Claflin University News October 3, 2012 Allen M. Jackson Named Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations Claflin University is pleased to announce the appointment of Allen M. Jackson as its new director of the annual fund and alumni relations. "Mr. Jackson is a dynamic young professional who will bring incredible energy in leading our Office of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations," said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton. "With Claflin University primed for unprecedented growth and success, it is critical to our mission that our alumni become even more engaged and invigorated in this transformation. We firmly believe Mr. Jackson's managerial experience and the fact that he's a visionary alumnus will provide tremendous dividends for our institution." Jackson will be responsible for leading the University's effort to become the first Historically Black College or University to reach a 50 percent alumni annual giving rate, a campaign titled First to 50. Currently, that rate stands at 45 percent, tops among all HBCUs nationally. In addition, Jackson will oversee the University Call Center, alumni events including Homecoming, cultivating relationships with alumni and fundraising. "I feel I bring a vibrant energy - especially when it comes to connecting and increasing participation among young alumni," said Jackson. "I possess a great drive, passion and uncompromising willingness to faithfully serve my alma mater. As a product of Claflin University, it is so wonderful to come back and assist in furthering our noble mission." Previously, Jackson completed the emerging leaders program within the operations management division of GEICO in Macon, Ga. There, he managed a team of associates and was trained extensively in the areas of sales, service, underwriting, human resources, claims and auto damage. Jackson also oversaw the GEICO call center at the Macon headquarters. He is a 2009 graduate of Claflin with a degree in business administration. He was the 2009 School of Business Student of the Year and also won the University's Outstanding Leadership Award. As a student, he gained valuable fundraising experience through an internship at the United Negro College Fund. Jackson will team with Marcus Fogle, '09, manager of the annual fund and alumni relations, to form an incomparable team charged with engaging alumni interest and fundraising at the University. Jackson recalled his time as a student at Claflin was highly transformative. "It definitely shaped me. I look at Claflin University as a school of endless possibilities if you are committed to hard work. Much of my success had to do with the excellent faculty who cultivate young minds every day," he said. Jackson says he is steadfastly dedicated to the University's First to 50 campaign and aiding the historic $96.4 million Imagine the Possibilities capital campaign for Claflin. "I have such a capacity and desire to learn everything I can to move this visionary institution forward. We will continue to build our donor base and interact daily with our leal and loyal alumni," said Jackson. To contact Mr. Jackson concerning the annual fund or alumni relations, please call (803) 535-5348 or email him at allen.jackson@claflin.edu. 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. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.