CUIAA President Mrs. Liz Zimmerman Keitt (seated) presents a $20,000 check to Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.  Also pictured is Ms. Harriett Young, Manager of the Annual Fund at Claflin.

Mrs. Liz Zimmerman Keitt presented Claflin University with a check for $20,000 Thursday on behalf of Claflin alumni.

The amount is a $5,000 increase from last year’s gift, and Mrs. Keitt, president of the Claflin University International Alumni Association, said she hopes the organization is able to give even more in the coming years.

“We are glad to give our university these funds each year because we know the university needs it to help students continue to excel,” Mrs. Keitt said.

The CUIAA makes a donation to Claflin at the beginning of each school year to support the University’s campus activities. This year, the funds will be distributed between scholarships, freshman orientation, the Pre-Alumni Council, the Founders’ Day Celebration and FOCUS 100 student fund. 

Claflin University has one of the highest alumni giving rates in the nation at nearly 40 percent, earning it a number one ranking by U.S. News and World Report among top tier colleges in the South.

“We are very fortunate to have alumni who care enough about their alma mater to not only give back, but to give back in record numbers,” said Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “Their loyalty and support continues to assist us in sustaining a quality education for our students.”