Bishop Simeon Moultrie Tells Students to “Make Moves Not Noise” During Claflin University Matriculation Day Convocation

Claflin President Dr.  Dwaun J. Warmack Receives
Key to the City of Orangeburg

Claflin faculty, staff, students, and guests could be forgiven if they left the University's 156th Matriculation Day feeling like they had attended a church revival.  Bishop Simeon Moultrie, pastor and leader at The Brook in Columbia, was the guest speaker at the annual event held recently at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. Moultrie delighted the audience with his effusive praise of Claflin's proud legacy of academic excellence.  His inspirational and uplifting message also focused on the character and qualities of the panther -- Claflin's official mascot.

"My favorite Marvel character is the Black Panther, and your mascot is a panther," Moultrie said. "The mascot is a symbol that visually represents a group's identity, values, and spirit.  It is usually chosen for the characteristics that reflect the traits of the group – such as strength, courage, and determination.  The movie "Black Panther," starring the late Chadwick Boseman, celebrates the African heritage and showcases the beauty, strength, and brilliance of the black community. The fictional nation of Wakanda is a technical, biological, and advanced society that thrives on innovation, culture, and leadership."

In addition to seminary studies, Moultrie received his Bachelor of Arts in history and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling at South Carolina State University.

"It's interesting that when a panther moves, it stays focused on the prey and the goal," Moultrie said. "The panther realizes the goal cannot be attained if it loses focus. It will be distracting when you move away from your parents and have to make decisions about time management and going to your professor when you don't understand a particular subject or assignment. You will need to stay focused to know what you're supposed to do."

Moultrie has extended his reach beyond the walls of the church.  He is a well-respected community leader and astute businessman. Simeon and his wife Nikki share their legacy of uplifting their community with their three children: Dominic, Nicholas, and Brielle.

He stated that panthers are not only focused, but they are silent when they move.

"If I were preaching a message, I would tell you this," he said.  "Make moves, not noise. People always want to post certain things on social media to say, 'Look at what I'm doing.'  But panthers don't make noise. They make moves and hunt by themselves. You will learn that sometimes you will not attain what you need by going with the crowd."

Moultrie said his research also revealed that panthers can attack and handle animals larger than themselves.  

"You are in this room today because you believe you can attack or defeat something bigger than you," he said.  "If you stay focused on your goal, nothing can defeat you, nothing can stop you. You will walk across this stage in four years with your degree, additional opportunities, scholarships, and graduate debt-free.  There's no need for you to be afraid. The Bible says that God did not give us a spirit of fear, He gave us love, power, and a sound mind."

 Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack announced that the Class of 2028 had an impressive 3.6 median grade point average (GPA), the second highest in the past seven years at the University.  Before his remarks Warmack received a special surprise when Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler '83, City Councilwoman Liz Zimmerman Keitt '70, and City Administrator Sidney Evering II presented him with a key to the city.  Butler and Keitt are Claflin alums.

"The late Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.  This has been proven over and over by Claflin University graduates,” said Warmack referencing Nathaniel Middleton and William Bulkley, who, in 1882, became Claflin's first two graduates. Bulkley later became a prominent physician and one of the first three African Americans in America to earn a Ph.D. He also mentioned Alice Jackson Moorer and Annie Thortne Holmes, 1884 Claflin graduates who were two of the first five African American women in the world to earn college degrees.

"This was the pre-Civil Rights Movement and pre-Women's Rights Movement back in the 1800s," Warmack said.  "We need to appreciate the historical context of these accomplishments and the pioneering work Claflin has done in this space.  Our graduates have created a culture that makes Claflin a special community."

Warmack recognized several high-achieving scholars from the class, including Alexis Wilson, a mass communications major from Bishopville, S.C., who led the class with a 5. 3 GPA. Next was Paige Felder, a biology major from Sumter, S.C., with a 5.2 GPA.   

Jada Leonard, a biology major from Chester, Va., had 1280 for the highest SAT score.  Gabrielle Wiggins from Angel, La., and Samuel Stewart, a management/information science major from Swansea, S.C., registered a 27 for the highest ACT score.