspiration is to eliminate some of the negative stereotypes minorities have in the media. She's interested in a career as a public relations consultant for either upstart businesses or celebrities.

Right now, she moonlights as a cosmetologist while working two summer jobs. Also, she has developed her own beauty product line “Singing Goddess,” a collection of soothing bath salts.

“I like to keep busy. I always like to keep my options open. I always have a Plan B,” she said.

###

The top two graduates at Denmark Olar High School, Ms. Bria Dowling, left, and Mr. Brandon Britt, right, both choose to attend Claflin University this fall.  They cited the excellent academic opportunities available for students and the family atmosphere at Claflin as their reasons for doing so.

Every spring, the valedictorian and salutatorian at every high school in America weigh their many options as top colleges and universities compete for their attention. For the top two graduates at Denmark Olar High School in Bamberg County, the search stopped at Claflin University.

Mr. Britt, an aspiring corporate lawyer, will be accompanied by Denmark Olar salutatorian, Ms. Bria Dowling. She was attracted to Claflin because of its family oriented atmosphere and the top rankings it received from respected news organizations such as U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com, which has rated the University as the top Historically Black College and University in the United States for the past two years.

“We've been friends since elementary school,” said Ms. Dowling, who will major in sociology and minor in criminal justice.

While both of them competed for the top academic honor at their high school, neither would say there's a competition between them. The duo's extracurricular activities at Denmark Olar could take some serious ink out of your average pen.

Mr. Britt and Ms. Dowling were both active in the Family Community Career Leaders of America, a national non-profit organization which addresses personal, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. They served in their school's National Honor Society and Beta Club Chapters. Ms. Dowling was president of the Student Government Association and a private in the Jr. ROTC while Mr. Britt was the editor-in-chief of the school yearbook.

The Denmark duo is already planning how they will become involved on the Claflin campus. Mr. Britt, who will major in English and History, plans to join a fraternity and the Claflin Step Team. Meanwhile, Ms. Dowling has her eye toward community service and the Student Government Association.

“I expect to build on my knowledge so I can be a visionary who represents Claflin well,” Ms. Dowling said.

Her ultimate goal is to receive a Master's degree in criminal justice so she can guide juvenile delinquents along the right path. In addition, she wants to start an organization that assists at-risk youth. After receiving his undergraduate education at Claflin, Mr. Britt wants to attend the University of Chicago Law School.

“I just want to be able to help people the way others have helped me,” he said. Mr. Britt will also be inducted into the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College this fall. As a Presidential Scholar, he will have his tuition and living expenses covered while at Claflin.

###

From left to right are: Mr. Upendra Pandey, Mr. Abhinau Tripathi, Mr. Mudit Nemani and Mr. Aditya from Varanasi, India.  They are attending summer business courses as part of an exchange program between Claflin University and the School of Management Sciences in their native country.

Students from Varanasi, India are discovering the rich intellectual heritage at Claflin University this summer because of a newly formed exchange program between the University's School of Business and India's School of Management Sciences.

“As a whole, we are learning so much from the academic environment here at Claflin,” said Mr. Upendra Pandey, who is an aspiring export/import trader.

Along with three other SMS students, Mr. Pandey is taking summer courses in the Claflin School of Business' Master of Business Administration Program. In addition, the students are serving internships at two Orangeburg businesses, Southern Patio and Courtesy Management.

This past March, School of Business Dean Dr. Harpal Grewal visited the SMS campus, met with the faculty there and gave a presentation to students. Dr. Grewal said a group of Claflin business students will spend the 2011 spring semester at SMS as part of the exchange program.

He is confident the newly formed international exchange program will provide excellent opportunities for students at both institutions. Dr. Grewal hopes the program will eventually expand to include faculty.

“It is creating international experience and exposure for students,” Dr. Grewal said.

Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, center, meets with exchange students from India in his office.  Dean Dr. Harpal Grewal is pictured second from right.  During the meeting, the students told Dr. Tisdale about their lives and goals.  They listened intently as the University's eighth president recounted the history of Claflin.

For SMS graduate student Mr. Aditya, Claflin has been a welcoming place that has expanded his worldview. He spoke with great admiration about the faculty and how much he enjoyed the study groups.

“We feel at home here,” he said. “I am really excited to be at Claflin.”

Mr. Aditya's goal is own a successful restaurant franchise. To that end, Mr. Aditya is obtaining some practical experience in owning and operating a hospitality franchise from Mrs. Hema Patel, owner of Courtesy Management; which manages a portfolio of hotel properties in the Midlands.

“It has been positive. I was quite happy with their attitudes and enthusiasm,” Mrs. Patel said.

She said Mr. Aditya and Mr. Abhinau Tripathi, another SMS exchange student, have already learned various aspects of the hospitality industry from working at the front desk to accounting.

This newest exchange program adds to many opportunities students in the School of Business have to study abroad. The School has exchange programs with universities in Delhi, India, Kenya and Ireland. In addition, business students can study internationally in London, Tokyo and Shanghai.

“With business becoming increasingly global, it is vital for our students to gain experience internationally,” Dr. Grewal said. “These exchange programs are allowing our students to not only meet but exceed the challenges of the 21^st century.”

SMS is located in Varanasi, India, which is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh located in the Northeastern portion of that country. Established in 1995, the institution is known for its innovative management and computer science programs.

What most attracted Mr. Mudit Nemani about Claflin was the diversity and warmness of the Claflin student body. He was amazed at the number of states and nations represented at the University. Currently, Claflin has 45 international students from 16 different countries.

Exchange students from India’s School of Management Sciences reflect on their summer experience at Claflin University along Legacy Plaza.

“I'm not even missing back home,” said Mr. Aditya.

The four men singled out the special hospitality and support they received from Dr. Grewal, Academic Computing Coordinator Dr. Kumkum Singh and Vice President for Planning, Assessment and Information Services Dr. Zia Hasan.

“We are very thankful to them. We are all thankful for Claflin University,” said Mr. Pandey, who indicated he would like to return to the University one day to support its mission.

Besides the exchange programs in Delhi and Varanasi, Claflin is no stranger to India.

In July 2006, four faculty members from Claflin, including Dr. Grewal, visited India to train field workers so they could instruct the public on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. It was all part of a federally funded initiative called the Curriculum Development for the Culturally-Sensitive HIV/AIDS Reduction and Intervention Training Project, which was led by S.C. Center for Biotechnology Director Dr. Omar Bagasra. As part of the project, Claflin faculty developed a three premise training model to educate the public on preventing the disease.

