"This morning we recognize and celebrate the essence of Claflin University which is academic achievement," said Provost Karl S. Wright. "Let us always remember what Claflin University stands for. We are a learner-centered community where student learning occupies center stage. However, this success is not created in a vacuum. It is also the result of a dedicated and well-trained, world-class faculty."
Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale also attributed the outstanding leadership and academic success displayed by the students to the University's team concept.
"I thank all members of the Claflin team for continuing to work together to make certain our students are staying in school and graduating and continuing their success beyond the walls of the University," said Tisdale. "We want you to distinguish yourselves by being prepared with 21st Century skills and competencies. We want you to possess the skills needed for admission to the top graduate and professional schools and placement in high-paying jobs. We celebrate you because you are upholding the true tradition of Claflin University. A tradition of academic excellence, confidence, character, service and becoming effective, fully-engaged visionary leaders with global perspectives."
Tisdale ended his presentation by congratulating the men's basketball team which captured the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament title and the women's cheerleading team that placed first in SIAC competition. The men's basketball team also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Junior Jessica Tolbert delivered the much-anticipated "Honors Challenge," to the capacity crowd comprised of alumni, faculty, parents, staff, students, and invited guests. Tolbert encouraged the students to find their "why" - which she described as their purpose in life.
"If you are a leader, you should lead with everything you have to give," said Tolbert, president of Claflin's Student Government Association. "It is at the moment when you think you have nothing left when you realize you must make a decision - either to quit of find your 'why.' Your 'why' is what gives you the extra push when you think you can't stand the pressure or your feet cannot carry you any further," she said. "Every long-distance runner knows that after a few laps you body screams in agony and your chest is on fire - then that switch turns on and you remember your 'why' and you push forward. Academics and running are not so much about why you want to win, but, why it's important to finish."
Tolbert, native of Chattanooga, Tenn., is a biochemistry major and a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. She has worked as a research intern at Brown University and she plans to pursue a PhD. Although Tolbert's academic concentration is STEM, she also possesses an insatiable interest in literature and photography. She has written and illustrated a children's book titled Mr. Peanut and the Antibody Officers.
"As a black woman in leadership and STEM I sometimes find myself confronted with a sense of isolation," said Tolbert. "Being a woman is beautiful, but, it can also be a distraction. Instead of focusing on my work, I am often judged on how I wear my hair and how much - or how little - makeup I wear. Are my pants too tight or my sleeves too short? I have had many nights reminding myself that I can do as good a job as my predecessor. As a woman I am reminded that I can stand up for myself even if I must stand on a few toes. Getting the job done sometimes means doing it yourself," she said.
Special presentations were made to high-achieving scholars who combined academic excellence with exemplary leadership from the School of Business, School of Education, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies.
The Office of Student Development and Services presented awards to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for maintaining the highest cumulative grade point average among student organizations.