Claflin University alumni returned to Orangeburg, S.C., on April 14-16, to attend the Claflin University International Alumni Association's (CUIAA) 49th Convention. The annual event celebrated Claflin's distinctive history as South Carolina's oldest Historically Black College/University and the first in the state to admit all students regardless of ethnic origin, gender, race, or religion. It also provided alumni of all generations to return to where it all began "On A Hilltop High."
Convention participants had a full schedule of activities, including a Corporate Breakfast, a Presidential Luncheon, seminars and workshops, vendors, exhibits, worship service, and other events.
"It was an exciting and wonderful convention," said Reverend Larry McCutcheon, president of the Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter of the CUIAA. "It was our second gathering since COVID. We had excellent fellowship, and we were very pleased with the attendance at our activities. Our dynamic president, Dr. Dwaun Warmack, challenged us to continue to increase our financial support for the University. Everyone is very excited about what's taking place at Claflin. Prayers, good planning, a great committee, and a productive collaboration with Bob Miller and other CUIAA members were the keys to the event's success."
The Corporate Breakfast featured five Claflin scholars who discussed their internship experiences. The panelists were: Yayi Dia, a sophomore business administration major with a concentration in finance; Dejane Lawerence, a senior mass communications major with a minor in marketing; Donnie Manuel, a senior psychology major with a minor in early childhood education; Lazarus McCray, a sophomore, mass communications major with a minor in business management; and Danaezha Wade,a junior psychology major with a minor in education and sociology.
Dia interned at the Executive Office of the President of the United States in Washington D.C.; Lawrence was an intern at WhittPR, andManual interned with UNCF K-12. McCray was an intern with the South Carolina Association of CPAs, and Wade's internship was with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
"I wanted to get my foot in the door in a corporate environment," said Wade, whose internship was with the Human Resources Department at Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Blue Cross provided me with resources in the area that helped get me acclimated to the corporate setting. During my internship, I assisted a few seasoned workers with some of the company's technology. I also recommended system upgrades that would streamline processes and attract younger employees."
McCray said his internship was a great experience, "I was a content creator. It was great to see how my skills correlated to the corporate setting even though I did not have a background in accounting," he said. "The workplace environment was very family oriented. If I did not know how to perform a particular task, I could tell them, and they would take the lead and guide me. The internship allowed me to break out of my comfort zone. I learned some skills I did not have, which helped me develop as a mass communications student."
McCray's remarks were so impressive that Merle Johnson, executive director of the Orangeburg County Development Commission, offered him a job publicly after his presentation. "Since arriving at Orangeburg, I have learned that Claflin's higher education system prides itself in developing young minds and preparing them for the 21st Century. These students are not just business minded – they are civic minded as well, and that's very unique," Johnson said.
Matthew McDaniel, vice president with Truist Bank, said he attends similar events during the year throughout South Carolina, but his experience at the Corporate Breakfast was special. "This was by far the most fun and engaging of any I have ever attended," he said. "Hearing from the students was tremendous because they are the future of our workforce. It gives me much hope because that's talent sitting right here in Orangeburg. Our challenge is to create career opportunities that will keep this talent in Orangeburg and the Midlands."
Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack provided alumni and guests with an overview of University accomplishments, including SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) Accreditation with no recommendations and U.S. News and World Report's ranking that listed Claflin third among HBCUs with the highest four-year graduation rates. "Our enrollment is steady. It's not about large numbers – it's about having the right mix. We want students who want to graduate on time – in four years," he said.
Warmack informed the audience that Claflin's academic profile continues to rise, and the University has experienced growth in its net assets despite the global pandemic. He also talked about the need to expand Claflin's campus outside of Orangeburg and into other markets in South Carolina, construction of the new Student Center, and revitalization projects on Railroad Corner and the Kress Building in downtown Orangeburg.
"The Convention was fantastic," said Bob Miller, who is in his fourth year as CUIAA President. "The CUIAA and the Orangeburg County Chapter, under the leadership of Rev. Larry McCutcheon, worked together to ensure the convention's success. Everyone likes returning to Orangeburg to see the campus progress and interact with the students. We really enjoyed ourselves."
Miller said that attracting younger alumni to the convention was a major topic during their meetings. "There was a lot of discussion about how to recruit younger alumni to participate in the CUIAA," he said. "Most of us have been where they are now – trying to start families and launching careers.
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