###

“Whatever the tempest, she can quell its rage

With mighty sails coaxed by impassioned gale

Stoutheartedly destined for richer ports

The Flagship Claflin shall forever sail”

This excerpt from a poem titled “Claflin College: Flagship for Excellence” was written by Mrs. Ruth Robinson, '48, in 1990. It is featured in her poetry collection Images Mirrored from the Heart. The poem accurately foreshadowed the unprecedented heights her alma mater would reach in the 21^st century.

“I think Claflin is a cut above the rest. I've been told a lot of things I envisioned for Claflin have come true,” Mrs. Robinson said.

The eclectically talented Mrs. Robinson matriculated at Claflin when the space age machines that populate the new Molecular Science Research Center were decades from even being contemplated. She recalled the only buildings still present on campus during her time as a student were Tingley Hall, Trustee Hall, Ministers' Hall and the Lee Library, which is now the Arthur Rose Museum.

“A lot has changed,” she said.

After her Commencement ceremony in 1948, her husband, the late John S. Robinson, went on a bended knee and asked for her hand in marriage. She happily accepted the offer.

But long before a glittering diamond ring was slipped on her finger, the Orangeburg native attended elementary school at the Claflin campus where she took piano lessons.

She finished as valedictorian of Zion High School in the small town of Jamison in Orangeburg County and then returned to the University to receive a higher education.

In the 1940's, she noted there was only one phone in the dormitory and her hallmates shared the responsibility of keeping their college residence clean. Mrs. Robinson said the total enrollment at the time was under 300 students, a far cry from the nearly 1,900 students on campus today.

However, even as things have changed dramatically at Claflin over the years, Mrs. Robinson pointed out one thing hasn't – it's nurturing family atmosphere and top notch education.

“I am very loyal and proud of my school,” she said. “I feel I had a great education at Claflin. I've been building on my foundation the University has given me ever since.”

Mrs. Robinson began her foray into poetry while recovering from throat surgery in 1959. Ordered by her doctor to avoid speaking during recovery, Mrs. Robinson began to write her thoughts down. Those thoughts would eventually manifest into poems.

Instead of buying her family and friends gifts, she would often write them poems. With her teaching career behind her, Mrs. Robinson started to become more serious about writing poetry. She took a writing class under College of Charleston Professor of English Mr. Paul Allen.

Eventually, she wrote enough to assemble a book in which Mr. Allen wrote a thoughtful foreword.

Mrs. Ruth Robinson’s collection of poetry “Images Mirrored from the Heart.”

“Poetry is supposed to surprise and delight. Ruth Robinson's book does both for me,” Mr. Allen wrote. “We cannot separate the openness and joy of Ruth's heart from the openness and joy we find in her poetry. The affirmation, the sweetness, the eye-twinkling vision of Ruth Robinson's runs throughout this book, and we are all better for it.”

The poetry featured in Images touches on a diverse array of subjects including poverty, family and faith in God. Mrs. Robinson wrote her poems with the desire to take people out of their comfort zones so they are forced to think deeply about the various aspects of life.

Touched by the success of Claflin's female graduates, she penned a poem titled “Today's Claflin Woman.”

“Like a pearl, Claflin's woman is cultured. Like a nightingale her voice is rich but like a tiger she is fiercely courageous,” an excerpt of the poem reads.

She recently recited that poem in March for a Women's History Month event at Ministers' Hall on campus.

Another Claflin inspired poem titled “Bonded Together” was written by Mrs. Robinson to point out the tight camaraderie students and alumni share for the institution.

But writing sage poetry isn't Mrs. Robinson's only hobby. Every day she completes the crossword puzzle in the newspaper. It's an exercise she says keep her mind sharp. She also enjoys traveling the world where exotic locales such as the French Rivera, Italy and Morocco are among her favorite destinations.

In addition, she holds lifetime memberships in a variety of organizations including the Claflin University International Alumni Association, the NAACP and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Women's Auxiliary.

Mrs. Robinson is also an active maker of quilts. She has won many first prizes for her quilt making ability, including Best of Show in 2005, at the Orangeburg County Fair. She has also been a contributor to the Times and Democrat for many years. And she attends St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Orangeburg, where she and her late husband started an endowed scholarship fund for high school students who are church members.

She returns to her alma mater every chance she gets. Mrs. Robinson can often be spotted at the 1869 Dining Hall on campus and other Claflin events.

“I am so thankful that I can avail myself of everything Claflin has to offer,” she said.

###

Claflin Board of Trustee member Mr. Moses L. Harvin, left, presents President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, right, with the Summit of Seven Men and Boys Conference Man of the Year Award.

For his years of selfless dedication to educating young men and women, Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale was honored as Man of the Year during the 18^th Annual Summit of Seven Men and Boys Conference; a forum designed to inspire young men to becoming positive role models, family members and citizens.

One of Mt. Moriah's youngest members, Master Torrell Brooks, was already inspired by the man who grew up on a farm in Kingstree, S.C. and later became the first African American to receive a doctorate in mathematics from Dartmouth College. Torrell introduced Dr. Tisdale, and despite his youthful age, accurately articulated Dr. Tisdale's vision for Claflin to become one of the premier undergraduate teaching and research institutions in the world.

“It was concrete. It was sound. It was doable,” Torrell said. “He was truly the first ‘Yes, We Can' man.”

Dr. Tisdale noted that children like Torrell face problems such as drugs, violence and depression that were not threats in previous generations.

“In spite of the challenges, I believe that our future is bright. If we want to see the future, we need only to look at our young men and women today. … They are our future. And we see many of them excelling every day,” Dr. Tisdale said.

He also pointed out many of today's children are unfortunately passing through the cracks. Dr. Tisdale said that in order to stop this generational disintegration there must be role models who are “approachable and touchable” in their lives.

From left to right: Rockledge City Mayor Pro Tem Mr. Richard K. Blake, ’55, President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, ’65, and Trustee Mr. Moses L. Harvin, ’75, fellowship during the 2010 Summit of Seven Men and Boys Conference.

“If we are going to successfully channel the challenges of our young African American males, we must first show them we care,” he said. “Of course, we need to begin in our own homes.”

The Summit originated in 1993 as a series of events and workshops sponsored by Mt. Moriah.

