Claflin University News December 4, 2012 Philanthropist Darla Moore Endows $ 1 Million for Claflin University Department of Music Claflin University received a major gift from one of South Carolina's most prominent philanthropists and business leaders when Darla Moore committed $1 million to the institution's Department of Music. Two years ago, Moore stood in awe as she listened to the Claflin University Concert Choir perform at the opening of the Dr. Ronald McNair Life History Center in her home town of Lake City. She was struck by the choir's expansive repertoire, its high energy, and captivating musical presence. That performance and those that followed made a lasting impression on Moore, herself an accomplished musician. It also inspired an amicable relationship with the choir and its director, Dr. Isaiah McGee. "Following our performance at the Ronald McNair Life History Center, Ms. Moore invited us back to Lake City to perform at the opening of the Bean Market. Then we were invited to the city again to perform Handel's Messiah during a Christmas concert," said McGee. Moore was enthralled by the choir's rendition of the traditional Christmas classic. After the concert, she approached McGee and expressed her desire to support the program that produced such an array of talented performers. Today, Moore was reunited with those students when she returned to Claflin to announce her commitment to the Department of Music and the University. "I am honored to be a part of the ceremonies today. Claflin University, under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Henry Tisdale, has claimed its place among those institutions which offer a powerful and comprehensive liberal arts education, and I am proud to support it," said Moore. The gift presented by Moore will be used to establish an endowed scholarship fund for students in the University's nationally accredited music program which offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in music and music education. "We would like to thank Ms. Moore for her very generous gift and support of the Department of Music and Claflin University," said Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. "This gift is a substantial investment that will create tremendous opportunity for our students. It will help them learn, grow and inspire the world through music," he said. The Darla D. Moore Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Department of Music will help students like Betty Alexander Pride, a freshman from Detroit, Mich., who wants to help inspire and cultivate well-rounded students by opening her own school. "I chose Claflin because of their excellence and dedication to their students. I would encourage anyone who wants to better themselves to come here. All of the faculty in the Department of Music are hands-on and demonstrate superb skill at their craft. It shines through when they teach us," said Pride. Pride is one of approximately 60 students currently pursuing degrees in the Department of Music. Non-music majors also have opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, including the renowned University Concert Choir, the University Wind Ensemble and the University Jazz Band. Students present annual concerts in classical, jazz and world music. Students in the department of music are trained by some of the nation's most scholarly music educators. The faculty are accomplished performers who have appeared in venues around the world. Dr. Lori Hicks teaches voice and opera at Claflin. Her musical accomplishments span from Carnegie Hall all the way to Reims, France. Though Hicks has inspired many across the nation with her performance, her true inspiration comes from the students she trains. "Everything I learn I want to share with my students so they may grow into the world class singers and musicians we envision them to be," said Hicks. The $1 million commitment from Moore comes as Claflin conducts one of the most ambitious capital campaigns in the University's 143-year history. The $96.4 million campaign, "The Campaign for Claflin University: Imagine the Possibilities," aims to strengthen academic programs, build the endowment, and enhance campus facilities, among other endeavors. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.