In accepting the Man of the Year award, Dr. Tisdale said, “To be acknowledged with such a prestigious honor at the Summit of Seven Conference is truly a memorable experience,” Dr. Tisdale said. “I thoroughly enjoyed observing the enthusiasm and positive attitudes of the young men who attended the conference. They are on the path to becoming responsible and productive leaders in their communities.”

Trustee Harvin exhibited the Claflin Pride as told his congregation the story of the University.

“God has really blessed this campus behind the visionary leadership of Dr. Henry N. Tisdale,” he said. “The president is a man of high energy. He is a man of God.”

Trustee Harvin also discussed how Claflin students dressed for success. The Mt. Moriah congregation listened intently as he explained the growth of the University in terms of academics and its structural presence.

Since Dr. Tisdale's tenure began in 1994, Claflin University has seen a remarkable expansion of faculty, students and nationally accredited academics programs. In addition, Claflin's physical plant has grown exponentially. The University has garnered national recognition by widely read publications under Dr. Tisdale's vision and leadership. Claflin has been ranked for the past 13 years as one of “America's Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com rated the University as the top Historically Black College or University in the nation the last two years.

The Summit has grown tremendously too from its origin as an annual barbeque at Mt. Moriah that sought to bring men and boys in the Palm Bay community together. It transformed into an annual conference and workshop just a year prior to Dr. Tisdale assuming the Claflin presidency. Each male was challenged to bring seven other males with him to the conference, hence the name Summit of Seven.

Mt. Moriah church member Master Torrell Brooks, left, and Trustee Harvin, right, introduce President Tisdale as the keynote speaker for the Sunday closing ceremonies during the Summit of Seven.

Claflin's positive presence at the 2010 Summit was also strengthened thanks to a presentation from Mr. Marcus Burgess, '96, director of alumni affairs/annual fund. He hosted a workshop for Palm Bay area students of all ages titled “Phases of a Man.”

Mr. Burgess encouraged the young men present to gravitate toward the ideals of positive role models like President Barack Obama and Trustee Harvin instead of the negative influences that pervade pop culture. He also pointed out the consequences of choosing their friends.

“Choose people who are doing good things,” he said. “You need a strong male or female figure in your life.”

“I want to be a police officer,” one child said. Another boy in the audience said, “I'm going to school to become a funeral director.”

Mr. Burgess also discussed the need for young men to be ready for fatherhood.

The Claflin alumnus told the young men it was time for them to become role models as well. In addition, he discussed how Claflin transformed him into a leader.

“We have a very proud heritage,” he said of his alma mater.

Prior to his appointment at Claflin five years ago, Mr. Burgess was formerly an educator and assistant principal. He was named Teacher of the Year at Kingstree Elementary School for the 1998-1999 school year. He is also the immediate past National Pre-Alumni Council Advisor for the National Alumni Council of the United Negro College Fund.

The Summit was held from June 11-13 in the Palm Bay, Florida area. Other activities during the Summit weekend included a keynote address from Ms. Lucille O'Neal, mother of NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal and author of “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go”, on June 12.

###

Claflin Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Randall Harris, right, instructs eager students in his microbiology class.  His teaching philosophy is to develop relationships with his students while helping them to learn the fundamentals necessary to solve problems on their own.

Claflin University Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Randall Harris was recently named a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc.

But ask some of Dr. Harris' students and they will tell you he is very deserving of the honor. Ms. Dorea Pleasant, who graduated in May with a Masters in Biotechnology, met Dr. Harris during her sophomore year and immediately appreciated his willingness to help and his kind temperament.

“He is one of the most sincerely wonderful people I know,” Ms. Pleasant said of her mentor. “Dr. Harris explains things in such a way that I could absorb the material and answer questions on it. He is a wonderful facilitator.”

This is the fifth year the S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. has awarded its Excellence in Teaching Award to professors at its 20-member institutions. Award winners receive a certificate and a $3,000 stipend for their achievements.

Dr. Harris, who arrived at Claflin six years ago, says his teaching philosophy is to develop good relationships with his students. This translates into students successfully understanding the concepts and principles of biology. For classes with a laboratory component, Dr. Harris' students conduct experiments which have real life applications.

The Orangeburg native is not afraid to let his students make discoveries on their own. For example, this semester Dr. Harris assigned his class to identify an unknown bacterium and urged students to arrive at the correct identification by applying what they learned in class.

“The goal is to reason their way through the identification process,” Dr. Harris said.

Both of his parents are educators and he has definitely inherited the gene to excel at teaching from them.

“I guess teaching has become a passion. I've really learned to enjoy it,” the 1988 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School said.

Dr. Harris' selfless dedication to teaching is reflective of the entire faculty. The “America's Best Colleges” rankings by U.S. News and World Report rated Claflin as number one in the South for its “Strong Commitment to Teaching” in 2010.

However, Dr. Harris doesn't just teach, he is also engaged in vital research. Currently, he is studying how to alleviate problems associated with the bacteria moraxella/catarrhalis, which can cause ear infections and bronchitis.

As for the future, Dr. Harris is very happy where is at.

“Just to interact with the students and to see them learning lets me know I'm doing something worthwhile.”

Dr. Harris received his doctorate in microbiology from the University of Alabama, in Birmingham.

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The Rev. Dr. Norman A. Brown, pastor of the New Light United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, will deliver the keynote address at the Annual Claflin University- Gammon Theological Seminary Alumni Fellowship Dinner as part of the S.C. United Methodist Conference in Florence, S.C. on Saturday, June 12.

“I will discuss the visionaries of Claflin who have inspired ‘Access and Success’.   It is my hope to pay tribute to the University’s 140^th anniversary this year,” Rev. Brown said.  “I consider it a great honor to be asked to a part of the celebration.”

A 1980 graduate of Claflin, Rev. Brown has been a pastor at churches across the state of South Carolina.  He also has chaired the S.C. United Methodist Conference Commission on Communication and S.C. United Methodist Advocate Board of Trustees.  In Greenville, he founded and organized a breakfast kitchen that today has hundreds of church volunteers who feed more than 100 homeless people three times a week. 

The Claflin-Gammon Dinner began shortly after the merger of the state’s black and white United Methodist Conferences in 1972.  The university’s sixth president, the late Hubert V. Manning, noticed other higher education institutions hosted reunion and fellowship dinners during the annual Conference after the merger.  Recognizing that many Claflin alumni went on to receive a graduate education at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, President Manning appointed former then Dean Marian G. Anderson to organize the Claflin-Gammon Dinner in 1973.  The theme of this year’s Dinner is “Claflin-Gammon: Visionaries Who Inspire Access and Success.”  It will take place on June 12 at the Florence Civic Center Exhibit Hall at 5:30 p.m. 

Rev. Brown received his undergraduate degree in religion and philosophy from Claflin. He later obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary.  Rev. Brown also pursued further studies at Gammon.  In 1986, he was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection into the United Methodist Church of the South Carolina Conference, where he has written four approved resolutions.

The Hemingway, S.C. native was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and was formerly a member of the Kershaw County Council.

He is married to the former Frederica N. Walker.  The couple has two children, Simon Aaron and Timothy Christian.

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Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, left, and U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, right, have a friendly discussion prior to the Congressman's forum in Minsters' Hall on the recently enacted Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act. The event was sponsored by the Orangeburg Chapter of the Links, Inc.

Congressman Clyburn said the Act would provide billions of dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and assist Claflin in its mission to become one of the premier undergraduate teaching and research institutions in the world.

Mr. Clyburn recalled Ministers' Hall was once used for storage when he was a student at neighboring South Carolina State College in the 1960's. He noted amendments he vigorously supported to National Historic Preservation Act paved the way for Minsters' Hall to be beautifully restored.

The third highest ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives added it is always an immense privilege to visit the Claflin campus. He praised Dr. Tisdale as a visionary leader for lifting Claflin to unprecedented heights during his 16-year tenure.

Recently, the Congressman was instrumental in securing federal funds so Claflin could move forward with its plans to build a state-of-the-art forensics lab on campus. The project will allow local law enforcement to swiftly analyze DNA samples taken from crime scenes while training Claflin students to become certified forensic scientists, which will help to fill a gaping national void in that much needed profession.

Dr. Tisdale said Mr. Clyburn has been a “great friend and supporter of Claflin University” since his 1992 election to represent South Carolina's Sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Congressman Clyburn is a great American and South Carolinian,” Dr. Tisdale said.

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On June 13, Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale will be the keynote speaker during the Sunday worship services of the 18^th Annual Summit of Seven Boys and Men Conference, a series of events and workshops designed to inspire young men into becoming positive role models, family members and citizens.

“I am elated the Summit of Seven has selected me to deliver an inspirational message for young men. It is my hope this Summit will be a catalyst of positive change in their lives,” Dr. Tisdale said.

The Summit will be held on June 11-13 in the Palm Bay, Florida community. It is sponsored by Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church where the Rev. Dr. Harvey L. Riley is the pastor.

Claflin Board of Trustee Member Mr. Moses L. Harvin, '75, who also serves as the Summit's coordinator, said the event is an opportunity to prepare future leaders for the challenges of the 21^st century. Also a deacon at Mt. Moriah, Mr. Harvin has been on the Claflin Board of Trustees since 2009.

“The many activities scheduled for the Summit of Seven weekend are aimed toward having a major impact on not only preparing our future leaders but also to equip them to make a difference today in their home, school, church and community,” Trustee Harvin said.

The Summit originated from an annual barbeque at Mt. Moriah that sought to bring men and boys in the Palm Bay community together. Trustee Harvin was one of the instrumental figures in transforming the barbeque into an annual conference and workshop beginning in 1993. Each male was challenged to bring seven other males with him to the conference, hence the name Summit of Seven.

The event has attracted such past speakers as U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, S.C. Representative David Weeks and former U.S. Congressman Dave Weldon of New York.

Mr. Marcus Burgress

Since Dr. Tisdale's tenure began in 1994, Claflin University has seen a remarkable expansion of faculty, students and nationally accredited academics programs. In addition, Claflin's physical plant has grown exponentially. The University has garnered national recognition by widely read publications under Dr. Tisdale's vision and leadership. Claflin has been ranked for the past 13 years as one of “America's Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com rated the University as the top Historically Black College or University in the nation the last two years.

Prior to his appointment at Claflin five years ago, Mr. Burgess was an educator and assistant principal. He was named Teacher of the Year at Kingstree Elementary School for the 1998-1999 school year. In addition, the S.C. Center for Teacher Recruitment had named him as one of “Six Reasons to Teach” in the state. He is also the immediate past National Pre-Alumni Council Advisor for the National Alumni Council of the United Negro College Fund.

Other activities during the Summit weekend include a keynote address from Ms. Lucille O'Neal, mother of NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal and author of “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go”, on June 12.

For more information on the Summit, call Mt. Moriah at (321) 725- 1791 or visit http://www.mmmbc.org/ on the Web.

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Coaches Vernell Capers and Matisse Lee have recently been selected to participate in the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy, June10-14, 2010, in Atlanta GA.  The NCAA Coaches Academy will host three academies throughout the country, with only 42 positions open for each academy.  

Coach Vernell Capers just completed her 13th year as Head Volleyball, and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Claflin University.  “ I am very  honored first of all to be recommended by Mrs. Karen Williams our SWA, and the selection committee who thought I was worthy of this opportunity.  I expect to gain knowledge and broaden my awareness of how my colleagues are addressing issues that I face as a coach of women’s sports. I am also excited about networking with new people, and understanding their strategies, and how I may implement their techniques into my coaching philosophy,” said Coach Capers.     

Coach Matisse Lee, recently concluded her first year as Head Softball Coach at Claflin University.   An excited Coach Lee said, “I am humbled and surprised by my selection to the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy, this being my first year as Head Softball Coach.  I am hopeful of meeting coaches who will serve as a mentor that can give me another perspective on strategies and techniques of coaching.  I am also looking forward to this experience to broaden my knowledge of coaching that will help me develop new coaching modalities which will enhance our softball program at Claflin University.       

The NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy provides training for coaches at all levels to assist them in being more efficient, productive, resourceful, and successful.  The academy is designed for women coaches who are ready and willing to increase their individual effectiveness by learning advanced skills and strategies that directly affect their personal and team success.  The participants will learn skills that are not sport specific, yet ones that are relevant and necessary for coaching responsibilities, beyond the X’s and O’s.    

Director of Professional and Continuing Studies Dr. Gloria Seabrooks, left, reviews the course schedule of Sgt. Charles Riley from the S.C. Department of Mental Health.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams, who has more than 30 years experience in the field, said the need for thorough professional development in law enforcement has never been greater.

In order to advance his leadership skills, Sheriff Williams enrolled and later graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/criminal justice from Claflin University's Center of Professional and Continuing Studies. The program's curriculum allowed him to acquire the necessary skills to fully realize his vision for the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office.

“I needed to strengthen my administrative stamina to elevate myself and this agency to the next level,” Mr. Williams said. “That's where Claflin's Professional and Continuing Studies Program fell into place.”

Sheriff Williams has since encouraged his officers to attend classes at Claflin. How many graduates? “We're moving in a new direction. My officers who chose to attend Claflin are 100 percent happy they did.”

About 40 miles away in Lexington County, Ms. Tiffanie Flagler was only three days into a job as a corrections officer when she met Dr. Gloria Seabrook, director of professional and continuing studies at Claflin. Inspired by Dr. Seabrook's words of encouragement, Ms. Flagler decided to further her education at the University.

“Dr. Seabrook was very friendly and supportive. She was always available to me. That's what drew me to Claflin,” Ms. Flagler said.

Sociology/criminal justice students at the Claflin Center of Professional and Continuing Studies are afforded excellent educational opportunities with the flexibility to continue their law enforcement careers.

While studying at Claflin, she found support and developed friendships with a lot of her colleagues in law enforcement.

One of the benefits of the program is opportunities for promotion.

“Many of our officers have received a promotion since graduating from the program,” Dr. Seabrook said.

Ms. Flagler graduated in 2008 with the highest grade point average in the program. She was immediately promoted to a Class II Deputy and Corrections Officer with the Lexington County Sheriff's Office.

Ms. Flagler is currently pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice at Troy University.

Dr. Seabrook noted that law enforcement professionals from across the state and even in Georgia have enrolled at Claflin. Officers from Orangeburg, Colleton, Charleston, North Charleston, Dorchester, Beaufort and the S.C. Highway Patrol have been conferred with degrees from Claflin.

The students take classes in a variety of criminal justice courses such as criminal procedure, social psychology, community policing and supervision and leadership. Dependent upon past college credit, most students can graduate within 18 months.

Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, left, presents Corporal Dwight Green of the S.C. Highway Patrol, right, with his sociology/criminal justice degree during the 2010 Commencement Convocation.  He was recently promoted to SCHP supervisor for Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell and Hampton Counties.

The 15-member faculty of the sociology/criminal justice program is composed entirely of seasoned law enforcement veterans like Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Chief Mr. Wendell Davis.

Dr. Seabrooks notes the faculty is highly flexible in meeting the demands of students' work schedule while ensuring they receive a second-to-none education.

Dr. Seabrooks points out Claflin offers an intimate class setting where professors and students have dialogue and share experiences.

A 2008 graduate, North Charleston Deputy Police Chief Mr. Reginald Burgess, who has been a police officer since 1989, said he was able to share his wealth of experiences in class while gaining a new body of knowledge.

“The program is set up to include everybody who has a diverse background of learning experiences to draw from,” he said. “I learned from people of all ages. Everyone in class participated.”

Mr. Burgess was promoted from captain to deputy police chief in North Charleston after graduating. Even though he hadn't returned to college since the late 1980's, Mr. Burgess noted the Claflin faculty greatly assisted him in readjusting to college life. In addition, he said professors also were flexible if he missed class due to the unpredictability of his job.

“I work 12-hour shifts and have a family.  For a short while, we were short staffed and I had to miss two weeks of class.  The professors worked with me to ensure I didn’t fall behind.” – Sgt. Charles Riley, S.C. Department of Mental Health “I’ve been in law enforcement for 18 years.  The courses at Claflin have given me more confidence in dealing with the public.  It’s been a wonderful program.”  Lt. Gerald Carter, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office “I was immediately impressed with the program.  I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions in our small class setting.  The instructors were very informative.  They always extended a helping hand.” – Corporal Dwight Green of the S.C. Highway Patrol

“If had a homicide to investigate and couldn't make it, then they would work something out with me later,” Mr. Burgess said.

“I enjoy learning from instructors who had been there and done that,” said Mr. Thompson.

He went on to complete his master's degree in criminal justice at Troy University. Mr. Thompson's ultimate goal is to become a sheriff or the director of a federal department.

“Claflin University most definitely gave me a solid foundation to build on,” Mr. Thompson said.

For more information on the sociology/criminal justice program at Claflin University, please contact Dr. Seabrook by phone at (803) 535-5375 or by e-mail at gseabrook@claflin.edu.

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Claflin University proudly announces that 10 students have been awarded summer research internships through the Leadership Alliance, a national consortium of 33 universities that seeks to develop underrepresented students into outstanding leaders and role models in academia, business and the public sector while preparing them for graduate school.

The University has been a member of the Leadership Alliance since 2000. Assistant Vice President of Leadership Development Dr. Roosevelt Ratliff noted the Alliance has afforded Claflin students exceptional opportunities over the past decade.

“Through the Leadership Alliance, our students have been able to show the world their academic talents are second to none,” Dr .Ratliff said. “These internship opportunities lay the ground work for Claflinites to pursue graduate - and doctorate-level degrees at some of the most renowned institutions in the world.”

The students will spend eight to ten weeks at their respective internship institutions and later attend a summer symposium in New Jersey where they will present their research. The Alliance includes such institutions as Dartmouth College, Princeton University, Harvard University, New York University and Stanford University, among others.

The following students are participating in Leadership Alliance internships this summer:

· Ms. Leighann Black

This future neurologist from Frederick, Maryland is attending a summer internship at Vanderbilt University. Ms. Black, biochemistry major, praised the work of Dr. Ratliff and Claflin.

“They've taken my goal and outlined a path for me to take,” she said.

· Ms. Brandyce Coes

A sophomore biochemistry student from Warner Robins, Georgia, Ms. Coes has been awarded a summer science internship at Harvard University. In the future, she either wants to become a pharmacology researcher or a pharmacist.

“This is a very prestigious school. It's a great way to build my resume',” she said.

· Ms. Cymone Davis

While only a sophomore, Ms. Davis already has her eye toward the future. She will spend her summer months interning at the Humanities and Social Sciences Department at Cornell University. After graduating Claflin, the Kansas City, Missouri native plans to further her education with a master's of business administration degree.

“The Leadership Alliance is a phenomenal program that puts me in prime position to achieve my goals and dreams,” she said.

· Mr. Kendrick Henderson

At Brown University, Mr. Henderson will conduct research on cancer. He expects the opportunity will afford him a chance to broaden his network and receive additional hands-on research experience. The aspiring doctor from Kingstree, S.C. said Claflin has been challenging but rewarding thus far.

“This will give me the chance to go beyond Claflin and share my knowledge of what I've learned here about leadership and selfless service,” he said.

· Ms. Ashley Scott

A native of Greenville, S.C., Ms. Scott has been awarded a science internship at Vanderbilt University. Currently, she is looking at pursuing a career as an oncologist. Her primary research goal is to one day stop the spread of breast cancer.

“Cancer is one of the worst diseases and it is killing people every day. I would like to find a cure for it,” Ms. Scott said.

· Ms. Philana Peyton

An Atlanta, Georgia native, Ms. Peyton hopes to one day become a college professor teaching American studies. Currently a mass communication major, she will intern this summer at the Howard University School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She credited the faculty for pushing her to new heights by emphasizing networking.

“Claflin offers constant opportunities,” Ms. Peyton said.

· Ms. Angelique Mole

Ms. Mole interned last year at Yale University School of Medicine through the Alliance. This summer, is going to attend an internship at another Ivy League School, Brown University. The biochemistry student from Barnwell, S.C. has designs on becoming an obstetrician/gynecologist.

“I cannot thank Claflin, Dr. Ratliff and the Leadership Alliance enough for guiding my career the right way.”

· Ms. Keaira Berry

Although Ms. Berry recently graduated from the University this May with a degree in biology, she will have one more chance to represent Claflin as a student while conducting summer research at the University of Virginia. She is currently looking at graduate schools with a vision of marking her mark as a prominent researcher. At Claflin, she conducted research on the relationships between zinc levels and prostate cancer in African Americans males.

· Ms. Mary Remy

This rising junior received a summer internship at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Ms. Remy, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, hopes this opportunity will springboard her toward achieving her goal of receiving a Ph.D. in sociology.

“Claflin has truly blessed me with a wealth of knowledge and chances to excel. I can honestly say I wouldn't have received such attention and achieve this success at another institution.”

· Ms. Kiara Drake

As Ms. Drake heads into her final year at Claflin, she will have all the preparation necessary to succeed in her next step – attending law school. The American studies major and student in the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College will spend her summer at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Last year, she interned at Yale University through the Alliance.

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Ms. April McPherson, a graduating senior in math education, teaches English for Speakers of Other Languages students at Edisto Primary School.   Teaching ESOL students is part of the curriculum for Claflin education majors thanks to a U.S. Department of Education grant.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics are now the national population's largest minority group. As a result, many children of Hispanic migrants are entering school without a basic knowledge of the English language; a phenomenon that is literally forcing educators back to the chalkboard to bridge the language barrier.

An authority on the issue, Claflin University Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Nan Li, is showing her students how to proactively tackle the growing national and state issue of educating Hispanic students who lack English speaking skills.

In 2007, Claflin was awarded a $1 million, five-year U.S. Department of Education grant based on Dr. Li's research on limited English proficiency students. Using her research data that she and Claflin teacher candidates compiled, Dr. Li is constructing a model for teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students that can be used as a template across the nation. The template relies on training and deploying college teacher candidates into classrooms specifically to teach ESOL students.

The approach serves two goals – instructing pre-service teachers on the best practices for bringing ESOL students up to speed while simultaneously addressing the need to educate them.

However, Dr. Li warns efforts on this front must be accelerated in order to accommodate the students entering the classrooms.

“The growth of non-English speaking students is so high that we must be effective in servicing them,” Dr. Li said. “The school districts need help because they have such limited funding due to the current economy.”

At Rivelon Elementary School, in Orangeburg, Ms. Aubriuanna Bodrick, who graduated this May with a degree in elementary education, spent last spring teaching a group of Hispanic students how to speak English.

Third grader Oscar Contreras and his and his fifth grade sister, Anna, were two of her students who significantly improved their English language skills. Ms. Bodrick used visual cues like pictures to illustrate concepts in English such as flowers needing sunshine to grow. The lessons later advanced to the students identifying various plants in English. Oscar's skills have progressed to the point where he was quickly able to differentiate between specific flowers in English.

To supplement their learning through cause and effect activities, Ms. Bodrick had each of her students plant a flower in a pot. She asked the students to explain the purpose for that activity.

“To plant a flower and watch it grow,” Anna replied.

“Muy bien,” said Ms. Bodrick in a congratulatory tone.

To further strengthen ESOL students English speaking skills, Mrs. Catherine Ness, the ESOL coordinator for the S.C. Department of Education, said ESOL teachers often pull their students out of class for specialized sessions during the school day. South Carolina teaching standards call for ESOL students to become proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English by the end of a school term.

Ms. Bodrick said she felt a sense of meaningful accomplishment after teaching the students and has also learned to speak better in their native language, Spanish, during this process. She credited Dr. Li for having Claflin teacher candidates well prepared to take on this challenge in the classroom.

“I feel like I'm much more prepared to work in my own classroom now,” she said.

The grant allows the University to train 10 of its students per semester how to teach school children that do not speak English as their first language. Dr. Li's National Professional Development Program places Claflin student teachers into elementary school classrooms in Orangeburg Consolidated School Districts 3, 4, and 5 and Calhoun County School District.

Mrs. Yvonne Mitchell, the ESOL coordinator for Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, has 96 such students spread across 12 schools. She said that the ESOL population has grown dramatically in recent years.

“This partnership has been beneficial to our students and Claflin students,” said Mrs. Mitchell. “These kids came here in August with no English speaking skills. We've made a lot of progress.”

Claflin Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Nan Li, left, observes teacher candidates, Ms. Alyssa Mitchell, middle, and Mr. Chad Clay, right, instructs ESOL students.

Reaching this educational goal requires extraordinary commitment and hard work from Claflin student teachers, Dr. Li said in commending the students for their successes.

Mrs. Ness points out South Carolina's classrooms have become increasingly multicultural in recent years with not only a spike in Hispanic population but Chinese and Russian demographics.

With the recent boost in these populations, Dr. Li points out that it is incredibly vital to train teachers with the ability to teach students who originally don't know English. She fears that a lack of proper professional development in this area will cause South Carolina's already dismal graduation, literacy and dropout rates to further plummet.

“The students often come from low income families and move around a lot,” Dr. Li said. “If we don't address the issue now, it will create a continuous cycle of literacy problems for generations.”

Claflin University is at the forefront in working toward further breaking the language barrier between teachers and ESOL students. All education majors at Claflin are afforded the opportunity to participate in the NPD program. Dr. Li said teacher candidates' experiences are providing critical data on how to both train teachers and deliver instruction to ESOL students.

Local school officials have praised the work of Dr. Li and her students.

“They've been a big help to us. I don't know what we would do without the NPD program that Claflin offers,” said Mrs. Susan Zeigler, principal of Edisto Primary School in Cordova.

Students are designated as ESOL based on their performance on an assessment test. Mrs. Zeigler noted ESOL students must meet the same state testing standards as other students before they are fully assimilated into regular classes.

Claflin graduating senior Ms. April McPherson said teaching the ESOL students is almost like having three classes in one. She praised Dr. Li's vision for allowing her to learn how to teach with a hands-on approach.

Why Educating Non-English Speaking Students is Vital ·         There are more than 33,000 students with limited English proficiency in S.C. alone – S.C. Department of Education ·         South Carolina had the largest percentage increase of ESOL students in nation from 1994 to 2005 at 714. 2 percent – U.S. Department  of Education ·         Immigrants make up more than 10 percent of the U.S. population, which is largest number in history –U.S. Census Bureau

Ms. McPherson teaches the students how to identify numbers and colors in English by using auditory Spanish. She also uses visual aids like posters to illustrate the alphabet in English.

But it's not all about teaching the students. Ms. McPherson said she and her students have developed a mutual love for each other.

“They teach me some things and I teach them some things,” Ms. McPherson said.

Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale commended the visionary nature in which Dr. Li has mentored her students to ensure every child has a real chance to learn.

“For 140 years, Claflin University has always been a place that is committed to valuing people. The innovative work of Dr. Li has gained national prominence and serves as an exemplary model toward helping deserving students to learn English,” Dr. Tisdale said. “Our School of Education is preparing teachers that possess the global perspectives necessary to meet 21^st century challenges.”

The NPD Program did just that for Ms. Chrishele Kingdom, a 2009 graduate from the School of Education.

Ms. Kingdom is now a kindergarten teacher at Killian Elementary School in Richland School District 2. While at Claflin she participated in the NPD Program.

In her first year as a full-time teacher, Ms. Kingdom did not have any ESOL students in her class. However, she said the experience she had with the NPD Program was invaluable in assisting some of her students.

“I did have a few students who have struggled through the school year. I have been able to bring them up to grade level by applying the same strategies that I learned in the NPD Program,” Ms. Kingdom said.

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The rewards for hard work and determination just keep pouring in for LaQuan Priest and Keyona Smalls of Claflin University’s track and field team.  La Quan Priest was recently named “Men’s Field Athlete of the Year, of the South Region, as teammate Keyona Smalls was voted the “Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, of the South Region. This ranking gives both a boost of confidence going into the NCAA II National Track and Field Championships, this week-end at Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, NC.    

Keyona, a sophomore from St Helena’s Island, SC, earned her recognition with a 54.54 time in the 400m dash which is the second best time in the nation, going into this week-ends national meet.  It feels great being able to represent Claflin University and The SIAC, again this year at the nationals.  I was a little nervous last year, now I know what to expect and plan to do well in the 400m dash,” an excited Smalls responded.  Smalls was also the SIAC champion in the 400m dash this season.

Priest, also a sophomore and two time national finalist, from Georgetown, SC, earned his second Men’s Field Athlete of the Year Award winning the indoor honor this season also.  “I am very pleased with my accomplishments this season, but it has not come without determination and hard work.  I hope to represent my family Claflin University and The SIAC, with pride and sportsmanship at the nationals.” said Priest.  LaQuan enters the NCAA II Championships as the seventh seed in the triple jump, having marked a season’s best of 50’8” to win the SIAC Championship in April. 

Head Track and Field Coach Laurence Sanders said, “Priest and Smalls are proof of what we have been telling all of our athletes, hard work and determination will pay-off in the long run.  They have sacrificed and met some hurdles along the way, but they persevered, and qualified for the nationals again this year.  I am expecting a strong performance from both this week-end.  Hopefully we will have our first NCAA II All-Americans at Claflin University by the end of the nationals. 

The recent passage of the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act has caused many to ask questions about how exactly it will impact their lives. One of the historic legislation's chief architects, U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, will visit Claflin University on Thursday, June 3 to answer questions the Orangeburg community may have regarding the bill.

To explain how the bill will affect South Carolinians, the Congressman will outline the various components of the healthcare act. The forum is being sponsored by the Orangeburg Chapter of the Links, Inc. It will be held at Ministers' Hall on campus starting at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow after the forum's conclusion. The public is invited and encouraged to attend, but seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“It is my belief that the healthcare reforms enacted this year were the single most important piece of legislation for which I have ever, and maybe will ever, vote,” Congressman Clyburn said. “This new law has widespread benefits for nearly all Americans and I thank The Links for providing this opportunity to share the truth about those benefits with Orangeburg area residents.”

Congressman Clyburn, who represents the Sixth Congressional District of South Carolina, has hailed the health care bill as the Civil Rights Act of the 21^st century. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says the Act will extend healthcare coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans and produce a net reduction in federal deficits of $143 billion over the next decade.

The Links, Inc. is an international non-profit organization which is committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

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A book written by Claflin University Chemistry Department Chair Dr. Angela Peters and her husband, Stephen, was named as a finalist in the inaugural JPX Media 2010 International Book Awards.

“We are honored to be able to expand our territory and put this education tool into the hands of so many people who have a stake in education,” said Dr. Peters.

Mr. Peters said he was humbled by the prestigious award. “It motivates us to continue to create strategies for educators in the U.S. and internationally,” he said.

The International Book Awards acknowledged the Peters' book in the Education Pre K-12 category. Overall, the Awards acknowledged more than 300 winners and finalists in 140 categories that spanned all genres of writing. The sponsor of the Awards, JPX Media, is an internationally recognized conglomerate specializing in the publishing and entertainment industries.

“The 2010 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States. With a full publicity and marketing campaign promoting the results of IBA, this year's winners and finalists will gain additional media coverage for the summer season,” said Mr. Jeffrey Keen, president and CEO of JPX Media.

Mr. Peters is a 29-year veteran in the field of education. He founded the nationally lauded Gentleman's and Ladies Club programs, which provide options for thousands of at-risk and honor students in the nation, and has authored several best-selling education books. Currently, he is the president and CEO of The Peters Group, an education consulting firm.

Dr. Peters, who was recently elected chair of the South Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society and is also a past Governor's Professor of the Year, hopes the additional exposure arising for the Award will allow the book to help even more schools in the U.S.

“We are ecstatic to receive this award and encouraged now more than ever to do our part in ensuring quality education for our state and nation,” Dr. Peters said.

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President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, right, presents, Ms. Edith Frederick a plaque commemorating her 40 years of service to Claflin University.

In one way or another, Ms. Edith Frederick has spent a majority of her life on the campus of Claflin University. During the 16^th Annual Rewards and Recognition Luncheon for faculty and staff, Ms. Frederick was honored for 40 years of service to the University.

“I was a little surprised. I wasn't aware I was going to receive anything,” said Ms. Frederick.

Ms. Frederick later returned to Claflin to receive a college education. In 1947, she graduated with a degree in social sciences, her favorite subject.

Reflecting on her time as a student at Claflin, she said the church services and watching her uncles, James and Francis, play football provided lasting memories.

For more than two decades, she taught social studies in the public schools system of Orangeburg, Florence and Berkley Counties. Fate brought her back to Claflin once again to work as a librarian in the Hubert V. Manning Library in 1969. It's a position which she still proudly holds today.

At the young age of 83, Ms. Frederick says she will continue to work at the University “as long as I'm able.”

As she looks out the window of the Manning Library toward Legacy Plaza, she is amazed at how much the campus where she grew up has changed over the past decades.

“The campus has expanded. And Orangeburg has grown, too,” she said.

President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale presented Ms. Frederick with a Claflin University pin encrusted with one emerald and three diamonds to recognize her four decades of service. He commended Ms. Frederick for her loyal devotion to the University.

“Ms. Frederick has witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation at Claflin University. From her time as a student to working at the library, Ms Frederick is a prime example of the dedication our leal and loyal sons and daughters have for the institution,” Dr. Tisdale said. “Her long standing commitment to Claflin is to be admired and celebrated.”

Manning Library Director Ms. Marilyn Gibbs, who was honored at the Luncheon for 25 years of service, said Ms. Frederick is one of the most dedicated and loyal persons she's ever met. Ms. Gibbs said her colleague is always trying to garner support for Claflin.

“She lives for Claflin,” Ms. Gibbs said.

During the Luncheon, awards and recognitions were given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership at the University and those who have served the institution for at least five years. Also acknowledged were faculty and staff who have been conferred with academic degrees during the past year.

“We had an extraordinary year. We couldn't have done it without you,” Dr. Tisdale said.

List of Faculty and Staff Honored at the 16^th Annual Rewards and Recognition Luncheon

James E. Hunter Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Nicholas Panasik, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Administrative Employee of the Year

Ms. Monica Greene, Director of the Freshman College

Professional Employee of the Year

Mr. Muhammed Hossain, Graphics and Digital Design Coordinator

Administrative Support Employee of the Year

Dr. Victoria Boyd, Senior Administrative Assistant

Customer Service Award

Ms. Charlene Slaughter, Director of Public Relations

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Members of the Claflin University Golden Class of 1960 assembled once again for The President’s Luncheon in their honor.

On Friday, May 7, the Golden Class came together at Ministers' Hall for The President's Luncheon in their honor. Ms. Jefferson noted this was the first time some members of the Class had seen each other since May 1960.

But it was clear the bond Ms. Jefferson spoke of is still very strong in 2010. Mrs. Lillie M. Frazier discussed how Claflin transformed the Class from wide eyed teenagers to extraordinary visionaries.

“It was just what we needed at the time,” Mrs. Frazier said. “The world would be proud of us.”

Mrs. Frazier, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and was a teacher for 37 years, read a poem she wrote about Claflin. Meanwhile, her classmate, Mrs. Mary J. Wright, played a trivia game asking questions about the Class' time at the University.

A general science graduate, Mr. Henry Mack, recalled how he got through his tough trigonometry class by copying off his close friend, Mr. John Young.

Golden Class members Mrs. Lillie M. Frazier, left, and Mrs. Mary J. Wright, right, discuss memories of the time at Claflin.

“There's no way I could get out of that class without his help. So, God bless you and God bless me,” said Mr. Mack, starting a round of laughter in the room.

Mr. Mack remembered a green truck pulling up to the dorm room at Claflin in 1956. Mr. Young was a passenger. At first, Mr. Mack wanted to attend college in New York but his parents insisted on Claflin.

“I thank my mother and father for sending me to Claflin,” he said. “Claflin University has been everything to me.”

“At the time, nobody knew anything about computers,” he said.

President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale and First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale presented each member of the Class with a copy of Jo Petty's Apples of Gold, an inspirational book about the virtues of life.

Dr. Tisdale noted the Class was here at Claflin during a transformational period in American history, the Civil Rights Movement. He said the Class was very active in shaping that debate nationally through their actions, which included sit-ins and protests.

“You were instrumental in fighting for equal opportunity and social justice,” Dr. Tisdale said.

Ms. Jefferson said the Class under the first to graduate under Claflin's sixth president, Dr. Hubert V. Manning. Noting the small size of the University at the time, she said everybody knew everyone's name on campus.

Speaking with a palpable love for the institution, she said,” Claflin today, Claflin tomorrow, Claflin forever as far as I'm concerned!”

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Rev. S. Todd Yeary delivers the baccalaureate sermon.

The Rev. S. Todd Yeary preached principal, passion and power to Claflin University graduates during the annual Baccalaureate Service held each year on the eve of commencement.

Rev. Yeary, pastor of Douglas Community Church in Baltimore, Md., urged students to “stir up your gift, because God wants to use all of you to do something that has never been done before.

“You won’t always do right, but walk humbly with God, live by principle, do what you need to do with passion and tap into the power,” he said. “Dream big, go great places, change lives, but remember God is still on your side.” 

The tradition of the Baccalaureate Service is derived from the medieval European custom of presenting the candidates for the degree of Bachelor (bacca) with laurels (lauri) of sermonic oration. President Henry N. Tisdale said the service is in keeping with the university’s 140 year religious heritage.